Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah is a dedicated agricultural scientist with over 30 years of experience in agricultural research, livestock and poultry management, animal breeding, genetics, and molecular technologies. His primary focus is on improving livestock breeding value using principles of quantitative and molecular genetics. He is committed to contributing to sustainable agricultural development and the enhancement of the animal industry, particularly through the development and conservation of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). Dr. Karnuah aims to support the growth of agriculture by employing his extensive research knowledge to develop breeding programs that improve livestock productivity.

Education

• Ph.D., Agricultural Science (Animal Breeding & Genetics), Kyoto University, Japan, 1995
• M.Sc., Animal Science (Breeding), Central Luzon State University, Philippines, 1990
• B.Sc., Agriculture (Animal Science), University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Philippines, 1988
• Diploma, Tropical Animal Production, National College of Agriculture, The Netherlands, 1982
• Associate Degree, General Agriculture, Cuttington University, Liberia, 1980

Professional Strengths

Dr. Karnuah's expertise includes agricultural research, livestock and poultry management, and animal breeding and genetics, along with advanced molecular genetic techniques. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers and has demonstrated a strong ability to develop competitive research grant proposals. His international work experience across multiple continents provides him with a unique perspective on both developing and developed agricultural systems.

Key Skills

• Animal Breeding & Quantitative Genetic Research: Heritability estimates, genetic correlations, and breeding programs for livestock improvement.
• Molecular Genetics: DNA/RNA sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, gene discovery, SNP detection, and DNA fingerprinting.
• Functional Genomics & Biotechnology: Laboratory skills including thermal cycler, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencers.

Work Experience

Director General
Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI), Suakoko, Liberia
August 2024 - Present

National Project Coordinator
Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
August 2018 - December 2023

• Contributed to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) by addressing zoonotic diseases in West, Central, and East Africa.
• Supported sustainable livestock development projects to mitigate health threats and environmental impacts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Director, Livestock Research and Services
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Liberia
October 2012 - January 2018

• Led livestock research programs focusing on beef cattle, small ruminants, swine, and poultry.
• Developed a national breeding program and collaborated with FAO on the conservation of Liberia's livestock genetic resources.

Research Professional II, Poultry Science Department
University of Georgia, USA
October 2005 - September 2012

• Researched poultry genetics with a focus on feed efficiency and fat deposition in broilers.
• Managed poultry processing plants and supervised research on meat quality and food safety.

Research Associate, Department of Genetics
University of Georgia, USA
May 2004 - September 2005

• Conducted SNP detection research in Bermuda grass and contributed to functional genomics studies.

International Experience:

Dr. Karnuah has gained significant international exposure through education and work in countries such as Japan, the Philippines, the USA, and Liberia. His contributions include research in swine genomics in Japan, poultry science in the USA, and livestock development projects in Liberia.

Research Grants

• 2015-2016: FAO Technical Cooperation Program for livestock breed survey and characterization in Liberia.
• 2017: USAID BHEARD Institutional Support Grant for aquaculture research.

Selected Publications

• Karnuah, A.B., et al. (2018). Characterization of local sheep production systems in Liberia, African Journal of Rural Development.
• Karnuah, A.B., et al. (2015). Transcriptomic analysis to elucidate molecular mechanisms in poultry, Molecular Genetic Genomics.

Awards & Fellowships

• Netherlands Technical Assistance Fellowship (1981-1982)
• Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship (1996-1997)

Professional Memberships

• American Society of Animal Science
• Japanese Society of Zootechnical Science
• International Society for Animal Genetics

Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing the field of animal science and agriculture through rigorous research, international collaboration, and the application of cutting-edge technologies.