Ransom L. Baldwin
University of California, Davis
September 21, 1935 - November 30, 2007
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Scientific Discipline: Animal, Nutritional, and Applied Microbial Sciences Membership Type:
Member
(elected 1993)
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Raised on a family dairy farm in Connecticut, Ransom Leland Baldwin V had firsthand knowledge of farm work in general and cow-milking in particular, a background that led to his lifelong commitment to the dairy industry. Starting in the 1960s and continuing into the 21st century, he focused on the development of computer-assisted models of ruminal function and tissue metabolism, primarily in lactating cattle. Using an approach that involved “nutritional energetics”—which shifted from classical animal-level input/output relationships to a modern paradigm that emphasized the specific biochemical and physiological bases for energy expenditures— Baldwin’s research and teaching were foundational to the development of integrated systems of animal nutrition. For example, his lactating-cow model helped predict the effects of feeding practices on milk yields. This model and, more importantly, his integrated approach continue to influence ruminant food production throughout the world.
Baldwin attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned a B.S. in animal industries and an M.S. in dairy nutrition. He then pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University, where in 1963 he received his Ph.D. in biochemistry and nutrition. Baldwin joined the faculty at the University of California, Davis, that same year and attained the rank of professor there in 1970. From 1992 to 2000 he served as Sesnon Professor of Animal Science. Retiring in April 2001, Baldwin had flourished his entire academic career, both as a researcher and inspiring teacher, at UC Davis, punctuated by broadening sabbaticals in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
