Cornell University Memorial Statement for Professor Gustave F. Heuser, July 7, 1893 — May 27, 1981
"Gustave F. Heuser was one of the first students of Professor James E. Rice, the Father of the Poultry Industry. Heuser, the third person in the world to receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree in poultry science, began research in poultry nutrition at Cornell in 1916. His early work was the start of nutrition research in poultry science at Cornell. This work has continued through the years by Heuser, his colleagues, and his successors, resulting in world-wide recognition of Cornell’s contribution to research in this field.
Heuser entered Cornell University in 1911, obtaining the Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1915, the Master of Science degree in 1916, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1918. In 1916 he was appointed instructor of poultry husbandry; he was named an assistant professor of poultry nutrition in 1918 and professor in 1922. Professor Heuser was engaged in teaching, extension, and research in poultry nutrition. For many years he taught a course in poultry nutrition, and he authored the textbook Poultry Feeding. Heuser published his first scientific paper in 1920 and proceeded to author or coauthor more than 200 technical and semitechnical articles during his career.
Dr. Heuser was a strong advocate and a moving force in the development of scientific poultry production around the world. He served as secretary-treasurer of the World’s Poultry Science Association from 1923 until his retirement in 1957. In addition, he was editor of the World’s Poultry Science Journal from 1945 to 1957, and of the journal Poultry Science from 1936 to 1941. As secretary-treasurer of the World’s Poultry Science Association, he attended World’s Poultry Congresses in many countries around the world and served on several committees of that organization. During the 1920s he initiated poultry research at Darlington Hall School and Farm in Totnes, England. In 1951 the government of France conferred on him the declaration Officier du Mérite Agricole in recognition of his leadership in poultry science.
Dr. Heuser was also a member of the American Poultry Science Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of University Professors, Sigma Xi, and Acacia. He served on the College Poultry Feed Conference Board from 1924 until his retirement. He was a master in Hobasco Lodge 716 F. & A. M. in 1934, and he served as a representative of the Masonic Temple Corporation, Ithaca, from 1939 until his retirement.
Gustave F. Heuser saw the poultry industry develop from a collection of small barnyard flocks to the large, technically sophisticated industry that exists today. That development came about, in large part, as the result of the efforts of Heuser and his colleagues who pioneered research in poultry nutrition. From his early work with L. C. Norris on rickets in chicks, through the discoveries of the various factors of the vitamin B complex, to the recognition of the importance of proteins and amino acids, Gustave Heuser’s efforts and quiet counseling will be remembered by his colleagues and his many undergraduate and graduate students."