April 19, 2021
Peter Van Soest, professor emeritus of animal science, one of the most influential animal scientists of his generation, died on March 21 in Ithaca. He was 91.
Van Soest’s pioneering work permanently changed the chemical and in vitro analysis of feeds and the understanding of herbivore nutrition. His novel and revolutionary methods of analysis created the standard for how researchers measure the nutritional value of ruminating animal forages worldwide.
Peter Van Soest
“Van Soest was a one-of-a-kind scientist and professor, but he was also a unique individual with a myriad of interests – a modern Renaissance man,” said David Mertens, Ph.D. ’73, president of Mertens Innovation Research LLC and a former graduate student and friend of Van Soest. “His curiosity knew few bounds and he had the passion and intellect to pursue whatever interested him.”