About

Francisco A. Leal Yepes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a DVM and a PhD in Animal Science from Cornell University, with his doctoral research completed in 2018. His educational background also includes a master's degree in Animal Production Systems in the Tropics from Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas Bogotá, Colombia, and a DVM from the same university. His professional experience encompasses roles as an Assistant Herd Veterinarian on commercial dairy farms in Colombia, a Resident and Clinical Instructor at Cornell University’s Ambulatory and Production Medicine Clinic, and currently as an Assistant Professor at Washington State University. His research focuses on dairy cattle health and production, including metabolic health, nutrient sensing, and management strategies during early lactation. Leal Yepes is actively involved in professional affiliations such as the American Dairy Science Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Food Safety Advisory Committee of the AVMA. He has contributed to advancing knowledge in dairy cattle welfare, metabolic health, and production efficiency through his research and professional activities.

Research topics

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Animal science
• Endocrinology
• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical engineering
• Materials science
• Chromatography
• Bioinformatics
• Food science

Selected publications

• Calcium status of multiparous Holstein cows during early lactation and its association with the health and production of three grazing dairies in Antioquia, Colombia

  JDS Communications · 2026-05-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Risk factors for postcalving intramammary infection with Mycoplasma species in first-lactation cows on a conventional dairy farm: A retrospective case control study

  JDS Communications · 2026-02-14

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Mycoplasma spp.are highly contagious bacteria that cause chronic, subclinical infections in dairy cattle and are intrinsically resistant to many antimicrobials.This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether different calfhood and peripartum variables were associated with post-calving intramammary Mycoplasma spp.infections.We analyzed data from 475 first-lactation animals from one commercial dairy herd, comprising 95 cases with intramammary infections caused by Mycoplasma spp.and 380 culture-negative controls.Data on colostrum Brix%, birth body weight, otitis and pneumonia events, age at first breeding, age at conception, days in the close-up pen, age at calving, days in the fresh cow pen, and calving season were retrospectively extracted from electronic herd records and analyzed using univariable logistic regression models.We found that age at the first otitis event was associated with the occurrence of an intramammary infection with Mycoplasma spp.Cows that experienced an otitis event during calfhood, specifically at 23 d of age, had greater odds of post-calving intramammary infection with Mycoplasma spp.No associations were found for other variables.These results suggest that otitis in early life may represent an important predictor of susceptibility to intramammary Mycoplasma spp.infection post-calving and highlight the potential value of calfhood monitoring for mastitis prevention strategies.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Integration of mathematical modeling and economics approaches to evaluate strategies for control of Salmonella Dublin in a heifer-raising operation

  PLoS ONE · 2025-10-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Salmonella Dublin infections in heifer-raising operations (HROs) cause animal health and economic losses for these operations and represent a pathogen source for dairy farms obtaining replacement heifers from HROs. To improve control of S. Dublin, we (i) developed a mathematical model of S. Dublin transmission on a HRO, (ii) evaluated the vaccine effectiveness and cleaning improvements for controlling the infection, and (iii) evaluated the influence of infection and control strategies on the HRO's operating income. We developed a modified Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible model of S. Dublin spread in a batch-stocking HRO post-introduction of an index case, with stochasticity introduced through Monte Carlo simulations. Epidemiological outcomes (S. Dublin-induced deaths and abortions during raising and S. Dublin carriers and asymptomatic infections among raised replacement heifers) and operating income per 100-head raised on a HRO over a 2-year simulation were compared between control scenarios. We validated our model against S. Dublin infection data in cattle. Partial rank correlation coefficient analysis and classification trees were used to determine parameter influence on model outcomes. Our model predicts a median of 37 carriers and 92 asymptomatic infections among raised replacement heifers out of 2,330 heifers that departed the operation by the end of the 2-year simulation period, suggesting a relevant role of HROs in spreading S. Dublin. Increasing barn floor cleaning frequency (to a maximum of 12x per day) meaningfully reduced the S. Dublin epidemiological outcomes and improved the HRO's operating income. Depending on the cost of cleaning, the median operating income increased between 1.2% to 10.6% in the first year when cleaning 12x per day compared to baseline (cleaning 1x per week). In most cost scenarios, predictions do not support using a vaccine that solely reduces mortality, even when paired with stringent cleaning measures. The developed model is expected to aid efforts to control S. Dublin in HROs.

  PublisherDOI

• Integration of mathematical modeling and economics approaches to evaluate strategies for control of <i>Salmonella</i> Dublin in a heifer-raising operation

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-01-13

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract Salmonella Dublin infections in heifer-raising operations (HROs) cause animal health and economic losses for these operations and represent a pathogen source for dairy farms obtaining replacement heifers from HROs. To improve control of S . Dublin, we (i) developed a mathematical model of S. Dublin transmission on a HRO, (ii) evaluated the vaccine effectiveness and cleaning improvements for controlling the infection, and (iii) evaluated the influence of infection and control strategies on the HRO’s operating income. We developed a modified Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible model of S. Dublin spread in a batch-stocking HRO post-introduction of an index case, with stochasticity introduced through Monte Carlo simulations. Epidemiological outcomes ( S. Dublin-induced deaths and abortions during raising and S. Dublin carriers and asymptomatic infections among raised replacement heifers) and operating income per 100-head raised on a HRO over a 2-year simulation were compared between control scenarios. We validated our model against S. Dublin infection data in cattle. Partial rank correlation coefficient and classification trees were used to determine parameter influence on model outcomes. Our model predicts a median of 37 carriers and 92 asymptomatic infections among raised replacement heifers out of 2,330 heifers that departed the operation by the end of the 2-year simulation period, highlighting the critical role of HROs in spreading S . Dublin. Increasing barn floor cleaning frequency (to a maximum of 12x per day) meaningfully reduced the S. Dublin epidemiological outcomes and improved the HRO’s operating income. Depending on the cost of cleaning, the median operating income increased between 1.2% to 10.6% in the first year when cleaning 12x per day compared to baseline (cleaning 1x per week). In most cost scenarios, predictions do not support the use of vaccination, even when paired with stringent cleaning measures. The developed model is expected to aid efforts to control S. Dublin in HROs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effects of ororuminal forced feeding of oral electrolytes or milk replacer combined with intravenous fluids on blood metabolites and mortality in dehydrated surplus calves

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2025-05-14

  articleSenior author

  Objective: We hypothesized that dehydrated calves treated with IV fluids containing 14 g of sodium bicarbonate, combined with oral electrolytes, would reduce mortality and improve recovery of anion gap compared to calves treated with IV fluids containing 14 g of sodium bicarbonate only or IV fluids with 14 g of sodium bicarbonate combined with milk replacer feeding. Methods: In a randomized control study, dairy and beef-on-dairy cross calves (n = 460) were enrolled into the following groups at diagnosis of dehydration: sick controls treated with IV fluids only (Con-IV), calves treated with IV fluids plus oral force-fed electrolytes (ELE), calves treated with IV fluids plus oral force-fed milk replacer (MILK), and healthy controls (Con-Health). Mortality and IV fluid treatment counts were analyzed. Blood metabolites and fecal dry matter were measured (n = 80). Results: Mortality for each group was as follows: Con-Health, 5.31% (95% CI, 2.4% to 11.3%); Con-IV, 13.91% (95% CI, 8.6% to 21.5%); ELE, 10.43% (95% CI, 6.0% to 17.5%); and MILK, 11.3% (95% CI, 6.6% to 18.5%). Bicarbonate concentrations in the Con-IV group returned to normal levels 1 hour after treatment. Anion gap in MILK calves was the highest after treatment. The relative risk of additional IV treatments for dehydration was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.8), 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6), and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.8 to 2.4) for the Con-IV, ELE, and MILK groups, respectively. Conclusions: IV fluid with 14 g of sodium bicarbonate alone or combined with oral electrolytes was the most effective treatment for changes in acid-base balance in dehydrated bovine neonates in this study. Clinical Relevance: IV therapy with sodium bicarbonate may practically rehydrate diarrheic calves in the field and correct acid-base balance. The use of forced feeding of ororuminal milk may not be beneficial for dehydrated and diarrheic calves.

  PublisherDOI

• Safety, Efficacy and Doxorubicin Pharmacokinetics During Cannabidiol/Cannabidiolic Acid Rich Hemp Oil Use in Dogs With Lymphoma Undergoing CHOP Chemotherapy

  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2025-07-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: The safety of oral cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)-rich hemp oil supplementation in dogs with cancer receiving chemotherapy has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and influence on doxorubicin exposure over time of oral CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil supplementation in dogs diagnosed with high grade lymphoma undergoing CHOP chemotherapy. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs diagnosed with lymphoma. METHODS: Dogs were enrolled in this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive either CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil capsules or placebo during one cycle of CHOP chemotherapy. Primary outcomes evaluated included adverse events during chemotherapy, quality of life scores and doxorubicin area under the curve (AUC) over a 5-week period. RESULTS: Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, with 19 completing the trial. CBD/CBDA supplementation did not significantly affect doxorubicin AUC in the intervention group. The doxorubicin AUC was not different between groups at week 0 [placebo 390.8 nM/h (318.6-479.4); CBD/CBDA 403.4 nM/h (351.9-462.5)] but was different at week 5 [placebo 572.6 (448.3-731.2); CBD/CBDA 406.8 (3.23.2-551.8)]. CBD/CBDA supplementation was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed. No significant differences between groups were observed in hematological and biochemical variables. The mean (range) quality of life scores for placebo and CBD were 7.56 (0, 35), and 10.75 (0, 56), respectively, with no significant differences. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Short-term oral CBD/CBDA-rich hemp supplementation appeared safe and well-tolerated in dogs undergoing CHOP chemotherapy for lymphoma.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effect of storage time on the stability of selected blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolite concentrations in dairy cattle whole blood and plasma

  JDS Communications · 2025-11-08

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  <h2>Abstract</h2> Blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites assist clinicians and researchers with disease diagnosis and prognosis, and can inform treatment decisions on farms. Delays between sample collection and processing can lead to significant changes in these parameters, affecting their clinical and biological value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of selected blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite measurements in dairy cattle whole blood samples stored at 4°C, in addition to frozen plasma samples stored at −80°C for different storage periods. Multiple blood samples were collected from Holstein lactating dairy cows (n = 10) and preweaning heifer calves (n = 16) at a commercial dairy farm in New York state at a single time point. Samples were analyzed using a blood gas analyzer for sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), ionized calcium (iCa), ionized magnesium (iMg), pH, bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), base excess (BE), anion gap (AnGap), glucose (Glu), lactate (Lac), creatinine (Creat), and BUN. One blood sample was analyzed within 30 min after collection to provide baseline values. The remaining 6 samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed after 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h. After baseline analysis, the first sample was used to collect plasma samples. The plasma baseline was immediately analyzed, and the 2 aliquots were stored at −80°C for analysis after 2 and 4 wk. The effect of storage time on blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites was analyzed separately for whole blood and plasma using linear mixed-effects models for each individual blood parameter. Blood concentrations of iCa, iMg, and Creat remained stable during storage at 4°C for up to 168 h. Measurements of pH, Na, K, Cl, Glu, Lac, BUN, BE, and AnGap changed over time, with greater differences observed after 48 h for Glu, BUN, and BE compared with the baseline. Although statistical differences were observed for pH and Na at 24 h, values remained within the normal range until 48 h. The K and Lac were identified as the least stable parameters and underwent significant changes after 8 h. We conclude that bovine whole blood samples can be analyzed for electrolytes, blood gases, and metabolites within 48 h postcollection without significant clinical changes, if well stored and refrigerated at 4°C, except for K and Lac. Plasma samples, however, provide stable and reliable measurements for K and Lac for up to 4 wk of storage at −80°C; the results agree with whole blood concentrations.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in postweaning calves with different prevention strategies and the impact on performance and health status

  Texas A&M University Libraries · 2024-05-06

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in bovine calves, especially around the weaning period, when the calves are usually moved from individual to group housing. BRD has negative perfor­mance and economic consequences that extend well beyond the actual event. Therefore, we aimed to compare BRD morbid­ity, mortality and growth in dairy and dairy beef cross-bred calves during the first commingle groups using 2 different BRD prevention strategies. We hypothesized that one or both pre­vention strategies would reduce BRD morbidity and mortality, resulting in better health status and performance in calves.

  PublisherDOI

• Mask R-CNN and Centroid Tracking Algorithm to Process UAV Based Thermal-RGB Video for Drylot Cattle Heat Stress Monitoring

  Drones · 2024-09-17 · 6 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  This study developed and evaluated an algorithm for processing thermal-RGB video feeds captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to automate heat stress monitoring in cattle housed in the drylots. The body surface temperature (BST) of individual cows was used as an indicator of heat stress. UAV data were collected using RGB and thermal infrared imagers, respectively, at 2 and 6.67 cm per pixel spatial resolution in Spring 2023 (dataset-1) and Summer 2024 (dataset-2). Study sites were two commercial drylots in Washington State. The custom algorithms were developed to: (1) detect and localize individual cows using a Mask R-CNN-based instance segmentation model combined with centroid tracking; and (2) extract BST by averaging the thermal-imagery pixels for each of the segmented cows. The algorithm showed higher detection accuracy with RGB images as input (F1 score: 0.89) compared to thermal (F1 score: 0.64). BST extraction with combined RGB and thermal imaging approach required corrections for alignment problems associated with differences in optics, imaging field of view, resolution, and lens properties. Consequently, thermal imaging-only approach was adopted for assessing real-time cow localization and BST estimation. Operating at one frame per second, algorithm successfully detected 72.4% and 81.65% of total cows in video frames from dataset-1 (38 s) and -2 (48 s), respectively. The mean absolute difference between algorithm output and ground truth (BSTGT) was 2.1 °C (dataset-1) and 3.3 °C (dataset-2), demonstrating satisfactory performance. With further refinements, this approach could be a viable tool for real-time heat stress monitoring in large-scale drylot production systems.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in Post-Weaning Calves with Different Prevention Strategies and the Impact on Performance and Health Status

  Animals · 2024-09-28 · 5 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Our study aimed to compare Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) morbidity, mortality, and growth in dairy and dairy beef cross-bred calves during the commingle period, 81–120 days of age, using two different BRD prevention strategies. The calves (n = 1799) were randomly assigned into groups: (1) Control (CON; received no vaccine or metaphylaxis); (2) Tulathromycin metaphylaxis (TUL; IncrexxaTM, Elanco Animal Health Inc., Greenfield, IN, USA); and (3) Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine (VACC; Nuplura® PH, Elanco Animal Health Inc., Greenfield, IN, USA). Calves were individually weighed three times during the study to estimate average daily gain (ADG). Deep nasopharyngeal swabs, thoracic ultrasonography, health scores, and treatment records were collected during the study. Ultrasound and health score results were not different across treatments. In this study, the TUL group had a lower cumulative BRD incidence than CON. The cumulative incidence and 95% CI of BRD during the commingle period, 81–120 days of age for CON, TUL, and VACC were 0.43 (0.38 to 0.47), 0.36 (0.38 to 0.40), and 0.39 (0.35 to 0.43), respectively. The ADG for CON, TUL, and VACC were 0.25 ± 0.15, 0.32 ± 0.15, and 0.17 ± 0.15 kg, respectively. There was no difference among the treatment groups for ADG. Management and environmental conditions were variable at this operation throughout the study period and likely impacted the calves. Earlier interventions may be needed when the BRD incidence is elevated in high-risk calves.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Sabine Mann

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  36 shared

• D.V. Nydam

  Cornell University

  33 shared

• T.R. Overton

  New York State College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

  31 shared

• J.A.A. McArt

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  18 shared

• Joseph J. Wakshlag

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  13 shared

• Heather J. Huson

  New York State College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

  12 shared

• W. Heuwieser

  Cornell University

  8 shared

• Erica Behling‐Kelly

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  6 shared

Labs

• Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicinePI

Education

• PhD , Animal Science

  Cornell University

  2018

• Resident/Ambulatory , Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences

  College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

  2018

• DVM

  UDCA

  2008