AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

November 2006

Animal Products Are Healthy Foods

The connection between food, nutrition and health is of interest to everyone and an initiative of the University and CFANS. As we prepare for Thanksgiving and think of our day of thanks and feast, it is important to be mindful of the significant contributions animal products make to our diet. As a percent of our daily intake of nutrients, animal food products (meat, milk, fish and eggs) contribute about 34% of the total energy, 69% of protein, 54% of the total fat, 63% of calcium, and between one-third to one-half of the many other trace minerals and vitamins (CAST, 1999). Clearly, animal foods are an important source of essential nutrients required for good health. 

A highly publicized and commonly stated concern about the inclusion of animal products in our diets is the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats. The concern and recommendation to reduce saturated fat intake to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is based on epidemiological studies (Framingham, 1980; Keys, 1965; Hegested, 1965) which found a relationship, not a direct cause and effect, between consumption of saturated fat intake and increased cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. However, review of these older studies and more recent investigations (Maijala, 2000; Salter, 2005) indicate there are many other factors related to cardiovascular disease and that just reducing saturated fat intake to reduce plasma cholesterol levels is much to simplistic.  The paper by Maijala (2000) indicates that over 270 factors affecting plasma cholesterol have been identified. After more than 50 years of study, there is little direct evidence to that show a diet low in saturated fat prolongs life and that the relationship of fats and cholesterol to coronary heart disease is multifaceted and more complex than just intake of saturated fat (Taubes, 2001; Mangiapane and Salter, 1999). 

More recently, the focus on fats and cardiovascular disease has shifted to trans fatty acids.  These are unsaturated fats where the hydrogen atom is on opposite sides of the double bond compared to their normal position of being on the same side (cis) in food unsaturated fats. The major source of trans fatty acids in our diets is from chemical processing and cooking of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and ruminant fats.  Approximately 80% of the 5.8 grams of trans fat in the average adult diet each day comes from chemical and cooked vegetable fat sources and 20% from ruminant derived foods.  Several epidemiological studies have now shown a high association between trans fatty acid intake and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (summarized by Bauman and Lock, 2006). Because of this, the FDA has mandated the trans fat content of foods and nutrition supplements be listed on nutrition labels. However, like with saturated fats simply implicating all trans fats as an increased risk factor is an over simplification as naturally derived trans fats found in ruminant fats such as milk were found to slightly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Clearly, not all trans fats are the same and just knowing the content is not enough, but we need to know the origin of the fat as well.

Our challenge as consumers of food is to remember that the principles of balance, variety and moderation are the keys to a healthy diet. No one food or food group has all the “magic” nutritional components for good health. Animal derived products contribute important nutrients into a healthy diet. So, as we sit down to the Thanksgiving dinner, it is nutritious and healthy to eat that turkey and balance out the rest of the plate with small portions of the other animal and plant foods offered. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
  

Learning Abroad Course: Sustainable Food Systems of Italy (ANSC 4099)
- Professor Mike White Serving as Faculty Leader -

Sustainable Food Systems of Italy (May Session, May 16 to June 9, 2007) will take students to the city of Florence, the capital city of the region of Tuscany. Florence is a city of history and art, and is world-renowned for its amazing cuisine and for the sustainable production of some of the world’s finest cheeses, processed meats, olive oil, grain products and wines. Many of these food systems have been producing foods of exceptional quality for hundreds of years through careful stewardship of the land. Additionally, the global “Slow Foods” movement, which promotes the sustainable production of artisanal foods and their exquisite individual nature, originated in Italy. Florence is an ideal place to study and explore sustainable food systems of Italy, the ethical considerations of food production, and the Italian food culture.

Sustainable Food Systems of Italy (ANSC 4099) is offered through the Learning Abroad Center. The course will include full-day excursions to the Chianti Valley region including Siena and Montalcino where olive oil, wine, grains, cheeses and meats are produced, and to Parma Italy where Parmigiano Reggiano, Proscuito di Parma and Balsamic vinegar are produced. Additional excursions may also include visits to local producers of olive oil, wine or cheese, and a guided tour of the amazing San Lorenzo Fresh Food Market in Florence.

Sustainable Food Systems of Italy will be taught by Professor Mike White, Department of Animal Science. Professor White is a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor and has been a faculty member at the University since 1992. He has traveled to Tuscany, Sicily and to Morocco exploring their food and wine systems and because of his mother’s Sicilian background, has a long-standing interest in aspects of the Italian wine and food culture.

Enroll for ANSC 4099 through the Learning Abroad Center website. Students who sign up by February 1st will receive priority. The deadline for registration is March 1, or when the class has filled (maximum of 25 students). For additional information and a complete description of the course, please visit http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/GLOBAL_SEMINARS/italyFood/index.shtml.
  

Graduate Student Award Winners Named

Congratulations to the winners of the Animal Sciences Graduate Student Awards, who were named at the Animal Science seminar on October 16th.

Ph.D. candidate Dan Carlson received the Babcock Swine Award. Dan has been working in his advisor Scott Fahrenkrug's lab where research focuses on developing tools and techniques for genome manipulation in porcine cells with the ultimate goal of producing transgenic offspring. They are in the process of publishing their work on the efficient use of four transposons (Sleeping Beauty, To12, piggyBac, and a novel transposon from P. platessa) for transgenesis in porcine tissue culture.

SROC Calf & Heifer Facility Earns DQA 5-Star Rating

The calf and heifer facility at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) recently earned the prestigious Dairy Quality Assurance (DQA) Stewards of the Land designation, which accompanies a 5-Star recognition - the highest level of attainment for dairy businesses by the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Center.

The U of M Calf and Heifer Research and Extension Center is now one of four 5-Star calf and heifer raising facilities in the state. Scientists Hugh Chester-Jones and Dave Ziegler were recipients of the award on behalf of the SROC.

Hugh Chester-Jones stated, "The University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca has been custom raising dairy heifers for commercial dairies from 2 up to 200 days of age for over 3 years. As PDHGA members, we wanted to identify areas of management that needed to be refined to meet expectations of the PDHGA 5-star quality assurance program. We felt that if we met the criteria to achieve 5-star recognition, this would give our dairy clients confidence in our ability to raise quality dairy heifers. We also thought that as PDHGA members we would visibly support the goal of the program to enhance consistency of dairy heifer management in Minnesota."

The 5-Star rating is based on a series of self-audits, participation in local education programs, and results of an intensive on-site walk-through by a DQA certified professional consultant. Dr. Steve Hayes, DVM, conducted the walk-through of the SROC calf and heifer facility. The 5-Star Program for Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance is a national voluntary quality assurance program for the dairy industry, which has been in place since 1990. Over 20,000 dairy operations have been independently reviewed for quality assurance, and only a select few have been awarded the 5-Star rating.
  

Feedstuffs Interviews Shurson & Noll

Drs. Gerald Shurson and Sally Noll participated in several short video interviews for Feedstuffs FoodLink. FoodLink consists of a weekly print component in Feedstuffs and an associated on-line information resource.

The goal of the project is to provide influencers throughout animal agriculture and the food industry, including consumers, with information on key issues related to the production of safe, affordable and high-quality meat, milk and eggs, and to provide insight and perspective from the scientific community, industry and others in terms that consumers will understand rather than technically in-depth details.

Shurson and Noll were interviewed for Feedstuffs FoodLink on the use and value of distillers grains by-products in swine and poultry diets.

Technical information related to using distillers grains by-products in livestock and poultry feeds, as well as companion animals and aquaculture, may be found on the U of M DDGS website: http://www.ddgs.umn.edu.
  

U Team Competes in Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest

As the culmination of the ANSC 3144 class, Advanced Poultry Judging, the students competed in the Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This was the first time that the U has competed in this contest. The team members, Kelsey Campbell, Shea Lavalier and Blake Van Denburgh were coached by Dr. Jacquie Jacob.

Twelve teams from around the country participated in the contest, which consisted of two divisions. Division I involved evaluating pullets, past production hens, and interior and exterior egg quality. The team had a little trouble in this division and placed 12th. Division II involved the evaluation of broiler and turkey breeders (male and female), and grading broiler and turkey classes. The team placed 9th in this division with Shea Lavalier placing 4th high individual. Overall the team placed 10th. 

More important than the placement in the competition, the students had a great time, learned a lot and met students from other universities around the country. Friendships were formed that will last beyond the competition.

Above (L-R): Blake Van Denburgh (Senior in Animal Science, poultry production), Kelsey Campbell (Junior in Animal Science, poultry production), Shea Lavalier (Senior in Psychology).
 

NCROC Holds 3rd Annual Beef Production Sale

The 3rd Annual U of M North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) Beef Production Sale was held at the South Farm facility in Grand Rapids on October 28, 2006. On a sunny but cold day, buyers from throughout Minnesota bid on registered Angus cows consigned by the U of M in Grand Rapids, MN, Clearwater Cattle Company from Leonard, MN, Splithand Angus from Grand Rapids, MN, and Byron Ross Jr. from Deer River, MN. 

Forty two sale lots were offered with the following averages: spring cow/calf pairs averaged $2,658, bred cows averaged $1,014, bred heifers averaged $1,084, spring calves averaged $850, and fall pairs averaged $1,255. 

The NCROC appreciates the participation of the Itasca County 4H club for providing food and refreshment and the U of M staff and students for their assistance prior to and during sale day.
    

DAS Faculty Participate in International Distillers Grains Conference

Department of Animal Science faculty, Drs. Sally Noll and Gerald Shurson, participated in the 2006 International Distillers Grains Conference and Trade Show held September 12-14 in Minneapolis. They were members of a panel titled: "The Feeding Frontier: Understanding New Era Recommendations".

Dr. Shurson also participated in an additional panel titled " What's Out There? Getting to Know the Export Market."

The goal of the International Distillers Grains Conference was to educate end users and examine market opportunities for distiller grains.
  

Results of U of M Research Presented at Turkey Research Review

The Minnesota Turkey Council’s Turkey Research Review/Avian Pneumovirus Symposium took place on Wednesday, September 27th at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Willmar, MN.

University of Minnesota researchers presented the latest results to producers on research on the feeding of distillers dried grains to turkeys, lighting for turkey breeders, and the latest on vaccination for Avian Pneumovirus.

Presentations made by Department of Animal Science faculty were Drs. Mohamed El Halawani and Sally Noll.
  

WinterFest is December 14!

The Department of Animal Science will hold its annual holiday get-together, WinterFest, on Thursday, December 14th. All Animal Science faculty, students, staff, retirees, and their families are invited. The potluck celebration will be held at noon on the 3rd floor of Haecker Hall. See you there!

Open Enrollment Until November 30th

Open Enrollment for changes to your 2007 benefits runs November 1-30. Any changes to medical and dental plans, dependent coverage or long term disability, or enrollment in the flexible spending accounts must be made by midnight on November 30th in order to be effective on January 1, 2007.

Everything you need to know about Open Enrollment, including guides to this year's medical and dental plans, is available on-line at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/openenroll/index.html. In addition, you may go over your options by viewing or listening to a presentation on the changes for this Open Enrollment at: https://breeze5.umn.edu/openenrollment/.

If you should decide that you are satisfied with your current medical and dental plans, there is no need to re-enroll; if you do nothing, your current plans will continue into the next calendar year.

Open enrollment is also the time to add or drop dependents from your plan. And, if you are eligible for the coverage, you may add or increase the amount of voluntary long term disability.

The pre-tax flexible spending accounts always require an annual election in order to have the health care or dependent care accounts for the next calendar year. Regardless of whether or not you change your medical or dental plans, you must enroll on-line if you wish to have a flexible spending account for 2007.

To enroll, go on-line to Employee Self-Service, click on Benefits Enrollment, and log in with your Internet ID (X.500 username) and password. If you need assistance with this, contact the OIT Helpline at 612-301-4357.

For other questions on benefits, visit the Employee Benefits website at http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.phpohr/benefits or call the Employee Benefits Service Center at 612-624-9090 or 1-800-756-2363, press option 2.
  

Dr. Frank Crane, Inventor of Calf Milk Replacer, Dies

Dr. Frank Crane, a former Land O’Lakes employee and the inventor of calf milk replacer, passed away from complications from cancer on October 15, 2006. The Garden City, MN, native was 83.

Dr. Crane was a graduate of the University of Minnesota who earned a B.S. in 1948, M.S. in 1949, and in 1954, a Ph.D. in Animal Science. He was also a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity on the St. Paul campus.

In 1949, Crane took a job at the Land O'Lakes research farm in Anoka, MN, where he researched ways to add value to the by-products in cheese making. As a result of his efforts, Land O'Lakes introduced the first calf milk replacer in 1951. He was also a pioneer in researching and developing methods to protect against salmonella in feed. Crane retired from Land O'Lakes in 1982.

Crane is survived by his wife, Hildy, and three children. Cards or letters may be sent to 11239 South Tomah, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

A memorial service was held at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal, MN, on November 11th followed by interment in the Garden City cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Crane had requested that contributions be made to the charity of your choice or to:

Beef Education Team Announces MN Cattle Feeder Days

As cattle feeders in Minnesota prepare to complete the first decade of 2000, challenges and opportunities in the feedlot industry abound. Building on opportunities for Minnesota cattle feedlots is the focus of the 2006 Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days.

Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days is the longest running program of the U of M's Department of Animal Science. The Department held its first Cattle Feeder Day in Crookston in 1954. The U of M Beef Education Team is pleased to announce the 2006 edition of Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days, which highlights important topics for progressive cattle producers.

Topics and Speakers:

• Challenges and opportunities for building or expanding the feedlot business in Minnesota
  - Curt Zimmerman or Rob Sipp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
   
• Alternative feeding opportunities: Holsteins, backgrounders, cull cows
  - Chad Zehnder, Land O'Lakes
   
• The present and future of animal ID
  - Various speakers from University of Minnesota Extension
   
• Feeding and economic considerations when including corn co-products in feedlot diets
  - Erik Loe, South Dakota State University
   
• Building, retro-fitting and managing confinement facilities
  - Alfredo DiCostanzo, University of Minnesota

Dates, Locations, Times and Contacts:

• December 4 - Crookston
  North West Research and Outreach Center
  Registration 9:30 a.m.
  Program 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  Contact: Patti Malme, 218-281-8618
   
• December 5 - Morris
  West Central Research and Outreach Center
  Registration 9:30 a.m.
  Program 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  Contact: Mindy Spiehs, 320-589-1711
   
• December 6 - Slayton
  Royal Loon
  Registration 9:30 a.m.
  Program 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  Contact: Mike Boersma, 507-825-6715
   
• December 7 (day program) - Springfield
  American Legion
  Registration 9:30 a.m.
  Program 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  Contact: Rhonda Wulf,  320-231-7890
   
• December 7 (evening program) - Rochester
  Holiday Inn South
  Registration 5:30 p.m.
  Program 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  Contact: Lori Schott, 320-225-5055

Registration is only $25.00 per person and includes a meal and educational materials. Discount group registration is $20.00 per person. Please register at least one week prior to the event by calling the local contact person. For more information, visit the U of M Beef Industry Center website.
     

Mark Your Calendars for Minnesota Dairy Days 2007

Minnesota Dairy Days 2007, presented by the University of Minnesota in partnership with Minnesota Milk Producers Association, will be held at nine locations around the state in January. The program will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at all locations, with registration beginning at 9:30 am. The dates and locations are as follows:

The 2007 program series will feature a morning session on feeding dairy cows in the future, sexed semen, and the dairy producer forum. Attendees of the producer forum will have the opportunity to address what the important dairy industry issues are to them.

In the afternoon, participants may choose to attend three of six presentations on topics related to what is new about feeding young calves, what producers are doing to achieve low somatic cell counts, biological risk assessment of your dairy, milk marketing, compost barn economics, and residue risk management.

For more information, visit the Dairy Extension website.
  

I-29 Dairy Conference to be at Two Locations

The I-29 Dairy Conference will be held at two locations this year:

• Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Watertown, SD, on January 31
• Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA, on February 1

This I-29 Dairy Conference, presented by Iowa State University, South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, and their Extension Services, will be the 2nd Annual.

Watch for all the details (to be available soon) in the Minnesota Dairy Calendar.
  

Ranelius Scholarship Applications Due February 1st

Applications for the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association's Ranelius Scholarship are due February 1, 2007. The Ranelius Scholarship is a competitive award program that seeks to give funds annually to high school seniors, or college or university students from Minnesota who are interested in preparing for a career in some phase of the turkey industry.

A total of $2,000 is available for scholarship awards. Actual scholarship amount given out to worthy recipient(s) will be designated by MTGA Board of Directors, based on eligibility and criteria listed below.

Eligibility: The MTGA scholarship recipient must be a citizen of the state of Minnesota and either be enrolled or plan to be enrolled in a post high school educational program that will prepare them for employment in some phase of the poultry industry. While there are no restrictions on the major or program selected, it must provide suitable training for the applicant’s stated career goals. 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.

Judging criteria: The selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by an MTGA Board of Directors and based on the applications received. The committee may withhold the scholarship award if there are insufficient worthy applicants. An applicant’s scholastic record is a major factor. Experience, activities and honors received will be considered. The applicant’s demonstrated interest in the poultry industry, as reflected by past activities and a statement of career plans are also important considerations.

For information about the 2007 Ranelius Scholarship Program, please contact Lara Durben (ph: 763-682-2171). Click here for an application (Word doc).
  

New on the Animal Science Website

A schedule of Animal Science Seminars are now posted on our website. Look for the link under "Events" on our home page, or bookmark the direct link: http://www.ansci.umn.edu/seminars.htm.

We've added a link to Poultry Research on our home page under "Research". There you will find Current Projects, Ongoing Research, Completed Projects, and Rapid Agricultural Response (RAR) Funded Poultry Projects. The direct link to Poultry Research is http://www.ansci.umn.edu/poultry/research/res-programs.htm.

We now have a link to Dairy Research where you will find abstracts of current dairy research projects under three main topics: Physiology and Management; Nutrition, Feeding, and Calves; Genetics and Breeding. The link is located under "Research" on the home page. The direct link is http://www.ansci.umn.edu/research/dairyresearch.htm). 
  

Erika Shane

Erika Shane was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She has no agricultural background, but beginning at a young age, Erika always knew she wanted to work with animals. She became interested in the agricultural industry by being involved in FFA during high school. Erika's immediate family includes her parents, Michael and Ruth, and an older brother, Matt. Erika has a niece and nephew who she misses dearly.

Erika did two years of community college in Austin before transferring to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. At Tarleton, Erika earned a degree in Animal Production with a Business Minor.

Erika is starting her first year in the Masters Program under Dr. Marcia Endres. Her interest is in cow comfort, and she will soon be researching alternative bedding for compost packed barns. After earning a Masters degree, she wants to move back to Texas (preferably Stephenville) to find a job in the dairy industry working at something that involves being out on the farms and working with the producers.

In her spare time, Erika likes to make quilts, watch movies, and spend time with her family when she gets the chance.
  

Abby Barberg successfully completed her Masters defense on October 26th. The title: Compost dairy barns in Minnesota.

Professor Allen Levine, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was named Dean of CFANS effective November 13th.
   

Dr. Sally Noll (PI) has received an award of $28,700 from Iowa State University/Midwest Poultry Consortium, with matching dollars provided by Commodity Specialties Company. Title: Maximizing alternative protein ingredient use in market turkey diets. Period: 08/01/2006 - 07/31/2007.
  

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.

November 2006

15 - Turkey Media Day, UMore Park, Rosemount, MN. Contact: Sally Noll, 612-624-4928.

15-17 - National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference, Louisville, KY.

16-17 - Swine Nursery Management Workshop, West Central ROC, Morris. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

23-24 - Thanksgiving Holiday - the U is closed.

December 2006

4-7 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days.

5-6 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud Civic Center. Contact: Eir Garcia-Silva, MMPA, 320-203- 8336, or Jim Salfer, U of M Extension Service, 320-203-6093.

6 - Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable Steering Committee Meeting, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN (in conjunction with the Midwest Dairy Expo). Contact: Ed Frederick, 507-835-3422. - Open to the Public -

14-15 - Artificial Insemination in Swine Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

14-16 & 18-20 - Final Exams

25-26 - Christman Holiday - the U is closed.

January 2007

1 - New Year's Holiday - the U is closed.

3 - Southern ROC Winter Crops Day, Waseca and Lake Crystal, MN. For additional information, call the Southern ROC at 507-835-3620.

4 - Southern ROC Winter Crops Day, Kasson and Wykoff, MN. For additional information, call the Southern ROC at 507-835-3620.

5-19 - Minnesota Dairy Days-2007 (9 locations around the state).

15 - Martin Luther King Holiday - the U is closed.

16 - Spring Semester classes begin.

21-24 - 46th Annual National Mastitis Council Meeting, San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX. Contact: Anne Saeman, 608-848-4615.

24-26 - International Poultry Exposition, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA.

24-26 - College Student Career Program, held during the International Poultry Exposition, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA.

31 - I-29 Dairy Conference, Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Watertown, SD. Contact: Valerie Denison, SDSU 605-688-4116.

February 2007

1 - I-29 Dairy Conference, Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA. Contact: Valerie Denison, SDSU 605-688-4116.

8-9 - Swine Wean to Finish Management Workshop, West Central ROC, Waseca. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

10 - Horse Owner Education Day, College of Vet Med, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Kristi Martini Starzynski, 888-241-0719.

15-16 - Swine Wean to Finish Management Workshop, Southern ROC, Waseca. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

17 - Horse Owner Education Day, U of M Crookston Horse Facility, Crookston, MN. Contact: Kristi Martini Starzynski, 888-241-0719.

19 - Carver County Dairy Expo, Norwood-Young America, MN. Contact: Laura Torbert, 952-466-5300.

March 2007

10 - Horse Owner Education Day, Foley Intermediate School, Foley, MN. Contact: Kristi Martini Starzynski, 888-241-0719.

12-16 - Spring Break

13-15 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, St. Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN.

16 - Floating Holiday - the U is closed.

24 - Horse Owner Education Day, Cloquet Forestry Center, Cloquet, MN. Contact: Kristi Martini Starzynski, 888-241-0719.

May 2007

15-17 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 1-800-380-8636 or 612-624-3434.