AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

February 2012

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

Notes from the Department Head

It has been a very interesting winter so far. This January was one of the warmest on record and we are all hoping that this doesn’t mean we will be experiencing subzero temperatures in May. The spring semester is in full swing now and the campus is alive again with our students back from winter break taking on their classes.

Over the past few months, I have met with a number of constituency groups and almost universally I am asked about our Undergraduate Students. When I get this question, I like to tell them that we are currently the largest undergraduate major in the college. We have between 430-450 students enrolled with one third of them primarily interested in the livestock area and two thirds interested in the pre-veterinary area. This does not include students who are studying in other majors but are interested in animal science, take our courses, and participate in our many animal science student organizations. Our student clubs include the Gopher Dairy Club with approximately 100 students, the Block and Bridle Club with around 70, the Pre Vet Club with about 100, the Gopher Poultry Club with 15, and the Equestrian Team and Equine Club with around 50. These, along with our Dairy and Livestock judging teams, are very active and vibrant student organizations that add richness to the undergraduate experience and to our departmental and collegiate culture. Sometimes people are surprised to learn that we have many animals on campus and at Rosemount (only ~20 miles away) with around 150 dairy cattle right here and 500 beef cattle housed at Rosemount along with turkeys and sheep. Additionally we are exploring increasing the number of sows on campus for teaching, judging, and to provide students with more hands-on experiences. We have a very active Meats Lab, which not only produces great meat products for sale but importantly provides valuable opportunities for hands-on student experiences. In addition to all of this, we have many basic and applied research labs where undergraduates can work with some of the best scientists in the world.

It is a great time to be getting a degree in Animal Science and the Agricultural Sciences in general. A recent Georgetown study clearly indicates that agriculture majors are more likely to be employed during these tough economic times than many of those graduating in other fields. The U.S. Department of Labor in its Monthly Labor Review projects significant growth in jobs for those with degrees in Animal Science and Agriculture listing a 13.2% increase in jobs for Animal Scientists and a 33% increase for Veterinarians.

Recently the value of degrees in Agriculture has come into question when a Yahoo blogger posted an article entitled "College Majors That Are Useless", with agriculture topping the list. Our Dean, Al Levine, responded to this article (see Yahoo's 'College Majors That Are Useless'... Really?) along with hundreds of others refuting the validity of this assertion. The value of a degree in Animal Science and the Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences has never been higher. The need for talented, well-educated and motivated people in Agriculture is great and will become even more important as our global population soars from its current ~7 billion to over 9 billion in just a few decades. Who is going to produce the food, care for the land, and develop the food systems that will feed all these people?  It will be those with expertise in the science and business of Animal and Plant Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Sciences. Make no mistake. The future is bright for Agriculture and Animal Science. Students who graduate in Animal Science here at the University of Minnesota have a job or professional degree placement rate of 89 percent within a few months of graduation. It is clearly a great time to be an Animal Scientist.

Thanks for your interest and support. We look forward to working together to tackle the coming challenges and opportunities.
   

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo

Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo was born and raised in Mexico where his family operated a dual-purpose (beef and dairy) ranch.  This experience led Dr. DiCostanzo to focus his interest in the complex interactions between nutrition and reproduction in beef cows.

During his M.S. and Ph.D. programs at the University of Minnesota, Alfredo focused on factors affecting energy utilization, and mineral interactions leading to reproductive success in beef cows under the guidance of Dr. Jay C. Meiske. Alfredo then spent a year as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Missouri, Columbia. After that, he spent two years in Mexico where he taught several courses including biochemistry, beef cattle production, and statistical design. Alfredo also led the development of a student-based private consulting venture for beef and dairy operations there. 

Alfredo accepted his current position as Extension Animal Scientist in Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management with the Department of Animal Science in 1993. His programs focus on researching, developing and disseminating strategic nutrition and management interventions that enhance beef cattle production and economic efficiency. Alfredo has served as advisor or co-advisor to eleven M.S. and five Ph.D. students who obtained their degrees in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, and two Ph.D. students who obtained their degrees from UNESP-Botucatu, Brazil. 

Currently, Alfredo advises or co-advises two M.S. and three Ph.D. students. He manages the Department’s Beef Research and Education facility at UMore Park where a custom-feeding cattle operation provides a source of research animals and educational experiences for students, producers and allied industry professionals. Alfredo teaches two courses on beef cattle production and management in the fall, and one Feedlot Management Internship in the summer. His courses provide each student up to 400 hours of experiential learning to become adept at managing a livestock operation.

Each year, Alfredo participates in several national and international conferences on use of distillers grains, feedlot health management, facilities design and management, trends in production indexes in the beef industry, and structure and future of the beef industry. In addition, Dr. Grant Crawford (U of M Extension), Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo (a former graduate student now on staff at University of Florida), and Dr. DiCostanzo host a yearly tour of U.S. feedlots by nutrition consultants and feedlot operators from Argentina and Uruguay.

Alfredo has been married to his wife Elisa for 29 years. They have a son, Enzo, and a daughter, Araceli. Alfredo enjoys consuming good beef, beer and wine, and he likes to fish — both ice and open water.
  

News and Announcements

Hanson, McClelland, and Paulus to Record Seminars at FAIR Conference

Animal Science graduate students Andrea Hanson, Kaitlyn McClelland and Devan Paulus were invited to attend the 2012 Farm Animal Integrated Research Conference (FAIR) in March. The conference is March 4-7 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA. They applied for graduate student recorder positions and were accepted, which allows them to attend the conference free of charge. In return, they will record the proceedings of seminars presented at the conference.

The FAIR 2012 program is by invitation only to individuals who have an interest in farm animal production in the U.S. The main objective of the conference is to provide a national forum of leaders from many fields to discuss and establish consensus priorities for animal agriculture research, education and extension activities, which can then be used by federal research agencies, state agencies, and allied animal industry. A document is produced that can be used as a resource for policy makers and others with the common goal to improve and sustain animal agriculture. It is hoped that the document become a guide for furthering the enhancement of efficient and sustainable farm animal production systems in order to meet the increased global demand for food by 2050.

Above (L-R): Ph.D. students Andrea Hanson and Kaitlyn McClelland, and M.S. student Devan Paulus.
 

Students Participate in 2012 Midwest Dairy Challenge

The 2012 Midwest Dairy Challenge contest was held in St. Joseph, MO, January 31 to February 2, and hosted by Kansas State University. Eighty undergraduate students from 19 Midwest schools participated in the contest. U of M students included Jacob Achen, Emily Achen, Emily Krekelberg, Ashley Swenson, Theresa Twohey, and Joe Uter.

Working in five-person, mixed university teams, students assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and presented recommendations for improvement to a panel of judges. Students were given about two hours to visit and evaluate one of two dairies in the region.

After the farm visits, herd owners entertained questions from both students and judges about their farming operations. Armed with detailed production and financial records from the farms as well as their own observations, the participants developed a presentation about what they saw and made suggestions for improvement. The following day, teams were given 20 minutes to present their suggestions. A question and answer session followed, along with a critique of their presentation by a panel of judges.

Theresa Twohey was a member of a team that received a 1st place award and Emily Krekelberg, a 2nd place award. Coach Marcia Endres said, "All of the U of M students presented their portion of the presentation very well and I was very proud of them."

Congratulations to all six U of M students!
  

Dairy Team to Host First U of M Virtual Dairy Day

The Dairy Team will host the first ever U of M Virtual Dairy Day Seminar using ITV on March 7, 2012 (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). The event will be broadcast live to five locations throughout Minnesota. The locations along with contact information for local hosts are listed below.

ITV will provide an opportunity to deliver dairy programming simultaneously in multiple locations conveniently located for dairy producers and allied dairy industry, offer an opportunity for Q and A discussion around the state, and allow faculty with teaching appointments to engage with the Minnesota dairy industry during the academic semester.

Topics and speakers for the day include:

• Understanding Teat End Lesions - Dr. Jeremy Schefers, Veterinary Population Medicine
• Ventilating Pre-weaned Calf Facilities - Dr. Kevin Janni, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
• Creating an Economically Sustainable Dairy Business - Jim Salfer, U of M Extension
• Using Technology to Improve Reproductive Efficiency - Dr. Ricardo Chebel, Veterinary Population Medicine
• Strategies to Improve Forage Digestibility - Dr. Noah Litherland, Department of Animal Science

Presentations will be recorded and made available on the U of M Dairy Extension website.

Registration is $20 per person, which includes lunch and the 2012 U of M Dairy Research and Extension Update Proceedings with 17 articles from 22 authors. Pre-registration is not required. However, for meal planning purposes, please contact the local host at least 2 days in advance if you plan to attend.

LOCATIONS / LOCAL HOSTS

Fergus Falls, MN
Minnesota State Community & Tech College, 1414 College Way
Host: Jim Salfer, Phone: 320-203-6093, Email: salfe001@umn.edu  

Jordan, MN
SCALE Regional Training Facility, 17706 Valley View Drive
Host: Laura Kieser, Phone: 952-466-5300 or 952-492-5410, Email: torb0022@umn.edu  

Long Prairie, MN
Todd County Courthouse Annex, 119 Third Street South
Host: Randy Pepin, Phone: 320-732-4435, Email: pepin019@umn.edu  

Pipestone, MN
MN West Community & Technical College, 1314 North Hiawatha
Host: Jim Paulson, Phone: 507-536-6300, Email: jcp@umn.edu  

St. Cloud, MN
St. Cloud Technical & Community College, 1540 Northway Drive
Host: Craig Roerick, Phone: 320-255-6169, Email: roer0040@umn.edu
 

Poultry Day at the Capitol

Poultry Day at the Capitol will be on Tuesday, February 21. The day begins at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast and a legislative update. Poultry Day at the Capitol is a chance for members of the poultry industry to meet with legislators in small group settings and discuss issues that impact poultry and all of agriculture.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by February 10 to Matt Herdering (matt@minnesotaturkey.com). A block of rooms has been reserved at the nearby Best Western Kelly Inn, just ask for 'Minnesota Turkey'.
 

Beef Team Participates in 2011 MSCA Convention

U of M Beef Team members Jackie Popowski, Devan Paulus, Irene Ceconi, Jeff Jaderborg, Ryan Cox, Allen Bridges, Alfredo DiCostanzo, and Grant Crawford attended and participated in the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) annual convention and trade show December 1-3 at Jackpot Junction in Morton, MN. The MSCA convention is the annual gathering of Minnesota’s beef producers and allied industry that allows attendees the opportunity to socialize, network, and learn more about their industry.

The Beef Team and Meat Science shared research and extension information at the trade show and volunteered at the registration desk (Jeff Jaderborg and Jackie Popowski are shown in the photo at right working the registration desk).

In addition, Alfredo DiCostanzo served on the panel, “What Should I Know About Identifying and Source-Age Verifying Livestock”, and Grant Crawford served on the panel, “How Can Cattle and Ethanol Co-exist?”.

The Beef Team enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the many attendees at the convention and wish to thank the MSCA for facilitating a great event.

For more information on the Beef Team, please visit www.extension.umn.edu/beef or find the Beef Team on Facebook by searching for the University of Minnesota Beef Team.

Above: Alfredo DiCostanzo (right) in deep discussion with MSCA Executive Director Joe Martin (center) and Dale Lueck (left) during the convention.
  

Beef Team Hosts 2011 Cattle Feeder Days

The U of M Extension Beef Team held their annual Cattle Feeder Days program at four locations in southern Minnesota from December 5-8, 2011. Stops included Morris, Luverne, Tracy, and Rochester. Approximately 210 cattle feeders and allied industry representatives attended and heard presentations focused on utilizing tools and resources available to feedlot producers to maximize profits.

Cattle Feeder Day presenters included Chad Zehnder of Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, Jeremy Schefers from the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine, and Grant Crawford from the U of M Beef Team. Jackie Popowski from the Beef Team welcomed attendees and gave a brief update of Beef Team Extension programming.

The program included a feedlot facility management panel led by Alfredo DiCostanzo of the U of M Beef Team. Panelists included Sheri Bierman from Corn Belt Livestock Services, Evan Vermeer from Midwest PMS, Dave Kesteloot from Form-A-Feed, Chad Zehnder, Ted Gramm and Scott Rain from Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, Dan O’Connor from Big Gain Feeds, Jared Anez from Anez Consulting, and Carl Sackreiter from Pro Feeds.

Local coordinators for the programs included Rhonda Wulf in Morris, Grant Crawford in Luverne, Mike Boersma in Tracy, and Devan Paulus in Rochester. 

Thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors, speakers, panelists, and coordinators for making the 2011 Cattle Feeder Days a successful event. Stay tuned to the Beef Team website (www.extension.umn.edu/beef) or Facebook page for information on the 2012 Cattle Feeder Days and other Beef Team events.

  

Cattle Feeder Days attendees heard from speakers about resources for feedlot producers to maximize profits.
 

Beef Team Presents Research Results at Ag Expo

U of M Beef Team members Jackie Popowski, Devan Paulus, Jeff Jaderborg, Ryan Cox, Alfredo DiCostanzo, and Grant Crawford recently attended the 2012 Minnesota Ag Expo to present posters related to research funded by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Ag Expo is the annual convention of the MCGA and MSGA. This year's Expo was held January 22-24 at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, MN.

The Beef Team’s research posters covered such topics as concentrations and activity of antibiotic residue in distillers grains; the effect of distillers grains and soy glycerin on feedlot cattle performance and fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7; the effect of manganese oxide on feedlot performance when included in high-sulfur diets; the interaction between dietary roughage and sulfur concentrations in feedlot diets; and the effect of low-fat distillers grains on meat quality characteristics and consumer preference.

Attendance at Ag Expo allowed the Beef Team an opportunity to share their research discoveries and convey the impact of these findings to Minnesota’s corn and soybean farmers. The Beef Team wishes to thank the MSGA and MCGA for their invitation to participate in this event and looks forward to continued collaboration with these great organizations!

For more information on the Beef Team, please visit www.extension.umn.edu/beef or find the Beef Team on Facebook by searching for the University of Minnesota Beef Team.

Above (L-R): Andrea Hanson, Jackie Popowski, Devan Paulus and Alfredo DiCostanzo at the research fair during 2012 Ag Expo.
 

Above (L-R): Jackie Popowski, Grant Crawford and Devan Paulus pose with "Corny" at the Ag Expo.

Animal Science Students, Faculty, Staff Receive Invitation to Plant Breeding Symposium

The Applied Plant Science Graduate Student Association has extended an invitation to the students, faculty and staff of the Department of Animal Science for the 5th Annual U of M Plant Breeding Symposium "Riding the Data Wave: Utilization of Large Datasets in Plant Breeding" sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International. The symposium will be held in the Student Center's North Star Ballroom on the St. Paul Campus on Friday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m.

This event will provide the opportunity to connect with colleagues and hear about current research from some of the field's leading experts. This year's symposium promises to address many of the challenges researchers face when managing large datasets. New this year will be a graduate student poster session. Students wishing to submit a poster will need to provide a title and list of authors as part of the registration process.

Attendees are asked to pre-register for the event on the symposium website where a list of this year's presenters also can be found. For additional information, please contact Emily Combs or Brian Seda.
  

Retirement Reception for Dr. Jung

Dr. Hans Jung is retiring after 29 years as a Research Animal Scientist with USDA-ARS. Everyone is welcome to attend a Retirement Reception in honor of Dr. Jung on February 22, 2012, at 306 Borlaug Hall on the U of M St. Paul Campus. The reception will run 3:00-5:00 p.m. with a short program at 4:00.

You are encouraged to submit a letter or photograph(s), which will be compiled into a remembrance book for Hans. Contributions are also being accepted and will be used towards the purchase of a gift for Hans. Please send letters, photographs, and/or contributions by February 17 to:

Ginger Walker
411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

Questions may be directed to either Carroll Vance (612-625-5715) or Ginger Walker (612-624-0763). 
 

Heug-Harrison Fellowship

The Heug-Harrison Fellowship, established by Bill and Hella Mears Hueg, recognizes the student/mentor relationship that evolves during the pursuit of a graduate degree in production/applied agriculture. Graduate students in the Departments of Animal Science, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, Applied Economics, and Soil, Water, and Climate are eligible to apply.

The fellowship is awarded to students pursuing a Ph.D. or M.S. in production/applied agriculture in a field such as Dairy Herd Management, Farm Management, Soil Management, Crop Management, or Production Policy. Production agriculture can include research interests that are indirectly related to farm-level production, and both domestic and international research projects can be considered. Students must have completed at least one year in their degree program.

One student may be nominated by each department. A committee of Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will select the recipients. The amount of the awards varies yearly. Students are eligible to receive the award more than one year but not more than three years. The application should include: 1) Your personal statement including a description of your relationship with your mentor/advisor, and a description of your research, your interests, and your career goals (maximum of 2 pages). 2) A statement from your mentor/advisor describing your research and academic abilities and the mentoring relationship. The mentor/advisor should address the statement to the DGS of your program and send it directly to this person. 3) Transcript of graduate school grades (unofficial copy is acceptable). One copy of application materials should be sent to: Connie Hempstead, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, 235 Skok Hall, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108.

Deadline for application is March 23, 2012. Recipients will be notified by April 29.
  

Excellent Program Lined Up for Cow/Calf Days

Topics lined up for this year's Minnesota Cow/Calf Days include Pasture and Forage Management for Optimal Production by Minnesota NRCS grazing specialists; Using Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle by Dr. Zac Hall of Igenity, a division of Merial; Mineral Supplementation for Beef Production with Dr. Grant Crawford, U of M Extension, presenting at the southern locations and Dr. Jenny Jennings of Alltech presenting at the northern locations; Replacement Heifer Selection and Development by Dr. Allen Bridges, North Central ROC (southern locations only); and Dealing with Wolves and Wolf Damage by John Hart, USDA Wildlife Services (northern locations only). Additionally, the U of M Beef Team will present updates on current research.

The southern tour of Cow/Calf Days began on February 6 and runs through the 10th. The northern tour is February 14-17. All dates and locations are listed below along with phone numbers to call for pre-registration. Registration is only $20 per person and includes a meal and a proceedings booklet or CD. Pre-registration is preferred at least 1 week in advance. For more information, please contact Allen Bridges (218-327-4615) or visit the U of M Beef Center website.
 

SOUTHERN TOUR:

February 6 - Mora, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
Kanabec County Courthouse Meeting Room
Pre-registration: 320-732-4435

February 7 - Glenwood, MN (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Minnewaska House
Pre-registration: 320-231-7890

February 8 - Pipestone, MN (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Minnesota West Community & Tech College
Pre-registration: 218-463-0291

February 9 - Rochester, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
America's Best Value Inn
Pre-registration: 425-246-6131

February 10 - New Prague, MN (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
KC Hall
Pre-registration: 507-357-8230

NORTHERN TOUR:

February 14 - Staples, MN (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Central Lakes College
Pre-registration: 320-732-4435

February 14 - Bagley, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
American Legion
Pre-registration: 218-694-6151

February 15 - Lancaster, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
Old Community Center
Pre-registration: 218-463-0291

February 16 - Warroad, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
Patch Restaurant
Pre-registration: 218-463-0291

February 17 - Grand Rapids, MN (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
Itasca Community College
Pre-registration: 218-327-5958
 

Upcoming Equine Programs

The Draft Horse Owner Education Program, in collaboration with the American Shire Horse Association, is Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Leatherdale Equine Center on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Sessions include Legal Concerns for Draft Owners; Shivers and Other Inherited Diseases; Roaring; Draft Horse Nutrition; Draft Horse Confirmation; Marketing; Hay Selection; and Showing Draft Horses In-hand. Several sessions offer a hands-on component. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. There will be an optional Equine Center Tour at 4:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Please register on-line by February 15.

Four State Equine Business Conference will be held on Saturday, February 25, at four locations: Ames, IA, East Lansing, MI, Lincoln, NE, and St. Paul, MN at the U of M's Leatherdale Equine Center. The St. Paul program begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m. Four topics will be presented—one live and three remotely streaming at each location. See the program flyer for details. Registration is $30. Advance on-line registration is required.

A Lunch and Learn Webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 29, noon to 1:00 p.m. Dr. Anna Firshman will present Equine Rehabilitation Therapies. To join the webinar (no charge), log on to https://umconnect.umn.edu/rehab/ 10 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

Two Advanced Hands-on Evening Workshops are being held at the Leatherdale Equine Center on the U of M St. Paul Campus in March. Wound Management on March 8 will be presented by Erin Malone, Sheryl Ferguson and Kerry Kuhle. On March 15, Ration Balancing will be presented by Marcia Hathaway, Jennifer Earing, and Krishona Martinson. For the Ration Balancing workshop, participants will need to bring current hay analysis and feed tags for one horse they own or manage. Additional instructions will be sent after registration is received. Both workshops will run from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). The cost is $15 per workshop or $25 for both. Register on-line.

Questions? Please contact Krishona Martinson (612-625-6776 or krishona@umn.edu).
  

Opportunity to Engage High Schoolers at State FFA Convention

Each year more than 3,000 FFA members meet at the U of M for the annual State FFA Convention. Important components of the convention are informational and education workshop sessions for members. Presenting a workshop will give you the opportunity to engage high school students and help them learn about programs in CFANS.

The Minnesota FFA Association workshops topics are related to the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career pathways. These "pathways" include Agribusiness Systems, Animal Systems, Biotechnology Systems, Environmental Science Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Natural Resources Systems, Plant Systems, and Power, Structural and Technical Systems. The goal is to have each pathway represented. (Learn more about the pathways.)

Consider offering a workshop for the 83rd Annual Minnesota FFA Convention at the U of M on April 22-24, 2012. Workshop proposals are requested by Friday, February 17. Use the on-line Workshop Proposal Form.

Please contact Sarah Dornink (612-624-6256) or Mary Buschette (612-624-1745) with questions.
 

Walk For Animals!

The Animal Humane Society's (AHS) 38th Annual Walk For Animals, presented by Purina, will take place on May 5, 2012, with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. The Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. at the AHS Golden Valley facility (see address below), loops through Theodore Wirth Park, and ends back at the starting point.

The Walk raises funds for the AHS's five metro locations to provide care, food, shelter and, if needed, medical attention to homeless and neglected animals. Donations provide for coordination of animal-assisted therapy programs in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities, help to continue educational outreach efforts in schools, employ investigators to rescue animals from situations of abuse and neglect, and more.

Event activities include family-friendly entertainment and games, live music, food, and a pet contest. Sign up now for the Walk or make a pledge on the AHS website! Don't have a dog? You can still participate. Check out the options on the AHS website. Questions may be directed to the AHS at 763-522-4325 (general information) or 763-432-4842 (Walk for Animals event information).

Walk For Animals Location:
Animal Humane Society
845 Meadow Lane
Golden Valley, MN 55422
 

Updates on 2012 National Goat Expo

Goats of all breeds of dairy, meat and fiber will be attending and showing at the 2012 National Goat Expo in Des Moines, IA, on October 7-11, 2012. Additional meat, dairy and fiber breeds, such as Kiko, Spanish, Cashmere, Savanna, Nigora and Kinders, will be exhibited and showcased. Efforts are underway to locate Guernsey and Jamunapari breeders who have an interest in exhibiting and showcasing their goats. There may be a show for the Cashmere breed if the associations stir up enough interest, so keep a look out for additions to the show schedule.

There are many excellent educational seminars planned for the National Goat Expo. Speakers include Dr. Noah Litherland from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Steve Hart from Langston University, Dr. Leo Timms and Dr. Curtis Youngs from Iowa State University, Dr. Frank Pinkerton aka The Goat Man, and author Cheryl Smith, along with many more very knowledgeable speakers. The seminars will begin Sunday, October 7 and continue through Thursday, October 11.

Seminars will cover topics on nutrition, breeding and genetics, livestock guardian dogs and training, fecal clinic, marketing, goat assurance, diseases, shearing, weaving, knitting, spinning, and much more. A packet of information on signing up for seminars will be on-line soon. "Pack Goat Demonstrations", which will be given a few times during the week, have recently been added to the demonstration schedule. The current schedule (subject to change) is posted on the National Goat Expo website.

The week will be packed full of showing for all meat, dairy and fiber breeds, except for those that are being showcased. However, breeds being showcased will be voted on and the highest number of votes for the best buck and best doe will enter the Supreme Champion show on Thursday for their chance to win the Supreme Overall Dairy, Meat, or Fiber Champion and Reserve Champion. Showing will begin Sunday, October 7, with 4-H and FFA shows and activities. The NDGA National Show will be on Sunday as well. On Monday (October 8), the NDGA will have two more shows. International BGA will be having their Regional Show on Tuesday (October 9). Breed whos will be held Sunday through Thursday. A complete list of the shows will be posted on the website. Some shows are currently being moved around and the new tentative schedule will be posted in a few weeks. The final schedule will be available on-line by the end of February, and show packets will be posted at the end of February.

Vendors attending the trade show will have everything goat-related. Current vendors include NDGA, Premier 1 Supplies, Hoegger, Sydell, Rock Farms, AKGA, USBGA, MDGA, TMGR, and many more. As vendors are added to the trade show, they will be posted on-line, so please visit the website frequently for up-to-date information.

There are many opportunities for sponsorship. For information on becoming a sponsor or a vendor at the National Goat Expo, please contact Jen Parrish or visit the National Dairy Goat Expo website.
  

Graduate Student Profile

Zachary Sawall

Zachary Sawall completed his undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota in the spring of 2011. He is currently a first year graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in ruminant nutrition under the advisement of Dr. Noah Litherland. Zach is studying the effects of high and low starch in pre- and post-partum dairy rations as well as the effects of adding propionibacteria.

Zach grew up on a 180-cow dairy in Clintonville, WI, where his interest in dairy was stimulated. In his spare time, Zach can be found spending time with his wife Sandra, going to dairy shows, visiting dairy farms, and hunting.
 

Congratulations!

Jeff Reneau has been blessed with another grandson. Henry Warren Reneau was 8 pounds/10 ounces when he was born on January 17, 2012. The proud parents are Paul (Jeff's 3rd son) and his wife Kari. See photo of Henry.
  

Recent Grants

Co-PIs: Grant Crawford, U of M Extension, and Alfredo DiCostanzo, Department of Animal Science
Title: Effect of Levucell SC in beef cattle growing diets
Amount: $10,000
Funded by: Lallemand Animal Nutrition

Co-PIs: Grant Crawford, U of M Extension, and Alfredo DiCostanzo, Department of Animal Science
Title: Effect of Levucell SC on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics
Amount: $55,600
Funded by: Lallemand Animal Nutrition

Krishona Martinson (PI), Department of Animal Science); Julie Wilson, Turner Wilson Equine Consulting; Jennifer Selvig, Cleary Lake Veterinary Clinic; and Dennis Sigler, Texas A & M
Title: Reasons, costs, and solutions for unwanted horses in the Upper Midwest and Texas
Amount: $77,078
Sponsor: Morris Animal Foundation
Period: 3/2012-2/2013
     

Calendar of Events

- February 2012 -

1 - U of M Legislative Briefing, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis. Register by January 24.

1 - Dairy Management Workshops, Rochester International Event Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: Minnesota Milk Producers.763-355-9697.

1-4 - 114th Annual Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen's Beef Association Trade Show, Nashville, TN.

6 - Tour de Forage, Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn South), Rochester, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

6-10 - 2012 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days - SOUTHERN TOUR (see brochure for details). Contact: Allen Bridges, 218-327-4615.

7 - Tour de Forage, Southwest Research & Outreach Center, Lamberton, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

7-March 13 - Annie's Project (6 weekly classes held on Tuesdays), Extension & Conservation Center, Jordan, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5386 or 952-466-5306.

8 - Tour de Forage, Greenwald Pub, Greenwald, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

8-9 - 7th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Contacts: J.W. Schroeder (program chair), NDSU, 701-231-7663; Alvaro Garcia (sponsorship), SDSU, 605-688-5488.

9 - Tour de Forage, Cromwell Pavilion, Cromwell, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888. 

14-17 - 2012 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days - NORTHERN TOUR (see brochure for details). Contact: Allen Bridges, 218-327-4615.

14-18 - 66th Annual National Meat Association Convention, Hilton Tucson El Conquiastador Resort, Tucson, AZ.

15-18 - National Turkey Federation Annual Convention, Tampa, FL. Contact: Jen Zukowski, 202-898-0100.

15-19 - California Dairy Tour. Contact: Minnesota Milk, 877-577-0741.

18 - Draft Horse Owner Education, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Register by February 15. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

19-21 - 2012 Meat Conference, Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL.

20 - 20th Annual Carver County / U of M Extension Dairy Expo & Trade Show, Central High School, Norwood Young America, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5386 or 952-466-5306.

21 - Poultry Day at the Capitol, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Matt Herdering.

23 - U of M Job & Internship Fair (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), Minneapolis Convention Center. Pre-register on-line by February 20 for $10, or pay $25 at the door.

23-24 - HACCP, Sanitation and Auditing Workshop, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Ryan Cox, 612-624-3063.

25 - Four State Equine Business Conference, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Visit the U of M Horse Extension website for more information. On-line registration.

29 - Equine Lunch and Learn Webinar "Rehabilitation Therapies" (noon-1:00 p.m.). Log-on 10 minutes prior to start of webinar. No charge. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

- March 2012 -

6-9 - 30th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.

7 - U of M Virtual Dairy Day via ITV. Broadcast live to 5 Minnesota locations: Fergus Falls, Jordan, Long Prairie, Pipestone, and St. Cloud. Contacts: Noah Litherland (612-624-6789) or Marcia Endres (612-624-5391).

8 & 15 - Advanced Hands-on Evening Workshops (2 workshops, both 6:00-8:30 p.m.; $15 each or $25 for both), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. March 8- Wound Management; March 15- Ration Balancing. Register on-line. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

9 - 5th Annual U of M Plant Breeding Symposium (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Campus Student Center. Contact: Emily Combs or Brian Seda.

7 - PQAPlus Advisor Training (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), MN Pork Board Office, Mankato, MN. Contact: Lee Johnston, 320-589-1711.

13-15 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Lara Durben, 763-682-2171. 

16 - Floating Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed).

23 - CFANS Annual Undergraduate Education Event "Engaging the Vision: In our Classrooms and our Community" (11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), U of M St. Paul Campus Student Center.

- April 2012 -

20 - U of M Alumni Association Annual Celebration, TCF Bank Stadium on the U of M Mpls Campus.

22-24 - 83rd Annual Minnesota FFA Convention at the U of M.

30-May 3 - American Meat Institute's International Meat, Poultry and Seafood Exposition, Convention Center, Dallas. TX. 

- May 2012 -

5 - Animal Humane Society's Walk For Animals, 845 Meadow Lane, Golden Valley, MN. Contact: Animal Humane Society, 763-522-4325 (general information) or 763-432-4842 (event information).

17-18 - HACCP, Sanitation and Auditing Workshop, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Ryan Cox, 612-624-3063.

22-24 - 2012 Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Minneapolis Airport Marriott, Bloomington, MN. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 800-380-8636. 

- June 2012 -

20-22 - MTGA Summer Meeting, Hampton Inn & Suites, Bemidji, MN. Contact: Lara Durben, 763-682-2171.

- July 2012 -

13 - Summer Center Day at the West Central ROC (7:30 a.m.-noon), Morris, MN. Contact: Lee Johnston, 320-589-1711.