AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

March 2008

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

Notes from the Department Head will return in April.

Foster Receives Postbaccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Education Award

Dr. Douglas Foster was chosen to receive one of this year's Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Postbaccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Education. There is very intense competition for this award with only eight individuals from the entire University receiving the award annually. As stated in his notification letter, “Receiving this award recognizes Dr. Foster as a member of a very distinguished group of faculty who exemplify the University of Minnesota’s commitment to quality education.” Doug will also be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

The Postbaccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Education Award is sponsored by the University Alumni Association and the University. This is the program’s tenth year.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on Monday, April 28, 3:30 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center – Memorial Hall. You are invited to attend this ceremony. Additionally, the Department of Animal Science will recognize Doug’s achievement at a reception on Thursday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. in 365 Haecker Hall. Please join us at either or both of these events!
 

Hansen to Conduct 8-Year Study on 10 Minnesota Dairies

Dr. Les Hansen was awarded a $480,000 grant to conduct an 8-year study entitled "Comparison of pure Holsteins versus crossbreds from a 3-breed rotational system". The study will be conducted on 10 large-scale dairies in Minnesota that will be cooperators for the study. Each dairy will need to maintain at least 150 pure Holstein cows for the duration of the study as well as at least 100 cows in a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system. Breeds for crossbreeding will be Holstein, Swedish Red, and Montbéliarde. 

This research is a follow-up to the continuing field study with 7 cooperating dairies in California that compares pure Holsteins and crossbreds of Holstein with Swedish Red, Norwegian Red, Normande, and Montbéliarde. The California study has not included data for health traits, which will be emphasized in the new study.

Sponsors for the research are Select Sires, Plain City, OH ($40,000); Minnesota Select Sires, St. Cloud, MN ($40,000); Creative Genetics of California, Oakdale, CA ($80,000); Svensk Avel (Swedish Genetics), Skara, Sweden ($160,000); and Coopex Montbéliarde, Roulans, France ($160,000).
    

Bovine Tuberculosis Found in 11th Cattle Herd in MN;
State Prepares for Tuberculosis Downgrade
Source: Grant Crawford, U of M Beef Team

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) announced February 19th that a Beltrami County beef cattle herd had tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). This is the fourth positive herd detected since October 2007, and the 11th since 2005. This most recent finding is expected to result in a downgrade in Minnesota’s TB status from modified accredited advanced (MAA) to modified accredited (MA) as required by USDA Code of Federal Regulations. 

There are five TB status levels recognized by the USDA, with MAA and MA being the second and third levels, respectively, and TB-free being the first, or top, level. The downgrade in status will result in increased interstate transit regulations for Minnesota cattle, as outlined in Figure 1. In addition, dairy producers could also face additional requirements, as outlined in Figure 2. (View Figures 1 and 2.)

In addition to the restrictions outlined in Figures 1 and 2, other states may have added restrictions on cattle imported from Minnesota. This is extremely important as every state may have slightly different regulations for cattle originating from Minnesota. The best way to keep up with individual state regulations is to contact the state veterinarian or the board of animal health of the state where you wish to transport cattle to determine what is required. There are no restrictions on cattle moving directly to slaughter in another state as long as those cattle are moved directly to a federally inspected slaughter facility.

All 11 TB-positive herds have been found in Roseau and Beltrami counties in northwestern Minnesota. Because of this, the MBAH will pursue split-state status in which a portion of northwestern Minnesota would be under MA status and the rest of Minnesota will be MAA. This process, however, will take a number of months to implement and is dependent upon approval of the USDA. In the meantime, the entire state will be under MA status and will be subject to the requirements in Figures 1 and 2 as well as additional requirements imposed by individual states.

Upon gaining split-state status, there is the potential that individual states may not recognize our split-state status, and will handle all Minnesota cattle as if the entire state was MA. In these cases, it is again important to keep in contact with the state veterinarians and boards from other states to determine what the requirements are for each state.

Human exposure to bovine TB through milk or meat is extremely unlikely. Meat inspectors monitor all cattle entering packing plants for signs of disease before and after slaughter. Any animal showing signs of bovine TB is withheld from the food supply. In addition, adequate cooking destroys the bacteria. Pasteurization of milk also destroys any potential bacteria.

The U of M Beef Team will be keeping up with the change in status and is preparing educational and informational programming to assist Minnesota beef producers in working through the downgraded TB status. Please visit the Beef Team’s website at www.extension.umn.edu/beef for further updates and information.
 

Heins and Hazel Experience France!

Animal Science graduate students Brad Heins and Amy Hazel had the opportunity to travel to the Umotest and Coopex Montbéliarde Expo in Besancon, France, in early February. Umotest is the breeding company in France that houses Montbéliarde bulls for semen collection, and Coopex is the international marketing effort. There were over 4,000 people who represented 27 countries at the Expo.

After a day to recover in Paris, Brad and Amy traveled by high-speed train to Besancon for Monday night dinner. There they were befriended by a Danish couple who engaged in wonderful dinner conversations. On Tuesday, they visited 3 dairy farms, with one literally 100 feet from the Switzerland border. All of the farms had daughters of Montbéliarde bulls on display. Needless to say, Brad and Amy were quite impressed with the udders on the Montbéliarde cows.

The next day at the Expo, Brad presented their research “Results from the Minnesota study on crossbreeding with the Montbéliarde breed”. Later they both listened to a presentation on results from crossbreeding in South Africa and attended the Umotest Expo and Auction. This Expo was very different from an American dairy cattle show because they presented daughters of each bull individually and the best cow from each group was selected to compete for the championship.

During the Expo, “Miss Burgundy” presented Brad and Amy with a painting of MicMac, a Montbéliarde bull, for their contributions and research with the Montbéliarde breed in the U.S. Later that day, they watched a cattle auction where many young heifers were presented for sale. It was tempting to bid, but they resisted. Afterwards, they had a get-together with many foreign visitors and had a chance to show their go-kart racing skills, which they said "was quite fun."

Brad and Amy, along with two South Africans, toured dairies on Thursday and visited a Comté cheese factory. The next morning, they headed back to Paris where they had time to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon’s Tomb, and the Rue Cler.

Brad said, “If anyone is looking for a great European trip, France is wonderful. We met many wonderful people there and have taken away many experiences and memories.” Amy will present a more detailed presentation of their trip to France and the Umotest Expo 2008 during the Animal Science Seminar on March 24th.

Above (left photo): Amy and Brad standing next to Nikos' daughters at the show in Besancon;
(right photo): Presentation of a daughter of Scoubidou, a Montbéliarde bull.
 

Above (left photo): Daughters of Nikos in the barn at the show; (right photo): Brad and Amy with
Miss Burgundy 2008 and Miss Burgundy 2004 (aka Miss France 2004).
 

Gopher Dairy Club Hosts Regional ADSA-SAD

The Gopher Dairy Club hosted the 2008 Midwest Regional American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliated Division (ADSA-SAD) conference held February 22-24 in Minneapolis. Amanda Eberle and Janelle Kuechle placed a bid to host the event at the 2007 Regional ADSA-SAD conference, and the U of M was selected to host the 2008 event with Eberle and Kuechle as chairs. 

Over 360 students were in attendance from Universities across the Midwest including: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, South Dakota State University, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota-Crookston, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

The opening session was held at the Four Points by Sheraton with Kyle Sonnek as the opening speaker. Sonnek is a U of M graduate with a BS in Agricultural and Food Business Management, and currently the Business Manager for Cargill Animal Nutrition.

The sessions on Saturday exposed students to many exciting topics that included Transitioning Back to the Farm; Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Successful Dairy Producer; and Networking with the Dairy Producers of Today.

A formal banquet was held on Saturday evening with keynote speaker Thomas L. Lyon, former CEO of Cooperative Resources International in Shawano, WI. Lyon received the Distinguished Service Award from ADSA last summer at the Association’s annual meeting in San Antonio, TX.

Saturday night’s banquet ended with the announcement that North Dakota State University would host next year's ADSA-SAD, and the introduction of the new ADSA-SAD officer team. Amanda Eberle of the U of M was elected President. 

During the meeting, students participated in the annual Junior and Senior Quiz Bowl, Chapter Yearbook, Chapter Scrapbook, Chapter Display and Chapter Website competitions. Karaoke contests were held and each night featured a dance. The Gopher Dairy Club sponsored the band Catchpenny at Saturday night’s dance.

The following schools were recognized for outstanding accomplishments in the various contests at the meeting:  

U of M Livestock Judging Team Earns Reserve Champion Overall

Congratulations to the U of M Livestock Judging Team for earning Reserve Champion Overall honors at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Livestock Judging Contest held February 19-24 in Kearney, NE. The team also placed 1st in Placings and 4th in Oral Reasons.

Congratulations also go to Valerie Ujazdowski as she was the High Individual Overall in the contest. Scott Franke was 10th High Individual Overall, and John Boyum placed 3rd in Placings.

The Minnesota Team was edged out by 10 points by Colorado State University and was 1 point ahead of Kansas State University who was third. Team members Jackie Popowski, Colby Lind, Katie Church, and Kyle Compart also competed. Kyle Rozeboom is their coach..

The team is working hard in preparation for its final two contests. They will conclude their spring season at the Houston Stock Show Contest and the All-Eastern Evaluation Contest in Lexington, KY in mid-April.

A team picture and Valerie's High Individual picture can be viewed on the website of the official photographer of the show.
 

Ahnna Olson is in the Spot Light

Ahnna Olson, CFANS undergrad and Department of Animal Science student office assistant, was recently featured in the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) Youth Spot Light. Ahnna has been a member of NJSA for 3 years and and has been showing purebred swine for six years.

View the full article about her experiences in the NJSA and her current and future plans at http://www.nationalswine.com/njsa/Youth_Spotlight/08_ahnna_olson.html).
  

Hall of Fame in Haecker Hall Now Complete

The Hall of Fame in the foyer of Haecker Hall displays the photographs of inductees selected by the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association (MLBA) since 1934. Over the years, 161 Minnesotans have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. In recent history, the MLBA has annually inducted people representing two livestock breeding establishments and also inducted one livestock service award. Periodically, inductees will be recognized posthumously in a pioneer category.

When Haecker Hall was completely gutted and restored, at roughly the turn to the 21st century, the Hall of Fame was moved from its previous location in the foyer of Peters Hall to the foyer of Haecker Hall. Plans for the new home of the Hall of Fame included a podium with a binder containing biographical sketches of each of the inductees. The podium with biographical sketches has now become a permanent addition to the Hall of Fame.

All are welcome to learn more about the leaders and the 125-year history of the Minnesota livestock industries by visiting the Hall of Fame in the foyer of Haecker Hall.  
  

Pignoli is FANS Cookie of the Year

The Departments of Animal Science and Food Science and Nutrition hosted March Cookie Monster Madness on March 14th in Haecker Hall. Last year’s event was a big success, and this year, the event was even better thanks to the help of our FANS (Food Animal Nutrition Sciences) Division partners, FScN. 

Everyone in attendance had the yummy job of sampling and judging homemade goodies in all of four categories (All-American, Bars/Brownies, Healthy, and International) and then choosing their overall favorite. After the ballots were tallied up, Professor Mike White announced the contest winners.

Dana Souther won the All-American category for her Chocolate Espresso Cookies; Jim Linn in the Bar/Brownie category for his wife's (Mary) Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats; Geri Skogen in the Healthy category for her Mixed Nut Bars; and Laura Mauro with the sole entry in the International category for her Italian cookie, Pignoli. Pignoli is a delightfully soft cookie studded with pine nuts and flavored with almond. Pignoli also received the most votes overall and was declared FANS Division 'Cookie of the Year'.

Above (L-R): Newly crowned winners Dana Souther
and Geri Skogen smile for the camera.
  

The Haeckers

They call themselves the Haeckers… the intramural broomball team (photo at right) that the Animal Science Graduate Club put together. Team members include Roberta Amaral, Jared Voge, Sarah Schieck, Sarah Tesmer, Jamie Larson, Nicolas Di Lorenzo, Dan Carlson, and Amy Hazel. 

The Haeckers play every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. You can cheer them on at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis.
  

White Provides Answer to Question of the Week

A recent U of M Driven to Discover Question of the Week was “Is it natural for humans to eat meat?” The answer to this question came from Dr. Mike White, Professor in the Department of Animal Science. 

Answer: Humans are omnivores. This means we have the physical and physiological adaptations to consume both plant and animal-based foods. Omnivores are generally opportunistic feeders and many omnivores (such as humans) are not only opportunistic meat eaters but also active hunters and consumers of meat. Humans have the dental and digestive tract adaptations to consume meat and other animal-based foods in addition to many plant-based foods that do not require specialized digestive compartments for fiber fermentation like cattle, sheep, horses and other obligate herbivores have. All scientific indications are that humans have always consumed meat as part of their diet. Therefore, it appears that it is quite natural for humans to eat meat.

For more information, see the abstracts from these scientific articles (links below) or search the entire Medline scientific literature database at www.medline.gov.

• Animal source foods and human health during evolution
• Dietary lean red meat and human evolution
   

Minnesota-Wisconsin Dairy Policy Conference

The 2008 Dairy Policy Conference and Dairy Directors Leadership Conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in LaCrosse, WI, on April 2 and 3.

Program topics include:

• What to Expect in the Next Farm Bill
• Finding Better Ways to Price Milk
• Milk Price Volatility
• Dairy Globalization
• Farm-based Environmental Research in Wisconsin and Minnesota
• Livestock Siting
• Biomass Fuel
• and more... (see the complete agenda)

This annual event is sponsored by the Universities of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives (WFC), and the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives (MAC).

More information, including the entire conference agenda and registration form, is available on the WFC/MAC website. Questions may be directed to David Ward, WFC-MAC Dairy Director at 608-258-4414.
 

Women's Ag Leadership Conference Celebrates 10 Years

The Women's Ag Leadership Conference is celebrating their 10th anniversary on April 8th at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. "Celebrating the Power of 10" is a conference specifically designed for women who are actively involved in or plan to pursue a career in or related to agriculture; however, anyone interested in agriculture and the role that women play in it are welcome to attend.

The program promises a great line-up of speakers with an array of topics on leadership, current issues in agriculture and skill-building opportunities, breakout sessions in which participants can connect with influential and motivated people in agriculture, and ample networking opportunities. The program agenda and registration information is available on the conference website. Early registration is due by March 31.

During the luncheon at the conference, the 5th Annual Agricultural Mentoring Awards will be presented. The awards recognizes people, especially women, in agriculture who have been positive mentors and role models for others in agricultural fields. More information about the mentoring awards can be found on the conference website on the Mentors tab).

Questions about the Women's Ag Leadership Conference may be directed to Doris Mold (phone: 715-822-6347).
  

3rd Annual B&B Swine Sale: April 13

The Block & Bridle Club is holding its annual Swine Sale on April 13 at 2:00 p.m. The sale will take place at the Livestock Arena on the U of M St. Paul Campus.

The Club expects to include in the sale 40 to 50 pigs from top producers in the state out of the top genetics in the nation. The U of M Swine Barn will also be selling pigs. All pigs sold are eligible for Minnesota and Wisconsin state fairs.

For additional information, contact one of the sale committee members:

• 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

Coming in June - 5th Annual Gopher Dairy Camp for Teens

The 5th Annual Gopher Dairy Camp will be held June 12-14 on the U of M St. Paul Campus. This 3-day workshop is an opportunity for youth to develop dairy cattle project skills and have fun! The Camp will including dairy judging workshops; show ring preparation techniques; fitting demonstrations and group fitting; showmanship fundamentals; dairy cattle judging and showmanship contests; and an evening activity.

Participants must have completed 6th grade but not yet started the 12th grade, and campers from all states are welcome. Campers will be housed in Bailey Hall, the dormitory on the St. Paul Campus, which is within walking distance to all camp activities.

Registration is $80.00 and includes lodging for 2 evenings, meals and materials. Hurry... registration will be limited to the first 100 who apply. Find additional information and registration materials online, or contact Brad Heins (phone: 612-625-9294) to have registration materials mailed out.

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

Turkey Health School Success
Source: Sally Noll, Extension Turkey Specialist

The U of M Extension Turkey Health School was held February 5 and 6 on the U of M St. Paul Campus. The school covered topics related to turkey anatomy and physiology, necropsy and sampling, and brooding and grow-out diseases. The session finished up with disease control topics.

Judging by participants’ feedback, it was a worthwhile experience. Participants indicated that they had good interaction, thought the content was good, and liked the small group discussion and hands-on training.

Dr. Sally Noll, course coordinator and one of the instructors, extends her thanks to all the instructors who contributed to a successful effort: U of M instructors – David Halvorson, K.V. Nagaraja, Rob Porter, and  Andre Ziegler; Industry instructors – Michelle Anderson, M.C. Kumar, Dale Lauer, Ron Lippert, Brian McComb, Gorica Spasojevic, Jim Trites, and Helen Wojcinski, and the companies/agencies that sponsored them: Elanco, Hybrid Turkeys, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Willmar Poultry Company, and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

Dr. Noll also thanks the many sponsors for their contributions to the program: Alpharma, Biomune, Best Veterinary Solutions, U of M Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Dow Biocides, Huvepharma, IVESCO, Kemin, Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms, Novus International, and Prince AgriProducts.

Three of the 46 participants in the Turkey Health School are
shown above learning how to conduct a necropsy.
Photo courtesy of H. Wojcinski.
 

Meat Lab Featured Ground Beef and Wild Rice Patties at Food and Wine Experience

The Animal Science Meat Lab made an appearance at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences booth during the 14th Annual Twin Cities Food and Wine Experience held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, February 23. This high profile event featured local and national food and beverage products.

Pete Nelson, the director of the Meat Lab, was on hand all day to grill and provide samples of the lab’s own ground beef patties with wild rice as well as their bratwurst patties with wild rice. The decision to feature these products was based on a research study conducted by departmental faculty in conjunction with the University of Minnesota Extension. The study, conducted in 1990, explored the benefits of adding wild rice to ground meat. Among these benefits are making lean meat more palatable, decreasing the amount of fat and cholesterol in the overall product, and an antioxidant effect, which leads to a decrease in rancidity rates and allows for longer freezer storage times.  

"I was pleased with the public's response to the products", said Pete, "but more importantly, I was glad to provide an illustration of the link between University research and how the public does directly benefit from U of M research. Those benefits are in most of the food products they purchase every day at their local supermarket." 
  

Accounting Updates

Account Numbers as you Know Them Will Change
As of July 1st, account numbers will change! And, from now on, the new account strings will appear on your summary reports off to the side. Anyone interested in learning more about the Chart of Accounts can visit http://www.finsys.umn.edu/COA.html.

More information about the new Financial System may be found online at:  www.finsys.umn.edu.

Training for U-Stores Purchasing
The Enterprise Financial System project has received input from a number of faculty members and lab staff concerning the amount of training required of them to make U-Stores purchases in the new financial system. Feedback from users of the financial system is important to the project and is always taken into consideration when making decisions. Based on this input, Training Services will develop an online tutorial condensing the 'Chart of Accounts' and 'Create Requisitions' courses. An online assessment will be required upon completion of the tutorial.

The tutorial will be available to individuals, such as faculty, lab staff, and administrative staff, who purchase only through U-Stores and have no other responsibilities within the financial system. Access to other parts of the financial system will be restricted. Qualifying faculty and staff should closely review 'Purchasing from U-Stores'.

We anticipate the time commitment for the tutorial to be between 1 and 2 hours. Registration will occur through the Training Services website by May 1, and classes will be available May 15.  
  

Department Holds First Byte Back Hour

Info Tech Professional Faraz Shaukat led the first Byte Back Hour for Department faculty, staff and students on February 8th. The following topics were discussed:

Asking for Support (preferred methods)

• get tech support by emailing the CFANS Helpdesk (cfans.help@umn.edu);
• submit a request for help from the CFANS Helpdesk via the Web (http://helpdesk.cfans.umn.edu);
  or
• contact CFANS OIT via the Web (http://oit.cfans.umn.edu/).

Resources Available

• resources available through the Department of Animal Science... Laptops (2), Portable LCD Projector, Conference Phone, Portable Audio Device, Computer Lab (445 HckrH), Department Managed Rooms;
• through CFANS... Computer Labs, Active Directory (Network File Access - 'G' and 'H' drives), HelpDesk Support, TEL Support, PDA Support, Web/Database Support, Encryption and Security, Networked Printer Services;
  and
• through Central U’s OIT... Netfiles, Email, Discounted Software, Discounted Computer Equipment (see www.umart.umn.edu, http://www1.umn.edu/ucs/, University 1-Help).

Things to be Aware Of

• CFANS is standardizing technical support and computer equipment… so utilize the helpdesk as needed
• Email users... keep your 'Inbox' small (less than 20 MB)
• Active Directory users... directory backups are made at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. daily; full backups are done on weekends
• Computer lockout times are 15 minutes for desktops; 60 minutes for laptops
• Always log off of your system when not in use
• For security reasons, encryption for mobile systems (laptops) will be in place soon

The next Byte Back Hour will be held April 3rd at 3:00 p.m. in Room 365 Haecker Hall. Everyone is welcome. What would you like to hear/chat/discuss at the next Byte Back Hour? Email Faraz with your ideas.

As always, if you have any tech questions or have a computer issue, please contact Faraz (mian0005@umn.edu or 612-625-3435).
  

New Undergraduate Scholarship Search

The University has a new online searchable scholarship database for current undergraduates. The U of M Undergraduate Scholarship Search looks for scholarships for which a student may be eligible based on individual qualifications.

Students are able to apply for scholarships online too. Find scholarships and search for resources at http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Financial_Aid/Scholarships.html.
 

Flexible Spending Account Expenses Due March 31

The deadline to submit eligible 2007 expenses for Dependent Day Care and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts is March 31, 2008, and March 15 is the deadline to incur expenses on these accounts.

A reimbursement claim form must be submitted for the full balance in your account. Any unused portion will be forfeited. Claim forms are available online at http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/fsa/index.html

Any questions regarding flexible spending accounts may be directed to Employee Benefits at 612-624-9090 (press option 3).
 

Our Condolences

Jesse B. Williams of Rosemount passed away at the age of 90 on March 5, 2008 at the U of M Medical Center, Fairview-University Campus. Jesse was a dairy faculty member in the Department through the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He retired from the U of M after 30 years.

Jesse is preceded in death by 8 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ann; children, Marilyn Parr, Elaine Shelby, and Ken Williams; 3 grandchildren; brother, Grady Williams; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, March 9, at the Rosemount United Methodist Church with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
  

Haoliang Huang

Haoliang Huang was born and raised in Canton, a province in deep south China. He gained his Bachelors degree in Veterinary Medicine at China Agricultural University in Beijing. He is currently working on a Master degree in Dr. Doug Foster's lab. His first project is trying to reconstruct whole length cDNA of avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) with bio-markers.

Huang, or Hurley as some call him, loves animations and comics especially those from Japan. In addition, he enjoys online surfing and music. He loves the United States and has visited several cities on the west coast and east coast, among which he found New York City his favorite because there is a “salad of racial genes up there”.
 

Animal Science undergraduates Jessica Achen and Brandon Thesing were recipients of 4-H Dairy Judging Scholarships. Each were awarded $1,000.

Dr. Greg Cuomo has accepted the responsibilities as interim Associate Director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). Greg will work with the Experiment Station, U of M Extension, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences on capital planning and coordination of energy, bioeconomy and renewable energy activities. Greg will also work with state and external relations for CFANS.

Animal Science graduate Guowu Xu and his wife, Jie, welcomed their new daughter into the family on February 19, 2008. Wendy was born at 8 lb 3 oz.
  

Dr. Les Hansen, PI, was awarded $480,000 for the project titled "Comparison of pure Holsteins versus crossbreds from a 3-breed rotational system". Sponsor: Select Sires. Period: 01/01/2008-12/31/2015.

Dr. Sally Noll, PI, was awarded $20,000 for the project titled "Utilization of glycerin as a source of energy in market turkey diets. Sponsor: Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Period: 02/05/2008-09/30/2008.

Dr. Jerry Shurson, PI, was awarded $100,000 for the project titled "Evaluation of geographical differences in amino acid composition and digestibility of soybean meal sources and their feeding value for swine". Sponsor: Minnesota Soybean Board. Period: 12/01/2007-08/31/2008.
 

- 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.

3 - Dairy Management Workshops, International Event Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: MMPA 1-877-577-0741.

4 - Dairy Management Workshops, Orchid Inn, Sleepy Eye, MN. Contact: MMPA 1-877-577-0741.

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

11 - Dairy Management Workshops, Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes, MN. Contact: MMPA 1-877-577-0741.

12 - Dairy Management Workshops, Gerard's, Sauk Centre, MN. Contact: MMPA 1-877-577-0741.

13 - MN Livestock Breeders Association 112th Annual Meeting (10:00 a.m.) and Awards Banquet (12 noon), Farmamerica, Waseca, MN. For more information, contact Steve Pooch at 651-433-4323

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.

18-20 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, St. Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN.

19-20 - 8th Annual Central Plains Dairy Expo, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: Kathy Tonneson, Central Plains Dairy Expo, 218-236-8420.

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

25 - Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care Annual Meeting, Libby Conference Center, Minnesota Fairgrounds, St. Paul. Contact: Diana Weinhardt, Program Coordinator, 612-810-5901.

- 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.

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.

- June 2008 -

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