AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

February 2006

Thanks for the Memories

Faculty, staff, students and colleagues gave Dr. Abel Ponce de León a lively send-off at the February 9th reception honoring him for his eight years of outstanding leadership in the Department of Animal Science and congratulating him on his new position in the College as Associate Dean of Research.

Jerry Shurson started things rolling with a few words of appreciation for Abel's diligent work as our former Department Head. He then presented Abel with a gift from staff and faculty — an elegant U of M desk set for his new office in Coffey Hall. Mike White then offered some words of wisdom mixed with jest as he presented Abel with a photo of Animal Science faculty mounted on a plaque. Marshall Stern followed with a fun surprise of his own — two bottles of wine custom-made for and named after Abel. After Marshall, Mike and Jerry conveyed the gratitude and best wishes of Department members and friends, Abel thanked everyone and spoke about all the positive changes he has seen in the Department since he's been with us.

Thanks for the memories, Abel!

The photos below were taken at the reception:

Hawton Earns Distinguished Service Award

Knowledgeable, honest, ethical, considerate, and well-liked are just a few words that describe Dr. Jerry Hawton, the recipient of the Minnesota Pork Board's 2006 Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Hawton, Animal Science Professor Emeritus, was honored by the Minnesota Pork Board for his outstanding commitment to Minnesota pork producers and his positive contributions to the swine industry. The award was presented at the Minnesota Pork Congress in Minneapolis during an awards luncheon on January 19th.

Through education, research and allied industry involvement, Dr. Hawton has served Minnesota's swine industry for over 30 years. He has had successful working relationships with the Minnesota Pork Board, Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association, meat packers, livestock marketing agencies and feed businesses. Pork producers and industry professionals value him for his expertise and vast knowledge of the swine industry. One of Dr. Hawton's greatest passions is teaching, and he is highly respected by students.

In 1970, Dr. Hawton accepted a U of M appointment as an animal science faculty member and extension swine specialist. He taught courses in livestock and carcass evaluation, and beginning and advanced livestock judging, conducted statewide swine nutrition and management educational programs for pork producers, and conducted youth livestock judging contests and clinics. He also served as coach of U of M livestock judging teams. During his tenure, Dr. Hawton authored over 100 publications including scientific articles, research reports, extension bulletins and factsheets.

In 2004, Dr. Hawton received the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. He was inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame in 2003 after receiving the association's Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Minnesota Livestock Industry. And in 1993, he received the Ag Ed Club Outstanding Faculty Award.
  

Baidoo Elected to MPB

Minnesota pork producers elected Dr. Sam Baidoo to the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) at their annual meeting held on January 17th at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Dr. Baidoo will serve a one-year term on the Executive Committee. As an executive board member, he will also serve as a 2007 Pork Act delegate to the National Pork Industry Forum.

Dr. Baidoo was surprised at the nomination and election, and accepted their decision. While serving on the Executive Committee, he hopes to highlight aspects of our Department to the MPB.

To learn more about the MPB, visit http://mnpork.com/index.php.
  

Ranelius Scholarship $$ Increased; Application Deadline Extended

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) has increased the number and value of the Ranelius Scholarship offered to students from one $500 scholarship last year to two $1000 scholarships this year. In addition, the application deadline has been extended to February 28, 2006.

The Ranelius Scholarship competition is open to any Minnesota citizen who is enrolled in a post-secondary educational institute or any high school student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institute in order to prepare for a career in some phase of the poultry industry. All interested students are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received an MTGA scholarship and who are either members of the MTGA or who are family members or employees of members of the MTGA.

An MTGA committee will select scholarship recipients based on applicants' scholastic records, experiences, activities, and honors, along with applicants' demonstrated interest in the poultry industry as reflected by past activities and a statement of career plans.

The required application is available on line at http://www.minnesotaturkey.com or from Lara Durben, MTGA, 108 Marty Drive, Buffalo, MN 55313; phone 763-682-2171; fax 763-682-5546; email, lara@minnesotaturkey.com.
  

Applications Up by Approximately 16%

Bob Pagel, Animal Science Advising Counselor, reports that student applications overall are up at the COAFES/CNR college level from where they were a year ago by about 16%. Offers remain about the same as the college looks to improve its profile of incoming students. Commitments are down slightly from this same point a year ago at the college level.

Within the Animal Science Department, the number of applicants and number of admits are looking good. Scholarship and financial aid information will be sent out in about a month. These are the two biggest areas of concern for students still waiting to make a decision. The class for fall of 2006 will really start to take its shape over the next month.
  

Hansen Again on the International Speaking Circuit

Professor Les Hansen spoke at the Agromek agricultural exhibition, Herning Denmark, on January 18th. It was a memorable trip for Les, because Herning is his grandmother's home town. Les' grandparents emigrated to the U.S. when they were 26 years of age. Agromek is the leading agricultural exhibition in northern Europe. The topic of Les' presentation was how to genetically improve the functionality of dairy cows. Also, at Agromek, he judged the "health class" of cows for the Danish Red breed. Les also spent time interacting with geneticists at Dansire, the Danish national A.I. center.

After returning to campus for a few days, Les flew back to Europe for speaking assignments at five locations throughout Sweden, January 23 to 27, on the invitation of Svensk Avel, the Swedish national A.I. center and the Swedish Holstein Association. Research results from the crossbreeding trials in California, with heavy use of Swedish Red sires, was the topic of his presentations. This research is the basis of Brad Heins' M.S. project. Brad began his Ph.D. program on January 1st; he will continue to work with the California dairy producers on ongoing trials with crossbreeding of dairy cattle.

Les will return to Europe in March, and again in April, to speak to dairy producer audiences in northern Germany and Norway.
  

Buhr and Hammond to Participate in MN/WI Dairy Policy Conference

Two Department of Applied Economics faculty, Professor Brian Buhr and Preofessor Emeritus Jerry Hammond, are participating in the 2006 Minnesota/Wisconsin Dairy Policy Conference. Dr. Buhr will serve as moderator of "Update on Doha Round WTO Negotiations and Implications of Dairy Trade Liberalization". Dr. Hammond will moderate the first half of the session on the "2007 Farm Bill: What Does the Midwest Dairy Industry Want and What are the Prospects of Getting it?"

The annual Minnesota/Wisconsin Dairy Policy Conference and the Dairy Leadership Conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on March 27 and 28. The program agenda and registration information may be found on-line at: http://www.wfcmac.coop/wm/events/dairyconferences/agendas.htm.
  

Poultry Sci Club Has Much to Cluck About

There's a lot to cluck about for several members of Gopher Poultry Science Club. On January 24-27, four Animal Science undergraduate students, along with club faculty advisor Dr. Jacquie Jacob, attended the International Poultry Exposition held in Atlanta, Georgia, and participated in the College Student Career Program. The Expo covered all aspects of the fast-paced, ever-changing poultry industry. With over 800 booths, there was a broad spectrum of the poultry industry represented.

"I was amazed at the diversity that was present. I saw people from the Ukraine, Nigeria, Brazil and from all over the United States. The poultry industry is a network throughout the globe," stated sophomore Kelsey Campbell.

Theresa Hendrickson, a freshman, attended the convention and commented, "For not being a 'Poultry' or 'Production' major and not knowing a lot about poultry, I really learned a lot about Poultry in general as well as with the industry. It was a great experience, and I think anyone thinking about working in Animal Science, especially poultry, should visit. You really get to know what's out there. I guess all I did was just walk around and visit different companies and learn about them and their relationship with the industry."

For other students, it was an opportunity to talk with companies about internships as well as begin the interview process for a job. Hope Kassube, a senior animal science major, "thought it was very convenient to have a lot of interviews in the same place over the course of just 2 days. Also, it was fun to speak with other students who are studying poultry science, since we are a minority at the U of M!"

With several other states bringing poultry enthusiasts to the Expo, it was a great opportunity to see what they are doing in their clubs. The International Poultry Expo is the world's largest display of products and services for the poultry and egg industry. It is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association.

The International Poultry Expo offers a unique means to combine seeing the latest in innovation with networking with poultry leaders from every corner of the world. The College Student Career Program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, is held in conjunction with the International Poultry Expo and provides an opportunity for college students to experience the largest annual gathering of people, technology and services in the poultry industry.   
  

Animal Science Students Participate in Midwest Dairy Challenge

The 2nd Annual Midwest Dairy Challenge attracted 68 students from 10 different universities and colleges to Brookings, South Dakota, and the campus of South Dakota State University. The Dairy Challenge is an innovative competition developed by industry and university professionals that focuses on dairy management. The contest is generously supported by corporate sponsors.

This year's contest was held January 26-28 at the Brookings Inn and hosted by South Dakota State University. Besides U of M students, the contest included students from Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, Northeast Iowa Community College, Purdue University, Ridgewater College, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and the host school, South Dakota State University. The three students participating from the U of M were Justin Reeck, Jon Schefers and Tim Zweber, and their coach was Dr. Marcia Endres.

Working in four- or five-person, mixed university teams, students assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and presented recommendations for improvement to a panel of judges and the participating dairy farm families. Students were given two hours to evaluate the dairy located in what is known as the I-29 dairy corridor. The students visited Linde Dairy LLC, owned by Rein and Boukje Landman. The couple and their three children moved from the Netherlands in July 2003 and purchased the then 6-month-old facility. This farm is currently home to 900 head, but plans are underway to expand to more than 1,100.

After the farm visit, herd owners entertained questions from both students and judges about their farming operation. Armed with detailed production and financial paperwork from the dairy, as well as their own observations, the participants developed a presentation about what they saw and suggestions for improvement. Saturday was presentation day as the teams were given 20 minutes to offer their suggestions. This was followed by a question-and-answer session and a critique by the judges of their presentation and recommendations.

Tim Zweber was a member of the platinum winning team that also included students from Ridgewater College, South Dakota State, and UW-River Falls. The team that Jon was on received a gold award and the team Justin was on received a silver award. All three U of M students performed very well on their presentation.

Congratulations on a job well done!
 

U of M Wins Another Championship at State Swine Show

Members of the U of M Swine Teaching/Research Unit exhibited in the Open Class Individual and Truck Lot divisions of the 62nd Annual Minnesota State Spring Barrow Show held in Albert Lea on February 2nd and 3rd. Their individual market hogs placed 1st, 3rd and 5th in respective classes.

In the Truck Lot division, the U of M placed 1st in the middle weight class and went on to win the Grand Champion Truck Lot of the show. This marks the 10th time the U of M has shown the Champion (7 times) or Reserve Champion (3 times) Truck Lot in the past 13 years that they have exhibited hogs at the show. The Truck Lot is the toughest division. A Truck Lot consists of six hogs of which three must be barrows.

The U of M pigs were cared for, fitted and shown by Kaleb Kromann, Kyle Compart and Colby Lind — all staff from the St. Paul Swine Unit. They were assisted by Dr. Jerry Hawton, Professor Emeritus.

Minnesota and Iowa swine producers and youth exhibited nearly 300 hogs at this year's show.
  

Attendance Reaches Nearly 400 at MN Dairy Days

Minnesota Dairy Days-2006 attracted nearly 400 dairy producers and industry representatives at 9 locations in Minnesota (Hutchinson, McIntosh, Ottertail, Sauk Centre, Royalton, Edgerton, New Ulm, Eyota, and Cannon Falls) during the first few weeks of the new year (January 6-20). This year’s Dairy Days was a joint educational program and forum sponsored by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.

Educational presentations at Dairy Days focused on labor management, Johnes disease control, animal ID, feed efficiency, reproduction management, and cow comfort. Minnesota Milk Producers Association conducted a dairy producers forum at each location to solicit ideas for enhancing and growing the dairy industry along with suggestions for new research and educational activities needed by dairy producers.

Speakers at Minnesota Dairy Days-2006 included Chuck Schwartau, Jim Salfer, Jeff Reneau, Jim Linn, Marcia Endres, Carl Dahlen, Jamie Larson, Eric Sonnek, Bob Lefebvre, and veterinarians from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
  

Gopher Dairy Club Celebrates Achievements of its Student Members

Over 200 students, parents, faculty, and supporters gathered for the 22nd annual recognition banquet of the Gopher Dairy Club at noon on Sunday, February 12, in the St. Paul Student Center. Featured speaker was John Bierbaum, member of the board of directors of the Holstein Association USA. John is an alumnus of the U of M, with a major in business. He has been employed by Carl Pohlad (of Marquette Bank and the Minnesota Twins), and in his semi-retirement owns a dairy herd of registered Holsteins near Mantorville, MN.

Dairy judging teams, dairy management challenge teams, and student scholars were recognized at the banquet. Seniors Jonnie Schefers and Nate Schwab were announced as the U of M nominees to the Student Recognition Program of National Dairy Shrine. Furthermore, Missy Mussman was announced as the 2006 recipient of the R.W. Touchberry Outstanding Junior in Animal Science award.

Seven new students (freshmen) were awarded $1,500 scholarships by the Gopher Dairy Club (Jacob Hemmesch, Owatonna; Michelle Hurley, Mantorville; Kia Vander Kooi, Worthington; Theresa Krause, Eagle Bend; Pat Leuer, Corcoran; Justine Meierhofer, Watkins; and Jamie Seitzer, St. Peter). Also, Janelle Kuechle, Watkins, was presented the $2,000 Douglas Siem Memorial Award.

Lana Olson, Hutchinson, received the Outstanding Rookie (sophomore) Award, and Tracy Nelson, Winthrop, was presented the Outstanding Senior Award. The club's 15 seniors who traveled to California on the annual senior trip presented a slide show to conclude the banquet, which reviewed their trek to dairy farms as well as the sites of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a 4-day cruise to Catalina Island and Mexico.
  

2006 Animal Science Scholarship Awardees

Animal Science scholarships were recently awarded to 10 Animal Science juniors and seniors. Scholarships are in the amount of $1000 each and awarded on the basis of academics, leadership activities, and extra-curricular activities, and balanced with other scholarships already received. Scholarships are made possible by the generous contributions of individuals.

Scholarships and awardees were:

• Ensminger Scholarship – Stephanie Pylka, Theresa Goff, and Alamanda Johnson
• Wulf Scholarship – Karen Lobeck, Brad Davis, and Morgan Schaff
• Pond Scholarship – Francis Niemela
• Touchberry Scholarship – Melissa Mussman
• Jordan Scholarship – Lynn Blank
• Goodrich Scholarship – Luke Olson 

Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Competition Held

Three teams competed in the Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Competition during the first few weeks of February. The three teams were: Beta of Clovia consisting of Melisa Bauer, Penni Dicke, Brenda Nelson, and Jennifer Borash; LDPhi with team members Katie Olson, Kristin Reiman, Francis Niemela, and Billie Jo Larson; and AGR with Peter Burfeind, Erik Schmidt, Evan Dee, and John Takala.

The teams competed in four categories: lab practicum, written exam, oral presentation, and quiz bowl. Taking 1st place overall was the team from Clovia, after placing first in the written exam and lab practicum. LDPhi won the quiz bowl competition which helped them gain 2nd place overall. The Clovia team will be representing the University of Minnesota at the Midwest Regional competition in Des Moines, IA, March 19 and 20.
  

Luis Espejo successfully defended his M.S. thesis in December. The title of his thesis: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lameness in Free Stall Barns.

She's back! Kim Reno has agreed to step in and serve as student personnel coordinator on a part-time basis until the position can be filled full-time. Kim left the position in May 2005 to devote more time to family. She'll be working Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.
  

Dr. Sally Noll, PI, received $230,000 from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Title: Avian Pneumovirus Vaccine Evaluation. Period: 01/23/2006 - 07/31/2006.
  

Department of Animal Science seminars are held September through May on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. in Room 365 Haecker Hall. Everyone is welcome. Please join us.

February 2006

6-8 - Turkey School I: Health of Turkeys, U of M St. Paul Campus. For more information, see http://www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach.

8, 15 & 22 - Successful Dairy Systems, Traveler's Inn, Alexandria, MN. Contact: Contact: Chuck Schwartau 507-536-6301.

14 - VALENTINE'S DAY.

14 - 2006 MN Forage Days, Evergreen Eating Emporium, Thief River Falls, MN. Contacts: Howard Person 218-683-7030, Doug Holen 218-998-5787.

15 - 2006 MN Forage Days, Melrose American Legion, Melrose, MN. Contact: Dan Martens 800-964-4929.

15 - Manure Management and Air Quality Workshop: Understanding Animal Agriculture, Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

16 - 2006 MN Forage Days, Caledonia Good Times Restaurant, Caledonia, MN. Contacts: Lisa Behnken 888-241-4536, Neil Broadwater 888-241-4536, Jerry Tesmer 507-725-5807 or 507-765-3896.

20 - 14th Annual Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo, Central High School, Norwood Young America, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser 952-466-5300, 952-492-5410, or torb0022@umn.edu.

22 - Manure Management Workshop: Manure Management I-Nitrogen, Best Western Victorian Inn, Hutchinson, MN. Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

Feb 22, March 1 & March 8 - Successful Dairy Systems, Joseph's Restaurant, Avon, MN (St. Cloud area). Contact: Chuck Schwartau 507-536-6301.

Feb 23, March 2 & March 9 - Successful Dairy Systems, Eagle Ridge at Valley View Golf Course, Belle Plaine, MN. Contact: Chuck Schwartau 507-536-6301.

March 2006

7-10 - 24th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Telephone: 780-492-3236; email wcds@afhe.ualberta.ca.

8 - Manure Management Workshop: Manure Management III-Developing a Plan, Best Western Victorian Inn, Hutchinson, MN. Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

8, 15 & 29 - Successful Dairy Systems, Ramada Hotel, Rochester, MN. Contact: Chuck Schwartau 507-536-6301.

9 - Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, Farmamerica, Waseca, MN. For more information, contact: Steve Pooch at 651-288-4400.

9, 16 & 30 - Successful Dairy Systems, Travelodge, Worthington, MN. Contact: Chuck Schwartau 507-536-6301.

13-17 - Spring Break

17 - U of M (Twin Cities Campus) Floating Holiday.

21-23 - 2006 Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN.

23 - Manure Management Workshop: Manure Management II-Phosphorus, Best Western Victorian Inn, Hutchinson, MN. Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

22-23 - 2006 Central Plains Dairy Expo, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: Kathy Tonneson 218-236-8420.

22-24 - 10th National Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference, Visalia Convention Center, Visalia, CA.

27-28 - MN-WI Dairy Policy Conference / Dairy Directors Leadership Conference, Radisson Hotel, LaCrosse, WI. Contact: Lori Weaver 608-258-4414.

31-April 1 - North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, hosted by University of Idaho and Washington State University, Twin Falls, ID. Contact: Ryan Weigel 608-224-0400 or email: naidc@udexpo.com.

April 2006

3-6 - 2006 NIAA Annual Meeting, The NEW Galt House Hotel and Suites, Louisville, KY. Contact: NIAA 270-782-9798.

12 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval CURRENT User Training, Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

19 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval CURRENT User Training, Cabela's, Owatonna, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

13-14 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval NEW User Training, Stearns Env. Service Office, St. Cloud, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

20 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval CURRENT User Training, Best Western, Mankato, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

26 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval CURRENT User Training, Courthouse, Worthington, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.

27-28 - Manure Treatment and Open Lots: FLEval NEW User Training, Courthouse, Worthington, MN (NO FEE; DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS). Contact: David Schmidt 612-625-4262.