Area of Expertise: Animal Behavior and Well-Being

Education: M.D., Medical School, Tongnang University; M.S., Harbin Medical University; Ph.D., Medical School, Wayne State University
Post-doctoral Training: University of Southern California

Research Program

Dr. Cheng's primary research interest is brain functioning in regulating stress response in farm animals, especially in poultry. His lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms of stress-induced neuronal plasticity and behavioral adaptation; and to develop neuroanatomical and neurophysiological quantitative indicators of animal well-being. His current research emphasis is on 1) pain in farm animals, following various management practices, such as beak trimming in poultry; 2) use of probiotics for improving animal well-being; 3) modification of caging environments to improve hen well-being; and 4) prenatal modification of neurotransmitter system for reducing aggression. Integrated morphological, molecular biological, pharmacological and behavioral approaches to the goal have been designed in my laboratory. 

USDA-ARS Homepage

Purdue Center for Animal Welfare Science