AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

May 2011

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

Notes from the Department Head

 
The Department Head Notes will return in the fall.
  

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Krishona Martinson

Krishona Martinson received her BS from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and her MS and PhD in Agronomy from the University of Minnesota.  She has worked for the University of Minnesota since 2001 and is currently an Associate Professor and Equine Extension Specialist in the Animal Science Department with a 70% Extension and 30% Research appointment.  Krishona also hold a teaching appointment in the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Krishona is chairperson of the U of M Horse Program which provides unbiased, research based information to horse owners with the goal of increasing the knowledge of horse owners and improving the quality of care for horses and their habitat in Minnesota. Primary Extension programs include fall and winter regional horse owner programs, website information (www.extension.umn.edu/horse), a free monthly e-newsletter, factsheets, webinars and podcasts.  The University of Minnesota Extension Horse Team consists of 12 faculty members from 4 different colleges and departments and the Equine Advisory Committee, made up of 6 industry members and 4 members from other higher educational institutions offering equine degrees.

Her research program focuses on optimizing equine forage utilization.  Her current research projects  include determining horse preference of cool-season grasses; yield quality and persistence of cool-season grasses under horse grazing; the effect of soaking hay on carbohydrate and mineral removal; efficiencies of different round-bale feeders; genotype and environment interaction in Equine Metabolic Syndrome; and the effect of hay steaming on forage quality and mold concentrations.  Krishona is responsible for teaching the undergraduate course Horse Management (ANSC 2055) and lectures in three College of Veterinary Medicine courses; Toxicology (CVM 6195), Large Animal Handling (CVM 6301), and Advanced Equine Nutrition (CVM 6732).

Krishona and her husband Chad live on a small farm in Otsego, MN with their two children Montana (6) and Matalyn (5).  They raise American Quarter Horses and have a small herd of Hereford beef cattle.  In her spare time, Krishona enjoys outdoor activities, horseback riding and showing with her daughters, and scrapbooking.
  

News and Announcements

Ran Song Named Hueg–Harrison Fellow

Ran Song was recently selected to receive the prestigious Hueg-Harrison Graduate Fellowship Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. This very competitive award recognizes the student/mentor relationship that evolves during the pursuit of a graduate degree in production/applied agriculture. Ran’s advisor/mentor is Dr. Jerry Shurson. As a Hueg-Harrison Fellow, Ran will be awarded $36,000 in the form of an academic year stipend.

Congratulations Ran!
 

American Society of Animal Scientists Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

Eight Minnesota Animal Science undergraduates received 2011 ASAS Undergraduate Scholarship Awards for demonstrating high scholastic standards and outstanding leadership. In addition to the certificate awarded, they will be recognized in the July issue of the Journal of Animal Science. U of MN award winners are:

Seniors  
Brandon D. Thesing
Lindsey J. Beckendorf
Abby J. Udermann

Juniors
Andrew A. Kryzer
Tyler L. Evink
Laura A. Weisz

Sophomores
Patricia J. Zentner
Emily J. Engel

Left to right: Tyler Evink, Laura Weisz, Brandon Thesing, Patricia Zentner,
Emily Engel, and Lindsey Beckendorf. Not pictured: Abby Udermann.
 

Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team competed March 13 and 14 during the Midwest ADSA/ASAS meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. Team members Justin Johnston, Andrew Kryzer, Daniel Fox, and Tyler Evink earned the right to represent the U of MN by winning the local competition held in February. The Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon consists of four components: quiz bowl, lab practicum, written exam and oral presentation. The U of MN team placed 4th overall and 3rd in the quiz bowl contest. They were 4th in the Lab Practicum in which they were 1st in the general lab and 2nd in the sheep lab. After competing in the regional AQ, team members attended educational sessions of the Midwest ADSA/ASAS meetings.

Left to right: Justin Johnston, Andrew Kryzer, Daniel Fox, and Tyler Evink.
  

Ralco Nutrition, Inc. Supports Summer Research Project

Ralco Nutrition, Inc. provided $8,000 in support of Dan Hedges’ summer research project in the area of DDGS and swine nutrition. Dan will begin working toward his M.S. degree with Dr. Jerry Shurson.
 
 

Beef Team Members Attend and Present Research at 2011
Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference in San Antonio
Source: Grant Crawford, U of M Extension-Hutchinson

University of Minnesota’s Beef Team members Jolene Kelzer, Jackie Popowski, Devan Paulus, Jeff Jaderborg, Alfredo DiCostanzo, and Grant Crawford recently attended the 2011 Plains Nutrition Council (PNC) Spring Conference held April 14-15 in San Antonio, Texas. The PNC spring conference is one of the best-attended and most respected conferences focusing on feedlot cattle nutrition and management. Feedlot nutrition consultants, feedlot managers, university researchers and extension personnel, and allied industry representatives from across the feedlot regions of the United States and beyond were in attendance for sessions focusing on feedlot nutrition, management, and economics.

Jolene, Jackie, Devan, and Jeff presented research posters as a part of the PNC graduate student poster competition. Their posters presented research data from experiments focusing on the effects of high-protein distillers grains inclusion in beef feedlot finishing diets; the prevalence of E. coli O157 in cattle fed distillers grains in feedlots and harvested through a commercial abattoir in Minnesota; the impact of corn processing and soy glycerin on fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7; and the effects of substitution of distillers grains and glycerin for steam-flaked corn in beef feedlot finishing diets. All total, 50 graduate student research posters were presented representing 17 universities. Jackie Popowski's poster presentation entitled: Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in Cattle Fed Distillers Grains in Feedlots and Harvested Through a Commercial Abattoir in Minnesota, was recognized during the Plains Nutrition Conference. Jackie was one of the top five posters recognized.

Two Department of Animal Science alumni, Dr. Brad Johnson (MS 1994; PhD 1997) and Dr. Fred Owens (BS 1964; PhD 1968) delivered invited presentations at the conference. Dr. Johnson, the Davis Chair in Meat and Muscle Biology at Texas Tech University, presented a research update on the interaction of exogenous growth promotants and nutrition on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue growth and development in beef cattle. Dr. Owens, a Senior Research Scientist at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, delivered a presentation entitled “Dealing with High Feed Costs – Nutrition, Chemistry, and Physiology”.
 

Moving to Haecker Hall!
From Scott O’Grady

I am happy to announce that I have recently moved from room 435B AnSci/Vet Med Bldg. to 480 Haecker Hall! Tamene Melkamu, a recently appointed Research Assistant Professor in the Animal Science Department, has now moved into 435B and will share laboratory space with me in AnSci/Vet Med. My graduate student, Elizabeth Peitzman will also be moving to the 4th floor Haecker Hall later this summer to continue experiments related to her thesis project on ion channel function and airway epithelial cell migration. I would especially like to thank the Animal Science staff for their generous help with moving and setting up my office and I look forward to my interactions with colleagues in Haecker Hall!
  

Gopher Poultry Science Club – Spring Update

Spring was a busy semester for the GPSC members. Members participated in an omelet mixer with CFANS Ambassador representatives and several club members were able to attend the Midwest Poultry Convention during spring break. Other activities included a session on learning about eggs and quality grades (useful information in preparation for the FFA- Poultry CDE contest) and dyeing of eggs. Three members – Breanna Wimmler (Poultry CDE coordinator), Alamanda Calvert, and Kate Meloche set up the FFA poultry contest. Three members will be graduating shortly – Kate Meloche, Annie Duquette, and Corey Van Denburgh! Congratulations!!

The club wishes everyone a great summer and will look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall. For those interested in the club, see the facebook page for GPSC.
www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_174394035907421&ap=1

 
 
  

Introductory Animal Science Hog Roast and Showmanship Contest

Students from the Intro to AnSc class displayed the results of training and grooming their assigned calves from the St. Paul dairy at the annual showmanship contest and hog roast Thursday evening, April 21.  Winners of their respective heats were Rachel Richardson, Kelly Froehlich, Leah Sample, Meghan Monsen, Ashley Kipka, Raina Pederson, Elise Krause, Christina Delakis, Zachariah Loppnow, Dana Didrickson, Christine Schendel, Amber Erickson, Lakyn Lind, and Brittany Albrecht.  Showmanship judges were Brandon Thesing (AnSc Senior) and Brad Rugg (4-H Youth Development Center). Over 350 people attended the event throughout the evening including students, friends, parents, staff and faculty.

Minnesota Dairy Health Conference

Save on registration and hotel rate for the 2011 MN Dairy Health Conference. Register early for the best rates by April 30th: Conference (May 18-19, 2011) and pre-conference programs (May 17) at www.MNDairyHealth.org. Full program details available at the website. Single day tickets available.

Last year the Minnesota Dairy Health Conference welcomed practitioners and producers from 21 states and 4 countries. This year the program has great speakers and more program choices through its dual-track offerings and multiple pre-conference selections. Join your colleagues for the science-driven dairy conference of the year! 

NEW LOCATION & Great Hotel Rate: Minneapolis Airport Marriott, 2020 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN (Exit 24th Street on I-494). Newly renovated - best hotel in the south metro area; Easy access and free parking; Walking distance to Mall of America and IKEA; Easy airport access and Light Rail Transit.

Two social events and road trip! Bring your significant other to the Twin Cities and experience our beautiful Minnesota Spring! Register with your choice of two social guest passes: 

• Tour New Sweden Dairy and the UMN Dairy Education Center on Tuesday, May 17th in a luxury tour bus with lunch
• Attend the Boehringer-Ingelheim Opening Reception at the Marriott on Tuesday, May 17th
• Enjoy the Elanco outdoor BBQ dinner at the Marriott and informal get together on Wednesday evening, May 18th
• Eat well and learn at the Pfizer Technical Breakfast Thursday morning, May 19th
• Light transit to downtown, walking distance to the Mall of America, plus museums, concerts and sightseeing at your leisure

Sponsors – THANK YOU!
Gold:          Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; Elanco Animal Health
Bronze:      Pfizer Animal Health
Copper:      Diamond V; Vi-COR

Sponsorship donations and proceeds support the Dairy Education mission at the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota. If you would like your company to be a sponsor or exhibitor, please call 612-624-3434.
   

Forages for Pasture-Based Dairy Production Systems

Dr. Stacey Hamilton will be a keynote speaker for a presentation on forages for pasture-based dairy production. The presentation will be on Monday, May 16th 2011 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minnesota.  Dr. Hamilton’s seminar begins at 1:00 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public. A pasture walk will also be conducted on Tuesday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m. featuring the pasture-based dairy at WCROC.

Dr. Hamilton’s seminar is being offered by the U of MN Extension Dairy Team and from a grant of the USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative. This seminar is an opportunity for dairy producers and dairy industry representatives to hear the latest information on forages for pasture-based dairy production.

For more information about the organic dairy program, you can visit the U of MN Dairy Team website: www.extension.umn.edu/dairy. For more information, contact: Brad Heins, Assistant Professor, Organic Dairy Management, (320) 589-1711 or hein0106@umn.edu.
  

National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship Announcement

The NPFDA (National Poultry & Food Distributors Association) Scholarship Foundation is entering its 32nd year of scholarship assistance. Every year, we award four $1,500.00 scholarships to students in the fields of poultry science, food science, agricultural economics/marketing, nutrition and all other areas of study related to the poultry industry.

To qualify: Be a college junior or senior the upcoming (award) year, be enrolled as a full time student, be pursuing a Poultry or related Agricultural, Ag Business degree – Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food science, Animal Science, Pre Vet, Food Marketing, Ag. Econ., etc. (Unrelated degrees such as English or Nursing will not be considered), provide his or her current official transcript - sealed , provide a letter of recommendation from his or her Dean, Department Head and/or advisor, complete an application, and provide a one-page letter describing his or her goals and aspirations.

All applications and documents must be received by the NPFDA office no later than May 31, 2011. Learn more about the scholarship at the NPFDA website.
  

National Goat Expo Announces New Board Member

(Oquawka, IL)- Langston University Goat Extension Specialist, Dr. Steve Hart is the newest member of the National Goat Expo Board of Directors. Dr. Hart joined the board in April accepting the position of Second Vice President. Jennifer Parrish, President of the Board replied, “We are honored to have Steve become a member of our board. His knowledge of goats and his reputation as a goat expert will be a tremendous benefit to the NGE.”

Dr Hart is known for his work in goat nutrition and the use of goats for vegetation management. In addition to his many speaking engagements at goat conferences, his ten plus years as superintendent of the Boer Goat Show at the State Fair of Oklahoma, he is also an accomplished author. His work has appeared in the Meat Goat Handbook produced by Langston University, the Goat Rancher and other publications.

The National Goat Exposition Board and Committee welcome Dr. Steve Hart and look forward to his seminars that will be given at the National Goat Expo on October 7-11th, 2012 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Monies, Iowa.
Joining Dr. Hart in presenting seminars at the NGE is Dr. Noah Litherland with the University of Minnesota. Dr. Litherland will be presenting information about Dry Doe Feeding and Nutrition and Nursery Kid Feeding and Nutrition. Also giving seminars is Cheryl Smith, author of How to Raise Goats for Dummies.

The National Goat Exposition will offer something to all levels of goat experience, from large farm production to the backyard breeder. Everything you want to know about goats will be in one location. To learn more about the National Goat Exposition, go to www.nationalgoatexpo.org or call Jen Parrish at 515-402-6124.

OCTOBER 7-11, 2012
 

Siehl Prize Ceremony

Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:30 p.m., Reception at 4:30 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center,  www.alumnicenter.umn.edu
RSVP by May 19, 2011 to 612-624-0822 or kling175@umn.edu
Online registration at z.umn.edu/SiehlPrizeRSVP

The Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture was created in the early 1990s by a generous gift from New Ulm-area livestock breeder and businessman Eldon Siehl, a dedicated philanthropist who had a lifelong interest in agricultural systems. Siehl was concerned that people were losing touch with their agrarian roots and wanted his gift to ensure that achievements in agriculture would be recognized and celebrated. The award recognizes living Minnesota individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the production of food and alleviation of hunger in three separate categories:  production, agribusiness, and knowledge.

Recipients receive a $50,000 award as well as a sculpture and lapel pin designed by Minnesota artist Thomas Rose especially for the Siehl Prize.
   

End of the Year Accounting Update

PO Requests and Ustores Orders
June 17, 2011 is the last day orders can be placed for the Fiscal Year. So please plan ahead! This includes Ustores orders. All orders need to be entered, approved and sourced to a PO before 2:00 p.m. on June 17th. If the requisition is not sourced to a PO, it will be deleted and will have to be re-entered after July 1st. We suggest you have all of your orders in before the end of the day on June 16th to ensure that they get approved and sourced.

Packing Slips
Please turn in your packing slips as soon as possible. This helps us to know that you received the package and that the invoice is okay to be paid. All invoices have to be paid before June 17th to be paid this fiscal year. Any invoices received after June 17th will have to wait until after July 1st to get processed.

P-Card Users
We have a very very short window to enter P-Cards in the month of June due to the end of the fiscal year. We ask that you do not wait to turn in your receipts. Please turn them in ASAP and do not wait until the last minute.

If you have any questions, please see the Animal Science Accounting Staff. Thank you.
 

Condolences

Our condolences to Bonnie J. Rae on the loss of her husband Mark Jaminski.

Mark Paul Jaminski, Age 52, of Shoreview, passed away May 4, 2011. Preceded in death by mother, Noreen. Survived by loving and devoted wife, Bonnie; children, Casey, Lauren and Tyler; father, Richard; siblings, Jim, Paula Hutton and Cal (Jack) Pearson; granddaughter, Sadie; nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Minnesota Medical Foundation, Fund #2806, in memory of Mark Jaminski, 200 Oak St. SE, Mpls, MN 55455-2030. Memorial service Wednesday 2 PM with visitation 1 hour prior at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd, Edina.

Graduate Student Profile

The Graduate Student Profile will return in the Fall.
  

Congratulations!

Recent Grants

Scott Fahrenkrug, Department of Animal Science
Sponsor: USDA NIFA prime, subcontract from the University of Missouri
Title: National Program for Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle
Amount: $4,900,000.00 awarded to University of Missouri, $228, 068 will come to the University of Minnesota

Chuck Schwartau, Gary Hachfeld, Dave Bau and Rob Holcomb
(last 3 are members of the Extension Ag Business team)
Sponsor: USDA-Risk Management Education
Title: Employment Skills for Today: Planning for Success
Amount: $11,400
    

Calendar of Events

- May 2011 -

1-3 - State FFA Convention.

3 - U of M Alumni Association Annual Celebration. Reception: Carlson School of Management Atrium, 5:30 p.m.; Program: Ted Mann Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Contact: Alumni Association, 612-625-9173.

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.

10 - CFANS Spring College Assembly (9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), 105 Cargill Bldg, U of M St. Paul Campus.

13 - CFANS Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony (7:00-9:00 p.m.), Mariucci Arena, U of M Minneapolis Campus.

26 - Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture Awards Ceremony. For more information, email siehlprz@umn.edu.

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 Marriott 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.