AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

September 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

Fall semester starts this week and we welcome students to campus. Last week was CFANS day for incoming freshman and I got to meet some of the great young women and men entering our college this year. Animal Science is the most popular major again this year with almost 1 out of every 3 freshmen enrolling in Animal Science. With the incoming freshmen and returning students, we will have around 375 undergraduate students in Animal Science and remain the largest single major in the college.

Students are choosing Animal Science for a variety of reasons, but generally focus on preparing for a career working with animals or in one of the many vocations related to animal agriculture. Our curriculum in Animal Science prepares students in science, biology and the husbandry of animals. The learning environment is part classroom, part hands-on experiential learning in one of the animal teaching units and for some of our upper division specialty courses, learning is in commercial production units. Our curriculum isn’t solely focused on the nutrition, physiology, genetics, health and general husbandry needs of animals, but also about production of a healthy and safe food supply through agricultural practices.  

Because of our role in agriculture and particularly animal agriculture, it is important our students are knowledgeable about food production. This summer has seen a lot of “expose” journalism and misinformation on modern agricultural practices and food production. However, the fact is that in the 1940s, one U.S. farmer fed 19 other people. Today a U.S. farmer needs to produce enough food to feed 144 people. The current U.S. population is now over 307 million people and gaining a person every 10 seconds. It is also clear that people want a diversity of animal and plant products in their diets. Students in agricultural curriculums today will be confronted with issues of how to produce a safe, bountiful and diversified food supply to feed a growing population both domestically and internationally. Opinions may differ on the best methods and how our food should be produced, but science and facts need to guide those decisions – not hype, sensationalism and anti-science view points. 

I want to extend my congratulations to Elizabeth Olson who was crowned the 56th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Elizabeth is a sophomore here at the University majoring in Animal Science. We look forward to seeing her in classes this year when she is not away representing Minnesota’s dairy industry. I also want to congratulate her parents, Loren and Laura Olson of Hutchinson, who I have known for nearly 30 years. Elizabeth is from what arguably could be considered Minnesota’s first family of dairying. Her oldest sister, Sarah, was an earlier Princess Kay and another sister, Lana, was a finalist for Princess Kay. Her other sibling, Luke, won the National Collegiate Dairy Judging Contest a few years ago. The Olson’s registered Holstein dairy farm is also a century farm. Like Elizabeth, all of her other siblings attend the University of Minnesota. We are very proud of Elizabeth and want to thank all of the Olsons for including the University of Minnesota in their lives.
 

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Sally Noll

Dr. Sally Noll is a professor with an extension and research appointment. Her current responsibilities are to conduct extension programs directed toward turkey producers, and applied research in turkey management and nutrition. Her extension program in nutrition has focused on examining protein nutrition of alternative feed ingredients. Recently, the extension and research emphasis has been on the use of distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) and glycerin in market turkey diets. The data generated from this research is being used during her semester leave in a modeling effort with neural networks in order to predict the nutrient value of DDGS based on color and proximate component analyses. In this collaborative effort, Noll is working with Dr. William Roush, an information systems specialist (formerly with the USDA/ARS unit at Starkville, MS).

While visiting with Dr. Roush, Noll also initiated a collaborative effort with two other scientists at Mississippi State University (Drs. Alex Corzo and R. Srinivasan) to examine fiber removal from DDGS in order to improve nutrient value of the resulting DDGS. In cooperation with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), studies are being conducted on the energy value of soybean meal that has been genetically selected to remove complex sugars that poultry can’t digest.

Alamanda Calvert, a new poultry graduate student starting this fall, will be working on a turkey industry project to examine poor performance of turkey flocks in the field. Her program success can be attributed to the hard work of the staff and students in the lab as well as the availability of research facilities at UMore Park and the dedicated staff there as well. Current lab staff are Jeanine Brannon, Wanda Weber, and Igor Radovic. Student workers are Kate Meloche, Nancy Warfield, and Grace Dahlgren. UMore Park staff includes Fred Hrbek and Terrance Yourchuck. The program is also dependent on the quality preparation of research feed at the Southern ROC feed mill at Waseca.

Dr. Jerry Shurson

Dr. Jerry Shurson has responsibilities in teaching, research, and extension. He teaches a web-based Swine Nutrition course during fall semester, and web-assisted Pork Production Systems Management and Advanced Pork Production Systems Management courses during spring semester. Currently, Shurson is advisor or co-advisor to one post-doctoral fellow (Dr. Luiz Souza from Brazil), two Ph.D. students (Pai Liu from China and Christina Phillips who is co-advised by Yuzhi Li), and two M.S. students (Ran Song from China and Jenna Pomerenke). Jenna is the recipient of the first Department of Animal Science Ralco Nutrition Research Assistantship of which Shurson was actively involved in obtaining for the Department.

Shurson also works with the U of M Animal Science swine group and several U of M faculty of the Departments of Food Science and Nutrition, Agronomy, Applied Economics, and Biosystems and Ag Engineering in conducting numerous research projects related to feeding distiller’s dried grains with solubles to swine. He also has extensive research collaboration with researchers at the University of Illinois, the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, USDA-ARS, and South Dakota State University.

Shurson continues to be successful in obtaining research funding from national and state corn and pork commodity organizations and other industry groups. As a result of the ‘cutting edge’ research information produced in his program, he receives numerous invitations to speak at regional, national, and international conferences. In July, he traveled to China to give seminars, “Life Cycle Feeding Programs for Swine” and ”Trends in Swine Nutrition in North America”, to feed industry and pork producer groups in Chengdu, Changsha, Jinan, Zhengzhou, Changchun, and Beijing. These seminars were organized by the American Soybean Association. Shurson traveled to Ontario and Quebec, Canada, in early September for a program sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council. There he presented seminars on the impact of feeding DDGS to growing-finishing pigs on pork quality.

Most recently, Shurson has become a valuable resource to the Renewable Fuels Association and was invited to provide scientific critiques of the impact of feeding distiller’s grains to livestock and poultry on land use credits as part of the debate in California and nationally as it relates to the impact of the ethanol industry on carbon credits and environmental sustainability. In August, he presented results of some of this work at the Land Use and Carbon Impacts of Corn Based Ethanol Conference in St. Louis, MO, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. 

In addition, Shurson works with Animal Science staff member, Bonnie Rae, to maintain two websites related to feeding biofuels by-products to livestock and poultry. Please visit: Distillers Grains By-products in Livestock and Poultry Feeds and Biodiesel Feeds.

DeLaval Dairy Extension Award Goes to Reneau

In recognition of his outstanding achievements in dairy extension and valuable contributions to the dairy industry, the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) selected Dr. Jeff Reneau as the 2009 recipient of the DeLaval Dairy Extension Award. Reneau was presented with the award at the ADSA Awards Ceremony during the 2009 ADSA-CSAS-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting in Montréal, Québec, Canada, July 14, 2009.

Reneau was a DVM and large animal practitioner for several years before joining the U of M Department of Animal Science in 1979. His appointment as a Dairy Extension Specialist included responsibilities in animal health. At the time, there were very few faculty members in departments of animal science who were veterinarians. The culture and understanding between animal health, husbandry and management was considerably different than it is today. Reneau was a leader in integrating these areas of knowledge with their connection to problems challenging dairy producers. This approach to evaluating dairy farm operations as a system, and trying to define and differentiate causes and effects of dairy problems on whole entities, is still a major emphasis in his extension educational programs today.

Reneau has served Minnesota, the U.S., and international dairy communities during his long and distinguished career. He is widely known and respected for his professional, science-based educational programs. In addition to encompassing many interdisciplinary efforts in dairy management and evaluation of dairy farms as a system, Reneau's activities and efforts have included a focus on milk quality and mastitis control. His expertise in measuring, monitoring and solving milk quality problems is sought by peers in academia and industry. Reneau's current efforts use modern electronic technology to enhance real time data collection and interpretation.

Congratulations Jeff!
 

Climate Change: Land Use and Carbon Impacts

Dr. Jerry Shurson was an invited speaker at the Land Use and Carbon Impacts of Corn-based Ethanol Conference in St. Louis, MO on August 25 and 26. The National Corn Growers Association assembled experts from academia, government, and industry for the conference to provide an insider’s view into the best available science on the carbon impacts of a corn-based carbohydrate economy. Dr. Shurson’s presentation on “Displacement Ratios of Distillers Grains Use in Animal Feeds” addressed how distillers grains with solubles impact indirect land use changes and carbon credits. Dr. Douglas G. Tiffany was another invited speaker from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Dr. Tiffany’s talk on “Biomass for Combined Heat and Power at Ethanol Plants” addressed new technologies in ethanol production and their effects on green house gas emissions. These faculty are actively involved in supporting one of the CFANS missions of providing scholarship and leadership in addressing global climate and environmental change.
   

Hansen Discusses Dairy Cattle Genetics at Latin American Conferences

Dr. Les Hansen traveled to two locations in Latin America to speak on dairy cattle genetics. During the last week of May, Hansen traveled to Costa Rica to serve as the featured speaker at a conference on crossbreeding in dairy cattle hosted by Dos Pinos, the very large milk marketing cooperative that processes the majority of milk produced in Costa Rica. Hansen spoke live at a resort where the conference was broadcast via video and audio link to three remote locations throughout the country. Costa Rica is very advanced technologically, and Dos Pinos took advantage of state-of-the-art methods to educate dairy producers.

In July, Hansen was an invited speaker at the International Congress Agrotech, which was hosted by the Catholic University of Chile in Santiago. The trip to Chile provided Hansen the opportunity to reconnect with Dr. Fernando Bas, who obtained his Ph.D. degree in ruminant nutrition at the U of M in 1988 under the supervision of Dr. Marshall Stern. Dr. Bas has had a distinguished career at the Catholic University of Chile, including a stint as Associate Dean for Instruction. Currently, Dr. Bas is focusing on research in nutrition in the Department of Animal Science, but he has switched his emphasis to the nutrition of farmed salmon, which is a major contributor to the Chilean economy.
  

Endres to Serve on NAIDC Board

Dr. Marcia Endres was one of four newly elected members to the board of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC). Endres is an associate professor and extension dairy specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the U of M. She has been a coach for the University’s team since 2002 when the Challenge first began. Last year, the team earned top honors—the Platinum Award—at the contest.

NAIDC was established in 2002 as a management contest to incorporate all phases of a specific dairy business. It strives to incorporate a higher-learning atmosphere with practical application to help prepare students for careers in the dairy industry.
 

Graduate Club Elects New Officers

The Animal Science Graduate Club recently elected new officers: Bob Leuer will serve as President; Jenna Pomerenke, Vice President/Treasurer; Christina Phillips, Social Chair; Alanna Kmicikewycz, Council of Graduate Students Representative.

Club members are current graduate students in the Department. The club serves as a networking opportunity and a social environment among graduate students. The club also provides an opportunity for students to learn about research that others are conducting, and to create discussions about projects and their experimental designs or statistical analysis.

For more information about the Graduate Club, contact Bob Leuer (leue0008@umn.edu) or visit the Animal Science Graduate Club website.
 

Topline Places 1st; Website Places 2nd Nationally

The annual yearbook of the Gopher Dairy Club, The Topline, placed 1st in the national competition at the annual meeting of the Student Affiliate Division (SAD) of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), July 12-14 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 

Congratulations to senior editor Lucas Sjostrom, who is now employed by the Holstein Association USA in government affairs and communications, and Topline's associate editor Erica Seitzer, who moves into the senior editor position for 2009-2010. Caitlin Kasper is the new associate editor for 2009-2010.

The Gopher Dairy Club's website placed 2nd among websites for undergraduate dairy science clubs at the national meeting of the ADSA. Student webmaster for 2008-2009 was Caitlin Kasper, and she had tremendous technical support from the Animal Science departmental webmaster, Bonnie Rae.

The Gopher Dairy Club knows how to spread the word about its organization in print and via the Internet!
   

6th Annual Gopher Dairy Camp A Success
Source: Karen Anderson, Sophomore-Animal Science

Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin were represented by the 52 campers who attended the 6th annual Gopher Dairy Camp held on the U of M St. Paul Campus June 11-13, 2009. The Gopher Dairy Camp is a 3-day experience designed for youth to have fun and expand their knowledge of the dairy industry through numerous workshops and hands-on activities.

On the first day of the camp, participants learned about sire selection and showmanship, and participated in Ag-Olympics. At the Gopher Gold Auction, campers were given the opportunity to buy a calf with the 'moo dollars' that they had earned during the day’s activities. Jeff Balcom of Balcom Auction and Realty served as auctioneer. That evening, campers had a fun night of bowling, pool, catching up with friends, and making new friends.

The second day of camp began with a workshop conducted by Sherry Newell, Midwest Dairy Association, on positive promotion of the dairy industry via the Internet. Then campers attended fitting demonstrations and were given the opportunity to fit the calves that they purchased at the auction the night before. A showmanship contest was held later in the day. Winners of the showmanship contest were Christy Achen and Sarah Beck (junior division) and Rachel Rostad and Jennifer Huhe (intermediate division). U of M alumni Scott Ellinghuysen and Erin Wacker judged the contest. In the evening, Kristy Mussman, 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, spoke to campers about positive promotion. Campers had the rest of the evening for fun at the Grand Rios Water Park in Brooklyn Park.

On the final day of camp, Drs. Jim Linn and Noah Litherland hosted a workshop on dairy nutrition. An awards ceremony followed, and the camp wrapped up with a Dairy Judging Workshop run by Missy Mussman, Jill Thompson, and Abby Udermann.

The 2009 Gopher Dairy Camp was organized by co-chairs Zach Sawall and Karen Anderson with assistance from alumni chairs Missy Mussman and Jenn Becker. Nine current Gopher Dairy Club members contributed significantly to the success of the camp. The camp would not have been possible without the generosity of the sponsors: AMPI, Bongards’ Creameries, General Mills, and Schroeder Milk. Thank you to the sponsors and to all who planned, worked, and supported the 2009 Gopher Dairy Camp!

Group photo - 2009 Gopher Dairy Camp.

View more camp photos (pdf)
    

Dairy Club Members Attend National ADSA
Source: Mike Donnelly, Junior-Agricultural Education

Six members of the Gopher Dairy Club headed to Montreal, Canada, for the 2009 National American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) meetings held in July. After a short flight across the border, the students enjoyed five fun-filled days with other dairy enthusiasts from across the nation.

Prior to the start of the conference, the Student Affiliate Division (SAD) had several tours planned for students. The week started with two different dairy farm tours, which gave the students a chance to experience the ins and outs of Canadian dairy farming. Later, the group took a rainy yet enjoyable riverboat cruise. During the cruise, students learned all about the history of Montreal and its surroundings.

The conference began with a greeting from the president of the Canadian Society of Animal Science president, then an exciting performance by Cirque de Soleil. The following day, the SAD got down to business with its annual meetings, tending to both national and regional issues. The Activities Symposium, held shortly after the business meeting, gave the Gopher Dairy Club members a chance to share with others the successes of the annual Gopher Dairy Camp. 

The conference wrapped up with the annual awards banquet where the Gopher Dairy Club walked away with several awards including 1st place in the yearbook division! The dairy club also placed well in the website and quiz bowl competitions.

Club member Jackie Popowski took home 3rd place in the Undergraduate Student Research presentations where she presented the results of her dairy goat research project “Performance of weanling goats when fed a mixed concentrate with dried distillers grains compared to a pelleted concentrate”.

Overall, this group of students enjoyed their experiences and look forward to next year’s meetings in Denver, CO. 
  

U of M Students Do Well in Regional and National Simmental Contests
Source: Matt Pearson, Junior–Animal Science

U of M students have competed and placed very well in regional and national Simmental Association contests over the summer. Undergraduates Scott Franke (senior–animal science) and Seth Kaehler (freshman–animal science) placed first overall in the senior and intermediate divisions, respectively, at the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) National Classic held June 27-July 3 in Columbus, IN.

Kaehler and Matt Pearson (junior–animal science) placed 4th and 5th, respectively, overall in the senior division at the North Central Regional Classic held in West Fargo, ND, in mid-July.

AJSA holds competitions that test sales ability, public speaking skills, and knowledge of the beef industry. Through these contests, the AJSA strives to develop highly skilled young breeders who will be motivated to produce seedstock that cave easily, grow fast and efficiently, and offer exceptional carcass value.

The AJSA is open to all youth in the U.S. All new members are encouraged to join and become involved in their state associations. For more information, visit the AJSA website.
 

Dairy Breed Conventions See Strong Participation from U of M Students
Source: Jessica Achen, Senior-Animal Science

The National Ayrshire Convention was held in Dubuque, IA, June 17, 2009. Elinor Opitz, daughter of Sherry Newell (Midwest Dairy Association) and Joe Opitz, was presented with the Distinguished Junior Member award. Elinor also placed 3rd in the senior division of the inaugural Ayrshire Youth Jeopardy Contest. Elinor is majoring in dairy science production and philosophy at the U of M.

The 2009 National Holstein Convention was held in Sacramento, CA, June 27-30. Minnesota had a great delegation of youth and adults representing the state as well as promoting the 2010 convention to be held June 24-28 in Bloomington, MN.

Current U of M students in attendance were: Jacob Achen, Jessica Achen, Molly Neil, Elizabeth Olson, Abby Udermann, and Megan Udermann. Jessica was honored to be named a Distinguished Junior Holstein Member semi-finalist. During the convention, Jessica was busy assisting with youth contests and interviews, and meeting many new people. Molly was busy promoting Minnesota and making many new friends. Since she is the current Minnesota Junior Holstein president, she will play a big part in planning the 2010 convention.

Jacob won the speech competition at the Minnesota Holstein Convention, which won him the opportunity to compete in the Intermediate Speech Competition at the national level. Elizabeth placed 1st in the Senior Speech Contest with her speech titled "Holstein USA: Something to Rely On. In addition, Elizabeth was one of the three newly elected youth area representatives to the Junior Advisory Committee.

Megan and Elizabeth represented Minnesota at the convention as members of the Senior Dairy Quiz Bowl Team. Abby had a great time participating in the Senior Dairy Jeopardy Competition placing 6th in the finals. 

Questions regarding the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association or the National Convention can be directed to Molly Neil at neilx018@umn.edu.

The following U of M students attended the National Milking Shorthorn Convention in Cincinnati, OH, June 17-20: Jacob Achen, Jessica Achen, and Mikayla Krause. Mikayla currently serves on the National Junior Board as vice president and Jacob serves as secretary. These students were busy at the convention caring for and preparing heifers for the National Heifer Show. Jacob showed the 2nd place spring yearling, Mikayla exhibited the 2nd place winter yearling, and Jessica had the 5th place summer yearling. In addition, Jacob was selected as the Senior Progressive Breeder, and Jessica was the recipient of the Exchange Program. She will represent the American Milking Shorthorn Society when she travels to Australia next summer. 

Questions regarding the American Milking Shorthorn Junior Society can be directed to Mikayla Krause at kraus307@umn.edu.
 

Horse Owner Education Programs Scheduled at 3 Locations

The Regional Horse Owner Education Programs offer research-based information and knowledgeable speakers, which have been identified specifically for each region by a committee of local horse experts and enthusiasts. Speakers include U of M faculty and staff as well as local veterinarians and horse professionals. Programs are recommended for ages 13 and older but are open to everyone.

This fall, Regional Horse Owner Education Programs will offered at 3 locations:

• Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus - October 3
  Doors open at 9:00 am; program begins at 9:30 am and concludes with an optional tour of the Equine Center at 4:00 pm.
    
  
• Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN - October 24
  Doors open at 12:30 pm; program begins at 1:00 pm and adjourns at 4:00 pm.
    
• Middle School, Howard Lake, MN - November 14
  Doors open at 12:30 pm; program begins at 1:00 pm and adjourns at 4:00 pm.

The agenda topics include Lameness Evaluation and Gait Analysis, Equine Genetics, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Managing Carbohydrates in Feeds and Forages, Winter Care, Equine Dentistry, Manure Management and Composting, Poisonous Plants, Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition, Fly and Pest Control, and more. The program varies at each location so be sure to review the agenda for each location. See the promotional flyer or visit the Horse Extension website for all the details.
  

Processed Meats Championship Held at Meat Lab

U of M Meat Science and the Minnesota Association of Meat Processors held the Minnesota State Fair Processed Meats Championship on August 26, 2009, at the Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Processors throughout the state were invited to enter products within the categories of bone-in ham, summer sausage, slab bacon and smoked turkey. Products were evaluated by a panel of academic and industry professionals and the top four products within each category were displayed with ribbons at the Minnesota Association of Meat Processors display booth at the Minnesota State Fair. U of M faculty who served as judges were Dr. Paul Addis (Department of Food Science and Nutrition) in the bacon category and Dr. Sally Noll (Department of Animal Science) in the smoked turkey category.

See the Minnesota State Fair Processed Meats Championship Results Summary.  
 

U of M Meat Science Hosts Value-Added Meat Processing Workshop

The Value-Added Meat Processing Workshop (see photos below) utilized a variety of academic and industry professionals to explore opportunities to further enhance the value of meat processing operations from both a scientific and applied perspective. The hands-on and demonstration-style program covered all classes of processed meats and alternatives for fresh meat processing. The workshop was a massively successful exchange of ideas and information addressing the challenges of producing novel, safe and wholesome meat products to consumers.

The two-day workshop was held August 27 and 28 primarily in the Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Workshop participants also had the opportunity to visit the Minnesota State Fair and take in a Minnesota Twins baseball game at the Metrodome.

Four-State Conference Well Attended

The 2009 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference was held June 9-10, 2009 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, IA. The audience was mainly dairy industry professionals with a smaller percentage of dairy producers. This year there were a total of 432 attendees.

Dr. Noah Litherland discussed moderate energy diets and forage options for dry cows. Dr. John Fetrow presented an update on U of M research in dairy production medicine including Johnes, ketosis, colostrum management, and mastitis. Other topics included transition cow management, heat stress, stall design, lameness, robotics, niacin supplementation, automatically monitoring of milking process, and more.

After the conference adjourned shortly after noon, optional post-conference workshops were offered from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Workshop topics included new tools for on-farm troubleshooting, which was presented by Dr. Jeff Reneau, analyzing dairy farm profits, transition cow housing design, and building dairy rations.
  

Poultry Researcher Passes Away

Dr. Wendell Carlson passed away August 5, 2009 at the age of 88 years. Wendell was a visiting professor at the U of M in the poultry program after he retired from South Dakota State University in 1992. Wendell provided oversight to Dr. Paul Waibel’s turkey research while Waibel was on leave visiting Edinburgh for short time periods over several years. Wendell was in his early 70’s at the time and still wanted to be at the research facilities collecting data on the turkey nutrition studies. He and Paul collaborated on several protein and amino acid studies in market turkeys during that time period. Wendell was quite active in various poultry associations including president of the Poultry Science Association in 1972 and president of the Midwest Poultry Federation in 1999.

The complete obituary can be found on the following website:
http://www.state-journal.com/news/no_byline_article/4643587#comment
   

Two Extension Regional Offices to Close

Regional Extension offices in Albert Lea and Mora, MN will be closing September 30 and December 30, respectively. They hope to relocate staff to other U of M Extension offices throughout the state. The decision to close the two offices was made in an effort to keep operation costs low while still maintaining current job positions.

For more information about these office closings, please contact Bev Durgan (612-624-2703), Dean, U of M Extension.
 

Get Perks Through UPerks

Working at the University has its perks! UPerks gives U of M faculty and staff access to numerous entertainment, education, and money-saving opportunities. UPerks has categories in Culture (theater, museums); U of M Programs and Services, Wellness opportunities, and Discounts on movie tickets, MetroPass, UMart, YMCA membership, and discounts to numerous Twin Cities businesses through the Minnesota Employee Recreation and Services Council (MERSC).

Visit the UPerks website for more information, and be sure to check out the MERSC website for access to great discounts and savings.
 

Food, Friends, Award Presentations at Divisional Picnic

The 3rd annual picnic of the Division of Food, Animal and Nutritional Sciences (FANS) hosted by the Animal Science Department took place on June 16 at the Livestock Pavilion. This year’s event was held inside the pavilion due to the possibility of rain. The picnic was well attended by members of the Division (Departments of Animal Science, and Food Science and Nutrition).

Meat Lab supervisor Pete Nelson and his crew were back again this year to grill and serve up a variety of burgers and brats to hungry faculty, staff, and graduate students. The meal included salads, slaws and chips, and to top it all off, Food Science and Nutrition provided cookies, bars and ice cream.

The awards program began with Drs. Jim Linn (Head of Animal Science) and Gary Reineccius (Head of Food Science and Nutrition) presenting Outstanding Service Awards to the entire accounting staff. Jackie Lee, Michelle Duong, Michelle Gobely, Crystal Langeberg and Sue Merrin were recognized for their dedicated service and commitment to both Departments.

Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Bill Dayton presented Outstanding Achievement Awards to graduate students in recognition of their accomplishments in academics, research and service. Dan Carlson received the Outstanding Ph.D. Student award and Amy Hazel was the recipient of the Outstanding M.S. Student award. Outstanding Student Achievement Awards were presented to Dan Carlson, Greg Golombeski, Martin Ruiz-Moreno, and Sarah Schieck.

Bill Hansen was honored with the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award presented to him by Graduate Club president Karen Lobeck. Bill was recognized for his dedication to the Animal Science Department and the many hours and effort he has put forth to help graduate students. Bill goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist with just about anything that comes along.

Thank you to all who organized and worked at the picnic, and congratulations to all the award recipients!
 

Above (L-R): Outstanding Service Award winners - Sue Merrin, Jackie Lee and Michelle Gobely (not pictured Michelle Duong and Crystal Langeberg); Department Heads - Drs. Jim Linn and Gary Reineccius (presenters).

Above (L-R): Amy Hazel (Outstanding M.S. Student), Dr. Bill Dayton (presenter), Dan Carlson (Outstanding Ph.D. Student).

Above (L-R): Dr. Bill Dayton (presenter) and Outstanding Achievement Award winners - Sarah Schieck, Martin Ruiz-Moreno, Dan Carlson and Greg Golombeski.

Alanna Kmicikewycz

Alanna Kmicikewycz is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in ruminant nutrition focusing on transitional cow and calf health and nutrition. Dr. Noah Litherland is Alanna’s advisor.

Alanna is originally from Orland Park, a suburb outside of Chicago, IL. She completed her B.S. in Animal Science this past spring at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Although Alanna did not grow up with any dairy background, she has found her calling while working with the U of IL dairy during her undergraduate years.

In her spare time, Alanna enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, traveling, playing the violin, and eating ice cream. She looks forward to starting her research and becoming a part of the dairy industry.
  

Dr. Mark Ascerno retired on July 1, 2009 after more than four decades at the U of M. He served as Head of the Department of Entomology for 19 of those years.

Dr. Scott Fahrenkrug is the recipient of one of five sabbatical leaves approved by CFANS for 2009-2010. Scott will use the opportunity to work with international scientists in the area of swine genomic expression and methodology for transgenic pig production.

Andrew Johnson, student office assistant who worked in the Department accounting office, accepted a position as a credit analyst with Merchants Financial Group in Winona, MN. He started his new job on August 17.

Dr. Jim Linn, Animal Science Department Head, was elected vice-president of ADSA for 2009-2010.

U of M sophomore Elizabeth Olson was crowned the 56th Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on August 26. Elizabeth is majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Applied Economics.

Sarah Schieck completed her M.S. in Animal Science (swine nutrition emphasis) in May. She has accepted a faculty position at Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, where she will be teaching a variety of animal science courses in their ag department. Dr. Lee Johnston was Sarah's advisor.  

Lucas Sjostrom and Alise Jennissen were married June 6, 2009 in Padua, MN. Lucas and Alise are both alums of CFANS. Lucas is now working as Government Relations Specialist and Communications Assistant with Holstein Association USA based out of Brattleboro, VT.

Ran Song successfully defended her M.S. thesis on August 20. Thesis title: Growth performance, carcass characteristics, physiological and gut health effects of feeding diets containing BMD to heat stressed finishing pigs. Ran's advisor is Dr. Jerry Shurson. She will be continuing on for her Ph.D.

Gail Tischler, communications coordinator for the U of M Extension, retired on June 30, 2009 after 33 years of service.

Ryon Walker was promoted from Assistant Extension Professor to Associate Extension Professor. He works out of the Regional Extension Center in Andover.

Five Animal Science employees were among the many U of M staff who were invited to Eastcliff in June for a reception commemorating their years of service to the University. Celebrating milestone anniversaries this year were: Bill Hansen (25 yrs), Jackie Lee (25 yrs), Nduka Omeoga (20 yrs), Bonnie Rae (25 yrs), and Dana Souther (25 yrs).
 

The Animal Sciences Graduate Club has received a grant in the amount of $7,463 from the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council. Project title: Ag Awareness animal facility tours expansion project. The grant will be used to purchase technology and display enhancements, and new hand washing sinks for the St Paul Dairy Teaching and Research Center. These improvements will enhance the quality of animal facility tours and allow more youth and adults to experience agriculture each year. Funding period: July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

Ryan Cox (PI) received $15,000 from the Minnesota Beef Council. Project title: Effect of Brine Enhancement and Mechanical Tenderization. Period: 7/1/09-6/30/10.

Grant Crawford, Alfredo DiCostanzo, Marshall Stern, and Martin Ruiz-Moreno have received $65,150 from AURI and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Project title: Interaction of distillers grains sulfur concentration and dietary roughage on microbial fermentation.

Krishona Martinson (co-PI) received $5,048 in funding from the Midwest Forage Association. Project title: The effect of harvest moisture and bale wrapping on temperature. Period: 5/1/09-3/31/10.
 

- September 2009 -

2-7 - Welcome Week

8 - Fall Semester begins

10 - Southern ROC Open House, Waseca, MN.

12 - Small Farm and Rural Living Expo, Scott County Fairgrounds, Jordan, MN. Contact: Becky Rasmussen, 612-543-1316.

14 - Pork Quality Assurance Training, Heintz Center Rm HA102, Community and Technical College, Rochester, MN. Contact: Minnesota Pork, 800-537-7675 or Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

15-16 - 70th Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. Contact: Lee Johnston, 320-589-1711 or John Goihl, 800-322-0437. Online registration.

19-22 - Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 612-624-3434 or 800-380-8636.

21 - St. Paul Campus Job and Internship Fair (10:00 am-3:00 pm), North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Student Center.

28-29 - Swine AI Training Course, West Central ROC, Morris, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

- 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.

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.

- 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.

- 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: 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).