AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

March 2011

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

Notes from the Department Head is expected to return next month.

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Sam Kofi Baidoo

Dr. Sam Kofi Baidoo, a native of Ghana, had post-graduate training at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada) and taught numerous courses at Lakeland College (Vermilion, Alberta, Canada) and University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) before joining the U of M in 1999.

Sam is located at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca where he supervises the swine research program and the swine research facilities. Sam is a member of the U of M Swine Center and works closely with Drs. Lee Johnston, Jerry Shurson, Yuzhi Lee and Mark Whitney. He also collaborates with Drs. John Deen, Robert Morrison and Tom Molitor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the U of M.

Sam’s research interests are in swine nutrition and management including the nutrition and welfare of the sow during pregnancy and lactation, and nutrition and management factors to enhance economic and environmentally sustainable swine production.

Sam teaches part of ANSC 2401 (Animal Nutrition) and ANSC 8330 (Current Concepts in Animal Nutrition) with Dr. Marshall Stern, and ANSC 3609 (Business Planning for Animal Systems) with Dr. Jeff Reneau.

Sam is also involved in U of M Extension. His extension activities include teaching short courses in swine production and providing certification classes for the Pork Quality Assurance and Transport Quality Assurance Programs. He is also a member of NCCC-042 (Swine Nutrition Committee) and S-1012 (Nutrition and Management of Swine for Increased Reproductive Efficiency).

For relaxation, Sam enjoys gardening, cooking, and brewing wine and beer.
  

News and Announcements

Hansen Recognized as Distinguished Graduate by ISU Dairy Science Club

At its 82nd annual recognition banquet, the Dairy Science Club of Iowa State University recognized Dr. Les Hansen as its Distinguished Graduate. The recognition banquet was held at noon, Sunday, March 6, in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union at the Iowa State campus. Dr. Hansen received his Ph.D. degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Iowa State in 1981.  However, during his 4 years (1978 to 1981) as a graduate student at Iowa State, Dr. Hansen served as a Junior Advisor for the Iowa State Dairy Science Club as well as Assistant Coach of the ISU Dairy Cattle Judging Teams. 

When he arrived at Iowa State in 1978, Dr. Hansen was amazed at the size of the Dairy Science Club — it had 103 student members, which represented the largest and most visible dairy science club in the country. Over time, Dr. Hansen became acquainted with all 103 of those undergraduate students, as well as all of the new members of the club over the following three years. These Iowa State dairy students ended up being invaluable contacts in the dairy industry for Dr. Hansen over the years. Also, Dr. Hansen's experience as an assistant coach of the highly-successful dairy cattle judging teams at Iowa State was extremely valuable when he became coach of the dairy cattle judging teams at the U of M.

Hansen joined the faculty of the Department of Animal Science at the U of M in August 1981, immediately after completing the Ph.D. degree at Iowa State. At that time, the U of M had been without a dairy science club since 1969. In the fall of 1982, dairy students at the U of M approached Dr. Hansen about working with them to launch a dairy science club. On November 11, 1982, the Gopher Dairy Club held its inaugural meeting in Haecker Hall with 28 students in attendance. Dr. Hansen's knowledge of the Iowa State Dairy Science Club resulted in many of the traditions of that student organization being mimicked by the Gopher Dairy Club. Since 2000, the roster of the Gopher Dairy Club has had about 100 students, and the club can boast to be the largest and most visible dairy science club in the country.

Dr. Les Hansen (left) was presented with the Distinguished Graduate award by Dr. Denny Funk, Vice President for Genetics for both ABS/Global and Pig Improvement Company.

Photo courtesy of Heidi deGier, Dairy Star.
  

Jennifer Earing Joins Equine Forage Program as Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Jennifer Earing, originally from a small rural town in central Illinois, attended Illinois State University, majoring in Ag Science. Following her B.S. degree, she headed to the University of Kentucky, studying under the direction of Dr. Laurie Lawrence. Her M.S. work developed an in vitro procedure for estimating diet digestibility in horses, while her Ph.D. work investigated fiber digestion in young, growing horses. Jennifer successfully defended her Ph.D. in January 2011. 

Jennifer will be working with Dr. Krishona Martinson focusing on two research projects including the effect of hay steaming on forage quality and mold presence, and determining if small square bale feeding methods affect horse intake and consumption time. Jennifer is also charged with developing the Equine Pasture Management Program, a fee-based pasture evaluation program for horse owners. 

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time in the outdoors, entertaining their Aussie (Jack), and competing in horse shows. Her husband, Kyle, works as a buyer for Land O’Lakes-Purina Feed. Currently, any of their spare time is spent renovating the house they recently purchased.   

Phillips Receives Wilson G. Pond International Travel Award

Christina Phillips, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Animal Science swine group, was recently awarded the Wilson G. Pond Appreciation Club International Travel Award from the American Society of Animal Science. The award provides $2500 towards expenses for travel to an international meeting.

This is the second year in a row that Christina has received this prestigious scholarship. She plans to attend the 5th International Conference on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level at the University of Guelph in Canada this August.
  

Two U of M Students Awarded Ranelius Scholarships
Source: Lara Durben, MTGA

The Ranelius Scholarship is a competitive award given to a current student(s) with an interest in poultry. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) presented Ranelius Scholarships to two worthy U of M students at its annual meeting on March 16 in St. Paul, MN. Breanna Wimmler and Katie Zenk will each receive $2500 scholarships.

Breanna is a sophomore in Animal Science at the U of M. In addition to working with Poultry Extension Specialist Dr. Sally Noll in the nutrition research lab, she is also a leader in the University’s Poultry Science Club having worked with MTGA to coordinate a turkey industry tour earlier this year. Breanna also has completed the first phase of Midwest Poultry Consortium’s Center of Excellence. She has been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine’s VetFAST program and plans to earn both a veterinary degree and Master’s in public health.

Katie has served as the Minnesota State FFA Vice President and was a finalist for the National FFA Poultry Proficiency award. In 2010 she interned with Land O’Lakes in their Government Relations division and, as a result of her experiences, plans to pursue a career in public policy working for farmers’ interests. This summer Katie will be interning with the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. She currently is a junior at the U of M.

“On behalf of MTGA, I congratulate both Breanna and Katie and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors as they work toward their specific career goals in agriculture,” said MTGA Executive Director Steve Olson.

For more information on the MTGA or its Ranelius Scholarship program, please contact Lara Durben (763-682-2171).  
  

COE Scholarships Awarded
Source: Midwest Poultry Consortium

The Midwest Poultry Consortium recently awarded Center of Excellence (COE) scholarships to five U of M students in the Department of Animal Science. The scholarships cover tuition and housing for the six-week COE program summer session (valued at $2700+). Scholarship recipients are: Alexandra Copeland, junior; Justin Johnston, junior; Kathryn Meloche, senior; Corey Van Denburgh, senior; and Breanna Wimmler, sophomore.

COE scholarships continue to educate undergraduate students in poultry science and help ensure the availability of qualified poultry graduates for employment within the poultry industry. This is the 17th year the Midwest Poultry Consortium has awarded scholarships. In total, 40 U of M students have earned scholarships to participate in the COE Program.
  

Poultry Testing Agent Training Course Set for April 13

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MN BAH) is offering a Poultry Testing Agent Training Course on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria, MN. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the course to begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Persons holding “Temporary” testing authorizations are required to attend a training session. This course and field training will qualify attendees to test their own or others’ poultry. Authorized Testing Agents must meet the minimum age requirement of 18.

The course fee is $25.00 per person and covers course materials and lunch. Enrollment will be limited and registration will be on a first come-first serve basis. The registration deadline is April 8, 2011. For more information or to register, please contact the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170.

Please call the Arrowwood for lodging reservations at 866-386-5263 (resort’s direct number is 320-762-1124).

  

Dairy Gophers Trek Short Distance East for Midwest Regional Meeting of Dairy Science Clubs

The Gopher Dairy Club was represented by 56 club members and advisor Les Hansen at the 30th annual Midwest regional meeting of dairy science clubs (ADSA-SAD) on February 25 and 26 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The event started with registration on Friday afternoon and concluded with a dance on Saturday night. Presiding over the meeting was Regional President Mike Donnelly who also has served as President of the Gopher Dairy Club for the past year.

Events included dairy quiz bowls with two divisions — junior (freshmen and sophomores) and senior (juniors and seniors), a club karaoke contest at the Friday evening dance, educational programs much of the day on Saturday, a business meeting, and a formal banquet with featured speaker Jim Harsdorf. Mr. Harsdorf is a dairy producer whose operation is near River Falls. Furthermore, Mr. Harsdorf is an alumnus of the St. Paul Campus of the U of M. He also has served in the Wisconsin legislature and was Secretary of Agriculture for Wisconsin.

The U of M placed 1st in the yearbook competition, 1st in the club display competition, 1st for number of attendees, and 2nd for junior quiz bowl. Elizabeth Olson, the newly elected President of the Gopher Dairy Club, was elected to serve as President of the Midwest regional group for the upcoming year. The University of Illinois will host the 2012 Midwest regional meeting of dairy science clubs.
  

Gopher Dairy Club Elects New Officers

The Gopher Dairy Club elected new officers at their February 24th meeting. The newly elected officers just happen to be all women! They are:

• President - Elizabeth Olson
• Vice President - Emily Achen
• Secretary - Emily Krekelberg
• Treasurer - Ashley Swenson
• Reporter - Laura Weisz
• Student Board Representative - Theresa Twohey

Drs. Les Hansen and Tony Seykora continue as advisors of the club.
    

Call for Nominations: Little Red Oil Can Award

The St. Paul Board of Colleges is seeking nominations for the Little Red Oil Can Award — the award for outstanding contributions to the enhancement of St. Paul Campus life. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must be a St. Paul Campus affiliated student, staff or faculty, St. Paul Campus organization, or an alumnus of a college on the St. Paul Campus.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 1, at 4:30 p.m. More information about the award and the nomination form can be found on the St. Paul Board of Colleges website.
  

Learning is Fun in Classes Without Quizzes

The 10th Annual Classes Without Quizzes will be a fun learning experience with CFANS faculty presenting mini-seminars on the latest scientific research and how it affects our daily lives. Topics include garden remedies, whole grains, taxes, Minnesota's waters, stem rust and global food security, turfgrass, and more.

Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and McKnight Distinguished Professor in Entomology, will deliver this year's keynote on the Health and Diversity of Bee Pollinators.

Bring the kids! Special sessions are offered for grades K-3 and 4-6 led by educators from the Bell Museum of Natural History. Also, new this year, is a family combined session where you and your kids can learn together!

Classes Without Quizzes is Saturday, April 2, 2011, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in McNeal Hall on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Space is limited. Register today!
  

95th Minnesota Royal is April 3-9

Minnesota Royal is a St. Paul Campus tradition that celebrates agriculture in Minnesota. This student-run event, now in its 95th year, will be held April 3-9, 2011. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community are welcome to attend.

The Royal Run, Ag Olympics, Quiz Bowl, Milk Maid Milking Contest, and Celebrity Showmanship are just a few of the events taking place on the St. Paul Campus during Minnesota Royal. For more information, see the Schedule of Events.

Questions may be directed to Courtney Heuer (612-229-9220) or Justin Johnston (320-287-10570).
 

Agriculture 2011: Telling Our Story

The Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference focuses on the integral roles that women play in agriculture, offers sessions on leadership, current events and issues in agriculture, and provides skill-building and networking opportunities. “Agriculture 2011: Telling Our Story” is the theme of this 13th annual conference, which will take place on April 13, 2011, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.

Although the conference is aimed at women who are actively involved in agriculture or plan to be working in the ag industry, anyone who has an interest is welcome. The program agenda and registration information are available online at http://www.womensagleadership.org/.

For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Doris Mold (715-822-6347).
  

NPFDA Scholarship Deadline is May 31

The National Poultry and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) awards four $1500 scholarships to upcoming juniors and seniors who are studying poultry science, animal science, food science, and other areas of study related to the poultry industry. In making their selections, the NPFDA considers academic excellence, past and current involvement in poultry, ag and food related activities, professional objectives, and other criteria. Applicants must be enrolled as a full time student.

The application deadline is May 31, 2011. Learn more about the scholarship at the NPFDA website. 
 

Save the Date for the Provost's Scholarship Open

The 2nd Annual Provost’s Scholarship Open golf tournament will take place Friday, June 3, 2011, at the U of M Golf Course. The tournament will be a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start. The purpose is to raise funds to endow scholarships for U of M students with the goal of raising more than the $26,000+ that was raised last year.

U of M faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are eligible to participate. The entry fee is $95 per golfer ($105 after May 1st) and includes a golf shirt, greens fee, cart, practice range balls, putting contest entry, and food at the post event barbeque. The registration deadline is May 27, 2011. For more information and a registration form, go to http://www.recsports.umn.edu/emails/provost.

The Provost’s Scholarship Open is hosted by the Department of Recreational Sports and the U of M Golf Course.
  

Graduate Student Profile

Devan Paulus

Devan Paulus is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in beef cattle nutrition and is advised by Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo. Her work focuses on antibiotic residues in distillers grains, as well as the affect of nutrition on cattle performance, health, and growth.

Devan is originally from North Bend, WA. She completed her B.S. in Animal Science at the University of California, Davis in 2010. While an undergrad, she was involved in volunteer work and research in the Animal Science department, and she was a member of Sigma Alpha.

Outside of school, Devan enjoys being outdoors and hiking. She also enjoys time with family and friends and learning about the Minnesota way of life.
 

Congratulations!

Allen Bridges and wife, Johnna, are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Keegan John Bridges was born on March 15, 2011. He weighed in at 8 lb 11 oz and was 22 inches in length. Photos are posted on "The Bridges" website.
  

Recent Grants

Michael White (PI), Department of Animal Science.
Sponsor: Pfizer Inc.
Title: Combined In Vitro and In Vivo Approach
Amount: $302,000.00
  

Calendar of Events

- March 2011 -

1 - Advanced Hands-on Series (equine): Understanding Feed Tags and Ingredients (6:00-8:30 p.m.), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Online registration for this workshop only, OR register for the series of 3 workshops. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

3 - State of the University Address (3:00 p.m.), Coffman Memorial Union Theater.

8 - Minnesota Dairy Days, Sauk Center, MN (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Contacts: Craig Roerick, 320-255-6169; Noah Litherland, 612-624-6789; Jim Paulson, 320-234-0438.

8 - Advanced Hands-on Series (equine): Body Condition Scoring and Weight Estimation (6:00-8:30 p.m.), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Online registration for this workshop only, OR register for the series of 3 workshops. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

8-11 - 29th Annual Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Contact: Joanne Morrison, 780-492-3236.

12-13 - U of M Camelid Health Conference, Pomeroy Learning Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Online registration.

14-16 - ASAS Midwestern Section / ADSA Midwest Branch Annual Meeting, Polk County Convention Center, Des Moines, IA.

14-18 - Spring Break.

15-17 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, Saint Paul River Centre, St. Paul, MN. Online registration.

16 - Minnesota Dairy Days, Caledonia, MN (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Contacts: Jerry Tesmer, 507-765-3896; Noah Litherland, 612-624-6789; Jim Paulson, 320-234-0438.

17 - 115th Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Banquet, North Star Ballroom, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Steve Pooch, 651-323-4210 or 651-433-4323.

18 - U of M (Twin Cities) is closed for a Floating Holiday.

22 - Advanced Hands-on Series (equine): First Aid and Bandaging (6:00-8:30 p.m.), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Online registration for this workshop only, OR register for the series of 3 workshops. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

23-24 - GradFest '11, Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union.

- April 2011 -

2 - 10th Annual Classes Without Quizzes, U of M St. Paul Campus.

3-9 - 95th Annual Minnesota Royal, U of M St. Paul Campus.

5-6 - 2011 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Conference, Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI. Contact: Hugh Chester Jones, 507-837-5618.

6-7 - Egg Industry Center's Egg Industry Issues Forum, Columbus, OH.

13 - Women's Ag Leadership Conference, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN. Contact: Doris Mold, 715-822-6347.

13 - Poultry Agent Testing Training Course, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria, MN. Contact: Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory, 320-231-5170. Registration and advance payment REQUIRED by April 8.

15-16 - U of M Pre-Veterinary Conference, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Channing Sebo.

29 - CFANS Graduate Student Commencement (2:00 p.m.), Mariucci Arena, U of M Minneapolis Campus. Questions may be directed to your Director of Graduate Studies, DGS Assistant, or Lisa Wiley.

- May 2011 -

1-3 - State FFA Convention.

7 - Minnesota Meat Goat Producers Expo, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN.

7 - Shepherd's Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN.

30 - U of M (Twin Cities) is closed for Memorial Day.

- June 2011 -

3 - Provost's Scholarship Open Golf Tournament, U of M Golf Course.

8-9 - Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Grand River Center, Dubuque, IA. Minnesota contact: Marcia Endres, 612-624-5391.

8-10 - MTGA Summer Meeting, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, MN. Contact: Melissa Schuldt, 763-682-2171.

14-16 - Iowa Turkey Federation Summer Meeting, Des Moines, IA. Contact: Sheila Larson, 515-232-7492.

- July 2011 -

10-14 - ADSA-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.

24-26 - National Turkey Federation Summer Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C. Contact: Jen Zukowski, 202-898-0100.

- September 2011 -

13-15 - Iowa Poultry Association Fall Festival, West Des Moines Mariott Hotel, West Des Moines, IA. Phone: 515-727-4701.

20-21 - 72nd Annual Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. Contact: Noah Litherland, 612-624-6789. .

- October 2011 -

4-8 - World Dairy Expo, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. Tel: 608-224-6455; Email: wde@wdexpo.com.