Animal, Dairy, and Poultry Sciences by

Thanks be to God for his supreme guidance that enabled me to accomplish this task as I reach for personal fulfillment. To the faculty and staff of the Department of Animal Sciences, my sincere gratitude for your assistance and support over the duration of my studies. Dr. Lee Southern, your confidence in my ability, trust and guidance as a major professor helped in restoring self-confidence and provided the base for my development as a scientist. I will endeavor to live up to your expectations and will continue to say thanks by making a mark in the area of non-ruminant nutrition. Dr. Lewis Gaston and Dr. Thomas Bidner, thanks to for your invaluable support given throughout the duration of this project. Dr. Johnston, your friendship and support came as a blessing when I needed it the most. Thanks for your input. Let us make sure that distance never separates us. Words are inadequate to express the support from Joseph, my life partner. Thanks for allowing me to reach for my dreams, leaving you to raise Shantel, Jossel, and Tyler in Jamaica while I studied in the United States. This is a gift that I will always appreciate.