Summer President's Letter
Enjoying the “summer” life of a graduate student? Are you
making posters and presentations, furiously doing research before
classes start again, longing for the relaxed summers of undergrad?
Take a break! Read about all the fun events at JAM
the graduate student division has planned for you. From
networking at the career insights luncheon to riding a mechanical bull
at the mixer – there is something for everyone.
I'm sure you all would agree that this year has been a
whirlwind. It seems the days drag on so slowly, but when the year
is up you wonder how the time flew by so fast. The graduate
student executive council is looking forward to seeing you at all of the
JAM events this year that they have worked so hard on. Thank you
to Amanda Sterrett, Michael Adams, Goshia Zobel, Steve Beckman, and
Keena Mullen for all their hard work and service!
See you at JAM!
Rachel Campbell
GSD President
Summary of Dairy Industry in the United States of America
![Randi]()
By Randi Black, PhD Candidate, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville (M.S. in Dairy Systems Management from the University of
Kentucky, 2013)
Climate
The United States is located in North America, north of Mexico and
south of Canada. A vast variety of climates exist in the United
States ranging from semi-arid to desert in the West, humid subtropical
in the Southeast, and humid continental in the Northeast and Midwest,
with all variations in between. This climactic variation is
reflected in the management and production within the different regions.
Production
In 2012, the United States produced 90,558,996,884,992 kg of milk
from 9,225,000 cows producing 9,817 kg per cow. The Northwest
produced 12,654,771,850 kg of milk from 1,209,000 cow producing 10,463
kg per cow, while the Southwest produced 29,754,294,743 kg of milk from
2,815,000 cows producing 10,570 kg per cow. The Midwest produced
1,349,437,122 kg of milk from 2,975,000 cows producing 9,597 kg per cow,
while the East Coast, including the Southeast and Northeast, produced
19,905,444,921 kg of milk from 2,236,000 cows producing 8,903 kg per
cow. The top dairy states in the United States are California,
producing 18,960,612,140 kg of milk from 1,782,000 cows, Wisconsin,
producing 12,348,597,041 kg of milk from 1,270,000 cows, and Idaho,
producing 6,149,804,536 kg of milk from 580,000 cows. (USDA/NASS, 2013)
Reproduction
The majority of dairy producers in the U.S. (93%) utilize visual
observation as a means to detect estrus in dairy cattle; however, many
producers also use tail chalk (35%), and bulls for estrus detection
(40%). Although a large number of producers use bulls of estrus
detection, only 27% rely on bulls for breeding. Most producers
(75%) use artificial insemination to breed cattle. Genetic
selection for milk is the primary reproductive goal for U.S.
producers. However, more producers are beginning to select for net
merit, SCC, and longevity. (USDA/NAHMS, 2007b)
![Calf hutches allow for individualized care of calves at a young age and a reduction in disease transmission.]()
Calf hutches allow for individualized care of calves at a young age and a reduction in disease transmission.
Calves
The majority of U.S. dairy farms raise heifers on the farm
(97%). Additionally, most producers remove calves from the dam
immediately after calving (56%), while 22% remove calves after nursing
the dam, but within 12 hours of birth. All but 0.2% of operations
give calves colostrum via the dam, bottle feeding, or bucket
feeding. (USDA/NAHMS, 2007a)
![41111_853906422650_82108_n]()
A small proportion of cows are housed in compost bedded pack barns, an alternative housing facility to freestall barns.
Housing
Housing options vary for dairy farms based on herd size. A
small percentage (27%) of small dairy farms (fewer than 100 cows) use
freestall barns for housing. These farms typically use tie-stall
barns, deep bedded pack barns, or have no housing. Conversely,
large farms (500 or more cows) use freestalls as the predominant housing
type (83%). (USDA/NAHMS, 2007a)
Feeds and Feeding
Cow diets in the U.S. consist of three main ingredients; corn or corn
silage, alfalfa hay or haylage, and whole soybeans or soybean
meal. Most small farms (66%) feed all cows the same ration, while
most large farms (71%) feed different rations to
![The majority of producers choose to feed a total mixed ration to provide a more balanced diet to cows.]()
The majority of producers choose to feed a total mixed ration to provide a more balanced diet to cows.
different groups based on production and stage of lactation. (USDA/NAHMS, 2007a)
Breeds
The majority of U.S. dairy producers (over 90%) choose to milk
Holstein cattle. Producers favor this breed from their ability to
produce large quantities of milk. Jersey cattle are the second
most popular dairy breed in the U.S., at about 7% of the dairy
population. Jersey cows have a small frame size compared to
Holsteins. However, Jersey cows are popular for their high
butterfat production and milk efficiency. (USEPA, 2010)
Welfare
![Cow brushes can be found on some dairies to provide enrichment to cows.]()
Cow brushes can be found on some dairies to provide enrichment to cows.
The U.S. dairy industry is faced with many of the same welfare
concerns as other countries. One of the most concerning issues is
lameness associated with dairy cows housed in confinement or infectious
disease. Producers have difficulty diagnosing lameness in the
early stages, which allows the disease to manifest to a more severe
stage. Many researchers around the world have been working on
solutions for automated lameness detection. Transition cows also
pose concern throughout the dairy industry. Monitoring feed intake
throughout the early stages in lactation is an important strategy to
identifying ill cows to prevent further concern. However, U.S.
dairy producers are not as quick to adopt new technologies (Daberkow and McBride, 2003),
making many automated systems somewhat irrelevant. Producers also
struggle with management practice concerns including tail docking,
dehorning, separation of the cow and calf, and confinement
housing. Although many concerns arise, U.S. dairy producers still
strive to provide comfortable, healthy, productive lives for cows.
(von Keyserlingk et al., 2009)
References
Daberkow, S. and W. McBride. 2003. Farm and Operator Characteristics
Affecting the Awareness and Adoption of Precision Agriculture
Technologies in the US. Precision Agriculture 4(2):163-177.
USDA/NAHMS. 2007a. Dairy 2007 Part III: Reference of dairy cattle
health and management practices in the United States. W. USDA, DC.
Accessed May 31, 2013. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/dairy/downloads/dairy07/Dairy07_dr_PartIII_rev.pdf, ed.
USDA/NAHMS. 2007b. Dairy 2007 Part IV: Reference of dairy cattle
health and management practices in the United States. D. h. w. a. u. g.
a. h. n. d. d. d. D. d. P. p. USDA. Washington, ed.
USDA/NASS. 2013. Milk Production. USDA-NASS. Washington, DC. Accessed May 31, 2013. http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/MilkProd//2010s/2013/MilkProd-02-20-2013.pdf.
USEPA. 2010. Ag 101. USEPA. Washington, DC. Accessed May 31, 2013. http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/ag101/dairysystems.html.
von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., J. Rushen, A. M. de Passillé, and D. M.
Weary. 2009. Invited review: The welfare of dairy cattle—Key concepts
and the role of science. J. Dairy Sci. 92(9):4101-4111.
Industry Spotlight
Michael Steele, PhD
B.S.: Agricultural Science, University of Guelph, 2001
M.S.: Animal Nutrition, University of Guelph, 2003
Ph.D.: Ruminant Nutrition, University of Guelph, 2012
1. Current Position (title and describe duties):
Research Scientist and Technology Transfer, Nutreco Canada
Agresearch
- Leading basic and applied research program in functional nutrition of ruminants
- Forging highly competitive external research and development collaborations
- Contributing to develop Nutreco's global Gut Health Research Platform
- Participating in cross-species and cross-functional research teams
- Providing technical leadership for ruminant nutrition and sales team
- Updating Nutreco's training program and developing an E-learning initiative
2. Previous Positions (titles and describe duties):
Dairy Cow Nutritionist, Masterfeeds Inc. 2005-2007 London, Ontario
- Leading national product research and development program
- Designing efficient rations and styles of feeding throughout Canada
- Training sales staff and providing technical service from office or on the farm
- Formulating products and coordinating precise and efficient production
- Developing strategic plans and creating marketing material
Dairy Project Manager, Beijing Land of Plenty Technology Inc. 2004-2005 Beijing, China
- Nutrition and management consultation for livestock farms throughout China
- Balancing rations, designing feeding regimes and measuring progress
- Designing cutting-edge feed and housing facilities for livestock operations
- Writing and presenting business plans for investors and government officials
Steele Brothers Farms Limited, Stelbro
Holsteins 1990-2004 Thamesford, Ontario
- Selecting dairy genetics and establishing a globally-respected breeding program
- Ration balancing, herd health monitoring, record keeping and farm management
- Actively participating in all farm duties and economic decision making
3. Why did you choose your current position?
My current position at Nutreco enables me to express my passion for
ruminant research and knowledge transfer. In addition, I truly
enjoy working with an international company that values research and
innovation.
4. What is your favorite part of working at Nutreco?
My favorite part of working at Nutreco is participating in an
international team tackling international and local animal nutrition and
production challenges. Being able to share and apply knowledge
globally is very exciting for me.
5. Did you always want to go into research or did you think
about teaching/Extension? Please describe the path you took to figure
out exactly what you wanted to do after graduate school.
I have always had a deep-rooted passion for teaching and extension
and thought I would move into that direction before I started my
PhD. However, I started to gain confidence in my ability to
conduct research during the second year of my PhD thanks to the guidance
of my supervisor, Dr. Brian McBride. During this time I
came to the conclusion that research had to be component of my future
career. Luckily for me, Nutreco offered me a position that allowed
me to develop my own research program and still conduct
teaching/extension within the company. Even though I am working in
private industry I have been fortunate to stay connected to teaching
through advising graduate students at the University of Guelph and
developing an interactive elearning training program. I feel like I
am getting the best of both worlds.
5. Please describe your transition from graduate school to the “real world”? What was easy? What was difficult?
I have worked in industry prior to my PhD therefore the transition to
industry was not difficult. I personally find the pace to
be faster and the expectation for an application of your research is
greater in industry.
6. Do you think a particular class or area of study was beneficial to your current or previous job?
I feel very fortunate that I devoted efforts to learn molecular
biology, cell biology and microbiology during my PhD. Being able
to integrate these techniques with nutrition is very powerful and has
supplied me with many opportunities to collaborate with leading
industrial and academic research groups.
7. In your opinion, what characteristics should graduate students possess to be successful in their career development?
Graduate students should be able to integrate several areas of
research and be able to sense where the industry is moving and adapt to
be successful in their career. There are many experts in specific
fields but there are very few experts that can integrate several
disciplines. Try your best to find and develop your expertise in
your specific area but make sure you can integrate your knowledge with
the big picture.
8. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for graduate students in the dairy field?
Graduate students should be able to integrate several areas of
research and be able to sense where the industry is moving and adapt to
be successful in their career. There are many experts in specific
fields but there are very few experts that can integrate several
disciplines.
Student Profiles: Meet Your New Exec Team!
![014]()
.......................................................................
President: Amanda Sterrett
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
University of Kentucky, Dairy Systems Management, hopefully an M.S.
as of this Friday (fingers crossed) and continuing on for my PhD
Previous Degrees: University of Findlay, B.S. in Animal Science and Biology, 2009
Thesis Topic: Management and Technology Solutions for Improving Milk Quality
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how?
Unfortunately, no. I was not involved with dairy in general until my
junior year of my undergraduate career and my school was not involved
with ADSA so I was not exposed to it until graduate school.
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013? Yes, a poster and an oral.
What is your favorite GSD event and why? All of them, of
course! I love that Dairy Tales exposes me to new and interesting
topics. I really enjoyed the ADSA/ASAS Symposium last year and it was
actually my overall favorite symposium of JAM. The Career Insights lunch
was nice because I got to talk with other GSD members and hear from
those out in the real world. The mixer was a lot of fun last year as I
got to meet so many GSD members and I am really looking forward to that
this year.
Just for Fun:
What is your favorite dairy food? Frozen yogurt, specifically the orange flavor from Orange Leaf.
If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Rosalind Franklin because of her involvement in such an amazing
scientific development and the resulting advancements for women in
science. I also have a long list of mastitis researchers whom I would
love to meet and talk to.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. There
are too many to list in this article. My advisor and lab mates
call me Sheldon (from the Big Bang Theory) because I tend to embody some
of his quirkiness, particularly the germophobia and awkward social
presence.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be... Passionate, inquisitive, and hard-working.
When you were little, who was your favorite super hero and why?
Though not actual super heroes, The American Gladiators (from the TV
show) were my idols. My family even took me to Orlando, FL once to watch
the filming of the show. I got all their autographs and talked about it
for years (and obviously still do).
If you couldn't be a dairy scientist, you would want to be...An animal scientist of another species. I can't imagine not working with animals.
![Curtis Park]()
.......................................................................
Vice President: Curtis Park
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
North Carolina State University, PhD Food Science, expected 2016
Thesis Topic: MS: Influence of spray drying parameters on the flavor of WPC
Previous Degrees (Undergraduate/ Graduate): BS Food Science BYU (2011), MS Food Science NCSU (2013)
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how? I went to some of the activities at the JAM 2012 but that was about it.
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013? Yes
Just For Fun:
What is your favorite dairy food?Either ice cream or cheese!
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours:
As a kid I would always follow the “don't step on a crack or you'll
break your mother's back” rule. Out of habit I still avoid
stepping on cracks even if I'm not thinking about it.
If you couldn't be a dairy scientist, you would want to be...I think I would want to be a professional jazz musician. It's something I've done as a hobby for a long time.
![Adam Geiger]()
.......................................................................
Secretary: Adam Geiger
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
Virginia Tech, Ph. D. in Lactation Physiology, anticipated May 2017
Thesis Topic: Effect of pre-pubertal feeding strategies on mammary growth, cell proliferation, and lactation potential in dairy calves
Previous Degrees (Undergraduate/ Graduate): MS at Mississippi State University in Ruminant Nutrition
Thesis Title:
Effect of increased crude protein concentration in the milk replacer
with or without direct-fed microbial supplementation on Holstein dairy
calves during heat stress
BS at UW-Madison in Dairy Science
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how?
Yes. I attended the conference all 4 years of undergrad and
participated in dairy bowl 3 of the years. I also have served as a
chaperone to the southern ADSA-SAD twice and served as a dairy bowl
judge both of those years
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013? Yes, I am presenting my thesis research.
Just For Fun:
What is your favorite GSD event and why?
All of the socials were a lot of fun at JAM last year, but dairy tales
and the career insight luncheon were great. The dairy tour in
Phoenix was also really neat to see. If I had to pick one I think
the career luncheon takes the cake.
What is your favorite dairy food?
I'm from Wisconsin. Cheese it is. More specifically,
Fontina cheese made by Belgioso, or cheese curds from Laacks.
Gotta love the cheese curds!
If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
On a sentimental note, my grandmother. She played, and continues
to play, a large role in who I am and why I do what I do.
Otherwise, Aaron Rogers. Go Pack Go!
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?
Dubai maybe? The pictures look really cool and elegant.
Otherwise I would love to go to New Zealand/ Australia. Just to
see their landscape and all the grazing operations out there.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours.
I am colorblind, but that's not a habit, I was born that way. I
am known as “Extreme” in my grad office because I keep a strict planner
and make sure I accomplish everything in it every day. A lot of my
fellow students think I have a little bit of OCD going on.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be... Outgoing, Determined, Fun. That is a tough question
When you were little, who was your favorite super hero and why? Batman. His belt with all those gadgets is pretty cool.
If you couldn't be a dairy scientist, you would want to be...
Animal Scientist. Kidding. I always thought going to
business school and then law school would have been interesting.
So maybe a lawyer? Easy with the judgement.
![Maneesha Mohan]()
.......................................................................
Dairy Foods Director: Maneesha Mohan
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
The University of Tennessee, PhD program, expected 2014
Thesis Topic: Nanostructure and properties of casein micelles
Previous Degrees (Undergraduate/ Graduate): B.Tech. Dairy Science and MS Biological sciences
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how? No
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013? Yes
Just For Fun:
What is your favorite dairy food? Ice cream
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why? Manasarovar lake in the Himalayas
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. Roll my r's when I am very excited.
If you couldn't be a dairy scientist, you would want to be: a world traveler
![Eric Testroet]()
.......................................................................
Treasurer: Eric Testroet
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
Iowa State University, Biochemical and molecular nutrition, expected M.S. Summer 2013, PhD 2016
Thesis Topic: The impact of DDGS on milk quality (and milk product quality) in dairy cows
Previous Degrees (Undergraduate/ Graduate): BA Chemistry
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how? No
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013? No, I presented at the Midwest ADSA meeting.
Just For Fun:
What is your favorite GSD event and why? I
really enjoy Dairy Tales. Dairy Tales is a fun event to plan and
has very interesting topics presented in a fun way. It gives
attendees the opportunity to learn about current “hot topics” in a more
casual way than the traditional scientific presentation.
What is your favorite dairy food? I am a huge cheese fan. I think it's amazing that you can make so many diverse foods from milk.
![Robb Bender]()
.......................................................................
Dairy Production Director: Robb Bender
.......................................................................
Educational Background:
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Ph.D. in Dairy Nutrition, expected May 2015
Thesis Topic: “Integration of Nutritional Data on Commercial Dairy Farms to Develop Real-time Decision Making Tools”
Previous Degrees (Undergraduate/ Graduate):
Bachelor of Science – Dairy Science (UW – Madison 2010); Master of
Science – Dairy Science Reproductive Physiology (UW – Madison 2012)
ADSA-Related:
Were you involved in SAD (Student Affiliate Division)? If so, how? No
Do you plan to present at JAM 2013?
Oral:
Effects of acute feed restriction combined with targeted use of
increasing LH in FSH preparations on superovulation and embryo quality
in lactating dairy cows
Poster:
Improving embryo recovery from superovulated Holstein dairy cattle:
Evaluation of reflushing 30 minutes after the initial flush on embryo
recovery.
Poster: Comparison of in situ versus in vitro methods of fiber digestion at 120 and 288 hours to quantify the indigestible NDF fraction of corn silage samples.
Just For Fun:
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?
I think Brazil would be a lot of fun. As a result of a few years
in graduate school, I have a lot of friends in Brazil that have been
students and interns at Madison. It would be great to see some of
them again.
If you couldn't be a dairy scientist, you would want to be...
Probably a dairy farmer. Getting cooped up in the office or lab
is not my ideal place to be. I would much rather be working with
the cows in some capacity.
********************BE SURE TO TRACK DOWN YOUR NEW OFFICER TEAM AT JAM TO MEET THEM IN PERSON(GSD EVENTS ARE A GOOD PLACE TO DO THIS...HINT, HINT)!******************