AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

January 2008

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

Technology in Animal Production

The animal agriculture industry was confronted with several issues in 2007 ranging from high feed costs, challenges over best methods to raise and care for animals, meat recalls, and the shunning of technology. Two thousand and eight will not see any of these issues go away, and there will be additional challenges from renewable and biofuels, a depressed dollar on world markets and changing consumer trends. However, in spite of it all, we in America are very fortunate to have the most abundant, safest and affordable food supply of animal products anywhere in the world.

We have been able to achieve the world’s best food production system through the discovery, development and application of technology. Every aspect of animal food production has been touched by technology from genetic seed stock to production systems on through to the processing and final form of the food consumed. Technology improves the efficiency of meat, milk or egg production requiring less grain and/or forage input to produce a unit of animal product. Less land and natural resources are needed to produce a unit of animal product using technology than without it. In ruminants, green house gas (methane) emission is lower per unit of animal product produced when growth hormones or ionophores are included as a part of best production practices. Yet, with all the benefits technology has provided, there are a number of people who believe technology should not be used in animal production.

Technologies such as antibiotics, growth hormones and the soon to be approved cloning of animals used in the raising and production of meat, dairy and poultry all must undergo a very rigorous approval process through the Food and Drug Administration before they are allowed to be used. The science is clear. There are no food safety issues associated with the use of these and other approved technologies in animal production. To imply products from animals raised without the use of technology are healthier, safer or different from products produced with approved technologies is misleading. Unfortunately, there are entities in society who want us to believe differently and limit product choices for their own personal or corporate gains. Choices and options on animal products produced with and without the use of technologies should be available. However, let the choice or option be made on support of a production method and the affordability of the product and not on false pretenses of differences in product safety or wholesomeness. As a collective animal industry, methods and technologies used to produce animal products may vary, but the goal of producing safe and nutritious food products is unified. As researchers and educators in animal science, our responsibility is to discover and develop production systems, methodologies and technologies that produce the safest, most abundant wholesome food supply to feed the world for generations to come.
  

Impacts of Ethanol on Cattle Feeding Addressed at 2007 MN Cattle Feeder Days
Source: Grant Crawford and Alfredo DiCostanzo, U of M Beef Team

The 2007 Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days were held December 3-6 in Luverne, Morris, Slayton, Lamberton and Rochester with the theme “Impacts of Ethanol Processing on Cattle Feeding”. These meetings attracted approximately 250 cattle feeders and cattle industry representatives from Minnesota and surrounding states.

Meeting participants were treated to a program that included presentations on Managing Sulfur Intake in Feedlot Diets by Grant Crawford of the U of M Beef Team; Formulating Diets to Meet Rumen Undegradable and Metabolizable Protein Fractions by Alfredo DiCostanzo of the U of M Beef Team; Strategies to Reduce Respiratory Disease in the Feedlot by John Rodgers and Jon Seeger of Pfizer Animal Health; and Economic Impacts of Ethanol on the Beef and Meat Industry by Lori Schott and Mike Boersma of the U of M Beef Team. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture also gave a brief update on Livestock Development, Siting and Permitting in Minnesota, and representatives from the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association presented information regarding the Cattle and Dairy EQA Program.

In addition to learning from and interacting with the speakers, attendees were also treated to a meal and were able to meet with the program sponsors regarding products to enhance their feedlot operation. 

Thank you to all of the attendees and sponsors who participated in this year’s Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days. Proceedings from the meeting will soon be available on the Beef Center website at www.extension.umn.edu/beef. Please check our website for updates regarding the dates, locations and topics for the 2008 Cattle Feeder Days.
 

Graduate Program Awarded Block Grant Funds

The Department is pleased to announce that the Animal Sciences graduate program was awarded a three-year allotment by the U of M Graduate School as part of their Block Grant funding arrangement with University graduate programs. At the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee, the Animal Sciences program plans to use the money in conjunction with other funds to award an assistantship to a top Ph.D. applicant.

The process is a competitive one; there is no guarantee when submitting a request for funding that it will be awarded. The Department extends its thanks to Director of Graduate Studies Doug Foster for his efforts in making this year’s application a success. Assisting him were Graduate Program Coordinator Jennifer Welsh, Department Administrative Director Dana Souther, and Department Head Jim Linn.
  

2nd Annual Research Day a Big Success

The Department of Animal Science held its 2nd Annual Research Day on Thursday, December 18th. It was big success thanks to strong participation from our researchers and our research sponsors. 

As with last year’s event, the Department of Animal Science hosted an open house to recognize sponsors of our research and to display posters from professional meetings attended during the past year. This year we had over 30 posters on display in Haecker Hall. With the responsible authors present to answer questions, graduate students, faculty and industry representatives in attendance were given an opportunity to learn more about the research taking place right here in the Department.

While posters representing departmental research of all kinds were on display, the Department featured swine-related research at this year’s event, which coincided with the Minnesota Swine Center’s annual meeting. Representing some of our research sponsors in this area, and speaking at a special seminar held that same morning, were Jeff Knott, a nutritionist with Ralco Nutrition, Inc.; Dave Preisler, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Pork Board; and Brad Steverrmer, an Executive Board member of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. The Department extends many thanks to these individuals, to the event’s planners and to those who took part by displaying a poster. 
  

Consider a Course in Italy

Florence, Italy—world-renowned for its delectable cuisine and for the sustainable production of some of the world's finest cheeses, processed meats, olive oil, grain products and wines. This is an ideal place to explore sustainable food systems of Italy!

Join faculty leader Professor Mike White in the Learning Abroad Center's short-term study program "Sustainable Food Systems of Italy". Travel to Florence and participate in full-day excursions to the Chianti Valley, Siena, Modena, San Gimignano and Parma. Take the guided tours of the San Lorenzo and San Ambrosia markets in Florence and other cultural sites in the city. See where olive oil, wine, grains, and many other foods are produced, and taste samples of the various foods of the area.

This course takes place during May Session (May 21-June 14, 2008). Students will attend a pre-departure orientation and receive pre-departure readings and requirements. They will learn through readings, group work, classroom discussions, excursions, presentations and daily journals. There will be some free time for studying and exploring.

The program is open to all students. Application consists of the application form, a 250-word essay, transcript and a non-refundable $50 application fee. The program fee is $5,000 and includes tuition, program administration, housing, arrival and farewell meals, group flight airfare, international health insurance and local transportation. The priority deadline for application is February 1; the final deadline is March 2, 2008.

For more information, contact the Learning Abroad Center (tel: 612-626-9000; email: UMabroad@umn.edu), or visit their website at www.UMabroad.umn.edu. The Learning Abroad Center is located in Room 230 Heller Hall, 271-19th Avenue S., Minneapolis.
  

January Thaw Specials at the Meat Lab

The Animal Science Meat Lab is offering the following "January Thaw" specials:

• Buy 2 packages or more of our homemade bacon... Cottage Bacon, Canadian Bacon, or Golden Smoked Bacon... and get 1 dozen U of M Organic Eggs (large, extra large or jumbo) FREE
   
• Breakfast Sausage Patties with or without wild rice is on sale at $1.50/lb (a savings of 70¢/lb)
   
• Natural Casing Wieners, 1-lb package for $3.00 (a savings of $1.00/pkg)
   
• Your choice of Polish Kielbasa or Ukrainian Kubasa, only $2.00/lb (save up to $1.00/lb)
   
• Lamb Leg Steaks - raised at the West Central ROC, U of M-Morris, now $6.50/lb (a savings of $1.50/lb)
   
• Lamb Riblets - raised at the West Central ROC, U of M-Morris, now $4.00/lb (save $1.50/lb)
   
• Beef Arm Cut Chuck Roast - great for pot roasting, now $2.25/lb (a savings of 75¢/lb)
   
• Boneless Beef Top Sirloin Steak, now $4.00/lb (save $1.00/lb)

Check out all the products available for purchase on the Meat Lab website.

The Meat Lab is located in Room 26 in the lower level of the Andrew Boss Laboratory/Meat Science building on the St. Paul Campus. Regular sales hours are 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. To inquire about additional times or to order ahead, contact Pete or Mike at 612-624-9260 or nels5618@umn.edu.
  

MN Forage Days: Solutions for Today, Vision for Tomorrow

Solution for Today, Vision for Tomorrow is the theme of the 2008 Minnesota Forage Days. Minnesota Forage Days is scheduled for February 12 at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn; February 13 at Joseph's in Avon; and February 15 at the UCR Heintz Center in Rochester. Each Forage Day will open with registration at 9:30 a.m., presentations starting at 10:00 a.m., and lunch at noon. The program will adjourn by 3:00 p.m.

This year's featured speakers include Dr. Geoff Brink, U of M graduate who is currently with the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI; Dr. Mike Murphy of the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Paul Peterson, U of M Extension Forage Specialist.

Dr. Brink will share his latest research on alfalfa harvest timing effects on yield and quality tradeoffs. He will also discuss grass forage quality, species selection and management. Dr. Murphy will discuss the importance of molds and mycotoxins in stored forage. Dr. Peterson will present his latest research on alfalfa-grass mixtures along with guidelines for grass species selection for mixtures with alfalfa.

Several other valuable presentations will occur at only selected Forage Days locations but will be included in the proceedings available at all locations. Detailed information is available online at the U of M Extension Forages website.

The 2008 Minnesota Forage Days is hosted by the Midwest Forage Association (MFA) and U of M Extension.
 

CFANS Scholarship Applications Due February 18

All current CFANS freshmen, sophomores and juniors in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for CFANS scholarships. The final deadline for submitting applications is February 18, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. All scholarships awarded will be for the 2008-2009 academic year.

The online application is available at: http://www.cfans.umn.edu/Current_students2.html. Questions may be directed to the interim scholarship coordinator, Caitrin Mullan (612-626-3975).
 

Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increased

The mileage reimbursement rate at the U of M has increased from 48.5¢ to 50.5¢ per mile effective January 1, 2008. All miles driven up to and including December 31, 2007 should be submitted at the 2007 rate even if the expenses are submitted in 2008. When miles driven include both 2007 and 2008, the miles reported should be itemized and calculated at their respective rates.
 

WinterFest 2007

We had great turnout for WinterFest, and an abundance of great food and stimulating conversation. On December 14th, Animal Science faculty, staff, students, retirees, friends and family gathered in Haecker Hall for our annual winter potluck and social event. It was fun to get everyone together and visit with those we hadn't seen for quite some time!

During the festivities, Department Head Jim Linn asked retirees to introduce themselves to those present and briefly talk about their connections to the Department. Current graduate students also introduced themselves and gave a brief overview of their research interests.

Thank You! to Michelle Duong, Andrew Johnson, Jackie Lee, Crystal Lehnertz, Ahnna Olson, Dana Souther, and Jennifer Welsh for organizing and preparing for this event; to Mike Aggen and Dave Plath for their contributions to the meal; to all those who brought a dish to share; and to everyone who attended.

A few photos from WinterFest 2007:

Li Ma

Li Ma comes from Tancheng, a small town in Shandong, China. After receiving his B.A. from Fudan University in Shanghai, he spent 2 years there conducting research on quantitative genetics.

Currently, Li Ma is starting his third year in our Ph.D. program with Dr. Yang Da. His focus is on quantitative genetics especially in dairy cattle. He and Dr. Da recently developed a program, epiSNP, for detecting gene epistasis of quantitative traits. Li Ma's research interests involve all statistical applications in animal science and genetics.

In his spare time, Li Ma likes playing and watching ball games including volleyball, basketball, tennis, bowling and soccer. By the way, food is always his favorite.
  

Abby Barberg (formerly Abby Anderson) gave birth to an 8 lb, 4 oz baby boy on December 4, 2007. Abby and husband Tim named their new son, Orrin Koivu. Abby received a M.S. in Animal Sciences in October 2006.

Ron Eustice (Executive Director of the Minnesota Beef Council) received the 2007 Minnesota Association of Extension Agricultural Professionals (MAEAP) Friend of Agriculture Award at the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Convention in December. He was recognized for his continued support of the MAEAP and U of M. Ron graduated from CFANS in 1968 with a B.A. in agricultural journalism.
 

Dr. Gerald Shurson, PI, was awarded $63,529 from the National Pork Board to study 'energy and amino acid digestibility of corn distillers syrup by-products in growing pigs'. The National Pork Board awarded Dr. Shurson another $24,805 to study the 'influence of rapid introduction and removal of dietary DDGS on pig performance and carcass characteristics'. The period for both awards is 12/01/07-12/01/08.
 

- January 2008 -

1 - New Year's holiday (U of M-TC is closed).

9 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, McIntosh, MN. Contact: Jim Stordahl, 218-563-2465.

9 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Carver County Extension Office, Cologne, MN. Contact: Carver County Extension, 952-466-5300.

10 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, St. Rosa, MN. Contact: Stearns County Extension Office, 800-450-6171.

10 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, Ottertail, MN. Contact: Vince Crary, 218-385-3000.

15 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, 4-H Bldg., Fairgounds, Zumbrota, MN. Contact: Mary Jane Stearns, 507-536-6310.

16 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, St. Charles, MN. Contact: Mary Jane Stearns, 507-536-6310.

16 - Winter Crops Day, Waseca and Lake Crystal, MN. Contact: Southern ROC 507-835-2620.

17 - Winter Crops Day, Kasson and Wykoff, MN. Contact: Southern ROC, 507-835-2620.

18 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Pizza Ranch, Worthington, MN. Contact: Merri Post, 507-825-6715.

18-19 - 2008 Minnesota Organic Conference and Trade Show, Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Mary Hanks, 651-201-6012.

21 - Martin Luther King holiday (U of M-TC is closed).

22 - Spring semester classes begin.

30 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Days Inn, 2500 E. 6th Street, Brookings, SD. Contact: Valerie Denison, 605-688-4116.

31 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 W. Park Street, Sheldon, IA. Contact: Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230.

31 - 2008 Quality Fair (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), McNamara Alumni Center, U of M Minneapolis Campus.

- February 2008 -

1 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone, MN. Contact: Merri Post, 507- 825-6715.

2 - Horse Owner Education Day, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi ( 888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

4 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Fish Lake Resort, 674 Fish lake Drive, Mora, MN. Contact: Lori Schott, 320-225-5051.

5 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Central Lakes College, Assembly Room, 1830 Airport Road, Staples, MN. Contact: Randy Pepin, 320-732-4435.

5 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), American Legion, 112 N. Main Avenue, Bagley, MN. Contact: Jim Stordahl, 218-694-6151.

5-6 - Turkey Health School, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Dr. Sally Noll, 612-624-4928.

6 - Environmental Internship and Career Fair (10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), North Star Ballroom, Student Center, U of M St. Paul Campus.

7 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Greenbush Community Center, 244 Main Street N., Greenbush, MN. Contact: Nathan Johnson, 218-463-0294.

8 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Itasca Community College, Davies Theatre, 1851 E. Highway 169, Grand Rapids, MN. Contact: Grand Rapids Extension Regional Center, 218-327-5958.

8-9 - Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society (NPSAS) 29th Annual Winter Conference, Seven Seas, Mandan, ND. Contact: NPSAS, 701-883-4304.

9 - Horse Owner Education Day, South Central College, North Mankato, MN. For more information, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

12 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Minnewaska House, 24895 State Highway 28, Glenwood, MN.  Contact: Rhonda Wulf, 320-231-7890.

12 - Minnesota Forage Days, Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes, MN. Local contact: Doug Holen, 218-998-5787.

13 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Pipestone American Legion, 117 S. Hiawatha Avenue, Pipestone, MN.  Contact: Mike Boersma, 507-825-6715.

13 - Minnesota Forage Days, Joseph's, Avon, MN. Local contact: Dan Martens, 800-964-4929.

14 - Solution-Driven Science Symposium: Food Systems and Human Health, Northstar Ballroom, U of M St. Paul Campus.

14 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Houston Community Center, 109 W. Maple Street, Houston, MN. Contact: Jerry Tesmer, 507-725-5807.

14 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Holiday Inn South, 1630 S. Broadway, Rochester, MN. Contact: Lori Schott, 320-225-5051.

15 - 2008 Minnesota Cow-Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Knights of Columbus Hall, 411 4th Avenue NW, New Prague, MN. Contact: Brad Carlson, 507-332-6109.

15 - Minnesota Forage Days, UCR Heintz Center, Rochester, MN. Local contact: Lisa Behnken, 888-241-4536.

18 - 16th Annual Carver County/ U of M Dairy Expo (10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Central High School, 531 Morse Street, Norwood Young America, MN. For more information, see http://www.extension.umn.edu/dairy or call 952-466-5300.

25 - U of M Job and Internship Fair (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN.

- March 2008 -

1 - Horse Owner Education Days, UM-Morris Science Bldg., Morris, MN. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

4-7 - 26th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Contact: University of Alberta, 780-492-3236.

15 - Horse Owner Education Days (Advanced Session), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. For more information, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

17-21 - Spring break.

21 - Floating holiday (U of M-TC is closed). 

- 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.

28-30 - State FFA Convention, U of M St. Paul Campus.

- May 2008 -

20-22 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Continuing Education and Conference Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 800-380-8636.