ADSA TODAY 

The Online Newsletter of the American Dairy Science Association
February, 2001 

 

A Word from Our President
by David J. Schingoethe, ADSA President


At the time I am writing this message, the executive committee of the American Dairy Science Association is in the process of selecting a new Executive Director for ADSA. Hopefully, a new ED will be named and maybe even on-board by the time the March issue of ADSA Today is distributed. We appreciate Kent Williamson's help in moving along the selection process and trying to smooth the transition to a new person.

The executive committee met in Atlanta on January 13 and 14, at which time several issues were discussed. Part of our Sunday morning session was held jointly with the boards of the American Society for Animal Science and the Poultry Science Association, as well as the President and Executive Director of  the American Meat Science Association, our partners in this summer's annual meeting.  It is clear that it will be an exciting and worthwhile professional experience. Additional information appears elsewhere in this issue of ADSA Today, and to stay up to date on meeting developments you can click here to go to the meeting website.

There are several issues relative to the Journal of Dairy Science that you will hear about in the coming months. The Journal Management Committee is currently looking at some online manuscript submission and review systems. They are also considering some other issues related to keeping the journal current with the ever-expanding electronic technologies. They will also be looking at methods to expand the use of our journal's scientific reports but at the same time protect the reputation of our authors, journal editors, and society against any unauthorized misuse of our published materials.  The pace at which technology is changing is sometimes hard for this farm boy to comprehend, but it is exciting to be a part of it. We will try to keep you informed as changes develop. For instance, if things progress as anticipated relative to online manuscript handling, we would hope to have information and demonstrations for authors and reviewers available at Indy this summer.

As we prepare for our ADSA centennial in 2006, there are some special questions that our ADSA Centennial Committee will be asking you (see the email accompanying this message). Please answer their survey questions; it will help determine how and where we meet in 2006, as well as some of our special activities.

Abstracts for this summer's meetings are due soon. It will be a large meeting with scientists in attendance from all around the world. I know from just my limited contact with other researchers that there is some interesting and important research being conducted by ADSA members. I encourage all of you to present the best of your research at the meetings this summer. We are the premiere dairy science society in the world. Presentations at our meetings as well as in our journal is how we maintain that position. And attending the meeting gives each of us a chance to renew old acquaintances, make new connections, and learn about the range of outstanding science that is being conducted across the animal and food sciences.

I look forward to seeing you in Indy!

Plan Now to Attend the International Animal Agriculture and Food Science Conference (ADSA Annual Meeting) in Indianapolis!

Are you planning to attend the annual meeting this summer? It promises to be an historic meeting, with members of the American Meat Science Association, Poultry Science Association, and American Society for Animal Science joining ADSA members for a first-ever four-society scientific meeting. Here are a few reasons you may want to start planning for the meeting now...

    Registration fees increase by 50% after May 15! To register now and save, click here for online registration after February 5th. Please do not wait to receive your full program in the mail because it may not reach you before the early registration discount deadline has passed.

  The scientific program offers remarkable diversity and innovation. For a preliminary look at program plans, click here.  A more complete meeting schedule can be found by clicking here. And by mid-April you should be able to get a look at the full program online by clicking on the "program" line on the joint annual meeting website.

    The abstract submission deadline is February 13! For instructions on how to submit and to get into the abstract site, please click here. Don't miss this opportunity to share your research with more than 4,000 of your colleagues!

    Housing reservations can be submitted now. You can reserve your rooms online now by clicking here. Rooms in the Indianapolis Marriott, the ADSA Headquarters hotel, are going fast so act now to reserve space in Indy's newest downtown hotel.

New Discover Conference Theme Announced

Designer Milk Topic of Upcoming DISCOVER Conference...

    ... Milk for the New Decade !  

Recent advances in our knowledge of the nutritional and functional performance of milk and milk components as an ingredient in food and as a part of a healthy diet have sparked renewed interest in the science and technology of milk. 

Consumers, producers, processors, regulatory agencies, dairy marketing organizations, and food industry executives have exciting and broad-reaching ideas on how science and technology will impact milk and milk components in the next decade. To help bring all these thoughts into focus, the DISCOVER Conference Series is pleased to present the DISCOVER Conference on Food Animal Agriculture: Milk, Dairy Ingredients and Dairy Foods for the New Decade - Developing New Composition, Nutritional and Functional Targets for Tomorrow's Consumer.

The program will bring together representatives from a variety of interests to address needs of end-users in the next decade; assess trends, practices and developments that can help guide the industry through the next decade; investigate pre- and post-harvest science and technology needed to achieve our goals; and determine the most effective technology transfer to be implemented/continued to achieve successful application.

The conference is targeted for scientists involved with dairy cattle nutrition, suppliers of feeds and animal health products, and producers or feeders, as well as scientists working with milk composition, consultants for the dairy industry, companies involved in processing milk and dairy products, suppliers of milk products and regulators for the dairy industry. Participation is not restricted to ADSA members.

If you are interested in participating in this Conference, visit the ADSA DISCOVER Web site at http://www.adsa.org/discover  for complete programming, registration and travel information. The registration fee is $375.00, which includes all sessions and most meals. 

This conference will be held at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California on 105 acres of forest, dune and beach at the tip of California's historic Monterey Peninsula. Overlooking the Pacific, meeting accommodations are set among Monterey pines and cypresses. The tide pools of the Asilomar State Beach are just a few minutes from the Conference Center. 

The facility offers a variety of recreational opportunities including a heated swimming pool, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and an exercise trail. Off the grounds, the area offers some of the world's best golf, sport fishing and boating. It is just a few minutes from popular tourist destinations in Carmel and Monterey - 17 Mile Drive and surrounded by neighboring Carmel, Cannery Row (just 2 miles), Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. 

Phillip Tong, California Polytechnic State University, is chair for this DISCOVER Conference. The first DISCOVER Conference was held in June 1998. DISCOVER Conferences offer a retreat-type setting and an informal format that encourage exciting interactions among scientists focusing on topics of importance to the science of food animal agriculture. Sessions are held primarily mornings and evenings with afternoons available for discussion or recreation. 

Thank You!

Departing ADSA Executive Director Kent Williamson (right) gratefully accepts a Glen McCune cow carving from ADSA Vice President John Bruhn (left) and President Dave Schingoethe (center). The appointment of a new ADSA executive director will be announced soon.

Two ADSA Awards Still Accepting Nominations

The nomination deadline has been extended to February 6 for the Genevieve Christen Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award and the Alltech Inc. Graduate Student Paper Publication Award. For more information, please click on the award names, above.

 Dairy Issues in the News

Scientists Develop First Transgenic Cow Clone for Mastitis Disease 
Resistance 

BELTSVILLE, Md., Jan. 10--U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Vermont (UV) researchers have produced a clone of a pure-bred Jersey cow
whose cells may offer a biotechnological defense against mastitis disease.
Geneticist Kevin Wells of USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) said
it will at least another year before the cow, named "Annie" and born in
March 2000, begins producing milk and scientists can begin testing for
mastitis resistance. Though not the first cow clone, Annie is the first to
be genetically altered with a gene for an agricultural application.

Mastitis costs U.S. dairy farmers about $1.7 billion annually, including
lost milk revenues, said Wells, with ARS' Gene Evaluation and Mapping
Laboratory at Beltsville. About 30 percent of all mastitis cases in dairy
cows are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that destroy
milk-secreting cells in the animal's mammary gland. But scientists hope
that Annie will resist such cellular attacks by secreting an added protein
called lysostaphin.

Antibiotics are only effective in about 15 percent of cows infected with S. aureus, so dairy producers are forced to cull these cows from their herds. But lysostaphin may offer an alternative defense bioengineered right into the animal's cells. "We're also trying to identify naturally occurring resistance genes, though very few of them have been found," noted Vernon Pursel, the GEML's research leader. Whether bioengineered or naturally occurring, he said, "resistance would lessen mastitis's financial drain, and provide the added public health benefit of reduced antibiotic usage." 

In 1999 trials with seven transgenic strains of lysostaphin-producing mice, the protein effectively killed S. aureus bacteria in both the genetically modified rodents' mammary glands and milk, GEML physiologist Robert Wall said. He and David Kerr of UV's Animal Sciences Department in Burlington, report the results in January 2001 issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology. S. aureus was targeted by scientists because it is among the most virulent of mastitis causing pathogens, and causes about 30 percent of all infections in cows. 

The gene for lysostaphin--interestingly--comes from a benign species of Staph--S. simulans--that competes with its virulent cousins. Large-scale testing of lysostaphin mice in the lab will help researchers learn whether results observed in these transgenic rodents will apply to Annie and her offspring. Practical application of the cloning technology is several years off, however, Pursel said. First, a number of questions must be thoroughly researched. For example: * How much lysostaphin will be secreted by a transgenic cow's mammary tissues, and will that amount keep Staph at bay? * How likely are the bacteria to develop lysostaphin
resistance? * And once secreted into milk, what's the protein's
biochemical fate? Is it allergenic, and will it interfere with cheese
production or other processes? Another objective is to refine the cloning
procedure scientists used, called somatic cell nuclear transfer. 

Annie's start began with a type of somatic cell called a fibroblast. Using a mild electrical current, scientists inserted into that fibroblast's nucleus,
genes for lysostaphin, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag, and an
antibiotic marker. Also inserted was a sheep gene for beta lactoglobulin,
a "switch" that instructs mammary cells to make lysostaphin. Later,
scientists fused the altered fibroblast to an unfertilized cow egg, whose
nuclear DNA contents had been removed so the fibroblast's could move in.
About 60 percent of fused cells actually survive, and start dividing like
a normal fertilized embryo, said Pursel. The healthiest embryos--which
included Annie--were cultured and implanted into surrogate mothers. So
far, Annie is the first calf brought to term. Genetic testing of umbilical
cord tissue at birth confirmed that she is indeed transgenic. Annie
Powell--for whom the Jersey clone is named--Paul Graninger, Neil Talbot,
Harold Hawk, and Linda Mooney are the other ARS contributing team members.
___________________________________________

Kevin Wells or Robert Wall, ARS Gene Evaluation and Mapping Laboratory,
Beltsville, Md., phone (301) 504-8342, fax (301) 504-8414,
kwells@lpsi.barc.usda.gov, bobwall@lpsi.barc.usda.gov.
___________________________________________

Dark Days Send Chill Through Dairyville
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/21/national/21FARM.html 

January 21, 2001

By EVELYN NIEVES

TULARE, Calif., Jan. 19 To understand how serious the utility
crisis has become in California, consider the case of the Land O'
Lakes Inc. Western Region factory here, the largest milk processing
plant in the United States.

Every day, 34 shiny, refrigerated tankers capable of carrying
50,000 pounds of milk each make several round trips from 200
dairies across the state to a six-block compound here. These trucks
bring in a total of 230 tanker loads, or 11 to 12 million pounds of
milk, every 24 hours, 365 days a year. 

To keep the production line from dairy to processing plant flowing
smoothly, Land O' Lakes runs a tight operation: tankers come in,
unload their milk and go. If a plant was shut down, the milk trucks
would be delayed, the dairies' operations would get backed up and
their perishable product would have to be dumped.

At noon today, when the power to the plant was restored after
being off for six hours, 20 tankers were waiting at the unloading
zone. On Thursday, when the compound was off for 16 hours, all 34
trucks had a wait.

"We know that suppliers are already dumping milk," said Jack
Prince, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of
Land O' Lakes Inc.'s dairy foods group, as he sat in the dark in an
office that felt colder than the outdoors. "I could also say that
some suppliers cannot keep this up for more than a week or two."

For California's $4.3 billion dairy industry, the largest in the
country, the problems could not be more dire. Even before power was
deliberately cut this week in California for the first time since
World War II the dairy industry was in serious straits. Natural
gas prices began rising several months ago, worsening the losses
that dairies were already absorbing in this depressed wholesale
market for milk. And that was before the higher rates for
electricity were approved this month. Since California's dairies
and milk processors represent a large part of the national
industry, producing a fifth of the nation's milk, the effects of a
dairy industry disaster here farms shut down and production
diminished would be felt across the country. 

For the full story, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/21/national/21FARM.html 

Cattle and Swine Genetic Makeup Reportedly Deciphered by USDA Agricultural Research Service Scientists, according to a January 4 ARS News Release, which notes that " ... Agricultural Research Service
scientists have completed a pilot project to decipher segments of cattle
and swine genes, paving the way for technologies that will help livestock
breeders quickly and accurately identify animals with superior qualities.
The research also may advance biomedicine. The scientists at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) deciphered sequence information on 80,000 DNA segments called expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from cattle and 40,000 from swine. All this information now is accessible through the databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), from where researchers worldwide can access the data for research in medicine as well as animal science. ... 

The MARC scientists produced clonal "libraries" of expressed genes from a variety of tissues important to livestock growth, composition, reproduction, animal health and food safety. These libraries will soon be made available to other researchers through the BACPAC Resources Center at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, Calif. The cattle and swine ESTs, which the ARS scientists deciphered, in essence represent significant parts of genes that determine the proteins produced by certain tissues such as muscle, ovary and hormone-producing glands. Each of many genes may have a small impact on an inherited trait, but when added together they may have great economic importance for the livestock industry. For that reason, ARS scientists and genomics companies are working together under Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and Specific Cooperative Agreements to develop technologies such as microarrays. Also called gene chips, microarrays can be used to monitor activity of thousands of genes in a single experiment." - ARS Contact: Timothy Smith, ARS Roman L. Hruska U.S.
Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska at (402) 762-4366; fax (402) 762-4390; e-mail: smith@email.marc.usda.gov 

Recent Stories on the BSE Situation...

  "Mad Cow Disease" - Application of HACCP - 

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on January 26 " ... urged countries around the world, not just those in Western Europe, to be concerned about the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and its human form, the new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nvCJD). In a statement issued in Rome, FAO called for action to protect the human population, as well as the livestock, feed and meat industries. 'There is an
increasingly grave situation developing in the European Union, with
BSE being identified in cattle in several member states of the EU
which have, until recently, been regarded as free from the disease,'
FAO said. 'Confirmed and suspected cases of nvCJD are occurring in
people outside the UK, in various member states. More research needs
to be conducted into the nature of the agent and its modes of
transmission. Much remains unknown about the disease and the infective
agent. There is currently no method of diagnosis at early stages of
infection and no cure for the disease, neither in animals nor in
humans.' 

All countries which have imported cattle or meat and bone
meal (MBM) from Western Europe, especially the UK, during and since
the 1980s, can be considered at risk from the disease, according to
the UN agency. Several countries have imported large quantities of MBM
in the recent past. ... Within countries, FAO recommended applying the
so-called Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system (HACCP)
which aims at identifying potential problems and taking corrective
measures throughout the food chain. Some of the issues include the
production of animal feed, the raw materials used, cross-contamination
in the feed mill, labelling of manufactured feeds, the feed transport
system, as well as monitoring imported live animals, slaughtering
methods, the rendering industry and the disposal of waste materials.

... FAO advised countries to adopt a precautionary approach. As an
immediate measure, countries which have imported animals and MBM from
BSE-infected trading partners should consider a precautionary ban on
the feeding of MBM to ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) or, to reduce
the risk of infection even further, to all animals. Attention should
be paid to slaughtering procedures and to the processing and use of
offal and by-product parts, FAO said. The rendering industry should be
scrutinised and appropriate procedures adopted everywhere. FAO,
together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Organisation
Internationale des Epizooties (OIE), will hold an expert consultation
in the near future to draw up advice for countries, particularly
developing countries, to protect their people from nvCJD, their
livestock from BSE, and their industries from trade restrictions and
their repercussions. The FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius is currently
finalizing work on a 'Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding' to
ensure that animal products do not create risks to consumers." - A
copy of the complete FAO News Release is posted at:
http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/OIS/PRESS_NE/PRESSENG/2001/pren0103.htm 

  A chart showing the number of cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in European Union Countries is posted at http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/bse/bse26_en.pdf . A January 23
speech in Brussels  " ... in relation to BSE by David Byrne to the
Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament" is posted at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/health_consumer/library/speeches/speech78_en.html  


Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) is spreading in the European Union, according to a January 16 Associated Press Report, which notes that " ... The European Union appealed to consumers Tuesday not to panic even as food inspectors turned up evidence that the deadly mad cow disease may be more widespread across the continent than previously
believed. In the past few days, suspected cases of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy have been uncovered in Austria's alpine pastures and the
Atlantic coast of Spain, from Bavaria to Belgium and in an Italian
slaughterhouse that supplies beef for McDonald's hamburgers. 

The EU's head office is pleading for calm, saying the discovery of new cases is a natural result of the expanded testing program it ordered the 15 EU
nations to launch Jan. 1. ..." - The complete article is posted at
http://www.infobeat.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/IBFrontEnd.woa/wa/fullStory?article=405848941 

FDA Efforts to Keep "Mad Cow Disease," Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), out of the United States - On January 10, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Issued a Press Release providing an update on Agency efforts to enforce the Agency's final rule that prohibits the feeding of mammalian protein to ruminant animals in most cases. This rule, Title 21 Part 589.2000 of the Code of Federal Regulations, became effective on August 4, 1997. 

FDA notes that CVM has developed an enforcement plan with the goal of 100% compliance with this rule. For the first two years it was in effect, the enforcement plan included education as well as inspections with FDA taking compliance actions for egregious actions or repeated non-compliance. As part of the enforcement plan, an assignment was issued to all FDA District Offices in 1998 to conduct inspections of 100% of all renderers and feed mills and some ruminant feeders to determine compliance - CVM has assembled data from the inspections conducted thus far, and presented the following data in a conference call FDA held with Federal and State feed control officials on January 9

 - To date, there have been a total of 9,947 inspections. The majority of these inspections (around 80%) were conducted by State officials and the remainder by FDA. Various segments of the feed industry had different levels of compliance. 

For Renderers, who are at the "top of the pyramid" since they are the first to handle rendered protein, and who send materials to feed mills and other ruminant feeders: 

Total number of inspections -- 239. 

Firms handling prohibited material -- 180

Firms whose products were labeled with the required caution statement -- 84% 

Had a system to prevent commingling -- 72% - 

Followed recordkeeping regulations -- 96-98% - 

For FDA Licensed Feed Mills -- 

1,240 total -- Inspected -- 846. Of those feed mills inspected, 347 were handling prohibited material

Firms whose products were labeled with the required caution statement -- 80% 

Had a system to prevent commingling -- 91%

Followed recordkeeping regulations -- 98% 

 For Non-FDA Licensed Feed Mills 

4,344 inspected (FDA does not know the total number since they are not required to be licensed by the Agency, but it could be 6,000 - 8,000.) 

Of those feed mills inspected, 1,593 were handling prohibited material: 

Firms whose products were labeled with the required caution statement -- 59% 

Had a system to prevent commingling -- 74%

Followed recordkeeping regulations -- 91% 

FDA notes that the Agency is continuing its enforcement efforts to achieve the goals of 100% inspection of all renderers and feed mills and some ruminant feeders and 100% compliance with the ruminant feed regulations. FDA Field offices have an assignment to re-inspect 700 firms that were not in full compliance with the rule but have committed to implementing the regulation. In addition, FDA is seeking assistance from State feed control officials to identify non-FDA licensed feed mills and to conduct additional inspections in all categories. FDA anticipates higher levels of compliance after completion of follow-up inspections - Questions may be directed to CVM at 301 594 1755; fax: 301 594 1831 - Additional information about CVM and it programs are posted at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/default.htm
· 
BSE (Mad Cow Disease) in the European Union - The European Commission Directorate General on Consumer Protection and Health, Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), on January 17 Issued a report providing advice to the Commission " ... on multidisciplinary matters including on issues related to BSE [providing] an opinion with its replies to the questions raised at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers of December 4. The questions concerned the safety of certain bovine tissues and animal by-products that might pose a BSE risk. The scientists conclude that some further restrictions on the use of bovine tissues could be necessary whenever the risk management measures in place do not ensure that the presence of BSE is highly unlikely. ..

The scientists indicate that mechanically recovered meat that is scraped from bovine bones, is to be considered a risk material if obtained from skull and vertebral bones of animals more than 12 months old. They also advise that fats derived from cattle tissues should be subject to pressure cooking to minimise potential BSE infectivity before being used in animal feed in addition to the purification process already in place which filter proteins. The scientists reconfirmed that hydrolysed proteins derived from bovine hides and other tissues that are not specified risk materials are safe provided the appropriate production and sourcing processes are used. According to the SSC, cattle born before the effective implementation of the total meat and bone meal ban, or animals born while a total meat and bone meal ban is not properly implemented, are likely to pose a higher risk, which could
justify further restrictions on the use of animal tissues. This could
include the vertebral column of cattle above 12 months. It excludes cattle
thymus and spleen. All depends on the assessment how likely it is that
cattle are infected with BSE. This likelihood needs to be assessed in the
light of the risk management measures in place. For example under the
conditions of the UK Date-Based Export Scheme it is highly unlikely that
an animal under 30 months that is incubating BSE would enter the food
chain." - The full text of the opinion is available at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/ssc/out157_en.pdf  

Cheese Grading Standards:  USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Announces " ... the availability of revisions to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Swiss Cheese, Emmentaler Cheese. The changes will increase the allowable eye size range in Grade A Swiss cheese and define an allowable eye size range in Grade B Swiss cheese; remove the block height recommendation for cheeses produced in rindless blocks; add more clarity to the color requirements for grades A and B Swiss cheese; correct minor errors that currently exist in the tables; and make minor editorial changes that will make the standard more uniform in appearance and easier to use." - Effective February 22 - AMA Contact: Charlsia Fortner, Dairy Products Marketing Specialist, Dairy Standardization Branch, AMS/USDA/Dairy Programs at 202 720 7473 - AMS January 23 Federal Register: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-2017-filed

  Grated Parmesan Cheese Deviating From Identity Standard - FDA CFSAN Extends a Temporary Permit for Market Testing - FDA Contact: Loretta Carey, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at 202-205-4168 - FDA December 29 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=00-33373-filed  

Voluntary Labeling of Ag Biotech Crops and Foods - FDA in the January 18 Federal Register announced " ... the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled 'Voluntary Labeling Indicating Whether Foods Have or Have Not Been Developed Using Bioengineering.' FDA developed this draft guidance to assist manufacturers, who wish to voluntarily label their foods (human and animal) as being made with or without bioengineering or the use of bioengineered ingredients, to ensure that labeling is truthful and not misleading. FDA is taking this action in response to requests from food manufacturers and as part of the Clinton administration's initiatives to strengthen science-based regulation of bioengineered foods and consumer access to information." - FDA will accept comments on the draft guidance for 60 days from January 18 - A paper copy of the draft is available by calling 202-205-4561 or by sending a fax request to FDA at 202-205-4594 - An electronic copy of the draft guidance is posted at http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/001598gd.pdf  

Use of Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals - FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Announces the Availability of a Discussion Paper Titled: "An Approach for Establishing Thresholds in Association With the Use of Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals (discussion paper)," which reflects CVM's current thinking on one concept for establishing resistance thresholds for antimicrobial drugs used in food-producing animals - CVM notes that the concept will be presented for discussion at a public meeting on January 22 - 24 as noted in the below FIEN article - CVM is seeking public comments by April 9 on scientific and policy issues regarding this concept, as well as suggestions for alternative approaches - A paper copy of the discussion paper is available by sending a self addressed mailing label to the Communications Staff (HFV-12), Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855 - Questions may be directed to CVM's Sharon Thompson at 301-827-4514; e-mail: sthompso@cvm.fda.gov  - Technical inquiries may be directed to CVM's William Flynn at 301-827-7570; e-mail: wflynn@cvm.fda.gov  

  A Proposed Veterinary Antimicrobial Decision Support System (VADS), a proposed web-based, peer-reviewed antimicrobial decision support system centered on therapeutic applications intended to allow food animal veterinary practitioners to utilize all available information in the construction of antimicrobial regimens - FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) announces that the Agency intends to award grant funds to support an unsolicited grant application submitted by Iowa State University for the development of a proposed VADS - CVM notes that " ... The specific aims of the project are as follows: (1) Perform extensive literature searches to identify pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical trial, antimicrobial pathogen susceptibility, regulatory, food safety, and approval process information pertinent to the veterinary antimicrobial decision support system (VADS); (2) develop and apply standard operating procedures for evaluating the quality and reliability of information and data for use in developing the VADS system contents; (3) apply the principles of pharmacology in constructing therapeutic regimens for use when approved antimicrobial products are not effective as labeled; (4) design a relational database allowing a user to efficiently search the VADS system for label and extralabel regimens based on therapeutic applications, and to then review regulatory and food safety information applicable to these regimens; and (5) subject the VADS system content to review prior to release 
and then constantly upgrade the content on the basis of new information and review by users." - FDA Contact: David Batson, Office of Research, Center for Veterinary Medicine at 301-827-8021 

New FASS Fact Sheets Available

Seven fact sheets on topics in animal agriculture have been released by the FASS Washington DC office recently. Among the topics of interest to ADSA members are a sheet on "Genetically Modified Crops--Impact on Milk, Meat, and Eggs," one on "Feed and Animal Management for Dairy Cattle," and one on "Effects of Diet and Feeding Management on Nutrient Contents of Manure". To review the statements, please click here.

Grant and Internship Notices

Special Invitation from FASS...

Dear Society Member,

On behalf of the officers and directors of FASS, I solicit your help in
identifying and encouraging outstanding candidates to apply for the
2001-2002 FASS Congressional Science Fellowship! Who would be a likely
candidate for 2001-2002? This experience is valuable to a junior
member of our societies with relevant career objectives and interests. 
Perhaps an established faculty member would want to combine this
program with a sabbatical leave to gain experience in public issues and
governmental processes. A junior administrator in the Land-Grant
system or an agri-business firm might find this sort of opportunity
rewarding and useful.

The fellow selected will spend about one year working as a special
legislative assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or of a
congressional committee, advising on a wide range of scientific issues
as they pertain to public policy. The program includes an orientation
on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long
seminar program on issues involving science and public policy.

For further information and application materials, please call (217)
356-3182, e-mail , or visit our Web site at www.fass.org under the
scientific liaison heading. Application deadline is February 15, 2001.

Sincerely,

Barbara P. Glenn
FASS Executive Vice President Scientific Liaison

Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants - USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Seeks by July 10 Requests for Proposals (RFP) for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants Program for Fiscal Years 2001 and 2002 and for 2001 Supplemental Grants for Special International Study or Thesis/Dissertation Research Travel Allowances from institutions or groups of institutions that confer a doctoral degree in a national need area - Proposals also may be submitted by a research foundation maintained by an eligible college or university - CSREES also is soliciting comments regarding this RFP from any interested party. Such comments will be considered in the development of any future requests for proposals for this program. Such comments will be used in meeting the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) - Supplemental Grant proposals to support special international study or thesis/dissertation research for current Fellows must be received by October 1 - CSREES Contact: Dr. Howard Sandberg, Higher Education Programs at (202) 720-2193; e-mail: hsandberg@reeusda.gov  - USDA CSREES January 19 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-1492-filed 

Intern Study Program at EPA - EPA Seeks Applications by February 23 by Nonprofit Organizations interested in receiving funding from EPA for management of the Agency's Student Intern Program - EPA notes that the program in intended to " ... provide on the job training for students interested in careers in environmental protection. The need for wise stewardship of the nation's environmental resources is increasing and with it a need to enlarge the pool of skilled environmental professionals and at the same time increase the diversity of this pool. EPA recognizes that there is a shortage of skilled environmental professionals. The programmatic objective of this intern program is to provide unique opportunities for cooperative study, research, and development that would increase the number and diversity of skilled engineers, scientists, policy makers, legal professionals, and managers in the environmental arena by affording ``on the job training'' opportunities for students interested in public or private sector careers in environmental protection. 

This solicitation is to find a qualified non-profit organization to carry out this student intern program. The student interns will be considered employees of the cooperative partner rather than EPA during their training period. All student interns must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or accepted into an undergraduate or graduate program that will commence within nine months of selection as a student intern. This partner would be responsible for locating candidate interns, selecting the interns and administering the funding to the Interns/Associates. USEPA would identify the intern/associate opportunities at EPA or EPA stakeholder facilities, provide advice to the cooperative partner in the selection of the candidate interns and provide space, technical guidance and training to the Interns/ associates during their period of internship at either an EPA facility or an EPA stakeholder facility. This program will start on or about April 1, 2001 and continue for a three year period." - EPA Contact: Linda Smith, Associate Director for Resources Management, Office of Environmental Justice at 202-564-2602; fax: 202-501-1162; e-mail: smith.linda@epa.gov - EPA January 8 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-419-filed 

Ag Biotech Risk Assessment Research Grant Proposals Sought by USDA ARS and CSREES from " ... any United States public or private research or educational institution or organization." - In the January 16 Federal Register the ARS and CSREES Jointly announced the "Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program (the 'Program') for fiscal year (FY) 2001. Proposals are hereby requested ... for competitive consideration of Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant awards. .... CSREES also requests comments regarding this request for proposals (RFP) from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the development of the next RFP for this program ... All proposals must be received at USDA on or before March 15 ... User comments are requested within six months from the issuance of this notice" - 

USDA notes that " ... The purpose of the Program is to assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing into the environment genetically modified organisms, including plants, microorganisms (including fungi, bacteria, and viruses), arthropods, fish, birds, mammals and other animals excluding humans. Investigations of effects on both managed and natural environments are relevant. ... the anticipated amount available for support of the Program in FY 2001 is $1.5 million. ... 

Proposals addressing the following topics are requested: 1. Research relevant to assessing the effects of the introduction into the environment of genetically engineered organisms. ... 2. Research on large-scale deployment of genetically engineered organisms, especially commercial uses of such organisms, with special reference to considerations that may not be revealed through small-scale evaluations and tests and may address cumulative effect concerns. ... 3. Research to assess the effects of transgenes in wild relatives of crop species. ... 4. Research to assess the effects of genetically engineered plants with 'stacked' resistance genes or genes that confer broad resistance to insects or diseases. ... 5. Research to develop statistical methodology and quantitative measures of risks associated with field testing of genetically modified organisms. ... 6. The Program will, subject to resource availability, provide partial funding to organize a conference that brings together scientists, regulators, and others to review the science-based data relevant to risk assessment of genetically modified organisms released into the environment. ..." 

- USDA Contacts: Dr. Deborah Sheely, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service at 202 401 1924; e-mail: dsheely@reeusda.gov  or Dr. Robert Faust, Agricultural Research Service at 301 504 6918; e-mail: rmf@ars.usda.gov  - USDA January 16 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-1018-filed 


 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE (AAAS), PROGRAM ON EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA, INTERNATIONAL DIVISION announces

WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COLLABORATION (WISC) PROGRAM 2001 - 2002

OVERVIEW

The Women's International Science Collaboration (WISC) Program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and administered by the Program on Europe and Central Asia of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Because the application rate of women scientists and engineers to the Central and Eastern Europe Program of the Division of International Programs has been disproportionately low, the goal of this Program is to increase the participation of women as PIs and co-PIs in international research projects. This program provides grants to individual US scientists who plan to establish new research partnerships with their colleagues in Central/Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS).

The grant, up to $4,000, will provide travel and living support for the
US woman scientist and, when appropriate, an additional grant of $4,000  to her American male or female co-PI. Each scientist will be responsible for arranging accommodations. The grant does not cover salary or institutional expenses (e.g. overhead). US scientists can spend up to four weeks in the partner country to develop a research program and design. Expenses can also be used to cover material and supplies needed during the stay. Where excess funds exist and with the approval of AAAS administrators, grants funds can also be used to support a second visit to the partner country or for a foreign partner to travel to the US when such a visit is deemed necessary. The grants are not to be used for the sole purpose of attending conferences or workshops or teaching or training. The program will be administered by AAAS. The grantee's home institution will be responsible for overseeing the grantee's adherence to NSF and federal guidelines regarding administration of the grant.

For full grant details, click here

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces its new Animal Husbandry Fellowship Program.

PROGRAM: Animal Husbandry Fellows will spend up to one year at NRCS' Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs Division office, Beltsville, Maryland beginning in June 2001. Fellows will be provided a unique learning experience in the natural resource conservation policy-making arena. They will interact with staff across USDA, other Federal agencies, universities and colleges, and agricultural and scientific associations.

PURPOSE: This Fellowship Program is designed to provide NRCS with scientific and technical expertise in animal husbandry and to provide experts in this field with significant public policy experience. It is designed to increase the contact of experts who have in-depth, cutting-edge knowledge of feed management with policy-makers at the Federal level. Those selected to participate in this program will be expected to give advice to and participate with Federal policy-makers on a broad spectrum of activities.

DUTIES: This program is being established to provide NRCS with additional expertise at a critical time in addressing animal nutrition and feed management issues and how they affect the environmental impacts of animal feeding operations. The duties of the Fellow during the Fellowship period primarily will involve the key areas of policy and strategy development; assessment of agency training and technical reference material needs, and guidance in their development; technology transfer and institutionalization of effective feed management science and technology practices; developing and sustaining appropriate partnerships; and, identification and prioritization of feed management research and technology needs. 

CRITERIA: Applicants must provide evidence of both academic achievement and exceptional knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of animal nutrition, particularly feed management of ruminants or non-ruminants; have a strong technical and scientific background; and have a strong interest in transferring that expertise to the Federal workplace. In addition to providing evidence of significant achievements in the field of animal nutrition and feed management, applicants must provide evidence that they possess effective leadership competencies including initiative, flexibility, creative thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and be an effective communicator (both orally and in writing).

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be employed by a public institution such as a Federal or State agency, college, or university, both at the time of application and, if selected, throughout the length of the Fellowship.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The Fellow's employing agency or organization will be expected to continue all of his/her benefits. NRCS will pay on-the-job travel expenses. Payment of salary and living expenses will be negotiated between NRCS and the employing agency or organization. Up to two Fellows will be selected for a maximum period of one year under this program. Arrangements agreed to by NRCS and the Fellow's employing public institution will be effectuated through a cooperative agreement.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please respond in writing to each of the criteria listed above and include this with your resume and letter of interest. To be considered, all applications must be received at USDA NRCS, Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs Division, George Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5473, Beltsville, MD 20705-2000 no later than February 28, 2001. For more information about this Fellowship opportunity, please contact Thomas Christensen, Director, Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs Division, NRCS, Beltsville, MD at (301) 504-2198 or (301) 504 2196.

NRCS is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, political beliefs, familial status or any other non-merit reas

 USDA Donation of Excess Research Equipment - USDA Office of
Procurement and Property Management Issues a Final Rule which takes effect on December 21 that amends the Agency's procedures for the donation of excess research equipment for technical and scientific education and research activities to educational institutions and nonprofit
organizations - USDA notes that the amendment expands the list of entities
eligible to receive such equipment, establishes a priority list for
eligible entities seeking transfer of such equipment, and clarifies
administrative rules regarding equipment transfer - USDA Contact: Kathy
Fay at 202-720-9779 - USDA November 21 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=00-29783-filed   

USDA Hosted Public Meetings

 USDA Ag Outlook Forum Set for February 22 - 23 in Arlington, Virginia - Topics to be addressed include: discussion of the next Farm Bill, a keynote address by the Secretary of Agriculture; Agriculture's Role in World Trade Organization Negotiations; an Outlook for Retail Food Prices in 2001; Effects on Farmer Bottom Line of Tax and Economic Policies; discussion of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000; Impacts of Regional Trading Blocks on US Agriculture; Sustainable Rural Development Issues; Electronic Markets for Inputs and Commodities; Small Farm Survival Issues; Efforts to Reduce Foodborne Illnesses; Value Added Livestock and Poultry Initiatives; Outlook Sessions on Grains and Oilseeds, Cotton, Milk and Dairy Products, Livestock and Poultry, Sugars and Sweeteners; Water Quality Issues, including Animal Waste Control Technologies and Nutrient Management Plans; Air Quality Issues in Animal Production, and Burning of Agricultural Crops; Greenhouse Gas Emission Issues; International Food Safety Sanitary and Phytosanitary Trade Issues; the Role of the Precautionary Principle; Bioproducts and Environmental Markets; Energy Production from Wood or Grassy Plants; Emerging Markets and Trade Practices for Fruits and Vegetables; and Tobacco Issues - Registration is required at http://www.usda.gov/oce/waob/agforum.htm  or by calling 202-314-3451 - Questions may directed to the USDA Ag Outlook Forum Staff at 202-720-3050; e-mail: agforum@oce.usda.gov 

APHIS Meeting Announcement USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Announces that the Agency will conduct a public meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 10 and 11, 2001 at the Iowa State Center, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa - The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the exchange of information between APHIS representatives, producers and users of veterinary biological products, and other interested individuals - The Agency is in the process of planning the agenda for the tenth annual meeting and is seeking suggestions for additional meeting topics from the interested public.- Topics that have been suggested include: (1) Labeling; (2) duration of immunity/efficacy; (3) delivery systems; (4) risk assessment; (5) target animal safety; (6) animal care; and (7) international harmonization - APHIS is inviting individuals to use this meeting to present their ideas and suggestions concerning the licensing, manufacturing, testing, and distribution of veterinary biologics - Meeting Contacts: Dr. Richard Hill, Center for Veterinary Biologics, Veterinary Services, APHIS in Ames, Iowa at (515) 232-5785; fax: (515) 232-7120; e-mail: CVB@usda.gov - For registration information, contact APHIS' Kathy Clark at (515) 232-5785 extension 128; e-mail: Kathryn.K.Clark@usda.gov  - APHIS November 20 Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=00-29614-filed 

Professional Meeting Calandar

ADSA/ASAS/PSA/AMSA Joint Annual Meeting: July 24-28, 2001,  Indianapolis, IN 

 Southern Branch: January  27-31, 2001, Fort Worth, TX
Midwestern Branch: March 19-21, 2001, Des Moines, IA
Northeast Branch: February 23 - 24, 2001, State College, PA

Click here for complete list of ADSA Future Annual Meetings

NRAES Conference on Milking Systems and Parlors: Planning and Managing for Quality Milk and Profitability, January 30 - February 1 Harrisburg, PA; Phone: 607-255-7654; web site: http://www.nraes.org

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Sets a February 21 - 23 Orlando, Florida Continuing Education Course on the topic: "Functional Foods: Continued Advances in the Hottest Topic in Food Science and Health" - To address food ingredients which are not essential vitamins or minerals which are promoted for their disease prevention properties - Session and individual addresses will be on the following topics: What are Functional Foods; Industry Trends and Regulations; Marketing; Botanicals; Dietary Fiber and Prebiotics; The Story of Soy and Isoflavones; Phenols and Polyphenols; Antioxidants and Non-Nutrient Antioxidants; Lycopene in Tomatoes; Breeding and Biotechnology for Enhancement of Phytochemical Levels in Crop Plants; International Perspectives and Examples; FDA Labeling Requirements; FTC Advertising Requirements; among other topics - Registration and fee information is available from IFT's Luci Landberg Continuing Education Program Manager at 312 782 8424; e-mail: lalandberg@ift.org  - The course director is Dennis Gordon, Department of Cereal Science, North Dakota State University, who may be reached at 701 231 9438; e-mail:
dennis_gordan@ndsu.nodak.edu 

Chinese and Korean Whey Missions to U.S. Date: 2/25/01 - 3/2/01; These trade missions of product developers will attend CalPoly's 3rd Dry Milk and Whey Products Symposium and visit U.S. whey processing facilities. One-on-one meetings with the industry will be arranged in conjunction with the symposium. Location to be announced. USDEC members are cordially invited to schedule a consultation with mission participants. Contact: KimSu Small (ksmall@usdec.org) 

"dot.milk?"--An IDFA e-Commerce Conference Dates: March 6 - 7, 2001, Westin Galleria, Dallas, Texas--click on this heading for full details about a unique learning experience.

Ice Cream Technology Conference, March 7 - 9, 2001 Doubletree la Posada Resort, Scottsdale, AZ; phone: 202-737-4332; web site: http://www.idfa.org

Dairy Manure Systems: Equipment and Technology Selection, A Conference for Producers and Their Advisors; March 20-22, 2001; Rochester Marriott Thruway
Rochester, New York; See our web site WWW.NRAES.ORG  for additional information. Or request a brochure by phone (607) 255-7654, fax (607) 254-8770, or E-mail NRAES@CORNELL.EDU .

Food Safety Summit and Expo, April 17 - 18, 2001 Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, DC; 800-746-9646; web: http://www.foodsafetysummit.com

Animal Transportation Association 2001 Annual Conference, April 29-May 2, Toronto, Ontario, Canada http://www.npscmgmt.com/AATA/conference.htm 

American Feed Industry Association Expo 2001, May 7-9, Indianapolis,
Indiana,USA http://www.afia.org/Events/Meeting_Programs.html 

14th Annual J.R. Brunner Protein Symposium, May 24 - 25, 2001, Michigan State University, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing, MI  phone: Dr. Zeynep Ustunol at 517-355-0285; email: ustunol@pilot.msu.edu

NIZO Dairy Conference on Food Microbes 2001 13-15 June 2001 Ede, The Netherlands website: http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/nizodairy2001
Contact: Sarah Wilkinson, NIZO Dairy Conference Secretariat Elsevier Science, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK

Tel: +44-1865-843691
Fax: +44-1865-843958
E-mail: sm.wilkinson@elsevier.co.uk

11th International Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals (11th ICPD), August 12-16, Copenhagen, Denmark http://www.11icpd.kvl.dk/ 

ADDRESSING ANIMAL PRODUCTION/ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM"  October 3-5, 2001; Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park, NC

This Symposium will involve several tracks as follows:
a. papers related to key issues being addressed by the National
     Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management;
b. papers related to issues of animal production and
     environmental issues not included in the Center program;
c. papers presenting the perspectives of the animal industries;
d. papers related specifically to issues of the Southeastern United
     States;
e. posters on all of the above in addition to presentations;
f. workshops and tours.

The official call for papers and/or posters will be sent very soon, but
this is a prenotice. The information on format for papers, registration
and other arrangements will be found on our website when posted:
www.cals.ncsu.edu/waste.mgt/  

Please direct any questions or submit potential paper topics to:
Dr. Leonard S. Bull, Program Chairperson
Associate Director
Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center
Box 7608
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
919-515-6836/919-513-1762 (FAX)

Animal Welfare Considerations in Livestock Housing Systems, October 22-24, Zielona Góra, Poland http://www.pz.zgora.pl/cigr/ 

International Dairy Federation Conference: World Dairy Summit 2001, November 4-8, Auckland, New Zealand http://www.idf-wds2001.org/master.html 

IX World Conference on Animal Production, October 26 - 31, 2003, Porto Allegre, Brazil Information is available at conference web site: www.waap.it/9thworld.htm or by contacting Leonard S. Bull, Vice President of WAAP for North America at leonard_bull@ncsu.edu.