ADSA Member News …

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• • Inspirational Quotations Tuck Would Have Appreciated
• 2010 ADSA Award Nominations
• Upcoming Meetings …
• New Publications …
  • Bioactive Components in Milk and Dairy Products
  • The Ethology of Domestic Animals: An Introductory Text, 2nd edition
• Positions Available …
  • • Assistant Professor
    • Extension Poultry Veterinarian
    • Director, Agricultural Safety and Health Dairy Worker Research Program
    • Statistical Geneticist
    • Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension
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It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of Herbert Allen Tucker (“Tuck”), professor emeritus of animal science and physiology at Michigan State University (MSU). Tucker was a leading expert on mammary biology and lactation in dairy cattle who had served on the Michigan State faculty for 38 years. He died Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at Sparrow Hospital. The following remembrance is an attempt to capture in words the remarkable impact Tuck had on his colleagues and field of research.

H. Allen Tucker (“Tuck”) was born in 1936 in Milford, Massachusetts. Throughout his adult life Tuck thoroughly enjoyed gardening, fishing, deer hunting, scouting, camping, antiquing, and going to his cabin. At work, he was the consummate old-style professor who believed the purpose of his research program was to train others. He labored tirelessly to train graduate students, fellows, visiting scientists and colleagues like me how to write about, evaluate, and conduct research. Tuck often used the word “pithy,” although few of us ever knew what the word meant. He also strongly believed, even preached, that everyone's research design, lectures, and scientific writings, including his own, could be improved by constructive criticism. Many of us owe much of the success in our scientific careers to Tuck's pithy, sometimes stinging, yet always welldeserved criticisms.

Tucker obtained his BS degree in animal husbandry from the University of Massachusetts in 1958 and his MS and PhD in animal physiology at Rutgers University in 1960 and 1963 under the guidance of Ralph Reece. Tucker joined the Michigan State University Dairy Science Department in 1962 where he rose to the rank of professor in the Departments of Animal Science and Physiology and remained until his retirement in 2000. During his highly productive career, he and his colleagues were responsible for development of radioimmunoassays for prolactin, growth hormone, insulin, glucocorticoids, and thyroid hormones in cattle. His descriptions of variations in these hormones during mammary growth, lactation, and the different seasons were among the first published. He also concentrated his efforts on understanding how temperature and photoperiod might be used to control hormone secretion and, as a consequence, rate of growth and lactation in cattle. Results of these efforts demonstrated clearly that 16 h of light increased growth and lactational performance in cattle. This novel research was highlighted by a publication in Science. Tucker was internationally recognized as a leader in the field of endocrine control of lactation. He authored 355 scientific publications and co-authored the most widely used textbook for college courses in dairy science, Dairy Cattle: Principles, Practices, Problems, Profits. He was the first editor of the Michigan Dairy Review at MSU. Tuck was recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Sigma Xi Research Award at Michigan State, the Borden Award (ADSA), the Morrison Award (ASAS), Cyanamid Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award (ASAS), MSU's Distinguished Faculty Award, the Upjohn Physiology Award (ADSA), and the Casida Award (ASAS) for excellence in graduate training. Tucker's outstanding career was also highlighted by his ability to obtain external funding totaling nearly $4,500,000. Tucker trained 45 graduate students, fellows, and visiting scientists. He also served the scientific community as part of numerous editorial and granting agency review boards, including the Journal of Animal Science. Throughout Tucker's outstanding career, he was an enthusiastic supporter of animal agriculture and a staunch proponent of high quality basic and applied research. Despite all the aforementioned accomplishments, Tuck will be most remembered and appreciated by his colleagues for his unflagging attention to the development and success of others. He set the standard for the next generation of faculty at MSU as well as other institutions of higher learning. Tuck is survived by his wife, Ann, to whom he was married for 50 years; his 3 sons, Glenn, Wayne, and David, who were all Eagle Scouts and now have their own very successful careers, and their wives (Joni, Audra, and Jennifer) and grandchildren (Hannah, Zachary, Brittni, Shea, and MacCabe); and his brother and wife, Wayne and Lois. Tuck was a mentor and friend to many, and we will all miss him very much.

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Inspirational Quotations Tuck Would Have Appreciated 

You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself. Galileo Galilei

If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Reason does not work instinctively, but requires trial, practice, and instruction in order to gradually progress from one level of insight to another.

Immanuel Kant

J. J. Ireland

Department of Animal Science,

Michigan State University,

East Lansing 48824

Originally published in the Journal of Animal Science, 87:3830–3831; doi:10.2527/jas.2009-2433.

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2010 ADSA Award Nominations 

Do you know a prospective ADSA award winner? If so, it is time to nominate that person for a 2010 ADSA award. Self nominations are always accepted, too! Again in 2010 the entire ADSA awards program, from nomination through selection, will be administered online. Submit your nomination at www.adsa.org/newawards/nominator.asp. You can also visit www.adsa.org/awards.asp for general information, policies and procedures, award history, and more. Communication with all involved in the process will be via e-mail; accurate e-mail addresses are necessary. The nomination process has two deadlines:

December 18, 2009: Initial nominations due

February 11, 2010: All of the supporting materials for nominations that were cleared through the initial stage are due.

If you need assistance or have questions during the process, contact Cara Tharp at 217-356-5146 ext. 141 or by e-mail to carat@assochq.org

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Upcoming Meetings … 

Eighteenth Discover^® Conference on Food Animal Agriculture: Effect of the Thermal Environment on Nutrient and Management Requirements of Cattle; November 2–5, 2009, Brown County Inn, Nashville, Indiana. For more information, visit http://www.adsa.org/discover/18thDiscover_2009.htm.

Fulbright Scholar Award in Animal Science in Egypt, 2009–2010. An award is offered for specialists in poultry or fisheries nutrition, physiology or management for combined teaching and research activities at Assiut University in Egypt for one semester starting in September 2009 or later. Grantee will present seminars to students and faculty, advise on research, and contribute to curriculum. Generous stipend and living allowances, travel, and free housing provided. Application information at http://www.cies.org/us_scholars/us_awards/. General information: Gary Garrison, e-mail: ggarrsion@iie.org; phone: 202-686-4019. Applications accepted until future notice.

Fifth IDF International Mastitis Conference 2010, March 21–24, 2010, Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand. Hosted by the New Zealand Veterinary Association Foundation for Continuing Education, VetLearn, and held only once every 5 years, the International Mastitis Conference offers a unique opportunity to report on innovative research and other advances in the understanding of mastitis research and extension. The opportunities for putting forward your research and views to industry leaders and your peers both locally and globally, as well as collaboration and networking with your peers will be invaluable and we encourage early submission. Visit www.idfmastitis2010. com for more information.

Ninth World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, August 1–6, 2010, Leipzig, Germany. The congress is the premier meeting point for scientists involved in genetic improvement of livestock around the world. Much has changed in the field of applied livestock genetics over the past 50 years and certainly over the last 35 years since the first WCGALP was held in Madrid, Spain, in 1974. Abstract submission deadline is February 28, 2010; early bird registration deadline is January 31, 2010, and regular registration is open from February 1 through May 31, 2010. Visit www.wcgalp2010.org for more information.

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New Publications … 

Bioactive Components in Milk and Dairy Products 

Edited by Young W. Park

ISBN: 978-0-8138-1982-2. Hardcover; 440 pages.

Wiley-Blackwell Publishers, Ames, Iowa, and Oxford, UK.

Visit www.wiley.com/go/food for ordering information.

Bioactive Components in Milk and Dairy Products extensively covers the bioactive components in milk and dairy products of many dairy species, including cows, goats, buffalo, sheep, horse, camel, and other minor species. Editor Park has assembled a group of internationally reputed scientists in the forefront of functional milk and dairy products, food science, and technology as contributors to this unique book.

Coverage for each of the various dairy species includes bioactive proteins and peptides; bioactive lipid components; oligosaccharides; growth factors; and other minor bioactive compounds, such as minerals, vitamins, hormones, and nucleotides, etc. Bioactive components are discussed for manufactured dairy products, such as caseins, caseinates, and cheeses; yogurt products; koumiss and kefir; and whey products. This book may be essential for professionals specializing in functional foods, nutraceuticals, probiotics, and prebiotics, as well as biotechnology research.

The Ethology of Domestic Animals: An Introductory Text, 2nd edition 

Edited by Per Jensen, Linköping University, Sweden

ISBN: 978-1-84593-536-8. 246 pages.

CABI, Wallingford, UK.

Visit http://www.cabi.org/bk_BookDisplay.asp?PID=2152 for ordering information.

Modern farm environments are profoundly different from the natural habitats of the ancestors of today's farm animals, and through genetic selection, the appearance and behavior of the animals themselves have also changed. However, the legacy of the ancestors is still obvious, and some apparently bizarre actions are only possible to understand in the light of the evolutionary history of the species. On the other hand, some of the behaviors we can observe in animals in a modern farm or in a laboratory are not part of the normal, species-specific behavior at all. They may even indicate that the animal is under stress and that its welfare is poor. Distinguishing between these possibilities is one important goal for applied ethology. This revised and updated edition includes extended coverage of dog behavior and human–animal interactions as well as novel and intriguing research findings. The issue of animal cognition, central to understanding welfare, has also received a more thorough examination.

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Positions Available … 

The Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) University of Missouri (MU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position for an assistant professor in food science and nutrition. This is a split appointment between teaching and research, and the position is designed to provide leadership for the Marshall-Arbuckle Dairy Food Innovations Program and capitalizes on many existing strengths at MU including food and hospitality systems, nutrition and exercise physiology, medicine, and animal science. Healthy food and life styles are major initiatives at MU. The successful candidate will teach both undergraduate and graduate levels, establish a strong externally funded research program, and provide professional services; oversee our dairy pilot plant; and foster relationships with the dairy industry. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the candidate will develop innovative food products for intervention of health issues (e.g., obesity) with particular interests in these areas: food-based obesity interventions (particularly dairy foods), functional dairy foods/nutritional interventions, and dairy-based probiotics. Laboratory space, generous start-up package, and recurring support available via our Marshall-Arbuckle Endowment for Dairy Food Innovations. Starting salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. MU is one of the most comprehensive campuses in the United States, and our food science program (http://foodscience.missouri.edu) has close ties with many units on campus and the dairy industry. Columbia, Missouri, a beautiful university town of about 100,000 people, offers many amenities including outstanding public schools, great healthcare facilities, clean environment, rich recreational/cultural activities, and easy access to St. Louis and Kansas City.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in food science or closely related field, excellent verbal/written communication skills, and outstanding research potential. Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Electronic submissions are encouraged. Interested applicants should submit CV, complete list of publications, concise summary of research interests and future plans, teaching philosophy, and four professional references/names. Application screening starts immediately and continues until suitable candidate is identified. Send applications to Search Committee Chair - Food Science, Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 215 Ag Engineering Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-5200; e-mail: RatliffDe@missouri.edu. The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/affirmative action and ADA employer, and specifically invites and encourages applications from qualified women and minorities.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) seek to fill a joint appointment (Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Poultry Science 70% and Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory 30%) position at the assistant professor rank focused on poultry health. The job duties include establishing and conducting an effective extension educational program for poultry producers in Texas, establishing strong professional relationships with allied agencies/firms, and serving as a resource for poultry health policy development and implementation, as well as serving as a contact for poultry clientele. The successful applicant will be expected to work with the resident directors of the TVMDL poultry laboratories, the poultry pathologists at TVMDL College Station, and the poultry programs administrator in the diagnosis of poultry disease, collection of samples, issuing health certificates, and serving as a diagnostic consultation contact for poultry clientele of TVMDL. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to participate in an extension-based applied research program. Specific areas of investigation may include but are not limited to biosecurity, emergency disease program planning and implementation, disease monitoring programs, poultry health management, or similar areas. The successful candidate will be able to effectively communicate pertinent scientific knowledge to poultry producers, regulatory officials, and other appropriate clientele and to actively participate in national and regional professional organizations. Supervision of graduate students is encouraged when consistent with primary job duties. Participation in youth outreach programs and participation on faculty and industry committees are expected. Abundant opportunities exist for interaction with many interdisciplinary groups. A DVM, poultry-related graduate degree (MS, MAM, PhD) and eligibility for a Texas veterinary license are required. A PhD and board certification by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians will be considered as assets for this position. Applicants should submit a letter of application that outlines their interests related to extension, teaching, research, and service; a current curriculum vitae; and contact information for three references to Dr. Morgan Farnell, Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, 101 Kleberg Center, 2472 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2472. Review of applications will start October 1, 2009, and will continue until a successful candidate is identified. For more information visit http://posc.tamu.edu or contact Dr. Farnell at 979-845-4319 or mfarnell@poultry.tamu.edu. Employment with the Texas A&M System and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or educationally unrelated handicaps.

The Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation (MCRF) has initiated a search for a director of the Agricultural Safety and Health Dairy Worker Research Program. He or she would also be report to the director of the National Farm Medicine Center and will direct the planning and implementation of a new statewide initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing of workers in Wisconsin's growing dairy industry. This modified tenure-track position offers a unique opportunity to apply one's expertise in administration, research, and program development in building this initiative. The director will foster effective, multi-disciplinary collaboration with program partners (UW-College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dairyland State Academy, and others) to develop and implement a strategic plan including research, training, education, and services aimed at sustaining a safe, healthy, and productive labor force. The National Farm Medicine Center, one of five centers in the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, is putting into place an agricultural safety program leader to direct the implementation of a major, new endeavor, The Dairy Workers Safety and Health Initiative, which is a partnership joining colleagues affiliated with the University, Academy, and other organizations. Together, they will identify, address, and resolve disease and injury concerns that affect the wellbeing of workers in Wisconsin's growing dairy industry.

Marshfield Clinic is a multi-specialty group practice with over 775 physicians practicing in 41 locations throughout Wisconsin. Its mission is to serve patients through accessible, high quality healthcare, research, and education. The Clinic values public service and embraces diversity. The quality of life and education systems in the region are exceptional. For more information, please contact Arlene Anschel, IT Practice Consultant; phone: 630-575-6184; e-mail: aanschel@wittkieffer.com. Marshfield Clinic is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Statistical geneticist opportunity with Merial Ltd. (Duluth, GA). The statistical geneticist position supports functional genomics research and development in the design and analysis of discovery, validation, and valuation studies. Merial will consider candidates who are interested in a full-time, contract, or contract to hire position. The successful candidate will analyze data from functional genomics research projects designed to discover, validate, and/or valuate marker effects in animal populations with the goal of developing diagnostic products; develop and/or identify appropriate statistical methods and bioinformatics tools for analyzing genetic, physiological, and molecular biological data; assist with interpreting results and integrating the resulting information into products that can be used for improving performance and/or health of animals; provide input into the quantitative and molecular genetic design aspects of discovery, validation, and valuation projects and the design and development of resource populations; assist with management of research projects to ensure timelines are met; manage research project and resource population databases; utilize public genomics resources and research contacts to stay informed about markers and candidate genes of interest and potential candidates based on comparative genomics; develop successful working relationships with managers and staff involved in Merial's functional genomics business; review molecular laboratory abilities of collaborators; interact with biostatisticians in other Merial functional groups; and stay informed about the theoretical and technical improvements in statistical genetics/bioinformatics by attending training courses and/or conferences as necessary. The required knowledge and skills include an undergraduate degree in genetics, statistics, animal science, bioinformatics, computer science, or related field. A postgraduate degree (preferably PhD) in animal breeding and genetics, or a closely related field resulting in training in molecular and quantitative genetics and biostatistics/bioinformatics/computational biology is preferred. Knowledge of animal science is important and knowledge of economics is desired. The following are also required: knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of animal biology, specifically genetics and genomics, and statistics; knowledge of and experience with marker detection, fine-mapping, segregation analysis, marker-assisted selection, linkage analysis, linkage disequilibrium, and marker association studies; skill in developing and applying statistical/bioinformatics tools and software for data analysis in large datasets; skill in the use of computers and common operating systems and software for data storage, management, and retrieval, word processing, spreadsheets, and slide presentations; good organizational and time management skills; excellent oral and written English communication and teamwork ability; and ability to conduct responsibilities with the utmost integrity and honesty. Desired knowledge and skills include experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS); an understanding of national/international genetic evaluation and selection programs; experience with using genomic information in marker-assisted selection, management, and/or marketing; experience with molecular genetics/biology laboratory methods and equipment; experience with systems analysis/modeling; and experience with publicly available genomics resources and project management experience. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting career opportunity with Merial, visit us online at us.merial.com and click on the ‘Careers’ link.

The Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC, Tulare, CA) has an opening for an assistant specialist in cooperative extension, with a focus on dairy herd health, production medicine, and food safety. Although this position is located at VMTRC, program activities are expected to take place statewide. It is also expected that there will be significant collaboration and program contributions to the Department of Population Health and Reproduction and to the School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis Campus.

A DVM or equivalent veterinary degree is required, as is a demonstrated background and experience in dairy cattle herd health and preventive medicine. Expertise in dairy cattle health and well-being associated with contemporary production practices is required. Demonstrated success or potential for providing leadership and delivering effective outreach education is required. Documented evidence of research activity or ability is required. Excellent written and oral communication skills, a demonstrated ability to work in a collegial team atmosphere, and the ability to effectively transfer information is required. Familiarity with California's dairy livestock production systems is desired. Advanced training, degrees, and/or board certification related to dairy cattle herd health and pre-harvest food safety are desired. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

The primary responsibilities for this position are to provide statewide leadership in dairy cattle herd health and food safety, and to develop and deliver collaborative outreach education to cooperative extension advisors, practicing veterinarians, the dairy industry, regulatory authorities, policy makers, and the public at large. Secondary to outreach is conducting research in areas related to maintaining the health and well-being of commercial dairy cattle and the safety of the food they produce. The successful candidate will utilize, develop, evaluate, and provide techniques for prevention, detection, and treatment of disease. He or she will contribute to the economic viability of dairies through enhancing the application of production medicine and record analysis and promotion of animal well-being. He or she will contribute to the implementation of on-farm pathogen reduction strategies and support those practices that address industry-wide issues involving public health and food safety.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and conducting an affirmative action program by ensuring that access is available to identified clientele without discrimination. To receive fullest consideration, applications must be received by December 1, 2009, but the position will remain open until filled. Qualified individuals interested in this position should submit 1) a letter of intent outlining special interest in the position, overall related qualifications and experience, career goals, and a brief vision of future program plans; 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) the names and addresses of three references to Dr. Donald J. Klingborg, Director, c/o Debra Amundson, VM: Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8736.

The University of California, Davis, is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect for differences based on gender, cultural ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who would enhance the diversity of our workforce.

For more job position announcements, please see the FASS Job Resource Center at http://www.fass.org/job.asp