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"I scream, you scream, we all scream for...eggs!" Eggs? That’s right, eggs. Ice cream aficionados who frequent the Michigan State University Dairy Store have something new to be enthused about: eggs. Along with your favorite flavor of MSU-made ice cream or cheese, fresh eggs produced locally by laying hens at the MSU Poultry Teaching and Research Center are available for purchase from the MSU Dairy Store for $1.50 per dozen. The addition of eggs to the product line-up is a win-win for both the MSU Poultry Research Farm and the MSU Dairy Store. The eggs are coming from laying hens that the farm raises for research projects. Instead of trying to purchase laying hens every time researchers want to embark on a new project, they have them on campus ready to use. And, according to Karcher, purchasing fresh eggs at the MSU Dairy Store has an added benefit. "Not only can customers purchase eggs, but while they’re at the MSU Dairy Store having a delicious ice cream treat, they can get a jumpstart on dinner," he said. "They can buy some cheese, too, and voila! They have all the ingredients to make omelets for dinner!" In addition to taking pride in knowing that they are supporting an egg producer from their local community, consumers will also be supporting MSU, the MSU Department of Animal Science, and more specifically, the MSU Poultry Teaching and Research Center. "At this point, the money made from sales is being invested back into the program and helping to sustain the poultry farm operations,” Karcher said. “Once school is back in session, the MSU Avian Science Club will take control of the project with the resulting profits serving as a fundraiser for the students to take part in various activities and events." Customers can also purchase eggs directly from the MSU Poultry Teaching and Research Center between 4 and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Large egg orders should be placed directly with the poultry farm manager Angelo Napolitano by calling 517-355-0360. The MSU Poultry Teaching and Research Center prides itself on its two-fold mission of educating animal science students interested in a poultry science-related career and conducting basic and applied research that benefits Michigan poultry producers. For more information about the MSU poultry program or purchasing farm fresh eggs from MSU, contact Karcher by e-mail at dkarcher@msu.edu or by phone at 517-355-8402. Read the entire CANR news release... MSU Sheep Farm Accomplishments MSU sheep were stars at the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) sale held in Spencer, IA on August 1, 2009. It began last September when students associated with the sheep barn and the shepherd, Alan Culham, prepared the sheep for embryo transfer (ET). This educational and production project provided the flock with an opportunity to have more lambs from ewes and rams with the best genetics and performance records. An MSU ET lamb was the highest selling ram lamb in the sale at $2,000, and his half sister on the maternal side (the ewe’s natural lamb) was the highest selling ewe lamb at $1,200. Equally exciting for Mary McDonald, a student who accompanied the sheep to Iowa, was the sale of a yearling ram. As the highest selling animal of the 111 consigned sheep, the MSU yearling ram sold for $2,200 for use in a research project at Va Tech studying growth rate and muscle development. All three of these three sheep set record prices for their particular classes in the 4 year old sale. In late July, at the Michigan Suffolk show, MSU won the grand champion ewe for the second year in a row as well as reserve grand champion ram and reserve grand champion ewe. These sheep were shown by students, Kelli Rau, Mary McDonald and Kelly Washnich under the direction of Alan Culham. In Memoriam: Dr. Allen Tucker We are saddened to share with you that H. Allen Tucker, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Science, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Dr. Tucker was a leading authority in mammary gland physiology, studying the effects of prolactin, growth hormone-releasing hormone and photoperiod in cattle. His professional and personal contributions to Michigan State University were significant and he will be dearly missed. He and his students have published more than 390 articles, of which over 230 are full peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Tucker’s ability to train graduate students was recognized with the prestigious Casida Award in 1987 from the American Society of Animal Science. His graduate students are located throughout the world at universities, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Tucker received numerous local and national awards including the Morrison Award (1997) and the Physiology and Endocrinology Award (1983) from the American Society of Animal Science. In addition, Dr. Tucker received the Borden Award (1979) and the Upjohn Physiology Award (1983) from the American Dairy Science Association. For his research and teaching excellence Dr. Tucker was awarded the Michigan State University Distinguished Faculty Award in 1988, and in 1996 Dr. Tucker was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Read Dr. James Ireland's tribute to Dr. Tucker... Brazilian Cart Horse Care A Focus For MSU Researcher When Camie Heleski, PhD, MS, traveled to Brazil to attend a conference in 2000, she noticed that the horses used to pull carts transporting people throughout the country's villages appeared frail and their hair looked brittle and dull. The animals also displayed lesions on their bodies where dry sweat would build up under their leather harnesses. In Brazil cart horses are used for transporting goods to markets and carrying recyclables from the streets, such as plastics and metal scraps, to be sold to recycling centers for profit. Cart horses are often used by Brazilians who can't afford vehicles. When Heleski, coordinator of the Michigan State University (MSU) horse management program, returned home from the conference, she made a commitment to improving the welfare and quality of care for cart horses in Brazil. Read story about Brazilian cart horse project at TheHorse.com... Scientists Warn Biomedical Research Funding For Domestic Animals is Lagging Michigan State University (MSU) animal science professors James Ireland, George Smith and Jose Cibelli and five colleagues from other institutions warned in the recent issue of Science that the continuing decline in federal funding for animal and biomedical research jeopardizes animal science studies. The researchers noted that, though the economic value of livestock and poultry in the United States exceeds $132 billion, only 0.04% ($32.15 million) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget was allocated to its competitive grants programs for research involving farm animals. In comparison, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for human health research is nearly $30 billion. Read the entire Michigan Farmer story... MSU Raised Heifer Wins at National Stock Show MSU Lucy 830, a purebred Angus heifer that was raised and sold by MSU, was named the Grand Champion Angus Female at the Arizona National Roll of Victory Angus Show in Phoenix, Arizona in late December. The heifer was also named the Supreme Champion Female over all females that competed at the Arizona National. Lucy was purchased by the Schnoor Family of Chowchilla, California for $22,000.00 in the Angus Connection Sale held in Michigan in early October. This is the same heifer that was named the Reserve Champion Spring Heifer Calf at the North American International ROV Angus Show in Louisville, Kentucky in November. MSU Lucy 830 is the result of a donation that was made to MSU by Steve and Julie French, Little Cedar Farm of Beaverton, Michigan. Special thanks go to Steve and Julie for their generosity and for their support of the MSU Beef Program. Cody Sankey, manager of the MSU Purebred Beef Unit, was on hand at the Arizona National and showed the heifer in both the Angus show and the Supreme Champion competition. Cody also served as the judge of the Arizona National Junior Heifer Show and was an official in their Livestock Judging Contest. Lucy's next show will be at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado in January. MSU will be showing her for the Schnoor Family, along with other Angus and Hereford cattle that have been raised at the Beef Barn on campus. MSU Cattle Have Very Strong Showing in Louisville Several animals bred or owned by Michigan State University (MSU) went home winners from this year's North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville in November. The MSU Purebred Beef Cow-Calf Teaching and Research Center exhibited four Hereford and four Angus cattle at the annual event, billed as one of North America's most competitive shows. MSU Purebred Beef Cow-Calf Teaching and Research Center staff members Cody Sankey, farm manager, and Ken Geuns, faculty coordinator, traveled to the NAILE with MSU student employees Matt Asmus, MSU animal science senior from Vandalia; Ryan Peterson, MSU agribusiness management senior from Niles; Lance Schoenbine, MSU animal science sophomore from Auburn; Jason Scramlin, MSU animal science senior from Holly; and Starr. Read the Battle Creek Enquirer story about the Nov. 2008 Beef Showing... MSU Purebred Beef Cattle Sale A Success Angus breeders from several states consigned cattle to The Angus Connection Sale held on Saturday, October 11, 2008. The sale was hosted by EMB Angus Farm near Charlotte, Michigan. The MSU Purebred Beef Cow-Calf Teaching & Research Center is one of the principle consignors to this annual sale. The high selling lot was MSU Lucy 830 that sold for $22,000 to the Schnoor Family in California. The second high selling lot was MSU Elba 826 that sold for $10,000 to the Harsh Family in Ohio. MSU consigned eight heifers that were born in 2008 and averaged $5,435 per lot. Cody Sankey, Ken Geuns, Dave Hawkins, and Pete Sweeney represented the unit along with the outstanding support and commitment from the following MSU student employees: Matt Asmus, Charlie Cramer, Scott Hartsell, Justin Mezo, Ryan Peterson, Michelle Roth, Jason Scramlin, Lance Schoenbine, and Paige Tuggle. These students have done a truly remarkable job in preparing for this sale as well as attending to a multitude of tasks necessary to make this unit function. It is very obvious that they take great pride in the success of this sale. Animal Science Grad Students, Staff Show Research at Forum, Sept. 14, 2008 Animal science graduate students and researchers had their chance to shine and present their work Friday, September 12, 2008. The third annual Animal Science Graduate Student Research Forum gave students and staff the opportunity to present research and interact with each other and faculty, said Lindsey De Vries, a graduate student in animal science and one of the organizers. Read the entire State News article... Enhancing the Efficiency of Small and Mid-Sized Dairy Farms, Sept. 10, 2008 Understanding the intricate timing in the reproductive system of dairy cattle is important not only to induce lactation, but also to maximize the percentage of cows at the peak of milk production and thereby increase profits by as much as 10 percent. Drs. Richard Pursley and George Smith at Michigan State University developed a web-based teaching tool, the Virtual Cattle Encyclopedia of Reproduction, which features more than 400 pages of information, photographs, illustrations, videos and diagrams on dairy cattle reproductive physiology and tools for successful reproductive management. "We believe it will be a useful tool for students, dairy producers, farm employees and veterinarians alike," Pursley says. Read the entire CSREES news release... MSU Claims World's Fastest Growing Sheep The MSU Sheep Research and Teaching Facility at Michigan State University reports what it believes to be the "World's Fastest Growing Sheep". The Suffolk ram, born on Feb. 8, 2008, grew from a 20 lb newborn to 203 lbs at 120 days of age. Read the entire AgriMarketing story to learn more details about the world's fastest growing sheep... 'My Horse University' Offers College Credit Courses The Michigan State University online horse management program, My Horse University (MHU), was offered for college credit for the first time during Fall 2007 semester. Twenty equine science students from Penn State University had the opportunity to take the MHU course on horse behavior. Camie Heleski, MSU Animal Science Department instructor and MHU contributor, was the lead instructor. Read the MSU news release article about My Horse University... 20th Anniversary MI Cattlemen Assoc. Bull Test Sale The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association/Michigan State University Performance-Tested Bull Sale celebrated its 20th anniversary with an outstanding event at the test station near Crystal, MI on March 29, 2008. Prior to the sale, Bordner Farms from Sturgis, MI, Michigan State University and the MSU Lake City Experiment Station were recognized for their continuous participation in the bull test for 20 years. An excellent set of bulls, standing-room only crowd and strong cattle prices played a significant role in the success of this year’s annual sale. Sixty-five bulls averaged $2,062 to record the third highest sale average in the 20-year period. The high selling bull at $4,100 was consigned by Bordner Angus Farms of Sturgis, MI and purchased by Neil Schumacker of Mount Pleasant, MI. Over the 20-year history of the MCA/MSU Bull Test, 1,660 bulls representing 14 different beef breeds have been tested for rate of gain and 1,048 were sold through the bull test sales. Two hundred forty-five farms from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario have tested bulls and over 90 percent of the bulls sold have been used to improve beef genetics in Michigan herds. The added economic value added to the Michigan beef cattle industry by using these performance-tested bulls as compared to beef bulls of breed average genetics has been estimated at over $1.5 million. The number of repeat buyers at each year’s auction has validated the success of the program. This year, fifty-three buyers bought superior, performance-tested bulls that were evaluated for growth, structural soundness, disposition and reproductive potential. All bulls were ultrasounded to evaluate rib eye area, external fat and percent intra-muscular fat. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for growth, maternal and carcass traits were available to assist buyers in evaluating bulls for their operations. The sale results were as follows: 36 Angus bulls averaged $2,183; 22 Simmentals averaged $1,952; 5 Hereford bulls averaged $1,820; 1 Red Angus bull sold for $1,850 and 1 Maine Anjou bull sold for $1,550. Mark Sears, from Horton, MI was the volume buyer when he purchased 4 bulls. The 2008 MCA Performance Bull Test was held in cooperation with Michigan State University. The bulls were tested at the Plank Farm in Crystal, MI. Dairy Club Sale Raises Money for Team Trip to Europe Avid connoisseurs of dairy show calves and heifers were present March 28 to support the annual Spartan Spectacular Sale. Managed by the Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Club and Dairy Judging Program, this year’s event featured 17 head of Holstein, Brown Swiss and Jersey heifers, which sold for an average price of $2,259. Profits from the annual sale are divided equally between the MSU Dairy Club and the MSU Dairy Judging Program to support their respective activities. This year, the judging program’s profits will go toward the cost of sending several Dairy Club and judging team members on an agricultural tour of Europe June 18-30. The Michigan-based teams participating in the tour are the 2006 and 2007 Michigan 4-H dairy judging teams and the 2006 MSU Ag Tech (postsecondary) team. The invitation is extended only to teams placing among the top three in their respective divisions at the annual World Dairy Expo judging competition. “About $3,000 will be deposited to the dairy judging team’s European trip fund-raising account,” said Jessica Geurink, Spartan Spectacular Sale co-chairperson and MSU agribusiness management senior. “I had an opportunity to participate in the same trip to Europe in 2006. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I met and traveled with some wonderful people, and I still keep in contact with many of them yet today,” she added. “Learning about the agricultural industry and history of the countries we visited was fascinating. I’d go back in a heartbeat!” The top-selling animal was D-L-Bennett Lacey Rae-ET, a September 2007 red carrier “Advent” daughter from the Gloryland Lana Rae family. Consigned by Lawson D. Bennett, of Mayville, “Lacey Rae” was purchased by the partnership of Carlyle Westendorp, Nashville, and the Joe Domecq family, Rives Junction, for $5,800. Second high seller was a December 2007 “Dundee” heifer consigned by Winterfield Farm, Wheeler. D. Newton Wiley, Thornton, Ind., paid $3,500 for the heifer. A partnership with the annual Michigan Holstein Association-sponsored Spring Foundation Sale draws a large pool of potential buyers to the calf sale and offers students an opportunity to work with professional sale managers and auctioneers. Dairy judging team and club members help the state sale crew water and milk the consignments from the time the animals arrive several days before the sale up through sale day in exchange for the money earned from selling the milk. Geurink explained that the sale ties in all aspects of raising dairy cattle, from nutrition to breaking an animal to lead to selecting an animal on the basis of conformation and pedigree. “Organizing the sale takes a lot of hard work and commitment, and it’s important that everyone works together as a team,” Geurink said. “From the time we start selecting consignments in the winter to collecting information to promote the sale to being on-site to prepare, bed, feed and care for the sale animals to sale day when the calves are led through the ring and we collect checks from the buyers, it takes a dedicated work ethic and team effort.” MSU Dairy Judging Program coordinator and sale adviser Joe Domecq agrees. “It’s true that students develop a practical understanding of what’s involved in managing a sale from start to finish, but the experience offers more than that,” he said. “It’s a unique hands-on opportunity for students to build leadership skills, engage in a team-oriented project and learn from industry professionals. It also fosters networking with dairy producers and industry colleagues, some of whom may be future employers.” Donors to this year’s sale were ABS Global, Inc., Amber Black, DeGroot Dairy, Fremont Cooperative Produce Co., Gingell Feed Consultants, Inc., King Street Dairy Farm, Land O’Lakes/Purina Feed, Michigan Farm Bureau Printing Services, Sunset Studios, the Thompson family and Williams Farm Machinery. Donors supply feed, equipment and bedding, in addition to other supplies, thereby helping the sale turn a solid profit. MSU is home to three categories of dairy judging teams -- collegiate, two-year agricultural technology and 4-H -- and the Dairy Club. Both organizations offer social and educational opportunities to students, promote the dairy industry and increase students’ contact and interaction with Michigan dairy producers. For more information about the MSU Dairy Club or dairy judging teams, contact Domecq at domecqjo@msu.edu. Read MSU news release about the MSU Dairy Club Heifer Sale... MSU Sheep Farm Receives Spartan Innovator Award Alan Culham, manager of the Sheep Teaching and Research Center, grew tired of lifting sheep into the back of a truck to transport them from the center's South Campus Farms location to classes. So he and his students transformed and old high-low trailer into a trailer that could be pulled with the farm truck. Learn more about their innovative solution... AIC Funding for 2008-09 Seven Michigan State University (MSU) animal agriculture research and Extension projects will receive $350,000 in funding approved by the Animal Agriculture Initiative Coalition (AIC) for 2008-09. From groundbreaking animal identification programming to innovative environmental protection strategies, the AIC-funded projects take an interdisciplinary approach to current and emerging issues for Michigan’s $1.6 billion livestock industry. Each year, state funding supports projects that are part of the Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative. The initiative, commonly referred to as the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI), is Michigan's animal agriculture research, teaching and Extension initiative housed at MSU. The seven projects were selected from approximately 20 proposals submitted to the AIC addressing challenges identified by livestock industry leaders as affecting livestock producers and their industries in the state. Proposals were ranked on the basis of the issues identified as high priority by industry leaders, MSU Extension area of expertise teams and the AIC. "The AAI has a reputation for funding forward-thinking projects," said Mike Orth, chairperson of the coalition and associate chairperson of the MSU Department of Animal Science. "This year is no exception, with the funds allocated to traditional challenges such as dairy cow fertility and new concepts such as analyzing the skeletal strength of turkeys commonly raised by Michigan farmers." The AIC is made up of representatives from the MSU departments of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics (formerly Agricultural Economics), Animal Science, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Crop and Soil Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and MSU Extension. It provides program direction to applied research and Extension projects involving Michigan's beef, dairy, equine, poultry, sheep and swine industries, and works with various industry advisory committees to help establish research priorities for improving Michigan animal agriculture. "The coalition was very pleased to see MSU researchers partnering with Michigan producers to test their research theories on active operations," Orth said. "Three of the seven funded researchers have established agreements with local farmers to integrate their research methods into a farm’s existing practices." In addition to annual research project funding, the AAI invests in four industry-specific quarterly newsletters: Cattle Call, the Michigan Dairy Review, the Michigan Pork Quarterly and the MSU Equine Program Newsletter. More than 12,000 subscribers receive the AAI-funded newsletters, which feature research articles and opportunities for continued education through MSU Extension. More than 180 research projects have been funded since the AAI was established in 1996. Projects funded for 2008-09 are:
The AAI is a partnership between MSU, livestock producers and industry organizations and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Governed by the Animal Agriculture Initiative Coalition, its objective is to address challenges facing Michigan’s animal agriculture industry through research and Extension projects. Learn more about Michigan's animal agriculture initiative at MSU... Draft Horse Show a Learning Experience More than 1,000 draft horses from the United States and Canada trotted into East Lansing this week for the 31st annual Michigan Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show and Pull. The many participants who compete annually were not the only ones looking forward to this year’s draft horse show - seven MSU students were given the chance to experience the competition first hand. Read the entire State News article... Learn more about draft horses at MSU... Animal Science Dept. Welcomes New Team Members The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science announces the addition of three new hires who will contribute to the poultry, beef and reproductive biology expertise of the century-old department. Darrin Karcher joined the animal science staff Aug. 1 as the outreach poultry specialist. Karcher received a doctoral degree in developmental physiology from Purdue University, a master's degree in poultry genetics from Wisconsin University and a bachelor's degree in agriculture education from Ohio State University (OSU). Karcher said he looks forward to teaching and working with the poultry industry. "I want to educate the industry about potential issues and educate the public about the poultry industry," Karcher said. Ashley Bushman started in September as the beef management coordinator for the two-year Agricultural Technology program. She holds a master's degree from Iowa State University in breeding and genetics and a bachelor's degree from OSU in animal science. Bushman will teach courses in animal and product evaluation and livestock and carcass judging, coach the MSU livestock judging team and coordinate the beef management clerkship. Bushman said she is most excited about the opportunity to interact with students. "MSU has a great Ag Tech program, and I look forward to helping it grow," Bushman said. "My goal is to help guide students and equip them with the tools to be better stock people and judges. If they are able to do that, I will feel I've done my job." Jason Knott joined the department in August as an assistant professor. Knott holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania and EMD Serono, a biotechnology company that develops treatments to overcome human infertility. Knott will teach both reproductive and developmental biology and will conduct research in early embryonic development. He said he was attracted to MSU because of its diverse animal science department. "I hope to establish a strong research program here at MSU and contribute to the training of students and postdoctoral fellows with the skills they need to address pertinent biological problems," Knott said. Animal Science Graduate Research Forum
This year’s Forum was held on Friday, September 14, 2007, in Anthony Hall. Undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and lab personnel presented the latest, exciting research conducted in our department. Areas covered included Animal Nutrition and Management, Equine science, sexual and asexual Reproduction and Embryology, Immunology, Physiology, Genomics, Cell Signaling, and Statistical Analyses. Students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Animal Science, members and administrators in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as interested guests had the opportunity to attend 18 oral presentations and view 14 posters. View photos from and learn more about the ASGRF forum... Dr. Jeanne Burton Loses Battle Against Cancer DR. JEANNE LOUISE BURTON Jeanne Louise Burton, 48, died peacefully at her country home near Bellaire, Michigan, surrounded by family and best friends, on Sunday, August 26, 2007, following a short but brave battle against cancer. A graduate of Havergal College, in Toronto, Ontario and of the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Jeanne was Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan, specializing in Dairy Cattle Immunophysiology and Immunogenetics. Jeanne was a member of the Dairy Science Association, the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Jeanne published over 70 peer-reviewed articles on bovine immunology and was a frequent reviewer for Canadian and American scientific granting agencies. She devoted her life to loving her family and friends, mentoring her students and collaborating with colleagues throughout the world. Jeanne was born on August 12, 1959, in Toronto, Ontario, daughter of the late Edgar (Ted) and Jane Cody Burton. She leaves her beloved husband Paul Coussens of Lansing. Michigan, and her faithful canine companions Bradley, Sammy and Cody. She is also survived by her step children, Matt Coussens (Sarah), Maria O’Rourke (Rob), Mark Coussens (Chelsea), Michael Coussens, and Merrick Coussens, all of the United States, and by her sister Nancy Burton and brothers Lieutenant Colonel Greg Burton (Pauline Dallain) and David Burton, all of Canada. She was the loving aunt of James and Lyndsay Burton, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Charlie Burton of Cookstown, Ontario, and Sarah Kennedy of Banff, Alberta. Family and friends were received at the Mortensen Funeral Home, 205 West State Street, Mancelona, Michigan 49659, on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 from 2-4 p.m, followed by a short funeral service. Cremation followed. A Memorial service to honour Jeanne’s life was held at the Michigan State University Chapel on Thursday, 6 September, 2007, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations (payable to Michigan State University) may be made to the Jeanne L. Burton fund, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, attention Miss Jamie Pratt, 1290 Anthony Hall, East Lansing, Michigan, USA 48824. Individuals can make donations to Michigan State University in memory of Jeannie Burton, (check made out to MSU, allocation code A105094). Checks should be sent to the Animal Science Department, ATTN: Jamie Pratt. The donor will receive a donation receipt from Univ. Development, Dean Armstrong and Dr. Plaut. At this point and time we are still building up the fund for future use. Read the MAES article about Dr. Burton... Read the State News article about Dr. Burton... Dr. David Beede Receives ADSA Award of Honor The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) has selected David K. Beede, Michigan State University (MSU) C.E. Meadows endowed chair professor of animal science, for its 2007 Award of Honor in recognition of his leadership and distinguished service to the association. The Award of Honor is given annually to an individual with more than 25 years of ADSA membership who has served the association with unusual distinction. Beede served as a member of the ADSA board of directors from 1998 to 2004, and then as vice president and president. He also served on the board of directors of the Federation of Animal Science Societies. During his 13 years at MSU, Beede has conducted extensive research and Extension programs on dairy cattle nutrition and management. Beede specializes in the environmental benefits of balancing the phosphorus requirements of dairy cattle with farms' environmental sustainability. "Dave has made significant contributions to the ongoing discourse about dairy cattle nutrition and the environment through his research and Extension activities," said Karen Plaut, chairperson of the Department of Animal Science. "However, he also finds time to serve his fellow dairy scientists through involvement in professional organizations. This award is a well-deserved recognition." Beede is an active member of the MSU Dairy and Animal Agriculture and the Environment Area of Expertise teams and serves as publisher of the Michigan Dairy Review (MDR), a statewide publication for the dairy industry funded by the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI). The AAI is Michigan's animal agriculture research, teaching and Extension initiative at MSU. The MDR is a free quarterly publication with more than 6,500 subscribers interested in research, teaching and Extension by MSU dairy experts. The AAI is a partnership between MSU, livestock producers and industry organizations and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Governed by the Animal Agriculture Initiative Coalition, its objective is to address challenges facing Michigan's animal agriculture industry through research and Extension projects. Learn more about the Michigan Dairy Review... MSU Pork Information Gateway Luanched Pork producers have a new online source for quality information to help improve their farms. The Michigan State Pork Information Gateway (PIG) is now available at msu.porkgateway.org, thanks to funding provided by Michigan State University (MSU). PIG is a national initiative coordinated through the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, an organization founded in 2005 to advance pork research through national collaboration. The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is one of almost 40 agricultural colleges and pork organizations across the country supporting the project by contributing money and valuable information for the more than 67,000 pork operations nationwide. "The concept is to maximize our ability to provide quality swine information by pulling all the information together in a central gateway," said Karen Plaut, chairperson of the MSU Department of Animal Science. "Pooling national resources for the benefit of Michigan pork producers is just one way MSU can serve the animal agriculture industry." MSU swine experts will enhance the Web site by submitting MSU research results, posting a statewide calendar of events, publishing bulletins co-authored by MSU specialists and featuring a question-and-answer section called "Pig Answers." Pig Answers is an online forum through which pork producers can ask questions of the MSU Pork Team. Users must register for free access to the PIG Web site's resources. "The site perfectly reflects its name -- 'information gateway,'" said Dale Rozeboom, MSU associate professor of animal science. "Our goal in this partnership is to offer a wide variety of quality information to attract Michigan pork producers to the Web site and to give people outside of Michigan access to our research and expertise as well." Students Earn Big with Dairy Some students get financial help from parents or work part-time jobs to pay for college. Others sell farm animals. Countless students sell animals to help pay for college, said Joe Domecq, state extension dairy specialist. Students had a chance to earn some money Tuesday at the 11th annual Dairy Expo and 4-H Dairy Days at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. Read the entire State News article... Michigan Suffolk Sheep Breeders Show MSU students and the shepherd, Alan Culham, participated in the 2007 Michigan Suffolk Sheep Breeders Show in Fowlerville, MI on July 13. They showed ram lambs from a feed intake research trial conducted by the students, Culham and former chairperson, Dr. Margaret Benson. They also showed ewe lambs that were siblings or half sibs to the ram lambs.
AIC Research Awards for 2007-2008 Eight Michigan State University (MSU) animal agriculture research and Extension projects will receive $350,000 in funding approved by the Animal Agriculture Initiative Coalition (AIC) for 2007-08. From the emerging bioeconomy to traditional dairy cow fertility research, the AIC-funded projects address the needs of Michigan's livestock industry and encourage open dialogue between producers and consumers. Each year, state funding supports projects that are part of the Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative. The initiative, commonly referred to as the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI), is Michigan's animal agriculture research, teaching and Extension initiative. It's housed at MSU. The eight projects were selected from approximately 25 proposals submitted to the AIC addressing challenges identified by livestock industry leaders as affecting livestock producers and their industries in the state. Proposals were ranked on the basis of the issues identified as high priority by industry leaders, MSU Extension area of expertise teams and the AIC. "I am enthusiastic about this year's projects because we were able to address issues in line with farmer needs and consumer awareness," said Mike Orth, chairperson of the coalition and associate chairperson of the MSU Department of Animal Science. "The new projects reach into the industry and out into communities to strengthen Michigan's economy by investing in the livestock industry." The AIC is made up of representatives from the MSU departments of Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Crop and Soil Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and MSU Extension. It provides program direction to applied research and Extension projects involving Michigan's beef, dairy, equine, poultry, sheep and swine industries, and works with various industry advisory committees to help establish research priorities for improving Michigan animal agriculture. In addition to annual research project funding, the AAI invests in four industry-specific quarterly newsletters: Cattle Call, the Michigan Dairy Review, the Michigan Pork Quarterly and the MSU Equine Program Newsletter. More than 12,000 subscribers receive the AAI-funded newsletters, which feature research articles and opportunities for continued education through MSU Extension. More than 175 research projects have been funded since the AAI was established in 1996. Projects funded for 2007-08 are:
The AAI is a partnership between MSU, livestock producers and industry organizations and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Governed by the Animal Agriculture Initiative Coalition, its objective is to address challenges facing Michigan's animal agriculture industry through research and Extension projects. Learn more about Michigan's animal agriculture initiative at MSU... A Decade of Cloning Mystique On the 10th anniversary of the cloning of Dolly the Sheep, Dr. Jose Cibelli is asked by Science magazine to comment on advances in cloning over the last decade. Club Teaches Plow Basics About a dozen MSU students got some firsthand experience with horse-driven farming techniques at the fourth annual Plow Day on Saturday. The event, organized by the MSU Driving Club, gave students a chance to dirty their hands as they plowed two fields east of the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education with experienced farmers in order to learn the finer skills of using traditional farm equipment. Read The State News article... Rodeo Club Delivers Teddy Bears to Medical Center When Jill Feldpausch wanted to get the MSU Rodeo Club more involved in community outreach, she didn't know where to begin. And then someone mentioned teddy bears. At a club meeting in December, one member suggested a teddy bear drive for sick children as a good service project, and it was something everyone agreed with. Read The State News article... Spending Vacation with Pigs Well before March 3, Gail Carpenter knew her spring break was going to be no vacation. Carpenter, an animal science freshman, is one of the 50 or so students who work on MSU's University Farms. And since the animals aren't going anywhere, she was one of the many students who gave up a spring break to earn some extra money and keep working at what might become a future career. Read The State News article... Breeding Tradition "The barn is quiet this February afternoon, filled with the icy chill of winter. A young mother horse and her foal are the only ones moving about. It's another morning of learning and growing and another day of discoveries for this energetic youngster". This State News article explores MSU's Arabian horse breeding program and explains how students at MSU learn to raise, train, show and care for horses at the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center. Read The State News Article... Watch chicks hatch from their eggs! Pet lambs! Explore anatomy! Use a microscope! See what kinds of things livestock eat to produce products for us! These are some of the activities prospective students were encouraged to experience in the Animal Science portion of SET Day at State on Saturday, February 24, 2007. Highlighting Science Engineering & Technology programs throughout the University, SET Day is offered to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors each year to give them the opportunity to meet with faculty, current students, and learn about science, engineering & technology majors and careers. This year Animal Science Lab Coordinator Julie Moore, with the help of current undergraduate students Andrea Minella and Tracy Petzke, set up the Animal Science teaching lab with a variety of hands-on activities geared to show visitors the types of lab classes that Animal Science majors experience. Dr. Joe Domecq was also available to answer questions from prospective students and/or their parents. Quite a number of students and their parents made their way down to the lab and enjoyed browsing through the aisles of the lab and experiencing hands-on science!
Class Offers Hands-On Experience Driving Animal Science 141 is more about the warm gloves than the notebooks, more about remembering to bring a hat than a pen. We're talking draft-horse driving, and a Michigan State University class on Thursday hitched students with horses in an outdoor laboratory despite the February cold. Read the entire Lansing State Journal article... Student Field Work at MSU Farms Along Hagadorn Road, just minutes from campus, lies a sprawling stretch of "classrooms" covered in rolling prairies and dotted by barns and research centers. The short trek to the university farms provides not only a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of a campus cramped by about 40,000 students, but also is home to groundbreaking animal research. Ever wondered what it is like to be a student employee at one of the MSU farms? Learn more in this State News article about student employees at MSU farms and the farms' roles in MSU Animal Science programs. Read the entire State News article... MSU Scientists Crack Genetic Secrets of Human Egg Scientists at MSU report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) that they have identified genes unique to the human egg. The identification opens the way to understanding these genes’ functions, which may lead to solving problems from infertility to degenerative diseases. “What’s in the egg to have that power?” asked Jose Cibelli, professor of physiology and animal science. “Some of those genes are responsible for the magic trick that the egg has. This paper takes a peek at what genes are in the egg waiting to make these changes.” Read more... 2006 Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference The 6th annual Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference was held in Indianapolis, IN on September, 7, 2006. Click on the link below to read the conference proceedings. Read the conference proceedings (2.67MB pdf file)... New Shepherd Hired Alan Culham established his Suffolk flock when he raised his first 4-H lamb at age 7. Decades later, Culham brings a lifetime of experience and industry knowledge to the Michigan State University (MSU) Sheep Teaching and Research Center as the new farm manager. Culham took over management of the 90-acre farm, including a flock of more than 120 sheep, August 7.
Located at the intersection of Hagadorn and Bennett roads, the sheep facility serves many purposes for MSU, the sheep industry and surrounding communities. Students in animal science and a variety of other disciplines learn about sheep management and care, researchers gather nutritional data, producers receive advice and community members can visit the animals. "This position is unique," Culham said. "I will be called on to assist in teaching, research and Extension activities along with working one-on-one with student employees at the farm." Culham, a 1978 MSU graduate in animal husbandry, owns the Culham and Stevens Farm in Webberville, Mich. His Suffolk and Dorset flocks are recognized nationally for their performance and productivity. Culham has been a leader of the industry's genetic evaluation program -- the National Sheep Improvement Program -- since its inception. Also skilled in evaluating both live animals and carcasses, Culham is called upon often to judge shows and contests. "In addition to his production background, Alan's teaching skills, research experience and commitment to both youth and the sheep industry make him a great fit," said Margaret Benson, associate chairperson and professor in the Department of Animal Science. Grandparents' University Grandparents' University was held June 29 - July 1, 2006 for children (ages 7-12) and their grandparents. Participants from 14 states spent two days visiting the campus and attending various classes. Animal Science classes offered were: "Where Does Milk Come From?" and the "Care and Management of Horses". During the "Where Does Milk Come From?" class grandparents and grandchildren got to visit with some MSU dairy cows, see where they live and what they eat. Current concepts in manure handling were displayed at the new composting center. Participants were happy to learn that cows are good for the environment also, as they eat things humans will not, The class at the Horse Teaching and Research Center was very popular. Young persons and grandparents learn about driving and working around draft horses and had a chance to get up close and personal with the Arabian Horses at MSU. Nutrition, housing, handling, harnessing and evaluating the 2006 foals and the Arabian breeding program were all topics that were discussed. Learn more about the Grandparents' University... MSU Women to Improve Horse Welfare
Read the MSU newsroom special report . . . MSU Welcomes Easter Quadruplets to Sheep Farm
Read the Lansing State Journal article... Reining Queen: Animal Science Student Balances Equestrian Competitions, Classes At some point, most little girls dream of riding or even owning their own horse. Lisa Ondersma was one of those girls. In fact the animal science senior's first word was "horsie." More than 20 years later, the word "horsie" has been replaced with "Rodney," the quarter horse that helped Ondersma win shows at state and nationwide competitions. Lisa is currently the queen of the Michigan Quarter Horse Association. She said she wouldn't know where she'd be without horses in her life. Read the entire State News article . . . Professor Strives to End World Hunger After decades of working with hunger and the poor, animal science professor Sam Varghese has focused on his home country of India this last year. He traveled to India for a month last winter, giving immediate aid and support to tsunami victims. But this time he said he wanted to give them something that would last longer. The recent trip focused on teaching families in communities how to raise quail and sell their egg delicacies. |
| MSU Professor Leads Efforts to Improve Lives of Animals November 11, 2005 MSU animal science professor Adroaldo Zanella is working on objective methods for measuring pain by looking at the behavior and physiology of animals. Asking questions about quality of life as it pertains to pigs - and to other animals - is the essence of his job. So is answering them, scientifically. The latest outgrowth of this research is an online course on scientific animal welfare assessment at MSU. It's one of a few such courses at an American university, and it's being taught with the help of experts from several countries. |
| International Experts Contribute to Online MSU Animal Welfare Assessment Course October 6, 2005 MSU is now one of only a handful of institutions offering training in the scientific assessment of animal welfare, bringing qualitative measurements to an area long left to the subjective, and even the emotional. Department of Animal Science associate professor Adroaldo Zanella developed the idea for the online graduate-level course. It’s designed to prepare students to scientifically assess animal welfare in real-life situations and establish a common language. |
| ANS Grad Student Wins National Dairy Science Award Sept. 14, 2005 Hard work and hours of research have paid off for Michigan State University Department of Animal Science graduate student Laurie Davis Rincker -- she recently placed first in a national graduate paper competition and was awarded a scholarship to continue her studies at MSU. Davis Rincker’s paper, “Increasing Time on a High Energy Diet Increases Expression of Leptin in the Mammary Glands of Prepubertal Heifers,” placed first in the graduate student paper presentation contest of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA). The ADSA is an international organization of educators, scientists and others in the dairy industry who are committed to advancing the industry. |
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2005 Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference Sept. 8, 2005 Up-to-date swine nutrition, including the latest in amino acid nutrition, and gut to gut microflora interactions were the subjects of the 5th annual Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference in Indianapolis. Other important topics include trace mineral use, including the potential impact of organic selenium on human health, modeling the phosphorus requirement of pigs and fiber in sow diets. |
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After 35 years of creating future veterinarians and livestock leaders - and putting MSU at the forefront of purebred sheep breeding - George Good, MSU's Sheep Teaching and Research Center farm manger, is retiring to spend time with his grandchildren in Wyoming. |
| MSU News Bulletin Conversation with Dr. Jose Cibelli April 14, 2005 This article is part of their series of conversations MSU News Bulletin is having with distinguished MSU faculty member about what they envision for their fields of study by the time MSU celebrates its 200th anniversery in 2055. In this article Dr. Cibelli, MSU Professor of Animal Science and Physiology discusses the future of stem cell research. |
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International Ties Boost Animal Production Research MAES scientists are collaborating with researchers in Ireland to enhance animal agriculture profitability in Michigan. Read the MAES Futures article (p. 26) . . . Draft Horse Program Plow Day Students from the ANS 141 Draft Horse class and 17 plow teams from neighboring communities converged on a field across from the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education on Saturday. There students had a opportunity to drive plow horse teams and gain experience using them to plow. ANS Professor Addresses United Nations Dr. Jose Cibelli, Animal Science professor of Animal Biotechnology, was one of four speakers who addressed United Nations delegates in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, April 14th regarding the potential benefits of stem-cell research for therapeutic purposes. Read the MSU News Bulletin article . . . ANS Researchers Discuss Animal Cloning MSU Dept. of Animal Science researchers Dr. Jose Cibelli and Dr. George Smith discuss some of the current problems and potential benefits of animal cloning. Read The State News article . . . MSU Team Strives to Improve Lives of Animal welfare and human welfare never seem so at odds than on the streets of southern Brazil. Yet a small team of researchers from MSU led by Dr. Adroaldo Zanella is striving to create a way to improve the lives of working horses, and in turn improve the lives of the impoverished people who depend on them. |
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Stem Cells Isolated from Monkey Eggs MSU Today reports that Dr. Jose Cibelli, MSU professor of biotechnology in the departments of Animal Science and Physiology, is co-author of a Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper discussing research results involving a line of monkey stem cells that has reproduced in culture for more than two years. Cibelli said the current development offers a peek into exciting possibilities for medicine, without the concerns of creating viable human embryos. |
| Farm Attracts Visitors with Newborns July 3, 2003 Different Arabian horse personalities inhabit the MSU Horse Teaching & Research Center that is on a little more than 100 plush green acres southwest of campus, housing 13 new arrivals - fuzzy brown to bay foals, the newest one about three weeks old. |
"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve students and sheep producers," Culham said. "I would like to keep the university ahead of the curve so new management and breeding practices can be tested and researched here for the ultimate benefit of producers."
such as cottonseed, and turn it into milk for our consumption. The highlights of the class were milking Mallory the Cow and getting to reach into the stomach of a live cow to see what she had been eating.
Just in time for Easter, Michigan State University (MSU) welcomed quadruplet lambs into the world last weekend. Their birth marks the first time that quadruplet lambs have been born alive in more than six years. Each year, more than 250 lambs are born at the 
