AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

April 2008

Notes from the Department Head  |  News & Announcements  |  Graduate Student Profile  |  Congratulations
Recent Grants  |  Calendar of Events  |  Animal Science Seminars  |  External Employment Opportunities

Agriculture — Fulfilling an Essential Need

In these challenging economic times, it is good to be essential to the world. The first quarter of 2008 has been filled with bad economic news. Stock markets are down, the dollar continues to weaken against foreign currency, energy costs continue to increase, food costs are increasing, and unemployment numbers are rising. For livestock producers, input costs are increasing while prices received for animals and animal products are declining. How long will the bad economic news, or this down turn in the economy, last? Are we in the beginning of a recession? I don’t have answers to these questions, but only an observation that it is good to be in agriculture during these times.

The agriculture industry, which is really the food industry, supplies an essential need of people. No matter how tight budgets get, people still have to eat. People can stop buying iPods, automobiles and boats, or going to concerts and sporting events, but they still have to buy food and eat. Food purchases may shift from eating out to more stay-at-home meals. There may also be a shift from purchasing premium expensive branded items to purchasing more generic and lower priced animal products. The bottom line is people still have to eat. Food purchases will continue. Agriculture is essential to the world.

This basic essential need of humans to consume food means employment opportunities in agriculture will continue to exist. Unlike other non-essential areas, a down turned economy doesn’t translate into a reduction in production, processing and distribution of food. As a nation, we must continue producing a bountiful, safe and wholesome supply of food. We need to continue seeking more efficient ways of increasing food production through uses of technology and new practices, but also sustain the environment and natural resources that have allowed for current production levels.

Our graduates entering the many occupations in agriculture have an exciting and rewarding future ahead of them as they pursue the challenge of producing and providing the essential food for our nation and the world. We wish them all the best and thank them for choosing the University of Minnesota to be a partner in their education. 
  

Minnesota Nutrition Conference Set For September 16-17, 2008

Mark your calendars for the 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference scheduled for September 16 and 17. The conference will be held at a new location this year — the Holiday Inn in Owatonna, MN. In addition, the registration fee has been reduced this year. Pre-registration will be $195.00 ($230.00 after September 1st). The fee will be $100.00 for students who are not associated with the Department of Animal Science at the U of M. A copy of the conference proceedings, two lunches and all breaks are covered in the registration fee.

The Minnesota Nutrition Conference, presented by the Department of Animal Science and U of M Extension, provides a forum for feed industry professionals to update their knowledge of beef, dairy, poultry and swine nutrition. Speakers from throughout North America bring the latest concepts in livestock feeding to the Upper Midwest. Conference highlights include U of M Research Updates and sessions on ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition.

The program agenda is still in the planning stages so watch the Minnesota Nutrition Conference website for updates.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lee Johnston (320-589-1711) or John Goihl (800-322-0437).
  

U of M Wins Top Award at North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge took place April 4 and 5, 2008, in Madison, WI. The event was hosted by the University of Wisconsin and supported financially by industry sponsors. The Dairy Challenge is an innovative 2-day competition for students representing dairy science programs at North American universities. The teams evaluate a commercial dairy operation and then make management recommendations to a panel of judges. After visiting the dairy in the morning, they have only one afternoon to develop their farm analysis and prepare a PowerPoint presentation with their recommendations. The following day, they present their recommendations to a panel of judges and field questions from the judges.

Competition award levels are Platinum, Gold and Silver, in that order. This year there were 32 teams representing universities from coast to coast and Canada. The team from Minnesota consisted of Animal Science students Melisa Bauer, Amber Hazel, Matthew Rosenfeld, and Evan Van Beusekom. Dr. Marcia Endres served as their coach.

The team worked very well together and gave a very professional presentation. Team members described the contest as a great learning experience that helped them improve their dairy diagnostic skills while working in a team based environment. They came back home with a first place Platinum award.

Congratulations team!    

Above, back row (L-R): Matthew Rosenfeld, coach Marcia Endres, Evan Van Beusekom;
front row (L-R): Melisa Bauer and Amber Hazel.
      

U of M Students Provide Leadership for MN Junior Holstein Association

The Minnesota Junior Holstein Association held their annual meeting over the weekend of March 28-30 at the Victoria Inn in Hutchinson, MN. Lana Olson, a senior majoring in Animal Science at the U of M, held the office of President for the past year. Dr. Les Hansen attended the meeting to serve as judge for the senior dairy bowl competition. New officers and directors for 2008-09 were elected and announced at the conclusion of the annual meeting.

• President - Jessica Achen, sophomore, Animal Science
• Vice President - Molly Neil, sophomore, Agricultural Education
• Secretary - Megan Herberg, freshman, Animal Science
• Treasurer - Elizabeth Olson, new student next fall, Animal Science
• Reporter - Emily Achen, new student next fall, Animal Science
• Historian - Mike Donnelly, freshman, Animal Science
• Director - Abby Udermann, freshman, Animal Science
• Director - Jacob Achen
• Director - A.J. Neil
• Director - Heidi Scapanski

Minnesota Competes at National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest

Minnesota participated in the 61st U.S. Poultry and Egg Association National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest in Baton Rouge, LA, April 2-4. This is only the third year that Minnesota has participated in this contest (photos from previous participating teams are posted on our website). Considering we were competing against Universities with a long history of competing in this contest, Minnesota did very well. This year there were 14 teams with a total of 54 students.

The Minnesota team members included Anika Hansen, an Animal Science major from Utah who will be graduating this May; Ashley Lucht, an Animal Science major from Braham, MN; and Nancy Warfield, an Animal Science major from Elk River, MN. The team was coached by Dr. Jacquie Jacob.

Team photo at left (L-R): Anika Hansen, Ashley Lucht, Nancy Warfield and Jacquie Jacob (coach).

The poultry judging contest consists of three parts – Production Judging, Breed Selection, and Market Products judging. In the Production Judging division the students are required to evaluate three classes of past production hens and two rings of ready-to-lay pullets. The five birds in each of the three past production classes are evaluated and placed in order of their estimated past egg production. Bleaching of the pigment in the originally yellow skin is used as an indicator of the level of egg production of a hen. The five birds in the pullet class are placed in order of their estimated future production. Factors considered in placing these two rings are vigor, size and skeletal development, sexual maturity, body conformation, handling qualities, and pigmentation.

In the Breed Selection division, the students are required to evaluate classes of meat-type breeding females and males at 10 and 24 weeks of age for their potential as future broiler breeders. They look at meat conformation and freedom from defects. In a fifth class in this division, the students evaluate a ring of 10 birds of different breeds, examining the birds for the presence of disqualifications and breed characteristics, which might disqualify them according to the American Standard of Perfection. 

In the Market Products division, the students grade classes of eggs for exterior quality, interior quality and broken out quality. They also evaluate a class of ready-to-cook (RTC) carcasses.

In the Production division, which gave the team the most difficulty, Minnesota placed 12th out of 14. In individual rankings, Anika was 42nd, Ashley was 44th, and Nancy was 47th. In the Breed Selection Division, Minnesota placed 11th. Individually, Nancy was 28th, Ashley was 44th, and Anika was 50th.  In the Market Products class, Minnesota placed 10th. Nancy was 20th, Ashley was 41st, and Anika was 47th. Overall, Minnesota placed 11th. Nancy was 34th, Ashley was 42nd, and Anika was 46th.

Nancy Warfield evaluating a broiler breeder.

Ashley Lucht grading broken out eggs. 

Anika Hansen grading RTC chicken carcasses.

Comments from U of M Poultry Judging Team members:

"The National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest in Baton Rouge, LA was one of the most memorable experiences I have had thus far in my college career. Not only was I given the chance to meet a variety of students from around the nation, but I also developed a strong connection and friendship with our own U of M team. This was an amazing opportunity to learn in the classroom setting and then to further apply that knowledge in a competitive atmosphere like that at LSU. This trip definitely reinforced my interest in poultry science and allowed me to meet others with the same interests. I am very appreciative of this wonderful experience and I give my sincerest thanks to Jacquie and also to the U of M for sponsoring this trip."  
     — Nancy Warfield

"The Poultry Judging class was an amazing experience and allowed me the opportunity to expand my horizons in the poultry area of Animal Science. The National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest in Baton Rouge, LA gave me an entirely new perspective of southern culture along with meeting other poultry students from different areas of the U.S. The experiences I’ve had over this spring semester at the U of M have been the most unforgettable times of my college career. Not only did I get to bond with my classmates – and learned a lot during that time – but had the most memorable college-based trip ever."  
     — Ashley Lucht

"The National Poultry Judging competition in Baton Rouge was a fantastic opportunity and one of the most memorable college experiences. Not only did I learn an exceptional amount about the poultry industry, but I got to see and experience the southern culture of Louisiana. I am grateful in having had the opportunity to take part in this unique experience."   
     — Anika Hansen

Jacob to Receive Honorary FFA State Degree

Dr. Jacqueline Jacob, Assistant Professor of Poultry Science and Poultry Youth Programs, will receive the Honorary FFA State Degree at the upcoming 2008 Minnesota FFA Convention. A ceremony will be held Monday, April 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Northrop Auditorium on the U of M Minneapolis Campus.

Jacquie's notification letter from Minnesota FFA stated, "Your leadership involvement in agriculture education and FFA has been valuable to the success of many individuals and programs.  It is because of your dedicated service that you have been selected for this honor. It is my hope that this token of appreciation will serve as a 'Thank you' for your leadership in advancing the opportunities of agriculture for young people."

Congratulations, Jacquie!
  

New Biodiesel Feeds Website

Jerry Shurson has developed a new website for the Department of Animal Science to provide current and comprehensive information about utilizing glycerine in animal and poultry feeds. The Biodiesel Feeds website has only recently been launched to give Animal Science researchers at the U of M, and their collaborators, a medium to present new research evaluating crude glycerine as a feed for livestock and poultry.

The website was designed by Rachel Lam in CFANS and will be maintained by Bonnie Rae, Animal Science.
 

Swine Group Wins NPB Research Innovation Award

The Department of Animal Science Swine group won the 2008 National Pork Board (NPB) Research Innovation Award for Guowu Xu's Ph.D. research on distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and pork fat quality. The award was presented at the Midwest ASAS/ADSA meeting in Des Moines, IA, in March. This is the 2nd year in a row that our Swine group has won that award!

Xu completed his Ph.D. in 2007 and is now working at Midwest Ag Enterprises, Inc. in Marshall, MN.
  

Your Ideas Are Important — Share Them at Ag Research, Education and Extension Sessions

Make plans to share your views at one of the 3 sessions on the future needs of agricultural research, education and Extension. Informa Economics, Inc. is developing a strategic plan for agricultural research, education and Extension at the U of M and is holding 3 sessions meant specifically to gather ideas from U of M faculty, staff and students.

The sessions are:

• April 16, 3:30 p.m. - Room 365 Haecker Hall
• April 17, 8:30 a.m. - Room 306 Borlaug Hall
• April 17, 2:00 p.m. - Room 105 Cargill Bldg

To view the 2:00 p.m. session on April 17 via the Internet, go to: https://umconnect.umn.edu/informaagstrategicstudylisteningsession/

The Informa Economics effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in cooperation with the deans of CFANS, Extension and CVM.
  

Reception to Honor Foster

The Department of Animal Science is hosting a reception honoring Dr. Doug Foster as a recipient of the 2007-08 Postbaccalaureate, Graduate and Professional Education Award, and his induction into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. The reception will be held Thursday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. in Room 365 Haecker Hall.

Congratulations, Doug!
  

MLBA Honors Hall of Fame Inductees

The Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association (MLBA) held their 112th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at Farmamerica in Waseca, MN on March 13th. The 2008 inductees to the Livestock Hall of Fame were honored at the banquet.

Ronald Eustice, Executive Director of the Minnesota Beef Council since 1990, was recognized for his contributions to agriculture and food production, most specifically for his efforts to improve the safety of ground beef by promoting irradiation, and conducting educational seminars and conferences on the effectiveness of irradiation technology.

Gary Morrison of Osakis, MN is a successful Registered Holstein breeder who, since 1964, has bred 76 cows that the Holstein Association classified as 'Excellent'. In addition, his herd classification average consistently ranked in the top 40 in the U.S.

Farming since 1968, David and Kathy Skiba of North Branch, MN currently milk a herd of 140 Registered Jerseys and raise all of their youngstock. Their herd has won numerous local, state and national awards, and last year one of their heifers was named All American Fall Yearling of 2007 at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.

The photographs of the new inductees have been hung in the Livestock Hall of Fame, located on the main floor of Haecker Hall on the U of M St. Paul Campus.
 

MN DHIA Held Annual Meeting on St. Paul Campus

District delegates of the Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) convened in Haecker Hall on the morning of Wednesday, March 19 for their annual meeting. The business meeting was held in the morning and, following lunch, the delegates and state DHIA board of directors toured the St. Paul dairy facility. The group presented its Distinguished Service Award to long-time U of M Extension veterinarian Ralph Farnsworth.
 

CFANS Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion Award: Nominations Due April 28

Last year the College announced the first annual CFANS Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion Award. This year they are offering one award to faculty and one award to staff who are currently employed by the College. Each award will be acknowledged with a plaque and a $2,000 stipend.

The Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes key accomplishments and innovation in achieving and sustaining diversity and inclusion efforts within CFANS personnel, policies, programs, environment, climate and constituencies.

You are invited to nominate members of our community who are deserving of this recognition. The application deadline is April 28, 2008. See nomination information for eligibility, nomination format, etc.
  

Register for Gopher Dairy Camp by May 16

The deadline to register for the 5th Annual Gopher Dairy Camp is May 16th. This 3-day workshop, held on the U of M St. Paul Campus, is for teens who have completed the 6th grade but not yet started the 12th grade.

The Gopher Dairy Camp gives participants the opportunity to develop and practice dairy cattle project skills and have fun too. Dairy judging workshops, show ring preparation techniques, fitting demonstrations and group fitting, showmanship fundamentals, and dairy cattle judging are just a few of the activities on the agenda. For a complete schedule and registration information, see the Gopher Dairy Camp website. Questions may be directed to Brad Heins (612-625-9294).

The Gopher Dairy Camp is sponsored by the U of M Gopher Dairy Club and the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Committee.
  

NPFDA Scholarship Deadline is May 31

The National Poultry and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) is offering scholarships in the amount of $1,500 to junior and senior students in agricultural and food science related degrees. The application deadline is May 31, 2008. Click the link for more details and application materials.
  

Golf Scramble for Scholarships

The Golf Scramble for Scholarships, organized by the CFANS Alumni Society, will be held at the Les Bolstad U of M Golf Course on Monday, July 7. The tournament, which helps raise scholarship funds for new students attending CFANS, will begin with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. followed by a light meal and an awards presentation.

Over the past 4 years, the Golf Scramble has raised more than $50,000. With your support, we can continue to provide more scholarships to deserving students.
 

Our Condolences

Ann Jordan died as a result of a scuba diving accident in Hawaii on March 23, 2008. Ann was the widow of Animal Science Professor Emeritus Robert Jordan who passed away in December 2003. A memorial service "life celebration" is being held on April 10th at the United Methodist Church in Stillwater, MN.

Howard I. Nelson, father of Animal Science meat lab supervisor Peter Nelson, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2008, at his home in Lindstrom, MN. He was 95. Howard owned and operated the Community Market in Lindstrom for over 40 years. He was very active in civic organizations and activities including city councilman, mayor, volunteer firefighter and fire chief. In addition, Howard served on the Minnesota House of Representatives (1958-1960) and the Minnesota State Senate (1962-1970). While serving on the state legislature, he was instrumental in gaining support for a meat lab at U of M. Howard is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Carol, Marcia and Kristine; sons, Peter and George; 9 grandchildren; 2 sisters; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jerome S. Seykora, Dr. Tony Seykora's father, passed away in Owatonna, MN on March 27, 2008. Jerome worked on the family farm and for Haberman's construction before marrying. The couple took over the family farm from Jerome's father and raised 8 children. Over the years he was a 4-H leader, served on the Somerset Township Board, and was a DeKalb seed dealer. He retired from farming in 1977 but continued to keep an interest in the business. Jerome will always be remembered as a true farmer. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Delores, 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers, 6 sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Jerome was preceded in death by his son, Mark (1960), a brother, Meinard, 1 sister-in-law, and 3 brothers-in-law.  
  

Chaitanya Kishore Jana

I am Chaitanya Kishore Jana, pursuing my Masters in Animal Science and working with Dr. Sally Noll on Turkey Nutrition. I received my Bachelors in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc and A.H.) and Masters (M.V.Sc) in Veterinary Pathology from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India.

I worked with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, in the Animal Husbandry Department as a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon for four years. For my Masters, I worked on aflatoxicosis and tested the ability of a compound, mannon oligosaccharide, to counteract its deleterious effects on broiler chickens. During my tenure as a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, I dealt with sheep, goats, buffalo, and broiler chickens to some extent.

My hobbies include playing table tennis, and watching cricket and movies. My goal, at present, is to earn my Masters degree here in the U of M with flying colors and acquire a job in the industry to prove myself.
  

Kim Reno is back! Kim became our new Student Personnel Coordinator on March 31st. As many of you know, Kim is no stranger to the Department of Animal Science. Please stop by by Room 305 Haecker Hall to welcome her back.

As of March 27th, Jennifer Welsh is no longer with the Department of Animal Science. Jennifer accepted a position with CFANS as a Graduate Program Coordinator. She is now officed in the Department of Forestry Resources in Green Hall.
  

No new grants to report.
 

- April 2008 -

1-3 - Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) National Conference, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: DCHA at 636-449-5077 or Dr. Hugh Chester-Jones at 507-837-5618.

2-3 - 2008 Dairy Policy Conference and Dairy Directors Leadership Conference, Radisson Hotel, LaCrosse, WI. Contact: David Ward, 608-258-4414.

8 - 10th Annual Women's Agricultural Leadership Conference, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN. Contact: Doris Mold, 715-822-6347. Online registration.

13 - Block & Bridle Annual Swine Sale (2:00 p.m.), Livestock Arena, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contacts: Kyle Compart, 507-676-1237; Katie Church, 651-271-6463; Colby Lind, 507-450-8303; Ben Storm, 507-273-5562; Matt Pearson, 320-221-1086; Evan Dee, 651-210-4812.

27-29 - 79th Minnesota FFA State Convention, U of M St. Paul Campus.

- May 2008 -

4 - 2008 CFANS Senior Salute on the St. Croix River (5:00-8:00 p.m.). For more information, contact Todd Selvik or Darren Lochner.

6 - PorkCast "Introduction to Farm Estate Planning and Transfer. Webcast program via the Internet (1:00 p.m.). For more information contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

7 - SowBridge "Proper Handling of Sows". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.). For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

11 - CFANS Commencement Ceremony (2:00-4:00 p.m.), Northrop Auditorium, U of M Minneapolis Campus.

17 - End of Spring Semester.

20-22 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Continuing Education and Conference Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 612-624-3434.

26 - Memorial Day holiday - the U of M Twin Cities is closed.

27 - May Session begins.

29 - PorkBridge "Large Group Pens and AutoSort Technology". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.). For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

- June 2008 -

4 - SowBridge "Reducing Pre-Wean Mortality". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.). For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

11-12 - 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Grand Harbor Conference Center, Dubuque, IA. Contact: Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093.

16 - Summer Session begins.

- July 2008 -

2 - SowBridge "Feeding Management in Lactation". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.). For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

4 - Independence Day holiday - the U of M Twin Cities is closed.

12-14 - 5th Annual Gopher Dairy Camp, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact Brad Heins, 612-625-9294.

31-Aug 1 - Swine Breeding and Gestation Training Course, Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca, MN. For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

- August 2008 -

1-2 - GrazeFest Minnesota, Verndale, MN. Contact: Anne Borgendale, Sustainable Farming Association of MN, 320-226-6318.

6 - SowBridge "Managing Gilts for Productivity and Longevity". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.) For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

7 - PorkBridge "Properly Walking Pens and Observing Pigs". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.) For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

8 - Swine Farrowing Training Course (presented in spanish), St. James, MN. For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

22-Sep 1 - Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN.

- September 2008 -

1 - Labor Day holiday - the U of M Twin Cities is closed.

2 - Fall Semester begins.

3 - SowBridge "Preventative Maintenance of Equipment". Remote program via phone and computer (noon and 7:00 p.m.) For more information, contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

16-17 - 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference - NEW LOCATION: Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. For more information, contact Lee Johnston (320-589-1711) or John Goihl (800-322-0437).

20-23 -Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 612-624-3434.