Dr. Tania Cubitt
Dr. Tania Cubitt is a native of Queensland Australia. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland in Animal Science. Dr. Cubitt received her Master of Science from Virginia Tech in Equine Nutrition and Growth, this work focused on environmental influences on hormonal and growth characteristics in Thoroughbred fillies. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Equine Nutrition and Reproduction also from Virginia Tech, this work focused on nutritional effects on ovarian function. Dr. Cubitt currently holds a position as a nutrition consultant with Performance Horse Nutrition. Her interests are focused on developing feeding strategies for horses with special needs horses including metabolic syndrome, developmental orthopedic disease, gastric ulcers, and senior horses as well as feeding the broodmare.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 2007 to Present - Performance Horse Nutrition (Equine Nutritionist)
- 2010 - Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (Consulting Equine Nutritionist)
- 2007 - Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA (Breeding Manager) #3
- 2000 to 2007 - Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA (Graduate Research Assistant)
- 2000 to 2001 - Recycled Organics Consortium, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD (Technical Research Assistant)
EDUCATION
- 2004 To 2007 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, Ph.D. Animal and Poultry Sciences Dissertation: Long term and short term changes in leptin, insulin and glucose in grazing Thoroughbred mares.
- 2001 to 2004 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. M.S Animal and Poultry Sciences
- 2000 to 2001 - University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD. Hounors Class 1 Animal Studies
- 1997 to 2000 - University of Queensland, Gatton QLD. B.App.Sci Animal Studies
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Graduate Student Competition Award, Equine Science Society, Hunt Valley MD, 2007
- Virginia Tech Graduate Student Association Travel Award, 2007
- Virginia Tech Graduate Student Association Research Funding Award, 2006
- Virginia Tech Graduate Student Association Travel Award, 2005
- International Livestock Congress, Travel Fellowship, Houston TX, 2003
- Graduate Student Competition Award, Equine Science Society, Lansing MI, 2002
- Rotary International Foundation, Ambassadorial Scholarship, 2001-2002
OUTREACH & COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Rotary Club of Warrenton (2016 – present)
- Board member
- Rotary Club of Warrenton (2016 – present)
MEMBERSHIPS
- Equine Science Society (2001-present)
- American Association of Animal Science (2001-present)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor, AT 0624 Horse Management, 2005. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed and taught all lectures and laboratory exercises for an introductory course in horse production and management. Credits = 3, Enrollment = 35
Teaching Assistant, APSC 3764 Livestock Merchandising, 2004. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed and taught lectures in livestock merchandising. Assisted in all aspects of teaching in the classroom and in the laboratory, including the Annual Hokie Harvest Livestock Auction. Credits = 3, Enrollment = 80
Teaching Assistant, APSC 4454 Livestock Management, 2004. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed and taught lectures in livestock nutrition and management. Assisted in all aspects of teaching in the classroom and in the laboratory. Credits = 3, Enrollment = 50
Teaching Assistant, APSC 4424 Horse Production and Management, 2002. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed and taught lectures in nutrition and pasture management. Assisted in all aspects of teaching in the classroom and in the laboratory. Credits = 3, Enrollment = 100
Academic Tutor, Animal Nutrition and Feeding, 2001. University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD
- Developed and taught lectures in livestock nutrition and feeding. Assisted in all aspects of teaching in the classroom and in the laboratory. Co-taught and organized a 2 week course for external students on nutrition and feeding.
Academic Tutor, Animal Breeding and Genetics, 2000. University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD
- Developed and taught lectures in animal breeding and genetics. Assisted in all aspects of teaching in the classroom and in the laboratory. Co-taught and organized a 2 week class for external students on breeding and genetics.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES
Principal Investigator, March 2004 – 2007. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Investigated the role of leptin, insulin and glucose in the transition from seasonal anestrous to estrous. Described the relationship between glucose and insulin dynamics and the two phases of the estrous cycle. Explored relationships existing between plasma and follicular fluid in mares fed differing energy sources.
Graduate Student Assistant, May 2006 – January 2007. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Assisted in the investigation of glucose and insulin dynamics during a weight gain/obesity study conducted in Arabian geldings.
Graduate Student Assistant, Sep 2005 – May 2006. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Assisted in the investigation of insulin sensitivity in pregnant and non-pregnant mares during mid to late gestation.
Graduate Student Assistant, May 2004 – October 2005. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Assisted in the investigation of avoidance of equine laminitis through the management of risk factors in pastures and horses in a series of 42 hour trials over 5 months.
Graduate Student Investigator 2002 – 2004. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Performed monthly measurements on young Thoroughbreds for a study investigating growth variables in horses fed either a high fat-fiber or high sugar-starch diet under the direction of Dr. Burt Staniar.
Principal Investigator, 2001 – 2004. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA
- Investigated the role of environmental, physiological and nutritional influences involved in signaling the onset of puberty in Thoroughbred yearling. Described the seasonal variation in nutritive value of pastures in Northern Virginia and the relationship to nutritional requirements of broodmares and growing horses.
STUDENT ADVISEMENT
Veterinary Student Mentor, Spring 2007. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA.
- Served as a mentor for two veterinary students developing skills in equine breeding and nutrition.
Undergraduate Mentor. Spring 2005. Virginia Tech M.A.R.E. Center, Middleburg, VA.
- Served as primary mentor for two undergraduate students under direction of Dr. Burt Staniar. Students assisted in teaching and evaluation of an equine management class.
SCIENTIFIC MEETING ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Glucose and Insulin Dynamics during the Cycle of Thoroughbred Mares; Equine Science Society Symposium, Baltimore Maryland, 2007.
Environmental Effects on Nutritive Value of Equine Pastures in Northern Virginia; European Nutrition Conference, Hannover, Germany, 2005.
Insulin Sensitivity of Thoroughbred Foals Increases with Age and is Affected by Energy Source; Equine Science Society Symposium, Tucson Arizona, 2005.
Seasonal Variation in Forage Composition of Pastures in North Central Virginia; ADSA PSA AMPA ASAS Annual Joint Meeting, St Louis Missouri, 2004.
Progesterone Secretion in Thoroughbred Foals; Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society Symposium, Lansing Michigan, 2003.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Manageing Pastures to Optimize Horse and Environmental Health; 4th annual Thumb Run habitat open house, sponsored by PEC, January, 2016
Feeding Metabolic Issues; Word Percheron Congress, 2014
Weight Management in Equine; Alltech Biotechnology Annual International Symposium, May, 2013
Nutritional Support for the Injured Horse; Alltech Biotechnology Annual International Symposium, May, 2012
Understanding Social Media and How it can Hep Grow Your Business; Alltech Biotechnology Annual International Symposium, May, 2011
The Perils of Cutting Corners – From Ingredient Quality to Horse Health; Alltech Biotechnology Annual International Symposium, May, 2010
Feeding the Broodmare, Conception, Gestation and Lactation; Mid Atlantic Nutrition Conference, 2010
Nutrition Workshop; The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), Annual International Symposium, 2009
Feeding to Ensure reproductive Success: Alltech Biotechnology Annual International Symposium, May, 2008
Feeding the Broodmare and Growing Horse; Botertourt Horseman’s Council, Roanoke, VA, June 15, 2005.
Understanding the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship; Rotary District 7570, International Conference, Hot Springs, VA USA, June 2002.
Application of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship; Rotary District 9630, International Conference, Caloundra, QLD Australia, May 2001.
PUBLICATIONS
Lay Publications
Cubitt, T.A., 2016 (Jul). Don’t Forget the Electrolytes. Horsemens Corral page 34
Cubitt, T.A., 2016 (Jun). Spring into Action. Horsemens Corral page 72
Cubitt, T.A., 2016 (May). Liver Disorder in Horses. Horsemens Corral page 37
Cubitt, T.A., 2016 (Mar). Vitamin E – Natural or Synthetic. Horsemens Corral page 72
Cubitt, T.A., 2015 (Jan). Feeding Quarter Horses. Horsemens Corral page 10
Cubitt, T.A., 2015 (Mar). The use of grazing muzzles in horses. Horsemens Corral page 54
Cubitt, T.A., 2015 (Apr). Feeding after Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Horsemens Corral page 16
Cubitt, T.A., 2015 (May). Feeding Growing Horses. Horsemens Corral page 26
Cubitt, T.A., 2015 (Aug). Feeding Behavior. Horsemens Corral page 8
Refereed Publications
Carter, R.A., R.J. Geor, W.B. Staniar, T.A. Cubitt, P.A. Harris. 2008. Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies. The Veterinary Journal.
Staniar, W.B., T.A. Cubitt, L.A. George, P.A. Harris and R.J. Geor. 2007. Glucose and insulin responses to different dietary energy sources in Thoroughbred broodmares grazing cool season pasture. Livestock Science.
Cubitt, T.A., W. B. Staniar, D.S. Kronfeld, B.M. Byrd, and P.A. Harris. 2006. Environmental effects on nutritive value of equine pastures in northern Virginia. Pferdeheilkunde. 23(2):151- 154.
Long Abstracts
Cubitt, T.A., L.A. George, W. B. Staniar, P. A. Harris and R.J. Geor. 2007. Glucose and Insulin Dynamics during the Estrous Cycle of Thoroughbred Mares. Proc. 20th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., Baltimore, MD: 44-45.
George, L.A., W. B. Staniar, T. A. Cubitt, K. H. Treiber, P. A. Harris, and R. J. Geor. 2007. Insulin sensitivity and glucose dynamics in pregnant and non-pregnant mares. Proc. 20th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., Baltimore, MD: 3-4.
Carter, R.A., T. A. Cubitt, W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, and R.J. Geor. Standardized scoring systems and morphometric measurements to assess adiposity in horses and ponies. Proc. 20th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., Baltimore, MD: 139-140.
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, D.S. Kronfeld, B.M. Byrd, K.H. Treiber, P.A. Harris. 2005. Insulin sensitivity of Thoroughbred foals increases with age and is affected by feed energy source. Proc.19th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., Tucson, AZ: 137-138.
Byrd, B.M., D.S. Kronfeld, W.B. Staniar, T.A. Cubitt, P.A. Harris. 2005. Equivalence of nutrient composition in horse pastures: Implications for equine nutrition research. Proc. 19th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., Tucson, AZ: 147-148.
Staniar, W. B., D. S. Kronfeld, T. A. Cubitt, B. M. Byrd, and P. A. Harris. 2005. Growth in linear measures of Thoroughbreds: maturation rates, and points of maturity. Proc. 19th Equine Sci. Soc., Tucson, AZ: 226-227.
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, D.S. Kronfeld, B.M. Byrd, and P.A. Harris. 2005. Environmental effects on nutritive value of equine pastures. Proc Equine Nutrition Conference. Hanover, Germany: 13-14.
Staniar, W.B., and T.A. Cubitt. 2004. Forage energy and nutrient fluctuations relative to growth in horses. Proc. American Forage and Grasslands Council. Roanoke VA.
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, J.R. Burk, L.S. Gay, and D.S. Kronfeld. 2003. Progesterone secretory patterns in Thoroughbred foals. Proc. 18th Equine Nut. Phys.Symp., Lansing, MI: 85-90.
Short Abstracts
Cubitt, T.A., R.A. Carter, W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, R.J. Geor. 2007. Adiposity and leptin concentration in Thoroughbred mares. FASEB J. 21(6): # 830.4, Washington D.C.
Carter, R.A., K.H. Treiber, T.A. Cubitt, W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, R.J. Geor. 2007. Regional fat distribution in equines is associated with metabolic variables and laminitis predisposition. FASEB J. 21(6): # 831.11, Washington D.C.
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, D.S. Kronfeld, P.A. Harris. 2004. Seasonal variation in forage composition in North Central Virginia. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl 1):96.
Posters
Cubitt, T.A., R.A. Carter, W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, R.J. Geor. 2007. Adiposity and leptin concentration in Thoroughbred mares. FASEB J. 21(6): # 830.4, Washington D.C.
Carter, R.A., K.H. Treiber, T.A. Cubitt, W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, R.J. Geor. 2007. Regional fat distribution in equines is associated with metabolic variables and laminitis predisposition. FASEB J. 21(6): # 831.11, Washington D.C.
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, D.S. Kronfeld, P.A. Harris. 2004. Seasonal variation in forage composition in North Central Virginia. 3rd Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Timonium, MD
Cubitt, T.A., W.B. Staniar, P.A. Harris, D.S. Kronfeld. 2007. Environmental, physiological and nutritional influences involved in signaling the onset of puberty in Thoroughbred yearlings. Equine Vet. J.
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