AnSci Connection

May 2005

By F. Abel Ponce de León

In this issue of AnSci Connection, we again focus on the contribution of Animal Products to Human Health. This initiative is in response to the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences' priority of "Promoting Safe and Healthy Foods" and President Bruininks' Initiative of "Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives". The following piece, developed by Dr. Jacquie Jacob, focuses on the effects of eggs on human health and healthy lives.

Eggs and Good Health

Eggs are highly nutritious, easily digested, relatively inexpensive, and easy to prepare—all important reasons to include eggs in your diet.

Eggs are highly nutritious, providing substantial quantities of a wide variety of nutrients. Eggs are a significant source of iron, riboflavin, folate, and vitamins B12, D and E. Eggs are one of the few foods that supply vitamin D. The only nutrient not found in an egg is vitamin C.

One large egg provides about six grams of protein. The egg white, which contains about half of the egg protein, contains all the essential amino acids in the right proportions for human nutrition. As a result, it has been referred to as the ‘ideal protein’—the protein source to which all other protein sources are measured.

Views on the role of eggs in the diet have changed dramatically over the years. Traditionally, eggs were thought of as an excellent, low-cost source of nutrients and people were encouraged to eat them daily. In the 1970s, however, recommendations were made to limit the use of eggs because of their cholesterol content. Eggs are the largest single source of cholesterol among the foods commonly eaten in the U.S. A large egg contains about 215 mg of cholesterol—more than two thirds of the Daily Value of 300 mg.

In the 1990s, our understanding of the role of dietary factors in heart disease increased and the recommendation to restrict egg intake was modified. Cholesterol in the blood stream comes from two sources—some is synthesized in the body and some comes from food. In most instances, when dietary cholesterol intake increases, the body compensates by decreasing its cholesterol production. Conversely, when cholesterol intake decreases, synthesis increases. The existence of this compensatory mechanism is the reason that changes in dietary cholesterol intake have only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Unlike many other foods that are high in cholesterol, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products, eggs are relatively low in saturated fat and calories. A single ‘large’ egg provides only 75 calories and 1.5 grams of saturated fat. While eggs account for about 33% of the cholesterol in the American diet, they account for only 1.7% of the saturated fat.

More recently, eggs have been identified as a source of nutrients important to the health of the elderly. Eggs contain components that may have benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. For example, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin help to protect against the age-related eye diseases cataracts and macular degeneration. The lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs may be particularly valuable because they are highly bioavailable. It is important to note, however, that research on these egg components is still preliminary so it is not possible to reach definitive conclusions about their roles in our diet.

Eggs are a convenient food that can be easily prepared in a variety of ways. Eggs keep well on a shelf in the refrigerator for about three weeks so an individual or couple can easily use up the dozen eggs in a carton before they spoil. Most egg recipes involve short cooking times, making them convenient for the person with little time to prepare meals.

Eggs are economical, especially when compared to other high-protein foods. Although prices vary, a dozen large eggs can often be purchased for much less than the cost of a similar number of servings of most kinds of meat, poultry or fish.

As with perishable foods, eggs need to be handled and prepared with care. Consumers should be careful to always store eggs under refrigeration and cook eggs thoroughly.

Source: The role of eggs in the diet: Update (http://www.acsh.org/docLib/20040405_eggs2002.pdf).
  

Stern Receives Awards

Professor Marshall D. Stern was the recipient of the 2004-2005 COAFES Student Board Outstanding Teacher Award for his dedication, teaching and mentoring of undergraduate students. Sarah Tesmer, COAFES Student Board President, presented the award to Marshall at the COAFES commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 8, 2005. Following is the citation that was read by Sarah at the ceremony:

This year’s outstanding teacher of the year received more than one nomination from students. Besides teaching three undergraduate classes in Animal Science, he served on various college and departmental committees and just completed his first year as the MN Royal Executive Committee advisor. Areas that set him apart from the rest are his enthusiasm for University activities, rapport with his students, and exemplary teaching methods. You will hear students comment about his fun teaching style, with entertaining lectures, helpful demonstrations, and numerous personal stories. He also cares for both his research and for his students, a balance that is difficult to maintain. To refer to his nomination, “He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in not only helping students learn, but helping them find their paths in life. Not only has he done this for me, but he has positively impacted hundreds of other students who he has taught and advised over the years. In my mind, there is no one who can match his dedication to students and the College.”

Also, it was announced recently that Marshall is the recipient of the 2005 COAFES Alumni Society Distinguished Faculty Award for his outstanding contributions to students of COAFES.

U of M Dairy Challenge Team Brings Home the Gold

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge took place on April 8 and 9, 2005 in State College, Pennsylvania. The event was hosted by Pennsylvania State University and supported financially by industry sponsors. The Dairy Challenge is an innovative 2-day competition for students representing dairy science programs at North American universities. It enables students to apply theory and learning to a real-world dairy, while working as part of a 4-person team. The teams evaluate a designated dairy and then make management recommendations to a panel of judges. After visiting the dairy in the morning, they have only one afternoon to develop their farm analysis and prepare a PowerPoint presentation with their recommendations. The following day, they present their recommendations to a panel of judges and field questions from the judges. Award levels are Platinum, Gold and Silver, in that order. This year there were 27 teams representing universities from coast to coast and Canada.

The team from Minnesota is shown in the photo at right (front row, L-R: Erin Wacker from Norwood and Amy Hazel from Lanesboro; back row, L-R: Trent Olson from Lewiston, Coach Marcia Endres, and Nathan Mueller from Lime Springs).

The Minnesota team worked very well together. Team members described the contest as a great learning experience that helped them improve their dairy diagnostic skills while working in a team-based environment. They came back home with a Gold Award in a very competitive division of the contest.

Congratulations team! 

MSCA Summer Tour and Trade Show - July 13, 2005

The 2005 Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) Summer Tour and Trade Show will take place on July 13. The Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul will serve as the event headquarters. This year's tour, which is intended to give beef producers, consumers and industry professionals an overview of the beef industry in Minnesota, is hosted by the U of M Beef Team as a partner with the MSCA. The tour will encompass cow/calf, feedlot, research and beef processing. There will be 7 stops on the tour:

• Kelley Land & Cattle Co.
  Commercial seed stock operation and niche market program for bred heifers sales.
• McCullough Charolais
  Registered seed stock producer.
• Stock Yard Meat Packing
  Portion control cutting for restaurants.
• Endres Processing, LLC
  Recycling of food products for livestock feeds.
• Byerly's and Kowalski's
  Grocery stores focusing on niche product marketing in the retail meat case.
• UMore Park
  John Deere consumer products and U of M research highlights.
• U of M Department of Animal Science
  A final look at the Carcass Merit Program results. You be the judge of the end product.

Advance registration is $25 per person due July 6. Walk-in registration will be $30 per person. For more information, please contact Denise Plonis at 218-327-4490 or see http://www.extension.umn.edu/beef/cattlemenstour/index.html.
  

Stern Presents Poster at Gastrointestinal Function Conference

Dr. Marshall D. Stern attended the 2005 Conference on Gastrointestinal Function from April 11-13, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. Marshall had an abstract and gave a poster presentation with co-author Martin Ruiz Moreno, M.S. student, entitled “Effects of various methods used to process soybean meal on protein digestion in the rumen and small intestine”.
  

Stern is First Faculty Advisor on MN Royal Executive Council

Animal Science Professor Marshall D. Stern was selected to be the first faculty advisor to serve on the Minnesota Royal Executive Council. The 2005 Minnesota Royal event was held April 11-16, 2005. Marshall was elected to continue his role on the Council for 2006 Minnesota Royal. He claims it was because of his impressive guitar playing with the Johnny Holm Band (photo at right) at the Minnesota Royal dance, and his expertise in working with livestock at the celebrity showmanship contest.

Minnesota Royal began on the St. Paul Campus in 1916 when it was known as Ag Royal. For years, Ag Royal consisted entirely of Saturday livestock showmanship contests designed to "acquaint the student body with the many problems involved in conducting a livestock exhibition." Ag Royal continued through World War II, even though fewer students and faculty were able to participate. The events were dedicated to "the men in the armed forces from the University Farm Campus of the University of Minnesota" and to preserving the Ag Royal tradition. An all-college weekend called Kitchi Geshig (Chippewa for "Big Days") took the place of Ag Royal in 1956.

Yielding to simplicity, Kitchi Geshig was replaced by Minnesota Royal in the 1960's and has continued with few changes. Today, with nine campus organizations participating including the Gopher Dairy Club and the Block and Bridle Club, the celebration draws over 300 students, alumni, faculty and staff in a display of support for the U of M's St. Paul Campus.

MN Royal Executive Council and celebrities are seen in the photo above.

Front row, L-R: Sarah Olson (Gopher Dairy Club President), TC Bear (Twins Mascot), Marshall Stern (MN Royal Faculty Advisor), Luke Olson (Species Chair), Penni Dickie (Species Chair), Sarah Schieck (Communications), Joe Olsen (Finance Chair)

Back row, L-R: Eric Perkins (Kare 11), Tina Rettman (Princess Kay), Sarah Greening, (Associate Dean for COAFES), Beth Lauwaugie (MN Royal Chair and Twin Cities Homecoming Queen), KC Glaser (Twin Cities Homecoming King), Cara Soper (MN Royal Queen), Andrew Sorsoliel (MN Royal King), Tim Zweber (Species Chair).
  

2005 State 4-H Project Knowledge Bowl Results

The results of the State 4-H Project Knowledge Bowls, held April 15-17, 2005 in Buffalo, MN, are available online at http://www.fourh.umn.edu/projectbowl/results-2005-state.html. This state 4-H competition is the second largest attended event during the 4-H year and is patterned after the TV program "College Bowl". Teams of 3-6 youth are challenged to demonstrate their knowledge of particular 4-H project areas.

There are currently 7 different bowls: Dairy, Dairy Goat, Dog, General Livestock, Horse, Poultry, and Rabbit. There are 5 Regional Bowls followed by the State Bowl.  For each bowl there are two divisions—junior and senior.  Junior teams are composed of 4-H’ers in grades 3 thru 8 and senior teams are composed of members in grades 4 thru 4-H graduation (12+1).  Regional winners advance to the State Bowl and state winners in dairy, general livestock, horse, and poultry go on to national contests in places like Denver, CO; Louisville, KY; Omaha, NE, and Columbus, OH. 

Department of Animal Science faculty gave their time and expertise to facilitate at the event—Dr. Jacquie Jacob (Poultry), Dr. Jerry Hawton (General Livestock) and Dr. Tony Seykora (Dairy).

Get your friends together, recruit a coach, study hard, and… most of all HAVE FUN during the Project Bowl season!
  

Unionization of Graduate Assistants Voted Down

U of M graduate assistants voted down union representation by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) and elected to remain in a non-union status. The vote, which took place April 11-15, 2005, affects approximately 4,500 graduate assistants on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.

The University is pleased with the outcome of the election noting that it allows graduate assistants to continue to enjoy a competitive employment package without third party negotiations or union dues. The University feared that if a union were elected, the relationship between graduate students and their faculty mentors may become more adversarial. Also with this outcome, colleges will be able continue their flexibility in offering packages that are most appropriate for their individual employee groups.

In a memo to all graduate assistants announcing the election result, Carol Carrier, Vice President for the Office of Human Resources, thanked all employees who participated in the election. "Graduate assistants are vital to the education, research, and outreach mission of the University, which is the foundation of our current strategic planning initiative. The University has done and will continue to do everything possible to ensure a flourishing graduate assistant program. Now that the vote is behind us, we are ready to work together with you to continue that legacy."
  

Annual Department Picnic - June 16, 2005

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the annual Department of Animal Science picnic scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at noon. This year's picnic will be held on the green space outside (north) of the Livestock Pavilion.
Awards will be given at this event for Outstanding Masters and Ph.D. students, Outstanding Faculty, and Outstanding Staff. See you there!

Questions may be directed to Dana Souther at 612-624-7453 or south005@umn.edu.
  

Congratulations to our Recent Graduates

The Department of Animal Science wishes our Animal Science and Science in Agriculture graduates good luck with their future endeavors. The graduation ceremony was held in Northrop Auditorium on May 8, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Professor Mike White sang the Star Spangled Banner, and faculty, staff, friends and family joined our graduates to celebrate their special day.

Animal Science Graduates:

Lindsey Beach
Betsy Cherry
Kimberly Edstrom
Lacie Farnham (works for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and plans to open a dog boarding kennel and day care)
Stephanie Fjordbak
Leslie Gravatt
Daniel Hagman (will start his second year at the U of M College of Vet Med)
Jennifer Hartung (will start her first year at the U of M College of Vet Med)
Kristen Heitke (will work for North Star Genetics as an AI Technician/Dairy Nutritionist)
Christa Hermes
Rebecca Hon (will start her second year at the U of M College of Vet Med)
Judith Kashman (will start her Masters of Public Health at the U of M)
Adam Kayser
Daniel Krekelberg (will start his own dairy operation)
Cassie Lessman
Amanda Lewandowski (will work as a Vet Assistant/Kennel Technician for New Hope Animal Hospital)
Stephan Meydell IV
Alana Moline (works for Medtronic as a caretaker)
Nathan Mueller (will enter the US Marine Corps Officer Program)
Andrea Neuharth (will start her Masters in Infectious Disease at the U of M Vet Med Grad School)
Kari Newman
Dana Novara
Sarah Olson (will work for Holstein World as a contributing writer)
Trent Olson (is applying for a job within the dairy industry)
Kimberly Podlecki (will start her first year at Ohio State University College of Vet Med)
Stephanie Popp (will work for Osborn and Barr Communications in St. Louis, MO as the Contact Relations Intern)
David Reiman
Laura Schulz (will start her second year at U of M College of Vet Med)
Andrew Sheehan (will work for Land O'Lakes)
Dominique Sims (plans to play professional football)
Derrick Sommers
Kristin Stillman
Erin Wacker
Sara West
Samantha Winkels (will start her first year at the U of M College of Vet Med)
Michelle Zanol

Science in Agriculture Graduates:

Stefanie Clay
Elle Gusman
Elizabeth Lemke
Noemi Perez
Nicole Perreault (works for U of M Vet Med Center/Emergency Service and plans to apply to vet schools)
Azar Safai
Sarah Schieck (will work for Willmar Pet Hospital and will apply to vet school in the fall)
Stephanie Toward
  

Martin Ruiz Moreno

Martin Ruiz Moreno was born in Olavarria, Argentina, and spent much of his childhood at his grandfather’s farm. Martin enjoys contact with nature and animals, and farm living. At the age of 17, he started his veterinary studies in Tandil, Argentina, and received his veterinary degree in 1993 at the age of 23.

As the son of a biochemistry father and a history professor mother, science and teaching had long been part of Martin's preferences. He also has a love for music—especially blues but also tango. Martin's family is completed by his brother, Diego, who graduated in Argentina as a Computer Engineer and is now a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan, and his dog Tomas, a 10-year-old German shepherd.

Martin started working with the Argentinian veterinary faculty in 1994 as a teaching assistant in areas related to nutritional physiology and metabolic pathology. In 1999 he visited the Department of Animal Science at the U of M for a training period under the supervision of Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo. A few years later (2003) Martin had the chance to contact his advisor, Dr. Marshall Stern, to start a Master’s program at the U of M. Nowadays Martin works as a teaching assistant under Dr. Stern's supervision attending to ANSC 1403-Nutrition and Care of Companion Animals and ANSC 2403-Animal Nutrition.

Residing at the Minnesota Graduate Club, Martin enjoys wonderful friendships with graduate students from around the world, giving him a perfect balance between his interest in his field of study and his interest in human relationships with people from different cultures.
  

Welcome aboard Amy Goerger! Amy is our new Payroll Accountant. She comes to us from the Metropolitan Council where was employed as an accountant with payroll and receivables/payables responsibilities. Amy's husband Thomas also works at the University in ADCS.

Jeffrey Griggs, Poultry Research Assistant, has been accepted to Iowa State University. He'll finish up his M.S. here this summer then off to ISU to start a veterinary program.

Executive Administrative Specialist Bonnie Rae was wed to Mark Jaminski on April 24, 2005. Mark is employed by Johnson Controls as a stationary engineer at an American Medical Systems building. The couple have known each other for 7 years now. They honeymooned in Mexico about an hour south of Cancun.

After 8 years with the Department of Animal Science, Student Support Services Specialist Kim Reno will be leaving us to devote more time in her role as a mother. Kim's last day will be May 27, 2005.

Dr. Deb Roeber has accepted a position at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, as an Assistant Professor in Meat Science Teaching and Research. Deb's new position begins July 1, 2005.

Additional congratulations to Deb Roeber who has recently become engaged to marry self-employed professional painter and small business entrepreneur Kirk Van Overbeke. The couple met at their church and have been dating for a few years now. They have set a tentative wedding date of November 26, 2005.

Laura Torbert, County Extension Educator (Carver and Scott counties) and former Animal Science graduate student, is in the process of planning a wedding. Laura and Chris (Kieser), a mechanical engineer with Environ Laboratories, will marry on October 1, 2005.
  

Scott Fahrenkrug's lab was awarded a $25,000 gift by Spring Point Project to conduct work related to pig genetic engineering.
  

Department of Animal Science seminars are held September through May on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. in Room 365 Haecker Hall. Everyone is welcome. Please join us next fall.
  

Sorry, no Tech Tips this issue. We anticipate that Tech Tips will return in the fall.
  

May

16 - U of M Board of Regents Public Forum - Strategic Positioning, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Board of Regents Boardroom, 600 McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis. For more information, call 612-625-6300. Information about the President's recommendations are available online at http://www1.umn.edu/systemwide/strategic_positioning/.

17-19 - Ag Awareness, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact Beka Gill (gillx018@umn.edu / 612-624-3073) or Jeff Griggs (grig0039@umn.edu / 612-624-1086).

17-19 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Continuing Education and Conference Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact Veterinary Continuing Education, vop@umn.edu or 800-380-8636.

20 - "Where are Law, Ethics and the Life Sciences Headed? Frontier Issues", 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Room 25 Mondale Hall, U of M. See http://www.jointdegree.umn.edu/conferences/lawlifesci.php or call 612-625-0055 for more information.

June

10 - Current Issues in Manure Management, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN.

14 - Current Issues in Manure Management, Cabela's, Owatonna, MN.

15 & 16 - 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, The Grand River Center, Dubuque, IA. For registration information, contact Wisconsin Agri-Service Association at 608-223-1111. Program information contacts: Randy Shaver, UW-Madison 608-263-3491; Mike Hutjens, U of IL 217-333-2928; Lee Kilmer, IA State 515-294-2116; Jim Linn, U of M 612-624-6789.

16 - Department of Animal Science Annual Picnic, north of the Livestock Pavilion, St. Paul Campus. Contact: Dana Souther 612-624-7453 or south005@umn.edu.

20-24 - Animal Science Summer Youth Program: Adventures with Food and Fiber, U of M St. Paul Campus - for ages 11+ years. Contact Jacquie Jacob at 612-624-2766 or jacob150@umn.edu.

21 - St. Paul Campus Reunion, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen, MN. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Mary Buschette, 612-624-1745, 800-862-5867 or mbuschet@umn.edu.

July

11 - Golf Scramble for Scholarships, Les Bolstad U of M Golf Course. For more information contact Mary Buschette at 612-624-1745 or mbuschet@umn.edu.

13 - 2005 MN State Cattlemen's Association Summer Tour and Trade Show, MN State Fair Coliseum, St. Paul, MN. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/beef/.

18-22 - Animal Science Summer Youth Program: Adventures with Food and Fiber, U of M St. Paul Campus - for ages 9-10 years. Contact Jacquie Jacob at 612-624-2766 or jacob150@umn.edu.

25-29 - Animal Science Summer Youth Program: Adventures with Food and Fiber, U of M St. Paul Campus - for ages 7-8 years. Contact Jacquie Jacob at 612-624-2766 or jacob150@umn.edu.

August

2-4 - Farm Fest, Gilfillan Estate, Redwood County, MN. For more information, email sch@umn.edu or visit http://www.farmshows.com/farm/ffst/index.po.

18 - UMore Park Open House, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Location Entrance: County Rd 46 at the Dakota County Master Gardners Research and Display Garden. For more information, go to http://www.umorepark.umn.edu.

25-Sep 5 - Minnesota State Fair, Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN.

September

Thru Sep 5 - Minnesota State Fair, Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN.

1 - Mankato Golf Tournament, Northlinks Golf Course, North Mankato, MN. For more information, contact Don Kvasnica, 507-388-5192 or donkvasnicka@aol.com.

15 - Waseca Open House, Southern ROC in Waseca, MN.