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AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science
September 2008 |
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Notes from the Department Head | News & Announcements | Graduate Student Profile | Congratulations
Recent Grants | Calendar of Events | Animal Science Seminars | External Employment Opportunities |
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Notes from the Department Head
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This past week, we welcomed students for the 2008 fall semester. The Animal Science major continues to be a College leader in both returning students and new incoming freshmen as well as transfer students. There are good reasons why students choose the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and Animal Science as a major. One is that they can be assured there is a strong commitment by the College and Department to provide them with a high quality education. This starts with having faculty who care about teaching and are in the classroom teaching. A recent report on what students look for in a university noted that contact and interaction with faculty was a major factor in choosing a university or college. In CFANS and Animal Science, almost all courses are taught directly by faculty. Another reason is good job opportunities upon graduation. The 2006/07 alumni survey reported 82% of Animal Science graduates had paying jobs and the remaining 18% were either continuing their education, not seeking a job or in a volunteer position. Of those employed, 78% were in a job related to their major and 88% had a job satisfaction of ‘somewhat’ or greater rating. Thus, CFANS and Animal Science are providing a high quality education, and preparing students to be successful and satisfied in a profession where positions are available.
Recently, we welcomed two new faculty members to Animal Science. As I reported last May, Dr. Noah Litherland is the new extension dairy nutritionist. Noah started the first week of September and already is busy with extension and research activities. Noah has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois where his research focused on dry cow nutrition and metabolism. Noah is a great addition to the faculty and we welcome him, his wife Melissa, and their two daughters to Minnesota.
Our second new faculty member is Dr. Krishona Martinson. Krishona joins us in an extension/research equine position. We were very excited about the opportunity to hire Krishona and add competency in an area where the Department had only minimal activity. With the addition of Krishona, the Department increases its education and research commitment to the growing number of horse owners in Minnesota. Her Ph.D. is from the University of Minnesota in Agronomy specializing in forage management and weed science. Not only is this an important area for horse owners and the industry, but it also provides additional core competency to an area vitally important to non-ruminant nutrition. We welcome Krishona and her family to the Department.
We also welcome Dr. Chi Chen to our Division of Food, Animal and Nutritional Sciences (FANS). Dr. Chen began this fall in a research/teaching nutritional metabolomics position in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Dr. Chen’s Ph.D. is from Rutgers University. His research aims to apply the mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to investigate the mechanisms of diseases and metabolic events associated with food nutrients and xenobiotics. We welcome Dr. Chen and his family to our Division.
We will be sharing more about the exciting work of these three new faculty over the upcoming academic year. These new additions to our faculty testify to the CFANS and Animal Science dedication to providing excellence in education for our students, supporting the extension needs of our state, and providing essential research efforts. We are committed to understanding and supporting the ongoing educational and research needs as well as fulfilling new emerging needs as they arise.
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News and Announcements
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Hazel Internships with U.S. House Committee on Ag
Recent U of M graduate Amber Hazel of Lanesboro, MN, completed a summer internship in Washington D.C. with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota is the Committee’s chair. Amber assisted the staff and members of the House Agriculture Committee during her 12-week internship.
“I really enjoyed interning with the House Agriculture Committee at our nation’s capitol, working on agriculture issues pertinent to all of us today. A large number of bills relating to food, energy, and trade are evaluated by the Agriculture Committee prior to becoming public law. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to work on such important issues with such great people.”
Amber conducted research, attended meetings, and helped staff with important agriculture issues. She also had the opportunity to assist support staff during public hearings and committee briefings.
Amber is the daughter of Brian and Judy Hazel of Lanesboro, MN. She majored in Animal Science at the U of M. This fall, Amber will be working toward a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Heins Awarded NMPF Scholarship
Animal Science graduate student Bradley J. Heins was one of four Ph.D. level students who received scholarships from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) as part of the 2008 NMPF National Leadership Scholarship Program. Brad was awarded the scholarship based on his research that examines the impact of crossbreeding on economics and profitability in the U.S. dairy industry.
NMPF scholarships are awarded to students who are conducting research involving the dairy industry on topics that will potentially benefit U.S. dairy cooperatives and producers, as well as supply scholarly insight and ideas on topics of importance to modern-day dairy farmers.
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55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way Crowned
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Kristy Mussman, a CFANS student from Claremont, MN, was crowned the 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in a ceremony at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on August 20. As Princess Kay, Kristy, who represents Steele County, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s nearly 5,000 dairy farmers.
 Kristy is the daughter of Mike and Julie Mussman of Claremont. She is majoring in applied economics with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in mass communications. Kristy also is a member of the U of M Gopher Dairy Club.
One of Mussman’s first duties as Princess Kay was to sit in a rotating cooler for nearly 8 hours on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter.
Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Mussman will make public appearances to educate consumers about the commitment that dairy farmers have to providing wholesome milk and dairy products, and caring for their animals and the land.
Twelve county dairy princesses competed for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Runners up were Ann Motl of Browerville representing Todd County, and Ashlee Hartwig of Swanville representing Morrison County. Ashlee Hartwig was also named Miss Congeniality.
Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, personality, and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The Midwest Dairy Association sponsors the Princess Kay program with funds provided by dairy farmers.
Midwest Dairy Association is a non-profit organization that provides consumers with information about the nutrition and wholesomeness of dairy foods, and conducts research and promotional programs. For more information, visit the Midwest Dairy Association website.
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TV Ad Spotlights Endres' Research
The U of M’s Driven to Discover campaign will feature a new television advertisement that focuses on Dr. Marcia Endres' research on cow comfort. The commercial is one of four new ads that will air starting October 6 and is the first television advertisement about agriculture.
The commercial was shot at a rural Hastings dairy farm that is co-owned by Wayne, Kevin and Tim Kieffer. Marcia was filmed for the commercial along with Erika Shane, Animal Science Research Assistant and Luis Espejo, a Research Assistant in Veterinary Population Medicine and former graduate student of the Department of Animal Science.
Read more about it in the Country Living section of Agri News (September 2, 2008).
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Stern Honored with AFIA Award
 Dr. Marshall D. Stern received the 2008 American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research at the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) awards ceremony during the society’s annual meetings held in Indianapolis, IN, in July.
Marshall is only the third recipient to receive both the ASAS American Feed Industry Association Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research and the ADSA American Feed Industry Association Award in Dairy Nutrition Research, which he received in 1991.
Marshall's primary research objective has been to improve the efficiency of protein utilization by ruminants. He has been a leader in developing new technologies and procedures, including development of a dual-flow continuous culture fermentation system (artificial rumen). His research using duodenally cannulated lactating cows was the first using this type of surgically prepared animal in the U.S. He subsequently developed an in vitro procedure for estimating intestinal protein digestion to alleviate the use of intestinally cannulated cows. His research has contributed extensively to the understanding and application of concepts that regulate carbohydrate and protein degradation in the rumen and digestion in the small intestine. The significance of Marshall’s contributions is depicted clearly by numerous citations of his research in the Proteins and Amino Acids section of the 2001 NRC publication on Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle.
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Noll Recognized for Excellence
Source: National Turkey Federation
 Dr. Sally Noll received the 2008 National Turkey Federation (NTF) Research Award for her excellence in providing the turkey industry with science-based, practical solutions for turkey production. Sally was presented with the award at the 2008 Poultry Science Association annual meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, in July.
NTF members selected Sally for the award citing her research in the area of turkey amino acid and the use of alternative ingredients in turkey diets to maximize breast meat yield and economic return. This research has had direct applications on turkey production throughout North America.
Sally's work with Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of ethanol production, has also been a cornerstone for the education of the poultry industry regarding DDGS effectiveness in turkey rations. Her recent research projects include looking at beak trimming, and feed shape and size to determine the effect on liveweight performance, and avian pneumovirus vaccination programs.
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Breakthrough in Control and Prevention for PRRS in Swine
Source: Mark Whitney, U of M Extension, Hutchinson
MJ Biologics, in conjunction with the U of M, announces a breakthrough in the control and prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome disease (PRRS), a devastating disease of pigs worldwide. Research conducted by MJ Biologics and the University has led to the decoding of the PRRS virus and the development of a new inactivated subunit vaccine.
Patent-pending Selectigen MJPRRST technology now offers veterinarians and swine producers a new tool in the ongoing battle against the PRRS virus. By breaking the genetic code of the PRRS virus, MJPRRS technology allows the production of autogenous vaccines that are tailored to each unique swine production system. This technology utilizes an innovative method of classifying PRRS viruses based on their immunological properties, allowing for the creation of new custom vaccines as a tool against intra-farm mutations. In addition, the enhanced cross-protection capability helps to reduce financial losses from new strains introduced into the farm.
In pregnant sow control studies conducted by independent veterinarians and the University, the MJPRRS vaccine provided excellent cross protection against heterologous strains of PRRS virus. "By using the vaccine in herds with a history of PRRS virus, we have been able to prevent prenatal losses while stabilizing the herds and simultaneously protecting the sow population against clinical disease outbreaks from 'new' virus strains entering the herd," said Dr. Paul Armbrecht of Lake City Veterinary Service in Lake City, IA.
Many veterinarians and swine producers have already experienced the value of the MJPRRS vaccine. According to Dr. Mark Fitzsimmons, recipient of the 2006 Swine Practitioner of the Year award, "MJPRRS technology appears to be one of the biggest breakthroughs in disease control across the swine industry in the last 10 years. Finally we have some light at the end of the tunnel in controlling and preventing this devastating disease."
MJ Biologics has teamed with USDA-licensed companies to produce MJPRRS autogenous vaccine, which is now available through licensed veterinarians. For more information on MJPRRS vaccine, contact MJ Biologics at (507) 385-0299 or visit their website.
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U of M Awards RAR Funds to Combat Bovine TB
Source: Minnesota Agriculture Experiment Station
Seven research and education projects to concentrate on issues related to bovine tuberculosis (TB) have received $386,000 of special funding from the University's Rapid Agricultural Response (RAR) Fund. The projects focus on filling knowledge gaps in the state's fight against bovine TB. The U of M Extension Beef Team will coordinate grants awarded for two studies under Bovine TB Management and one grant award for outreach education for producers dealing with bovine TB.
Extension Educator and Beef Team member, Ryon Walker is the coordinator for a project that was awarded $50,000 towards outreach and extension activities with a collaboration between the Minnesota Bovine TB Task Force, which includes the Board of Animal Health Communications team, U of M Extension, and the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS). The work will include: 1) annual meetings with Minnesota stakeholders; 2) participation in State-Federal work conferences; 3) presentations to veterinarians and cattle producers including regular town meetings in the affected regions of northern Minnesota; 4) delivery of information from research projects via CAHFS web page; and 5) participation in a bovine TB policy summit with Michigan.
The project, “Managing Feed Intake in Beef Cattle Herds to Reduce TB Transmission Risk” was awarded $80,000. Coordinators of this project are Beef Team Members Alfredo DiCostanzo, Professor, Department of Animal Science, and Ryon Walker, U of M Extension. The goal of this research is to determine if limiting feeding of cows and calves will prevent feed leftover, which may serve as an inanimate vector for TB transmission. Equations will be developed to determine limit-feeding intake values based on several feedstuffs available in the area. This study will be conducted at the North Central ROC in Grand Rapids. Feed intake levels and behavioral responses to various feedstuffs common to northwest Minnesota will be evaluated, and several mixing and delivery methods will be tested. Feedstuffs to be tested will include corn silage, hay, beet pulp and screenings. The role of feeding structures (bunks vs. on the ground) also will be evaluated.
Alfredo DiCostanzo and Grant Crawford (U of M Extension) are the project coordinators for "Assessment of the Value of Spayed Heifers for Marketing", which was awarded $25,000. The project will compare the value of spayed vs intact Minnesota heifers and the net profit advantage of the two systems, which will be useful as a tool for producers to market their heifers under Minnesota's Bovine TB MA status. Research will be conducted in part with the Minnesota Carcass Merit Program at Northwest ROC in Crookston, UMore Park in Rosemount, and the North Central ROC in Grand Rapids. The study will include an evaluation of: 1) effects of implant use; 2) effects of feedlot performance and feed efficiency; 3) effects of carcass performance; and 4) effects of net profits.
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Busy Summer for Students at National Breed Conventions
Source: Jessica Achen, Junior in Animal Science
For many college students, the summer is just as busy as the school year and doesn’t slow down. In the Dairy Industry, the summer is full of chopping and bailing hay, county and state fairs, national conventions, and many other events.
This past June, the National Holstein Convention, held in Wisconsin Dells, WI, drew a large Minnesota crowd because of the close location. Participating and placing 5th in the Senior Dairy Quiz Bowl contest was the team comprised of Animal Science students Megan Herberg, sophomore; Charlie Schiller, junior; Jacob Albrecht, junior (Pre-Vet); Abby Udermann, sophomore; and Emily Achen, freshman. Lucas Sjostrom coached the team.
Furthermore, one of five scholarships was awarded to Lucas Sjostrom through the National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization. Lucas also was one of six finalists named 2008 Distinguished Junior Holstein Member at a competition during the National Junior Holstein Convention. The contest recognizes Junior Holstein members for outstanding work with their projects and is the highest honor that can be achieved by a Junior Holstein member.
To many people, Branson, MO, is the home of retired folks and the Dixie Stampede. This year it was the location of the National Milking Shorthorn Convention. Jessica Achen was in attendance playing an active role as secretary of the Junior Board as well as passing on her crown to this year’s National Milking Shorthorn Queen. Additionally, Jessica received the Rachel Surridge Scholarship and was 1st in the Senior Showmanship contest at the National Heifer Show.
Big Brown Cow enthusiasts all gathered in Lima, OH for the National Brown Swiss Convention where Emily Achen received the New Generation Genetics Scholarship of $500. Emily also had 6th place spring calf in the Junior Heifer Show.
Congratulations to these U of M students for all their accomplishments this summer. May this year of classes, activities, and social events be one of the most rewarding times of your life.
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Excellent Program, New Venue, Lower Fee = Huge Success at MNC
Source: John Goihl, Agri Nutrition Services
The 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference (MNC) was held on September 16th and 17th at the Holiday Inn in Owatonna. This was the first time the MNC was held outside the Twin Cities metro area. Also, this was the first time the entire program and planning of the MNC was managed by the Department of Animal Science staff and faculty at the U of M. A special thank you to Bonnie Rae and Dana Souther.
The decision for these changes was the outcome and support of the planning committee, which is made up of feed industry representatives and Animal Science faculty, in an effort to increase attendance and lower the cost of registration.
Preliminary results indicate that a home run was hit. Total registration was 214, which is 78 more than last year, and registration fees were $100.00 less than previous years.
The new location and lower registration fees were only part of the success. An excellent program was presented, which no doubt enticed many registrations. There were a significant number of first time registrations this year also.
On Tuesday morning there were 10- to 15-minute presentations by U of M faculty reporting on research that has been or is being conducted at the University. The Tuesday afternoon program was a Symposium on immunology sponsored by Prince Agri-Products who invited in four speakers on this topic.
Prince Agri-Products is one of the key sponsors of the MNC. Several other sponsors contributed dollars, sponsored speakers, and provided lunches.
This was the first time we had an evening dinner with a speaker. The speaker, Shawn Archibeque from Colorado State University, provided his interpretation of carbon footprints. Over 100 tickets were sold.
The second day of the Conference consisted of non-ruminant and ruminant sessions. Many timely and informative topics were presented by our own Minnesota staff and many invited speakers.
We received many positive comments on the location and program. We will be reviewing the 86 evaluations for improvements for 2009. If anyone has comments or suggestions, don’t hesitate to pass them on to the Conference Co-chairs, Lee Johnston (U of M) or John Goihl (Industry).
Thank you to the sponsors of the Conference for their generous contributions, which significantly added to the success of the event.
Sponsors of the 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference:
Adisseo USA, Inc.; ADM Animal Nutrition; Alltech, Inc.; Biomin USA; Biovance Technologies; Cargill Animal Nutrition/Cargill, Inc.; Central Bi-Products; Cerne Sales Co.; Corn Belt Livestock Services; Danisco Animal Nutrition; Diamond V; DSM Nutritional Products; Evonik Degussa; Form-A-Feed; Hormel Foods - Feed Division; Hubbard Feeds; Hy-Line International; ILC Resources; International Ingredient Corporation; JBS United; Kemin Industries, Inc.; Kindstrom Schmoll, Inc.; Land O'Lakes Purina Feeds LLC; Michael Foods Egg Products Co.; MIN-AD; Minnesota Corn Growers Association; Minnesota Soybean Growers Association; Northwest Feed Manufacturers Association; Novus International, Inc.; Nutra-Flo Protein Products; Omega Nutrition; Phibro Animal Health; Pioneer–A Dupont Company; Prince Agri Products, Inc.; Quali Tech; Ralco Nutrition; SCA Nutrition; Sparboe Farms; Stearns DHIA Laboratories; Trouw Nutrition USA; Varied Industries Corporation; VetLife; Vita Plus Corporation; Zinpro Corporation.
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International Travels
Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo and Jerry Shurson traveled to Mexico in the early part of June in support of Hawkeye Renewable Energy’s trade efforts to expand export of distillers grains to that country. Their trip took them to Merida in the state of Yucatan, and Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco where representatives of the cattle, pork and poultry industries were interested in importing ship-loads of the product.
While in the vicinity of Jalisco state, Alfredo and Jerry visited a unit-train drop station, where 100-car trains loaded only with distillers grains deliver product to a central station; from there it gets distributed to buyers and other users.
Alfredo made a recent trip to Uruguay and Argentina to provide technical support for Alimental, a feed nutrition company and subsidiary of Provimi. He delivered 10 presentations over the course of three days for in-service training of technical staff and large-scale feedlot producers. Alfredo’s presentations focused on feedlot nutrition and management with an emphasis on use of silages, grain processing, mineral nutrition, and facilities management. He visited five large feedlots, among them Cactus Argentina and SER — the largest in the country at 18,000 and 35,000 head, respectively. There Alfredo led discussions on facilities management and nutrition. He visited and was interviewed by Canal Rural, an ag television channel in Argentina, at the World Famous Mercado de Liniers where feeder and finished cattle are traded in Buenos Aires.
 
Above left: Drs. DiCostanzo and Shurson gave technical seminars on feeding DDGS to ruminants, swine and poultry to nutritionists and feed ingredient traders in Merida and Aquascalientes, Mexico. Above right: Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo (left) and Dr. Jerry Shurson (right) visited Mayan ruins while traveling and giving technical seminars near Merida in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.
In May, Dr. Jerry Shurson traveled to Guangzhou and Shanghai, China, where he presented seminars on the benefits and limitations of feeding DDGS to swine. He also met with key feed industry nutritionists to discuss challenges related to importing U.S. DDGS into southern China. The U.S. Grains Council sponsored the 9-day trip.
Jerry mentioned one of the highlights of his trip to China was the opportunity to travel and spend time with his former Ph.D. student, Dr. Guowu Xu. Dr. Guowu served as Jerry's translator and discussed the results of his Ph.D. research on the effects of feeding DDGS to grower-finisher pigs on pork fat quality. Xu now works for Midwest Ag Enterprises in Marshall, MN. Midwest Ag is a major exporter of U.S. DDGS into Asia.
 
Above left: Several U.S. DDGS traders accompanied Dr. Shurson during meetings and seminars in Guangzhou and Shanghai, China to explain freight costs, transportation logistics, and quality attributes of the DDGS they market. Above right: Dr. Jerry Shurson visited representatives of major swine and poultry production facilities and feed companies near Guangzhou, China, to provide research results and technical information on DDGS.
Then in July, Jerry was off to Bremen, Germany where he presented “What we know about feeding liquid by-products to pigs” at a seminar during the Big Dutchman Annual Sales Conference. The conference was attended by over 1200 people from 27 different countries.
Dr. Sally Noll attended the 23rd World's Poultry Congress held June 30-July 4 in Brisbane, Australia. There were some 2300 participants from 82 countries at the Congress. Several participants had U of M connections including G. Devegowda, nutrition consultant, India (U of M graduate; advisor Paul Waibel), Kim Cheng, Professor and Agroecology Program Director, University of British Columbia (U of M graduate; advisor Robert Shoffner), Atsushi Tajima, Associate Professor and Assistant Director, Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Japan (U of M graduate; advisor Ed Graham), Jae Y. Han, Professor, Seoul National University (U of M graduate; advisor Robert Shoffner).
 
Above left: Sally Noll and G. Devegowda. Above right: Jack Otis (U of M retiree) and A. Tajima.
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Winners of Department Awards Well Deserved
The annual Division of Food Animal Nutrition Sciences (FANS) was held on June 19th outside of the Livestock Pavilion. The event was well attended by faculty, staff and graduate students.
Pete Nelson and his assistants grilled juicy burgers and brats again this year, and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition provided and served an assortment of cookies and a selection of flavors of their own delicious ice cream.
 The Outstanding Doctoral Student Award was presented to Jamie Larson who is advised by Drs. Alfredo DiCostanzo and Cliff Lamb. Jamie started her Ph.D. program in 2004. She has assisted in teaching the Beef Production course, served on two departmental committees and two university committees, attended several Extension activities, and served as the president of the Animal Sciences Graduate Club.
 Martin Ruiz Moreno received the award for Outstanding M.S. Student. Martin is advised by Dr. Marshall Stern. Since joining the Department in 2004, Martin has become instrumental in assisting with the management of Marshall’s lab. Martin has presented his research at several meetings and published two papers with two more on the way. He is now working toward his Ph.D.
 The Department of Animal Science Outstanding Service Award was presented to Pete Nelson for his knowledge, innovation and vision, and commitment to the Meat Lab and the Department. Pete's innovation has positively improved the visibility and image of the Department and CFANS with new meat products, and has worked with other departments within the College.
The Animal Sciences Graduate Club awarded Dr. Lee Johnston the 2008 Graduate Faculty Award. Lee provides tremendous support for his graduate students, as well as all swine graduate students, and shows a genuine interest in them and their respective research projects. Although he is off-campus, Lee often comes to campus and is sure to attend graduate seminars whenever he can.
Congratulations to the award winners, and thank you to all who contributed to the success of the picnic. |
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Accounting Update
Keep these things in mind about the Enterprise Financial System:
- Account strings are very long; make sure you provide the entire account string when ordering and requesting services from the Central units. 'Empl ID' is the Professor’s employee ID, not your own.
- Give complete justification when ordering or requesting a reimbursement — provide the Who, What, Where, When and Why. If purchasing on a grant, indicate what the benefit is to the grant.
- If you need access to prepare UStores orders, please contact Crystal Langeberg for the necessary form and training needed.
- If requesting a reimbursement, you may receive system emails indicating there is a problem with the reimbursement — ignore them.
- When you receive a package, please send your signed packing slip to Crystal Langeberg.
- If you have more than one bank account, your reimbursement may come as a hard check rather than a direct deposit. If you don’t receive your reimbursement in a timely manner, see Crystal Langeberg or Michelle Gobely.
- If items ordered from UStores or an outside vendor are not received in a timely manner, please check "manage your requisitions" to make sure there wasn't a budget error or that the document wasn't returned. If the requisition is valid and approved, please speak with Crystal to make sure the Purchase Order was received. Outside vendors receive Purchase Orders in a variety of ways and there have been a few cases where some glitch in the system has occurred. We want to keep track of this to let the appropriate University people know if we see a pattern with a particular vendor.
- Keep a copy of your Purchase Order Request Form rather than requesting a hard copy Purchase Order from the accounting staff. Be Green!
Accounting staff contacts:
- Sue Merrin – Payroll; Effort Certification
225 FScN
624-4289
smerrin@umn.edu
- Crystal Langeberg – Purchase Orders; UStores Orders; Undergraduate Time Cards
330 Haecker Hall
625-7774
lehn0050@umn.edu
- Michelle Gobely – Invoicing; Human Subjects Payments; Scholarships
330 Haecker Hall
624-1236
mgobely@umn.edu
NOTE: Both Crystal and Michelle Gobely also process reimbursements, receive checks, and process purchasing card statements.
- Michelle Duong – Reports; Special Projects; Problem Invoices
330 Haecker Hall
624-9252
duong009@umn.edu
- Jackie Lee – Grant Submissions; Document Approvals; Reporting
305C Haecker Hall
624-3440
leexx079@umn.edu
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De Vries Visits Department
Albert De Vries, former Ph.D. student of Drs. Jerry Shurson and Joe Conlin (professor emeritus), returned to the Department of Animal Science in August to fulfill his commitment as a member of Brad Heins’ Ph.D. committee.
During his visit, Albert presented “Economics of insemination and pregnancy in dairy cattle” at a Department seminar.
Albert is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Florida.
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Grad Students Serve a Hearty Breakfast
A crowd of Animal Science staff and faculty enjoyed the culinary delights of a hot breakfast prepared and served by graduate students at the 2nd Annual Department of Animal Science Staff and Faculty Appreciation Breakfast held on September 19 in the Haecker Hall Library.
Scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, pancakes with maple syrup, breakfast sausages, muffins and pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, and hot coffee were offered. This delicious meal was a great way to start the day.
Thank you to the Animal Sciences Graduate Club who planned and hosted the event — a favorite among staff and faculty!
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Alumni Association Offers Two-For-One
To kick off the 2008-2009 school year, the Alumni Association has a special membership offer for faculty and staff – two years for the price of one!
Valuable on-campus rewards are available to Association members, including a 10% discount at the University Bookstores and at D'Amico & Sons Cafe in the McNamara Alumni Center. Members also receive entertainment and travel benefits. Visit www.alumni.umn.edu/rewards for a complete list of member benefits.
Members of the Alumni Association are ambassadors for the University who support efforts to keep the U of M strong. Your membership sustains vital programs including Distinguished Teaching Awards, legislative advocacy on behalf of the U, support for the Mentor Connection programs, and MINNESOTA magazine, an award-winning publication that keeps members informed about U research, teaching, student life, alumni profiles, Gopher athletics, arts, events and activities.
Join the nearly 5,000 fellow faculty and staff who are already members of the Alumni Association. Current members can take advantage of this special offer too during membership renewal. Sign up online at www.alumni.umn.edu/membership or call 612-624-9658. Use promotional code N09EE to receive the two-for-one membership price through September.
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Job and Internship Fair on St. Paul Campus
Look for your next internship (or a job if you are graduating) at the 2008 St. Paul Campus Job and Internship Fair on September 24, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Continuing Education Conference Center on the St. Paul Campus.
Employers who will be at the fair represent a variety of industries including Agriculture, Animal Science, Sales and Marketing, and many more!
For more information, please visit St. Paul Campus Career Center.
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Faculty Retirement Program Has New Investment Option
The Faculty Retirement Program introduced a new investment option called "target retirement funds" beginning September 2. Target retirement funds are hybrid funds that gradually and automatically shift to more conservative investments over time as the investor's expected retirement date nears.
For more information, call Securian at 651-665-3670 or visit Faculty Retirement Plan.
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MN Select Sires Scholarship Available
Minnesota Select Sires offers $500 scholarships to deserving students who are pursuing an agriculture major with families who are members of the Minnesota Select Sires. The scholarships are based on the following criteria:
- Must be a family member of a current Minnesota Select Sires customer.
- Emphasis must be in agriculture or an ag-related field.
- Must be completing at least the first semester of your second year in college or trade school.
- Can be attending a 2- or 4-year program.
- Must submit your grade transcripts.
- Scholarship application form must be received in the Minnesota Select Sires office by October 31, 2008.
Send your application to:
Minnesota Select Sires
6601 Gregory Park Road
St. Cloud, MN 56301
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International Learning Grant Opportunity
Currently enrolled CFANS undergraduates who are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for international learning grants offered through the College. Typical awards range from $500-$3500 depending on the merit and academic value, quality of the application, and the duration and expenses of the experience.
Applications for programs held in January or the spring of 2009 semester are due in 135 Skok Hall by 4:30 p.m. on October 28. Application materials and further information can be accessed at International Programs in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
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Graduate Student Profile
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Bob Leuer
Bob Leuer is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Animal Science. Bob grew up on a dairy farm in Corcoran, MN. In 2004, he graduated from the U of M with a degree in Animal Science. Since then Bob has lived in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. He is very happy to be Golden Gopher again!
Bob is co-advised by Drs. Jeff Reneau and Jim Linn. His project will study the use of continuous temperature monitoring in dairy calves and its application as a heath diagnostic tool.
Bob enjoys spending time with his wife Betty along with their dog, Freckles and cat, Kitty. Bob’s hobbies include cooking, exercising, watching TV, and reading news.
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Congratulations!
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Dr. Abdorrahman S. Alghamdi accepted a position at Truman University in northern Missouri. As an assistant professor there, Abdo’s primary responsibility will be to teach undergraduate courses, but he plans to maintain an active research program in reproductive physiology. Abdo was working as a post-doc with Drs. Jerry Shurson and Doug Foster until July 31. We thank Abdo for his many years of dedication to research programs in the Department of Animal Science and wish him the very best in his new faculty position.
Dr. Greg Cuomo was named Associate Dean for Extension effective June 9. Greg's new role will include overall leadership for Extension programs, facilitating programmatic initiatives between colleges, departments, and Extension field faculty. He will also serve as a member of the CFANS administrative leadership team and the Extension Dean's Leadership Council.
Carl Dahlen passed his Ph.D. written prelims on May 12 and his oral prelims on May 27.
Nicolas DiLorenzo successfully defended his Doctoral thesis on May 27. Thesis title: Modifications of the rumen microbial environment to improve cattle production efficiency. Nicolas has accepted a Post Doctoral position with Dr. Mike Galyean at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
Dr. Inbae Kim, a post-doc who worked with Jerry Shurson during the past year, accepted a position with CJ Feed Company in Incheon, S. Korea. Inbae left the Department on July 15. We wish him the best in his new career.
Joanna (Asia) Lukas successfully defended her Doctoral thesis on May 16. Thesis title: Statistical Process Control in Dairy Management. Dr. Jeff Reneau served as her advisor. Asia, her husband and 5 children returned to Poland in mid-July.
Lana Olson, a 2008 Animal Science graduate, accepted a position in May with Hoard’s Dairyman as an Associate Editor.
Jenna Pomerenke, U of M swine graduate student, and Steve Robbins of Eldora, IA, each won a U of M sweatshirt in the drawing at the 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference.
John Rodgers successfully defended his Masters thesis on May 28. Thesis title: An economic evaluation of estrous synchronization and timed artificial insemination in beef cows. John will continue to work as a Senior Veterinarian for the beef group at Pfizer Animal Health.
Chris Sigurdson, who received a BS in Animal Industries and Marketing at the U of M, was named General Manager of Minnesota Select Sires effective August 4.
Jared Voge successfully defended his Masters thesis on July 29. Thesis title: Active immunization of ram lambs against inhibin: Effects on daily sperm production and hormone concentrations.
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Recent Grants
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Dr. Mohamed El Halawani, PI, was awarded $49,900 by the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. Project title: Light intensity requirement for breeder hen turkeys. Period: 06/01/2008-05/31/2009.
Dr. Doug Foster, PI, was awarded $11,962 by the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. Project title: Development of immunogens to protect against turkey cellulitis. Period: 06/01/2008-05/31/2009.
Dr. Sally Noll, PI, was awarded $8,813 by the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. Project title: Market turkey response to dietary protein as an energy source: Is protein the new "fat"? Period: 06/01/2008-05/31/2009.
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Calendar of Events
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- September 2008 -
1 - Labor Day holiday - the U of M Twin Cities is closed.
2 - Fall Semester begins.
3 - SowBridge "Preventative Maintenance of Equipment". Remote program via phone and computer (noon & 7:00 p.m.) For more information, contact Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.
16-17 - 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference - New Location! Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. For more information, contact Lee Johnston (320-589-1711) or John Goihl (800-322-0437).
20-23 - Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 612-624-3434.
22 - Last Day to receive 50% refund, full-term classes.
29 - Last Day to receive 25% refund, full-term classes.
30-Oct 4 - World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI. Contact: World Dairy Expo, 608-224-6455.
- October 2008 -
Thru-Oct 4 - World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI. Contact: World Dairy Expo, 608-224-6455.
2 - PorkBridge "Ventilation Basics, Adjustments, and Maintenance" - remote program via phone and computer - (noon and 7:00 p.m.). Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.
4 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (12:30-4:00 p.m.), Science Building, U of M, Morris. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.
8 - Graduate and Professional School Day (10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.), Great Hall, Coffman Union, U of M, Minneapolis Campus. Contact: Career & Community Learning Center, 612-624-7577.
13 - Facility Design & Cattle Handing Clinic (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Knebel Red Angus Farm, Warroad, MN. Contact: Denise Plonis, 218-327-4490.
13 - Facility Design & Cattle Handing Clinic (6:30-9:00 p.m.), Deans Lancaster Family Diner, Lancaster, MN. Contact: Denise Plonis, 218-327-4490.
14 - Facility Design & Cattle Handing Clinic (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Bagley Livestock Exchange, Bagley, MN. Contact: Denise Plonis, 218-327-4490.
14 - Facility Design & Cattle Handing Clinic (6:30-9:00 p.m.), City Auditorium, Thief River Falls, MN. Contact: Denise Plonis, 218-327-4490.
16-19 - Minnesota Beef Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N., St. Paul, MN. Contact: Minnesota Beef Expo, 651-643-6476.
18 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (12:30-4:00 p.m.), Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.
18 - Equine Fall Conference - program for veterinarians - Nutrena Conference Hall, Equine Center, U of M, St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 800-380-8636 or 612-624-3434.
23 - Symposium: Future Food Scarcities? Global Causes, Local Consequences (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, Minneapolis Campus. Contact: Jean Kinsey, 612-625-7019.
24 - Equine Behavior Changes: Is it really just mental?! (dinner at 5:00 p.m.; lecture to follow), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M, St. Paul Campus. RSVP to: Equine Club.
25 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (12:30-4:00 p.m.), Minnehaha Elementary School, Two Harbors, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.
- November 2008 -
13-14 - 7th International Bird Flu Summit, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd., South Las Vegas, NV. Contact: New-Fields Exhibitions, Inc., 202-536-5000.
17-18 - Agricultural Workforce Management Conference, Days Inn, Brookings, SD. Sponsored by SDSU. Contact: Tracey Renelt, 605-854-3851.
22 - Fall Regional Horse Owner Program (9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), Cambridge-Isanti High School, Cambridge, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776.
22-23 - Thanksgiving Holiday - U of M-Twin Cities is closed
- December 2008 -
4-5 - Artificial Insemination Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.
9-10 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Eir Garcia-Silva, MMPA, 763-355-9697 or Jim Salfer, U of M Extension, 320-203-6093.
10 - Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable Meeting (12:30-3:00 p.m.) - in conjunction with the Midwest Dairy Expo - St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Ed Frederick, 507-835-3422.
20 - End of Fall Term
- January 2009 -
21 - Martin Luther King Holiday - U of M-Twin Cities is closed
22 - Spring Semester classes begin
- February 2009 -
12-13 - Swine Wean to Finish Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.
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