AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

October 2009

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

Presidencies

Department of Animal Sciences occasionally have faculty who serve on Boards of their professional societies. Board and officer positions in professional societies are almost always elected positions and reflect the respect that one's peers and colleagues have for the individual's scholarly and other contributions to the profession or academic area. Rarely more than one or two faculty members from any one department are serving in a society leadership role, even with all the different professional societies represented within a department. However, this year, we are honored to have three of our faculty members as president of their respective professional scientific society. Dr. Hugh Chester-Jones is president of the Midwest American Dairy Science Association. Dr. Krishona Martinson is president of the Minnesota Association of Extension Educators, and Dr. Sally Noll is president of the Poultry Science Association. 

All three of these organizations are noted for their scholarship and are the premier source of scientific information and education in their respective fields. To be elected president of your professional society is a great honor but also entails a lot of additional work. Society presidents are responsible for business administrative functions of the society as well as science-based educational programs and journal(s) of the society, they preside over all meetings of the association and of the Board of Directors, and are the official representative of the association. The three faculty we have serving in presidency roles have demonstrated the leadership, scholarship and the professionalism to lead their societies. As a Department, we take pride in the recognition and accomplishments of these individuals and in so doing the recognition it brings to the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota. Having three presidents in one department at one time is truly unique and shows the quality of scientists we have in our Department and the respect others have for the scholarly research and teaching work we do. 

Congratulations to Hugh, Krishona and Sally on their presidencies and thank you for your leadership in serving our professional societies. I know your societies are in good hands and will function admirably during your tenure.
 

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Scott O'Grady

Dr. Scott O’Grady is a professor of physiology with a teaching and research appointment. His teaching responsibilities include a course in cell physiology required for graduate students in the Integrative Biology and Physiology graduate program at the medical school. In addition, he participates in another team-taught graduate course on mechanisms of hormone signaling that serves as an elective for students in the Animal Science and Comparative Molecular Biosciences (CMB) graduate programs.

Dr. O’Grady is the Ph.D. advisor for Katie Schiller and Tamene Melkamu, both from the CMB graduate program. Katie and Tamene have successfully completed their preliminary examinations and are finishing their thesis projects. Just recently, Katie received the Young Investigator Award from the American Physiological Society for her project on the role of the cystic fibrosis chloride channel (CFTR) in airway epithelial cell migration and wound repair.

Dr. O’Grady’s research interests focus on ion transport properties and innate immune function of airway epithelial cells. The airway epithelium plays a critical role in protecting the lung from infectious microorganisms. In diseases like cystic fibrosis, defects in chloride secretion significantly impair the clearance of pathogenic organisms from the airways. Studies conducted in O’Grady’s laboratory have demonstrated that the CFTR also plays an essential role in the process of alveolar fluid clearance and that drugs used to resolve pulmonary edema specifically activate this channel. Stimulation of both sodium and chloride transport within the alveolus is necessary for fluid reabsorption and resolution of edema. More recent experiments have shown that CFTR is involved in the process of wound repair in human airway epithelial cells. The channel appears to facilitate cell migration by enhancing lamellipodia protrusion, a critical early step in the migration process. Evidence suggests that CFTR participates in regulation of pH at the plasma membrane/extracellular matrix interface, which appears to be important in controlling cell adhesion.

Airway epithelial cells are also important in allergic responses to environmental allergens that can have exacerbating effects in chronic airway diseases such as asthma. In particular, Dr. O’Grady in collaboration with Dr. Hirohito Kita at the Mayo Clinic has been studying the effects of a common airborne fungus (Alternaria alternata) on airway inflammation. Results of these studies indicate that the fungus is capable of producing epithelial cell necrosis leading to an inflammatory response that can be potentially life threatening to asthma patients who have become sensitized to Alternaria. Experiments are now underway to understand the mechanism of epithelial cell necrosis and to identify potential drug targets that can minimize or prevent airway inflammation that results from Alternaria colonization of the airway epithelium.

Dr. Jeffrey Reneau

Dr. Jeff Reneau is a professor of dairy management with responsibilities in extension, teaching and research. His extension and research programs integrate science and education into management programs relevant to the dairy industry for enhancing productivity and profitability. His activities and efforts focus on milk quality, but also encompass many interdisciplinary efforts in dairy management and evaluation of dairy farms as a system where it is the interaction of several components that affect the whole.

Dr. Reneau’s current research efforts in using statistical process control methodologies and modern electronic technology to enhance real time data collection and interpretation are aimed at leveraging technology to improve dairy production management. He also serves as the Area Program Leader for Livestock and has supervisory responsibilities for ten Regional Livestock Extension Educators.

Dr. Reneau team teaches AnSc 3609-Business Planning for Animal Enterprises during fall semester with Dr. Sam Baidoo. During spring semester, he teaches AnSc 4612-Tools for Dairy Consultants in the 21st Century, AnSc 4604-Dairy Production Systems Management, and AnSc 4614-Advanced Dairy Production Systems Management.

In August, Dr. Reneau presented seminars and workshops during a 2-week trip to Inner Mongolia with Dr. Yang Da. They covered over 1500 miles during their travels, visiting the city of Hohhot and other locations in Inner Mongolia, and taking the time to see the Great Wall of China. The trip was sponsored by the Inner Mongolia Livestock Improvement Station. Dr. Reneau said, "it was the most fascinating international trip I have ever taken."
 

Remembering Dr. Norman E. Borlaug

Agriculturalist Dr. Norman Borlaug, a pioneer in crop science, died on September 12, 2009 at his home in Dallas, TX at age 95. Dr. Borlaug was known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ for his advances in high-yield crop varieties, which helped to more than double world food production in the 1960s and 70s. His work is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation.

Dr. Borlaug was raised on a farm near Cresco, IA, 10 miles from the Minnesota border. After completing his primary and secondary education in Cresco, he attended the U of M where he received a bachelor’s degree in forestry (1937), and a master’s degree (1939) and doctorate (1942) in plant pathology.

In 1944, Dr. Borlaug accepted an appointment as geneticist and plant pathologist assigned the task of organizing and directing the Cooperative Wheat Research and Production Program in Mexico. There he became involved in scientific research in genetics, plant breeding, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, soil science and cereal technology. His research led him to the discovery of high-yielding short-strawed, disease-resistant wheat; as a result, Mexico became self-sufficient in wheat production. Dr. Borlaug’s work took him to other countries as well, including Egypt, India and Pakistan where he helped farmers produce higher yields on less land.

During his lifetime, Dr. Borlaug received many honors and awards including the Nobel Peace Prize (1970), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977), the Presidential World Without Hunger Award: Educator/Scientist (1985), Jefferson Lifetime Achievement Award (1997), the National Medal of Science (2004), and the Congressional Gold Medal (2007).

To celebrate Dr. Borlaug's his amazing life and achievements in agricultural production, a memorial service with a commemorative history was held at the McNamara Alumni Center on October 8. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Minnesota Foundation, CM-3854, PO Box 70870, St. Paul, MN 55170-3854 to one of the following funds: E.C. Stakman Plant Pathology Graduate Student Fellowship Fund No. 5646; The Norman E. Borlaug Fellowship for International Agriculture Fund No. 1445; or Norman Borlaug Youth Institute Scholarship Fund No. 5036.

“The first essential component for social justice is adequate food for all mankind.”
– Dr. Norman E. Borlaug 

Heins Receives Recognition from Midwestern ADSA

Brad Heins was recently named Midwestern ADSA Young Scholar for 2010. Brad was nominated by the Department of Animal Science and selected by the Midwestern ADSA/ASAS Board for his exemplary accomplishments and outstanding academic record during his Ph.D. graduate program.

The Young Scholars program rewards young scientists for their innovative research efforts, their research is then featured at the association's annual meeting. Brad's research is related to the study of crossbreeding Holsteins and Jerseys from two U of M herds. He'll be presenting his findings at the Midwestern ADSA annual meeting this March.
   

The Chester-Jones' Serve as Grand Marshals

As the Grand Marshals of the 22nd Annual Waseca Marching Classic, Dr. Hugh Chester-Jones and wife Ann led the traditional Classic Parade through the streets of downtown Waseca on September 19. The Waseca Marching Classic is a celebration and field show competition of high school marching bands from around the region.

Ann and Hugh were selected as Grand Marshals for their dedication and commitment to working with the Waseca High School marching band, the Marching Jays. Ann and Hugh’s involvement in the band program began in 1995 when their eldest daughter, Angharad, joined the band. Later, their youngest daughter, Rhonwen, became a Marching Jay too.

As band parents, Ann and Hugh worked concession stands at home events, walked parade routes handing out water to band members, and helped in other capacities as well. The couple also served on the band’s trailer crew for over 9 years.

The trailer crew is made up of at least 6 members who work together to get the trailer packed, travel around the country to competitions, set up and tear down the equipment, and help band members and section leaders. Even after both of their daughters were no longer participating in the band, Ann and Hugh continued to work on the trailer crew for another year.

Ann and Hugh have great memories of their experiences and were honored to be this year’s Grand Marshals.
 

Johnston Family Partake in 'Other White Meat Tour'

On September 18-20, Lee, Judy and Justin Johnston participated in the National Pork Board's 'Other White Meat Tour' when it stopped in Newport Beach, CA. The intent of the tour is to visit festivals and large public gatherings as a way to promote pork products and the swine industry. The National Pork Board sends pork producers from around the country to each stop on the tour to grill pork loins and serve free samples to festival goers. An important goal of the tour is to interact with consumers and help them make the connection between the people that raise pigs and the pork products available in retail outlets.

The Other White Meat Tour visited over 20 cities this summer. The Johnston clan helped at the Taste of Newport, which is a food and wine festival in Newport Beach, CA, just south of Los Angeles. Justin was the grill-master and Lee and Judy handed out free samples.

The people and lifestyle of southern California provided a cultural education for this group of Midwesterners. Some time on the beach and a day at the San Diego Zoo was a special reward for the long hours of pork promotion!!

Above: Justin Johnston (left) keeping a watchful eye on pork loins at the Taste of Newport;
pork promoters from Minnesota and Iowa at the Taste of Newport (right).
 

Jim Linn / Beef Team Receive Dean's Awards at Extension Conference

At the 2009 U of M Extension Program Conference held October 5-7, Dr. Jim Linn, Head of the Department of Animal Science, was the recipient of the Dean's Award for Distinguished Extension Campus-based Faculty. Furthermore, the U of M Beef Team won the Dean's Award for Distinguished Extension Team.

The Dean's Distinguished Extension Faculty awards recognize excellence in performing the work of Extension. One Extension campus-based faculty member and one field-based Extension educator is selected each year. Dr. Linn's award citation read as follows:

"James Linn is respected throughout the University of Minnesota, statewide, nationally and internationally for his knowledge of dairy nutrition and management. Program participants value his breadth and depth of knowledge and his ability to present complex information in a usable and practical way. Extension dairy team members value the leadership and teaching skills he uses to guide their professional development. "

"Jim has developed several successful dairy programs, including the Midwest Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Consortium that greatly improved the consistency of NIRS forage tests across Midwest forage testing labs. Jim also worked with computer programmers to develop one of the first computerized linear ration balancing programs–'Professional Nutritionist' which is widely accepted and utilized by dairy nutritionists throughout the Midwest."

"Jim continues to serve in state and national leadership roles and is a prolific writer of articles in refereed journals and Extension publications. Jim’s commitment to research and education in the field of dairy nutrition exemplifies Extension’s mission to connect community needs with University resources."

The Distinguished Extension Team award is presented annually to one or more teams addressing a critical or emerging issue of wide public concern at the local, county or state level to recognize, promote and encourage excellence in team performance in Extension education. The U of M Beef Team's award citation read:

"The Extension Beef Team has served as an unbiased and accurate source of information for cattle and other ruminant animal producers, working with producers, industry and other state agencies in developing, coordinating and delivering educational programs across the state."

"The Beef Team has made a difference in Minnesota’s effort to meet the bovine TB challenge. Through their team effort with other state agencies and partners, the Beef Team works directly with producers in improving herd management and coping with the economic hardship created by the downgrade of Minnesota’s TB status."

"The Extension Beef Team is a model for collaborative extension programs that make a difference in the lives of citizens throughout the state." 

Above: Dr. Jim Linn (left); Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo with members of the U of M Beef Team (right).
 

U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup

Targeting Cow Herd Profitability is the topic for the U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup being held the last week of October at four northwest Minnesota locations. This annual program features speakers from the U of M Beef Team and provides information about how to increase your bottom line in your beef cow calf herd. The dates, times, and locations are as follows:

• October 26 10:00 am-3:00 pm - The Patch Restaurant, Warroad
• October 26  6:30-9:00 pm - Dean's Lancaster Family Diner, Lancaster
• October 27 10:00 am-3:00 pm - Bagley Livestock Exchange, Bagley
• October 27  6:30 pm-9:00 pm - Thief River Falls City Auditorium, Thief River Falls

With the current global economy and tough economic times, the speakers have developed presentations to address these concerns and situations. Dr. Ryan Cox, Assistant Professor of Meat Science with the U of M-St. Paul, will be talking about the marketing of beef to today’s taste and money conscious consumer. Dr. Carl Dahlen with the U of M Beef Center from Crookston will be presenting strategies for feeding your beef herd that will reduce waste and save money. Jeff Jaderborg, from the U of M-St. Paul, will show producers some alternative ways to feed the cow herd. Finally, Lori Schott, U of M Extension Educator, will discuss the global demand for U.S. beef genetics and her recent experience with exporting genetics to Russia.

Join us at the Fall Beef Roundup to identify strategies in managing feed cost and marketing insight that will help you increase your profitability. Please register 5 days before the program to help in event planning of meals and materials. To register call the U of M Extension Beef Center at 218-327-4490 or email Denise Plonis at ploni001@umn.edu. There is no charge to attend the Fall Beef Roundup due to great sponsors both state-wide and locally. These sponsors include Land O’Lakes Purina Feeds, Quality Liquid Feeds, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Tru-Test Inc., For-Most Livestock Equipment, Minnesota Soybean Council, and Alpharma Animal Health. For more information, please visit the U of M Beef Team Website at www.extension.umn.edu/beef.  

Speaking Up and Out for Animal Agriculture

A trip to the Minnesota State Fair as a 4-H livestock exhibitor is an experience that won’t be forgotten. The food, the competition, the family time, the friends, all the people that will walk through the barns to see their livestock are all memories the 4-Hers will take with them after their four days at the fair. But another valuable piece of the fair for the 4-H exhibitor is being a voice for animal agriculture. Every 4-H member is a wealth of knowledge regarding the specie they brought to the fair and many times a great source of knowledge regarding agriculture.

To encourage exhibitors to use the knowledge they have and engage the public, Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care (MnFRAC) working in cooperation with Minnesota 4-H has designed a program to help exhibitors along in that endeavor. Exhibitors are encouraged to engage with the public, answer questions and leave a good, lasting impression of the animal agriculture industry.

All of this is done with the help of Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are college students that have knowledge of the agricultural industry. They are selected by MnFRAC project manager, Juanita Reed-Boniface. The Peer Mentors take time to work with 4-H members about how to engage the public as well as how to answer tough questions they may face. Then throughout the fair, the Peer Mentors walk through the barns to observe how the county's 4-Hers are doing and see if they need any help.

All of this leaves everyone a winner! The public has a better understanding of the agricultural industry; 4-H members have the chance to share their information and meet new people; the Peer Mentors have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

Christina Phillips, Ph.D. student at the U of M advised by Drs. Yuzhi Li and Jerry Shurson, had the opportunity to serve as a Peer Mentor at this year’s fair. She has these thoughts to share, “This experience gave me more confidence to speak in front of crowds of people, during the training, exhibitor meetings, and making announcements on the loud speakers in the barns. I enjoyed listening to the 4-Her's personal stories about their animals, family and farms. This experience has inspired me. I know now that if I choose the path of education, whether it is at the University level or with Extension, that I will enjoy it.”

For more information about MnFRAC's Peer Mentor program, contact Juanita Reed-Boniface at 763-753-4636 or agrifolks@gmail.com.

 
Photo at left (L to R): Mitch Schaefer (Taopi, MN), Cheryl Durheim (Fredricksburg, VA), Christina Phillips (St. Paul, MN), Juanita Reed-Boniface (MnFRAC Peer Mentor Coordinator), Aminae Kazemi (Falcon Heights, MN), Kristen Wingert (Plainview, MN), and Pete Thome (Adams, MN).

Christina, Aminae and Kristen are current U of M students, Cheryl is a U of M Alumni, and Pete and Mitch are current students at UW River Falls.
 

Strong Performance for Block and Bridle, Swine Barn at State Fair

The Block and Bridle club had another successful year exhibiting pigs from the U of M Swine Research and Teaching Facility at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair Open Class Swine Show. Ten head were exhibited in total with purebred Yorkshire and Duroc breeding stock accounting for 6 of the pigs shown. The Block and Bridle club and the swine facility took home the trophy for Grand Champion Yorkshire Female. They also exhibited the class winning boar and gilt in the March Yorkshire classes.

The barrow shows turned out to be successful as well. Block and Bridle exhibited the 2nd place lightweight derby barrow as well as the 3rd place and top-placing purebred barrow in the lightweight division of the Open Barrow show. All in all, it was another great showing for Block and Bridle and the swine facility.

Special thanks to Sam Holst (swine barn manager), Brad Caldwell, Brandon Thesing and Tyler Evink for all of their hard work.
 

U of M Tops Once Again in Scholarships Awarded by National Dairy Shrine

Once again, dairy-interest students at the U of M outnumbered students at all other universities in number of scholarships received from National Dairy Shrine. For 2009, National Dairy Shrine awarded 23 collegiate scholarships, and students at the U of M received 5 of them.

Jessica Achen, senior in Animal Science, received the coveted Kildee Undergraduate Studies Scholarship of $2,000. Only one of these scholarships is presented annually. To qualify, applicants must place among the top 25 individuals in either the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest or the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Contest. Jessica placed 1st in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in 2007.

Furthermore, Jessica Achen, Charlie Schiller, Brandon Thesing and Abby Udermann, who are all Animal Science majors, were each awarded Dairy Management Inc. Milk Marketing Scholarships in the amount of $1,000. This scholarship program selected 7 scholarship recipients for 2009; therefore, 4 of the 7 were awarded to U of M students.

The students were publicly recognized and received their scholarships at the National Dairy Shrine's Annual Awards Banquet, October 1, during World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.
 

U of M Senior Team Places 3rd in National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

The U of M placed 3rd overall among 19 university teams in the national collegiate dairy cattle judging contest, September 28, at World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI. The Minnesota team also placed 3rd in Ayrshire, 3rd in Brown Swiss, 3rd in Red & White, and 5th in Milking Shorthorn. For 7 of the past 9 years, the U of M has placed among the top 4 teams in the national collegiate contest.

Team members for the national contest were Brandon Thesing, Winona; Jessica Achen, Sauk Centre; Staci Sexton, Millville; and Mike Donnelly, Farmington. Thesing was 11th overall, 6th in reasons, 2nd in Milking Shorthorn, and 8th in Brown Swiss.  Achen placed 12th overall, 2nd in Red & White, 6th in Guernsey, and 9th in Jersey. Sexton was 3rd in Ayrshire, 5th in Brown Swiss, and 9th in Holstein.

One week earlier, the same team of contestants placed 2nd overall of 15 teams in the All-American Dairy Show judging contest, Harrisburg, PA. The Minnesota team also placed 1st in Ayrshire, 1st in Brown Swiss, 1st in Jersey, 4th in Holstein, and 6th in Jersey. Individually, Thesing was 3rd overall, 3rd in reasons, 2nd in Brown Swiss, 2nd in Jersey, 5th in Ayrshire, and 7th in Holstein. Donnelly placed 4th overall, 1st in Brown Swiss, and 7th in Ayrshire. Achen was 7th overall, 8th in reasons, 3rd in Brown Swiss, 4th in Guernsey, and 8th in Ayrshire.

Other members of the 2009 senior team were Charlie Schiller, Freeport, and Jeff Pagel, Eyota. All are students in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences at the U of M. Coaches for the U of M dairy cattle judging teams are alumni Scott Ellinghuysen, Altura, and Alicia Thurk, Villard, as well as Dr. Les Hansen. 

At right, photo of senior dairy cattle judging team (L-R): Dr. Les Hansen, (coach), Alicia Thurk (coach), Staci Sexton, Charlie Schiller, Brandon Thesing, Jessica Achen, Mike Donnelly, Jeff Pagel, and Scott Ellinghuysen (coach).

U of M Junior Team Earns 3rd Ranking in Accelerated Genetics Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

The U of M placed 3rd overall among 11 teams in the dairy cattle judging contest hosted by Accelerated Genetics, September 20, at the Vernon County Fair, Viroqua, WI. The Minnesota team also placed 1st in oral reasons, 1st in Brown Swiss, 2nd in Jersey, 3rd in Guernsey, 4th in Ayrshire, and 4th in Holstein. Team members were Caitlin Kasper, Owatonna; Megan Herberg, St. Peter; Abby Udermann, Sartell; and Robert Westman, Howard Lake. 

Individually, Kasper was 2nd overall, 3rd in oral reasons, 1st in Brown Swiss, 1st in Holstein, 3rd in Milking Shorthorn, and 4th in Jersey. Herberg was 9th overall, 4th in oral reasons, 1st in Ayrshire, and 2nd in Brown Swiss. Udermann was 7th in reasons and 3rd in Jersey.

Other members of the 2009 junior team were Kevin Borst, Rochester, and Mikayla Krause, Milmine, IL. All are students in their junior year in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Les Hansen coaches the dairy cattle judging teams for the University of Minnesota along with alumni Scott Ellinghuysen, Altura, and Alicia Thurk, Villard.

At right, junior dairy cattle judging team (L-R): Dr. Les Hansen, (coach), Alicia Thurk (coach), Robert Westman, Caitlin Kasper, Kevin Borst, Abby Udermann, Megan Herberg, Mikayla Krause, and Scott Ellinghuysen (coach).

Minnesota 4-H Dairy Team at Harrisburg has Gopher Influence

The Stearns County 4-Hers represented Minnesota in the 4-H dairy judging contest at Harrisburg, PA. Two of the team members are Golden Gophers - Megan Udermann, a sophomore majoring in Nursing, and Jacob Achen, a freshman in Animal Science. The team was coached by Eric Sonnek and Alicia Thurk, who are both U of M alumni. A summary of results:

3rd Team Overall (of 13 teams), 2nd Team Oral Reason, 2nd Team Ayrshire, 4th Team Guernsey, 5th Team Brown Swiss, 6th Team Holstein, 8th Team Jersey

Individually
Megan Udermann – 1st overall, 6th reasons, 1st Brown Swiss, 7th Jersey, 8th Holstein, 9th Guernsey
Nick Lahr – 12th overall, 2nd reasons, 1st Guernsey
Jacob Achen – 19th overall, 10th Ayrshire
Rachel Achen – 9th Holstein

Team Rank
1. Maryland, 2.  Kentucky, 3. Minnesota, 4. Ohio, 5. Indiana, 6. Pennsylvania, 7. Florida (1876), 8. Virginia, 9. New York, 10. Wisconsin, 11. Tennessee, 12. Michigan, 13. West Virginia
  

Poultry Activities Keep U of M Students Busy

It was a busy summer for three U of M poultry students (Jesse Holmgren, Myah Walker and Nancy Warfield). Each participated in poultry courses offered by the Center of Excellence (COE) program at UW-Madison during May to July. Nancy and Myah (pictured below) finished their second year of the program and completed all 18 credits offered. Faculty from the U of M who assisted with teaching the courses included Drs. Rob Porter (CVM/VDL) and Sally Noll (Animal Science). All three students went on to industry internships: Jesse Holmgren with Cooper Farms, Myah Walker with Sparboe, and Nancy Warfield with Jennie-O Turkey Store.

Above: Nancy Warfield (left) and Myah Walker (right)
with their certificates of completion for the COE program.

Jesse’s internship was in the turkey production area where he learned more about processing and diagnostic tests. Myah’s internship involved the study of egg quality in chicken egg layers. Nancy worked in Jennie-O’s Technical Service Department. She developed a uniform on-farm biosecurity protocol and also spent time at the farms, feed mills, research labs and at the plants doing a variety of different tasks. She just recently accepted a position at Jennie-O as a Research/QA coordinator.

Information on the COE program can be found at the following website: http://www.mwpoultry.org/COEhome.html. Deadline for the first round of student applications for the program is February 8, 2010 and the second deadline is March 1, 2010. Be sure to apply early!

Myah and Nancy were at the Minnesota State Fair in August and spoke to 4-H poultry project members about the egg layer industry and current events affecting the industry today. They spoke to three groups of students including intermediate, senior, and advanced groups between the ages of 12 and 19 years. The workshop was attended by nearly 100 students in both the senior and advanced groups. The intermediate group was well over 100, which required them to split into two separate groups just to fit on the bleachers!

Turkey Hens Are Stars of Open House

Two mature turkey hens were the stars of the turkey exhibit at the UMore Park Open House on August 20. Turkey Research Unit staff were there to set up the display highlighting the turkeys and highlights of the research being conducted at the unit. Despite the gloomy and windy weather, the event was well attended.

Thanks to Jeanine Brannon, Fred Hrbek and Terrance Yourchuck for setting up and tending to the booth during the open house. Thanks as well to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association for providing additional handout material – recipes and pencil erasers shaped like turkeys!

Photo at right: Jeanine Brannon (left) and Terrance Yourchuck (right) at the UMore Park Open House, Turkey Research booth.

Another Successful MN Nutrition Conference

The 70th Minnesota Nutrition Conference drew over 200 participants to Owatonna, MN, on September 15 and 16. This was the conference's second year in Owatonna having previously been held in the Twin Cities. The response has been positive and attendance has risen significantly.

This year's conference opened with a Symposium sponsored by BFI Innovations, Inc. entitled “Fostering optimum GI development, integrity and function in livestock and poultry”.  International speakers, Drs. Chaoki Benchaar, José Antonio Cuarón and Jan Van Eys traveled from Canada, Mexico and France, respectively, to participate in the Symposium. Dr. Peter Ferket, Professor of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University, also gave a Symposium presentation.

U of M Livestock Research Updates followed the Symposium with presentations by Animal Science faculty Drs. Sally Noll, Jerry Shurson, Sam Baidoo and Alfredo DiCostanzo, Dr. Kevin Janni of the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Sciences graduate students Greg Golombeski and Martin Ruiz-Moreno, and U of M Extension Educator Grant Crawford.

In the Tuesday afternoon session on Animal Welfare for Nutritionists, Dr. Edmond Pajor from University of Calgary presented “Distinguishing between animal abuse and bad management”, and Earl Dotson of Validus Services LLC addressed “Expectations of an animal welfare audit”. The Tuesday evening dinner featured Lynn Becker of LB Pork presenting “Pork production in the age of activism”.

The second day of the Conference was split into Ruminant and Non-ruminant sessions running concurrently. Ruminant session speakers were Drs. Nicolas DiLorenzo (Texas Tech University), Thomas Jenkins (Clemson University), Michael VandeHaar (Michigan State University), Krishona Martinson, Jeff Reneau and Ricardo Chebel (U of M), and Mr. Ryon Walker (U of M Extension Educator) and Ms. Jolene Kelzer (U of M Animal Sciences graduate student).

The Non-ruminant session speakers included Drs. Todd Applegate (Purdue University), Mark Bertram (First Choice Livestock), Ryan Cox (U of M), Kenneth Krueger (Diamond K Research and Consulting Service), Bill Roush (USDA-ARS) and José Antonio Cuarón (INIFAP).

At the end of the conference, a drawing was held to give away two Columbia jackets with U of M  branding. Bruce Behrends, Sparboe Farms, Inc. and U of M Animal Sciences graduate student Alamanda Calvert were the lucky winners.

The 70th Minnesota Nutrition Conference would not have had the success it did without the generous support of the sponsors: 

• Symposium sponsor– BFI Innovations, Inc.
• Lunch sponsors– BFI Innovations, Inc.; Diamond V Mills
• Speaker sponsors– Elanco Animal Health; Evonik Industries; Sparboe Farms, Inc.
• Platinum sponsors– Minnesota Corn Growers Association; Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
• Gold sponsors– Adisseo USA, Inc.; Cargill Animal Nutrition, Inc.; Cerne Sales Company ; Danisco Animal Nutrition; DSM Nutritional Products, Inc.; Faegre & Benson LLP; Feed Products North, Inc.; Hormel Foods Corporation - Feed Division; Hubbard Feeds, Inc.; ILC Resources; JBS United, Inc.; Kindstrom-Schmoll, Inc.; Land O'Lakes Purina Feed LLC; Northwest Feed Manufacturers Association; Prince Agri Products, Inc.; Quali Tech, Inc.; Ralco Nutrition, Inc.; Trouw Nutrition International; Vi-COR; Zinpro Corporation
• Silver sponsors– ADM Alliance Nutrition; Akey; Alltech, Inc.; Alpharma Animal Health; International Ingredient Corporation; MIN-AD, Inc.; Stearns DHIA Laboratories; Vita Plus Corporation
• CD Sponsor– Land O'Lakes Purina Feed LLC

The 70th Minnesota Nutrition Conference Proceedings is now available for purchase. For an order form and pricing information, please visit http://www.ansci.umn.edu/mn_nutrition_conf/order.html.
  

Grad Students Show Appreciation to Faculty and Staff

The Animal Sciences Graduate Club hosted the 4th Annual Appreciation Event for Department of Animal Science Faculty and Staff on September 24th. Prior appreciation events held were at breakfast time with good turnout. But graduate students wanted to draw more participants so this year they decided to hold the event at lunch time. This year, attendance more than doubled from approximately 30 in the past to 65.

Although it was lunch time, attendees still were served those great pancakes, some of which were made by international students who had never before experienced cooking and flipping pancakes. And a big hit with the crowd was the breakfast sausage made by the U of M Meat Lab.

Faculty, staff and students thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Appreciation Event and look forward to it again next year.
  

Career Information by Major

What can I do with my degree? What are my options for employment? You can find answers to these questions and more at 'Career Information by Major' on the St. Paul Campus Career Center’s newly re-designed website. The site provides an overview of career options, typical employer types, alumni information and links to job postings all organized by program within colleges. Among the resources posted on the site, are salary and employment statistics from a 2007-08 survey of graduates and words of advice to current students from recent graduates.

Find 'Career Information by Major' at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/majorinfo/index.html.
 

Open Your Heart - Show U Care!

Each year University employees raise over $1 million for local charities during the Community Fund Drive, a yearly campaign sponsored by the U of M. This year the drive takes place October 1-31. Choose from seven featured federations that represent hundreds of charities or write in any charity that has an IRS tax-exempt status of 501(c)3. Make a one-time contribution through payroll deduction from your February 10, 2010 paycheck or choose to give each pay period for one year, starting with your January 13, 2010 paycheck.

Every donation you make enters you in drawings for prizes ranging from gift certificates to museum memberships. Make your pledge online at http://www1.umn.edu/cfd/ or, for a paper pledge form, contact Bonnie Marten at 612-626-9665. Give today!
 

Magrath Library Offers a Bounty of Workshops

This fall semester Magrath Library is offering a suite of new and revised workshops, including: Personal Information Management Tools, EndNote: Basics, Formatting Your Dissertation in Word 2007, Extreme Googling: Collaboration Tools, SciFinder Scholar, and many others.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.lib.umn.edu/services/workshops/magrath. Keep up-to-date with Magrath’s workshop offerings by subscribing to the RSS feed, at https://www.lib.umn.edu/services/workshops/magrath/feed.
  

Liz Seitz

Liz Seitz is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. Her advisor is Dr. Marshall Stern. Her work will focus on factors affecting rumen fermentation. Liz is originally from Odenton, MD and became interested in dairy cattle through her experiences in 4-H. She completed her B.S. in Dairy Science this past summer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at Madison, she was very involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture, College of Ag’s student council, and Badger Dairy Club. Outside of school, Liz enjoys watching movies, crocheting, and playing the piano.
 

Dan Carlson successfully defended his doctoral thesis, "Development of tools for genome engineering in swine", on September 11. Dan’s advisor is Dr. Scott Fahrenkrug.

Ahnna Olson and Kyle Compart, both December 2008 graduates of the U of M and former Animal Science employees, are engaged and planning a fall 2010 wedding.

Mary Raeth-Knight successfully defended her doctoral thesis, “Impact of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance”, on September 11. Mary’s advisor is Dr. Jim Linn.
 

No new grants to report.
 

- October 2009 -

3 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Online registration.

4-11 - Homecoming 2009, U of M Twin Cities.

7 - SowBridge: Effective Pest and Rodent Control. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

15 - Beef Judges Clinic, Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N., St. Paul, MN.

15-18 - 10th Annual Minnesota Beef Expo, Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N., St. Paul, MN. For more information, send email to info@mnbeefexpo.com.

21-24 - 82nd National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN.

24 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (1:00-4:00 pm), Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Fall, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Online registration.

26 - Government Job and Internship Fair (10:00 am-3:00 pm), Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union, U of M Minneapolis Campus.

26 - U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup (10:00 am-3:00 pm), The Patch Restaurant, Warroad, MN. Please register 5 days in advance. Contact: U of M Extension Beef Center, 218-327-4490 or Denise Plonis.

26 - U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup (6:30 am-9:00 pm), Dean's Lancaster Family Diner, Lancaster, MN. Please register 5 days in advance. Contact: U of M Extension Beef Center, 218-327-4490 or Denise Plonis.

27 - U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup (10:00 am-3:00 pm), Bagley Livestock Exchange, Bagley, MN. Please register 5 days in advance. Contact: U of M Extension Beef Center, 218-327-4490 or Denise Plonis.

27 - U of M Extension Fall Beef Roundup (6:30 am-9:00 pm), Thief River Falls City Auditorium, Thief River Falls, MN. Please register 5 days in advance. Contact: U of M Extension Beef Center, 218-327-4490 or Denise Plonis.

27 - Minnesota Turkey Council - Turkey Research Review, Holiday Inn, Willmar, MN. Contact: Lara Durben, 763-682-2171.

- November 2009 -

3 - Minnesota Agri-Growth Council Annual Meeting, Minneapolis Convention Center. Contact: Minnesota Agri-Growth Council, 651-905-8900.

5 - PorkBridge: Packer Perspective on Quality of Hogs. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

9 - Pork Quality Assurance Training, MN Pork Office, Mankato. Contact: Minnesota Pork, 800-537-7675 or Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

12-13 - Swine Nursery Management Training Course, West Central ROC, Morris, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

14 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (1:00-4:00 pm), Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Fall, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Online registration.

18 - Turkey Media Day, Turkey Research Unit, Rosemount, MN (1:00-4:00 pm), Contact: Sally Noll, 612-624-4928.

- December 2009 -

8-9 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Minnesota Milk, 763-355-9697 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free).

9 - Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable Meeting, in conjunction with the Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Ed Frederick, 507-835-3422.

14 - Pork Quality Assurance Training, Farmers Room, Nobles County Government Center, Worthington, MN. Contact: Minnesota Pork, 800-537-7675 or Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

23 - Fall Semester ends 

- January 2010 -

1 - University is Closed for New Year's Day holiday

7 - PorkBridge: Marketing Your Hogs at the Ideal Weight. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

18 - University is Closed for Martin Luther King holiday

19 - Spring Semester begins

21-22 - I-29 Dairy Conference, Best Western Ramkota Inn, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: JW Schroeder, 701-231-7663 or Jim Paulson, 320-234-0438.

- February 2010 -

21-22 - Dairy Management Workshops, St. Cloud, Rochester, and Pipestone/Worthington area. Contact: Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093 or Minnesota Milk, 763-355-9697 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free).

- April 2010 -

12-17 - Minn Royal, U of M St. Paul Campus.