Ervin Thaddeus (E.T.) Kornegay
Born 1931 - Died July 2, 1999
The following article concerning E.T. was published in the
Goldsboro, NC "News-Argus" on 10/28/98
An Influence On Home County
- E.T. Kornegay's work in animal science aimed at hog management
-
BLACKSBURG, Va. -- When E.T. Kornegay was growing up in rural Duplin County, hogs were a
small part of the county's character. What he learned about hogs in the 35 years since he
earned his doctorate is coming to the aid of his home county, which now has more hogs than
any other county in the nation.
Kornegay's research could influence his home county and the environment of areas
throughout the U.S. where intensive livestock farming is a growing trend. That influence
helped earn him the American Society of Animal Science Morrison Award, the most
prestigious award conferred by the pre-eminent international organization of animal
scientists.
"I'm gratified not only that my work has been recognized by my fellow scientists, but
more importantly; that it is having a positive influence on many communities, like Duplin
County, where I grew up," Kornegay said.
Duplin County and eastern North Carolina is still home to much of Kornegay's family,
including his mother, Mrs. Irving Kornegay, who lives near the rural crossroads of
Albertson.
With 2.2 million hogs, Duplin County has more hogs within its borders than most states.
The economic boon the hog industry brings is tempered by environmental concerns raised by
such a large concentration of animals. The county also is home to a m~or broiler and
turkey industrv. It is just the type of community where Kornegay's work will have the
greatest impact.
The professor of animal and poultry sciences at Virginia Tech has developed nutrition
management regimes that result in massive reductions of phosphorus and other nutrients
large confined animal operations struggle to prevent releasing into the environment. His
recommendations are being widely adopted among hog and poultry producers nationally
The key to his work is the enzyme phytase, which is currently produced commercially mainly
by a Dutch-based company. The enzyme makes more of the naturally occurring phosphorus in
feeds available to animals. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient, which has routinely been
added to animal feeds, because the animals were not able to use enough of the naturally
occurring phosphorus. Unused and bound phosphorous is expected by the animals.
"Phytase is a miracle enzyme," Kornegay said. "Nothing touches it in terms
of the magnitude of the response it produces."
Excess environmental phosphorus is suspected as a contributing factor in water quality
degradation and even in the blossom of Pfiesteria piscicida, which has caused fish kills
in North Carolina and in tributaries to the Chesapeake Ba3: Maryland has mandated the use
of enzymes to reduce the amount of phosphorus produced in large poultry operations -- and
phytase is the only enzyme available.
Kornegay's work had centered on how to get the most out of phytase. He has quantified the
impact phytase has in helping animals use the natural phosphorus in feeds. Phosphorus
added to feeds can be cut in half or even eliminated by farmers using Kornegay's
recommendations. Most of the phosphorus that naturally occurs in the feeds is used. The
result is the amount of phosphorus released to the environment is cut by a third or even
more. A small, but important, reduction in nitrogen release is also noted.
That makes large animal operations more compatible with surrounding communities. It also
means producers spend less money on adding supplements to animal diets and less money on
disposing of excess phosphorus. That makes their operations financially more competitive.
Through Kornegay's work, Virginia Tech has become a leader in the application of phytase
in animal operations. The university is helping with produce evaluation as several
companies attempt to introduce their own phytase products. Kornegay is also sought after
as a lecturer throughout the U.S., in Europe and in Asia.
In addition to his work with phytase, Kornegay was also the first scientist to
characterize the influence of the stocking density of animals on the performance of swine
in confinement. These response equations are widely used in growth models. He has also
made notable achievements in characterizing the mineral and vitamin needs of sows and
young pigs.
Kornegay earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at North Carolina State University and
earned his doctorate in animal science from Michigan State University. |
E.T.'s obituary as published in the Goldsboro,
NC "News-Argus" on July 4, 1999
BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Ervin Thaddeus "E.T.'
Kornegay, 68, died Friday. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at
Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Herb Hobbs officiating.
He was a professor at VPI&SU (Virginia Tech) in the
department of animal and poultry sciences.
His broad interest in animal production started at an early age on his family's farm in
eastern North Carolina and led him to North Carolina State University for bachelor of
science and master of science degrees and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
During his early career, he served as a North Carolina extension
agent in New Bern. He received many awards throughout the years, most notably the 1998
American Society of Animal Science Morrison Award for his meritorious international
scientific contributions, the highest award for research in the field of animal and
poultry science.
He was world renowned for his innovative research and most
recently, his work related to waste management and reducing environmental pollution. He
was also the major professor for more than 40 graduate students.
He was active in Blacksburg United Methodist Church for 31 years
and served on several committees including chairman of the administrative board and
chairman of the board of trustees.
He served two years on active duty in the Army and 32 years in
the Army Reserves. He retired as a colonel in 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita Goode Kornegay; three
daughters, Susan Kornegay Henson of Columbia, Mo., Cynthia Kornegay Waters and husband
Rexford Anson of Burlington and Jennifer Goode Kornegay of Arlington, Va.; his mother
Mildred Merritt Kornegay of Albertson; two brothers, Kenneth Kornegay of Elizabethtown and
Nick Kornegay of Kinston; and five grandchildren, Brittany Henson, Heather Waters, Kelly
Waters, Matthew Waters and Bradley Waters. He was preceded in death by his father, Irving
Kornegay.
The family will receive friends at the church following the
service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to
Habitat for Humanity, c/o Blacksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg,
Va., 24063, Blacksburg United Methodist Church memorial fund or other charity of choice. |
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