AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

November 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

There is much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season. One of the first promises I made to myself when I took on the role of Department Head was to visit with the staff and meet every faculty member where they worked; in their office, laboratory or barn, here on campus or at our Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs). Through these visits I have been struck with the fact that this is an excellent Department with outstanding students, staff and faculty. After having toured animal and laboratory facilities on campus as well as our ROCs and after meeting with dedicated faculty and staff, it is clear that our Department is well positioned for the future and has much to be thankful for.

Although the future holds many challenges for Animal Science, I believe that this is a good time to be in the profession. As global human population approaches 7 billion, we are faced with unprecedented challenges to securely and safely feed those many billions. Animals are an important part of the solutions to these difficult issues of food security, food safety, and nutrition.  I am optimistic. I am encouraged and inspired by the bright students that I have the pleasure to interact with as well as by the talented and committed faculty and staff. We in the Department of Animal Science feel privileged and thankful to be partners with you as together we create a bright and promising future for all. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!
 

Faculty Highlights

Brad Heins

Dr. Brad Heins hails from Lake City, MN. He received his B.S. in Animal and Plant Systems from the University of Minnesota, and went on to receive his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. Brad's Ph.D. research evaluated various aspects of incorporating the Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red breeds into a crossbreeding system. The long-term crossbreeding study was based on field data from California.

Brad currently serves as Assistant Professor of Organic Dairy Production in the Department of Animal Science and is located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, MN. His appointment is 60% research and 40% extension.

Brad’s research and extension programs focus on organic and pasture-based dairy production best management practices that will improve the profitability of organic dairy production systems. His current research projects include evaluating the costs associated with transitioning a dairy from conventional to organic production, exploring alternative dairy cattle genetics for use in pasture dairy systems, and group rearing of calves. 

Currently, Brad and his graduate student Elizabeth Bjorklund are researching the effect of organic whole milk feeding duration with group fed calves on growth, health and behavior of organic dairy calves. Additionally, they are evaluating the effects of growth, meat quality and profitability of organically raised dairy-beef steers.

Brad’s research interests also include exploring the optimal use of concentrates for organic dairy production, sourcing the best grasses/pasture mixes for grazing, investigating alternative methods to treat and prevent health disorders in organic dairy cattle, pest management strategies, and value-added income from grass-fed cattle for meat and artisan cheese production. 

Recently, Heins, Marcia Endres and Roger Moon (Department of Entomology) submitted a grant to the Ceres Trust to evaluate the effect of grain supplementation on economics, behavior, and pest management of organic dairy cows.

Furthermore, Brad contributes to the University of Minnesota Extension Dairy Team. Recently, he was appointed to the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force by Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. Brad will represent University of Minnesota Extension on the task force.

In addition to his research and extension roles, Brad serves as the faculty supervisor of the WCROC organic and conventional dairy. He oversees all aspects of this 225-cow dairy, including maintaining the organic certification of the 100-cow organic dairy herd.

In his spare time, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife Joni and 3 children (Kaleb, 5; Ahna, 3; and Karsten, 1 month), traveling, and researching his German family history.
  

News and Announcements

Kelzer Named Young Scholar by Midwest ASAS /ADSA

Animal Science graduate Jolene Kelzer (Ph.D., May 2011) was named 2012 ASAS Midwest Section Young Scholar by the Board of the Midwestern Section of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and the Midwest Branch of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA).

Jolene has been invited to submit an abstract and participate in the 2012 Midwest ASAS/ADSA annual meeting in Des Moines, IA, March 19-21. Her presentation is titled "Effects of supplemental manganese oxide on ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration, ruminal pH, and feedlot performance of beef cattle fed high-sulfur finishing diets".

In addition to the invitation to present her research, Jolene will receive a plaque, a stipend to assist with cost of travel to Des Moines, and free meeting registration.

The intent of the Young Scholars program is to recognize and feature the research accomplishments of recent Ph.D. graduates or current Ph.D. students in the advanced stages of their program at the annual Midwestern ADSA/ASAS meetings.  Both ADSA and ASAS recognize promising individuals separately as either an ADSA Midwest Branch Young Dairy Scholar or an ASAS Midwestern Section Animal Science Young Scholar.

For more information about the 2012 annual meeting of the ASAS Midwestern Section/ADSA Midwest Branch, please see http://adsa.asas.org/midwest/.
 

Durow Places 1st in Oral Reasons in National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

Caity Durow placed 1st in oral reasons in the National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest that was held on October 3, at World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Of 6 sets of oral reasons, Caity received 3 scores of 49 out of a possible 50 points, and each of the 3 were the highest reasons score awarded in that respective breed. Also, Caity Durow was 2nd individual overall (only 1 point out of 1st place). For breeds, Caity was 2nd in Red & White, 8th in Guernsey, and 9th in Holstein.

Durow's team mates were Elizabeth Olson, Karen Anderson, and Emily Achen. Olson was 6th in Guernsey and 10th in Red & White. Anderson was 3rd in Milking Shorthorn, and Emily Achen was 7th in Guernsey. All four women are majoring in Animal Science.

In the photo at right, Caity Durow is presented with the Dr. Dave Dickson Award by Mr. Tom Morris who represents the "Friends of Dr. Dave Dickson".

The University of Minnesota team placed 5th overall and 2nd in oral reasons of 21 competing teams. By breed, the Minnesota team placed 2nd in Milking Shorthorn, 4th in Guernsey, 4th in Red & White, and 5th in Holstein.

For the past 8 of 10 years, the dairy cattle judging team of the University of Minnesota has placed among the top 5 teams in the national contest, and only one other university surpasses that achievement.

Team members with their 5th-place ribbons are shown in the photo below (L-R): Coach Dr. Les Hansen, Elizabeth Olson, Caity Durow, Karen Anderson, Emily Achen, Coach Alicia Thurk, and Coach Scott Ellinghuysen.

TEAM RANKINGS

Top 5 teams for Oral Reasons:
 
1.   Michigan State
2.   MINNESOTA
3.   Cornell
4.   UW-Madison
5.   Virginia Tech
 
Overall Team Ranking:
 
1.   Cornell
2.   Virginia Tech
3.   Penn State
4.   UW-Madison
5.   MINNESOTA
6.   Michigan State
7.   Ohio State
8.   UW-Platteville
9.   Illinois
10. Cal Poly
11. UW-River Falls
12. South Dakota State
13. Oklahoma State
14. Purdue
15. Kansas State
16. Tennessee
17. North Dakota State
18. Iowa State
19. West Virginia
20. Delaware Valley
21. Maryland

Fahrenkrug in the News

Dr. Scott Fahrenkrug is in the news again! His business, Recombinetics, is developing genetically altered pigs for companies and labs to use in research and for testing medical devices and drugs. In addition, Recombinetics is planning to build a $2.2 million swine facility at Elk Run, a development 15 miles north of Rochester. The facility will house 50 to 100 female pigs.

Two articles appeared in the StarTribune's online business section: Can sick pigs be lucrative? (October 20), and Elk Run closer to first tenant, a Minnneapolis biotech firm (September 19).
    

Heins to Speak at Video Conference on Grazing Research

Dr. Brad Heins will discuss "Crossbreeding Dairy Cattle for Improved Milk Production on Pasture" at the 2011 Grazing Video Conference. The video conference, "Grazing Research for Minnesota's Future", is an opportunity for graziers and researchers to network and communicate about current and future grazing research needs.

This innovative, interactive event will be held at five Minnesota locations allowing graziers to attend the location closest to them. Locations include Thief River Falls (Northland Community College), Grand Rapids (NCROC), Lamberton (SWROC), Rochester (Winona State University), and Staples (Central Lakes College). Registration begins at 8:45 a.m.

The complete schedule of events and registration information are available on the MFA website. Pre-registration by November 22 is only $5 and includes lunch and proceedings. On-site registration will be $15.
 

Don't Miss the 2011 Midwest Dairy Expo!

The 2011 Midwest Dairy Expo, "The Road to Success", offers great education sessions and a trade show featuring over 170 exhibits. The Expo will take place at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, MN on November 29-30.

The Expo features the best in educational and networking opportunities for today’s dairy producer. This year, all education sessions and the trade show will be FREE to all attendees. This is a great opportunity to network and learn from great speakers and other dairy producers from throughout the Upper Midwest. 

For more information, see the program brochure. Avoid waiting in lines at the show! Pre-register at www.mnmilk.org/midwestdairyexpo. 
  

Cattle Feeder Days Coming in December

The University of Minnesota Beef Team will present the 2011 Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days at 4 locations this December:

• December 5: U of M West Central Research and Outrearch Center, Morris
• December 6: Blue Mound Banquet Center, Luverne
• December 7: The Caboose, Tracy
• December 8: American's Best Value Inn (formerly La Quinta Inn), Rochester

This year's topics and speakers are:

• Priorities that Impact Feedlot Health: A Top 10 List - Dr. Jeremy Schefers, U of M College of Vet Medicine
• Optimizing Efficiencies in the Feedyard - Dr. Chad Zehnder, Land O'Lakes Purina Feed
• Considerations for Feedlot Facility Management - panel led by Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, U of M Beef Team
  U of M Beef Research Update - U of M Beef Team
  

Registration is $35 per person and $20 for each additional person from the same farm or family. All program materials and a meal are included with registration.

For more information, see the program flyer or visit the U of M Beef Center website.
  

2012 Dairy Management Workshops: January 31 & February 1

The Dairy Management Workshops, coordinated by Minnesota Milk Producers and University of Minnesota Extension, are one-day workshops designed to educate, challenge and connect the dairy industry across Minnesota. This year's workshops are being held January 31 at College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, and February 1 at the International Event Center in Rochester, MN.

The program will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. each day. Speakers and topics include:

• Dr. Gordie Jones (Central Sands Dairy) on “Back to the Basics: Concentric Consistency” and “Back to the Basics: Ventilation”
• Gary Koch (Gislason & Hunter) on “Legal Updates Impacting Ag Business in 2012”
• Jim Salfer (University of Minnesota Extension) on “Replacement Economics: Are your Heifers Eating Your Lunch” and “Robotic Milking: Midwest Producer Experiences”
• Paul Mussell (Canadian Milk Producer) on “Laughing till the Cows Come Home”

Registration is only $45 per person and includes all program materials, educational sessions, lunch and breaks. To learn more and to pre-register, visit the Minnesota Milk Producers website.
     

Scholarship/Internship Opportunity!

ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY for scholarships offered by the Midwest Poultry Consortium (MPC). Up to 30 scholarships will be awarded for undergraduate students to take a curriculum of three poultry science classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Classes are taught by faculty from participating land grant universities and poultry industry experts. Up to nine credits can be earned for each summer session; credits transfer to the students’ home universities and are accepted towards graduation. Paid internships are provided by MPC member companies to students accepted into the program. You cannot find an opportunity like this anywhere else!

The application deadline is December 2, 2011. Apply online at www.mwpoultry.org.
  

Upcoming Scholarship Application Deadlines

Dennis Bottem Memorial Scholarship Application
Deadline: November 20, 2011
The Dennis Bottem Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving college student pursuing an education in Animal Science or Agronomy. For more information, see eligibility requirements and application materials.

Reid Mason Memorial Scholarship Application
Deadline: November 20, 2011
The Reid Mason Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving college student pursuing an education in Animal Science with a focus on beef cattle. For more information, see eligibility requirements and application materials.

National Corn Growers Association Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 9, 2011
$1000 scholarships are available to members and family members of the National Corn Growers Association. Students who are sophomore level or greater are eligible to apply. For more information, visit the National Corn Growers Association website.

AgStar Scholars Program Applications
Deadline: January 16, 2012
The AgStar Fund for Rural America, a corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, is now accepting applications for its Scholars Program, which will award ten $2,000 scholarships to students from the University of Minnesota.  Recipients of the scholarship will participate in a day-long seminar hosted by AgStar. For more information and to apply, please visit the AgStar website.
  

Graduate Students Prepare Breakfast for Faculty and Staff

The Animal Science Graduate Club held their annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Breakfast in Haecker Hall on the morning of October 26. A breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, muffins, juice, and coffee was served and enjoyed by all who attended.

Thank you to the Graduate Club for treating us to breakfast!
  

Join the Alumni Association!

When you become a member of the U of M Alumni Association, you become an ambassador for all the initiatives that help tell the University's important story through the Legislative Network, the Statewide Speakers' Tour, and ongoing communications to alumni and supporters.

Membership dues help fund important programs including advocacy, communications, mentoring, and premier events honoring outstanding faculty, alumni and researchers.

In addition to providing support to the Alumni Association, members receive a 10% discount at the U Bookstores, Goldy's Locker Room, and D'Amico & Sons Cafe in the McNamara Alumni Center, plus a subscription to Minnesota Magazine, discounts on nationwide entertainment and travel, and more!

U of M employees are eligible to purchase a 2-year membership for the price of one year (only $50). Use campaign code N12ES at www.MinnesotaAlumni.org/join or call 612-624-9658 to receive your special employee discount.

Become connected — join the Alumni Association today! 
  

Get Your CFANS T-Shirt!

The CFANS Student Board is selling CFANS T-shirts to help support CFANS events and provide grants to CFANS student organizations. The logo on the front of the shirt includes an "M" and our college name in maroon letters. Luke Nichols, Student Board President, is shown below wearing the new T-shirt. There are two color options: white (shown) and maroon with gold lettering. All sizes are available.

Proceeds from T-shirt sales will be used to support CFANS events and grants to CFANS student organizations. Payment options are limited to cash or checks made out to the University of Minnesota. Purchase your T-shirt in 190 Coffey Hall for only $10.

        

Graduate Student Profile

Dan Hedges

Dan Hedges is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in swine nutrition, and Dr. Jerry Shurson is his advisor. Dan's Master's research is focused on finding better prediction equations for oil extracted dried distillers grains with solubles.

Dan's interests in swine nutrition are very broad ranging from enyzmatic activity to natural replacements for antibiotics and growth promotants. After completing college, Dan plans to follow his father and work as a swine nutritionist in the hog industry.

Dan is originally from Illinois but has lived in Mankato, MN for most of his life. He received his Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota in 2010.

When not doing school work, Dan likes to play with his dog, practice Judo, and watch movies.
 

Congratulations!

Kate VandenBosch, Head of the Department of Plant Biology, has accepted the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Kate will assume this new leadership role beginning March 1, 2012.
  

Recent Grants

Ulrike Sorge (PI), Brad Heins, Jason Lombard, Bert Stromberg, Sandra Godden, David Kelton
Title: An investigation of cattle health and management practices on organic dairy farms
Sponsor: U of M CVM Population Systems Pilot Grant
Amount: $49,691

Yuzhi Li (PI), Department of Animal Science, WCROC
Title: Protecting low ranking sows in group-housing systems
Funding agency: National Pork Board
Period: 9/11-3/13
Amount: $92,955
  

Calendar of Events

- November 2011 -

12 - 43rd Annual Goat Breeders Conference (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), Ruttan Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus.

12 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program, University Teaching and Outreach Center Horse Facility, U of M Crookston Campus. Online registration. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.

16 - Agri-Growth Council Annual Meeting and Speakers Conference, Minneapolis Convention Center.

24 - Thanksgiving Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

25 - Floating Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

29-30 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Minnesota Milk, 877-577-0741.

- December 2011 -

1-4 - Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention, Jackpot Junction, Morton, MN.

5-8 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days, Morris, MN (Dec. 5); Luverne, MN (Dec. 6); Tracy, MN (Dec. 7); Rochester (Dec. 8). Program contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

7-9 - North Dakota Poultry Industries Convention, Fargo, ND. Contact: Carl or Sharlene Wittenburg at carlproalli@tds.net, carlwitt@wisper-wireless.com, or call 877-289-8875.

8 - Video Conference: Grazing Research for Minnesota's Future, Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

26 - Christmas Day Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

27 - Floating Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

- January 2012 -

2 - New Years Day Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

16 - Martin Luther King Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

23-24 - Minnesota Ag Expo 2012, Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, MN.

24-25 - Midwest Forage Association, Wisconsin Custom Operators, and Professional Nutrient Applicators 2012 Symposium and Annual Meeting, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Contact: MFA, 651-484-3888.  

24-26 - International Poultry Exposition, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA.   

- February 2012 -

1-4 - 114th Annual Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen's Beef Association Trade Show, Nashville, TN.

8-9 - 7th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center, Sioux Falls, SD.

14-18 - 66th Annual National Meat Association Convention, Hilton Tucson El Conquiastador Resort, Tucson, AZ.

15-18 - National Turkey Federation Annual Convention, Tampa, FL. Contact: Jen Zukowski, 202-898-0100.

15-19 - California Dairy Tour. Contact: Minnesota Milk, 877-577-0741.

19-21 - 2012 Meat Conference, Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL.

- March 2012 -

13-15 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Lara Durben, 763-682-2171. 

16 - Floating Holiday (U of M Twin Cities is closed)

- April 2012 -

30-May 3 - American Meat Institute's International Meat, Poultry and Seafood Exposition, Convention Center, Dallas. TX.