Her research interests, with respect to rangelands and grazing, lie in the genetic and physiological differences between cattle. In particular, she studies variation in feed-efficiency, and looks for the underlying genes and physiological pathways that affect the expression of this trait. Differences in feed-efficiency in cattle can have implications for plant material removal from rangelands, and methane/carbon sequestration of rangelands, and overall rangeland heath and productivity. Dr. Xiying Hao