Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Comments from Bill Brown – Representative of Experiment Station Directors: Dr. Brown indicated that a couple of agenda items had been passed around during the last few weeks. He indicated that it appeared that some universities were coming out of the most recent budget issues and attendance at the meeting seemed to be better than last year. He indicated that that Animal Science departments continue to increase in student numbers. With the increase in student numbers Dr. Brown indicated that it is imperative that we continue to look at ways to become more collaborative across university boundaries. We must consider joint teaching programs as a means of future success. He indicated that faculty members in animal science departments are teaching greatly above their teaching appointment. He suggested that one way to think about collaborating is developing partnerships across universities. He indicated that if this is done on an official basis, it gets bogged down. Experiment Station Directors believe we can move this forward in an unofficial basis. If each location had two distance education rooms, they could rack up FTE pretty quick. Faculty could receive adjunct status across campuses to help solve some issues. For the program to receive accreditation, we would have to talk to SACS about the plans. Wayne Greene indicated that partnerships across universities and/or state boundaries must have formal approval by university officials. If these partnerships are based upon ‘good faith’ partnerships, departments/programs do not have enough control for replacing faculty resignations/retirements to maintain continuity across joint teaching programs. Bob Harmon commented that two years ago at Southern dairy conference the participants at the conference discussed a dairy consortium as a partnership across state boundaries. He presented a document prepared by the organizers for the development of this partnership. They proposed this across teaching and extension and potentially using a Higher Education Challenge Grant on the teaching component of the program. It was presented that it takes a champion to make these types of initiatives to work out the road blocks. It is believed that both Stephanie Ward (MS State) and Jeff Bewley (UKY) have the leadership to make this organizational structure work. Bob Harmon made a motion that our group (SAC-2) provide support for the continued development of the Southeast Dairy Consortium. The motion was seconded by Keith Bertrand. Motion passed. A general discussion pursued on the mechanics of how partnerships in teaching could be accomplished without any specific details identified. . Keith Bertrand presented the 4 state partnership being developed at the graduate level utilizing Ag*IDEA for delivering graduate student courses between NCSU, Auburn, Clemson and UGA. Chairman Gerrard then asked that each head provide a listing of their strengths in the graduate program. The following data was collected: University Areas of Strength Virginia Tech Muscle, Growth, Biology, Neurophysiology, Gut Health, Dairy Nutrition Oklahoma State Ruminant Nutrition, Stocker/Feeders, Meat Science, Reproductive Physiology North Carolina A&T Animal Health, Biotechnology North Carolina State Nutrition (ruminant, non-ruminant), Reproduction, Breeding, Genetics, Genomics. Florida Reproduction, Nutrition (ruminant) Immunology Tennessee Reproduction, Immunology, Behavior Louisiana State Beef Genomics, Embryology, Dairy Calf Nutrition, Dairy Feeds, Cow/calf Management, Meats Georgia – Animal Animal Breeding, Genetics, Stem Cell Biology-Regenerative Medicine, Ruminant Nutrition (strongest in dairy), Meat Science (at MS level) Georgia – Poultry Reproduction (endocrinology), Nutrition, Genetics, Physiology Clemson Currently in rebuilding phase. Three new hires coming providing a chance to focus. Currently strong in Forage Interactions with Reproduction and Carcass Characteristics Arkansas – Animal Ruminant Nutrition, Forage/Ruminant Interaction, Reproductive Physiology/Endocrinology. Auburn Beef/Forage Interface, Ruminant Nutrition, Non-ruminant Nutrition, Growth Biology, Molecular Biology, Reporting on Multi-State Projects S-1025: Systems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Facilities Report provided by Bob Harmon (KY), Monitor Bob Harmon reported that project terminated 9-30-12. The committee met May 16-17, 2012 in East Lansing, MI in conjunction with S-1032, with breakout sessions for individual projects. None of the 20 member states were represented and the final report was posted on the website. The focus of the meeting was the development of a new proposal. Although potential redundancy with S-1032 was discussed, the consensus was that S-1032 has a much broader, systems perspective and there is an unmet need to do indoor animal environment work. A coordinating committee was also discussed but it was decided it is preferable to achieve the desired objectives as a research committee. Three objectives were outlined: 1) Measure and model source, fate and transport of emissions, 2) Develop, evaluate and demonstrate effective mitigation strategies, and 3) Develop, evaluate and demonstrate food animal production facilities that meet current and future industry challenges (paraphrased). Leaders for each objective were assigned. S- 1025 has been a very productive project based on the termination report. Based on past accomplishments and defined focus for the future, I recommend the committee move forward in developing a new proposal. The motion was seconded by Keith Bertrand. It was recommended that 1025 and 1027 communicate as revisions are made. Motion passed. S-1027: The Poultry Food System: A Farm to Table Model Report provided by Mike Lacy (UGA) monitor The termination date for the project was 9/30/12. The project is similar to S-1025. The reviewed proposal shows some new information and updates but not as much synergy. The written objectives were good; but, limited to food safety and quality. Dr. Lacy suggested that the project needed to have a broader food systems sustainability approach. Currently, the group is working on the revision. Dr. Connor recommended that the committee proceed but work out details pertaining to the crossover between S-1027 and S-1025. The motion was seconded by Mike Lacy. Motion passed. S-1032: Improving the Sustainability of Livestock and Poultry Production in the United States This project terminated 9/30/12 but was extended to September 2013 The project monitor is Bob Harmon (KY). Ten of the 20 member states were represented at the meeting of this project that was held in East Lansing, MI in conjunction with S-1025 on May 15-16, 2012. The afternoon of May 16 was a joint field trip. Although the project was originally scheduled to terminate in 2012, the project was granted a one-year extension and will terminate 9-30-13. The project received the Outstanding Multi-State Project Award ($12,688), and discussed possible uses of the award, including publication of a capstone document summarizing their current thoughts on causalities of ecological risks in food animal production and a final meeting with special guest to launch the new project. A logic model was proposed and edited to serve as the basis for the next project. A writing committee was appointed and will start with the logic model. A joint session with S-1025 reviewed the objectives for their project and identified accomplishments were documented in their annual report, as well as a respectable series of impact statements. Bob Harmon recommended that the project be continued and encourage the full development of a new project. The motion was seconded by Geoff Dahl. Motion passed. S-1035: Nutritional and Management Abatement Strategies for Improvement of Poultry Air and Water Quality The project terminated on 9/30/12. A development committee has been established for a potential rewrite. Mike Lacy will check on the status of this project. Mary Beck volunteered to become the monitor for this project. S1037: Integrative Functional and Physiological Genomics of Poultry This project terminated 9/30/12. No report was given and Dr. Brown will check with the NIMSS administration to determine if any activity has occurred. S-1040: Genetic Selection and Crossbreeding to Enhance Reproduction and Survival of Dairy Cattle The monitor of this project is Geoff Dahl (FL). This group had a face to face meeting with 7 stations represented during 2012. The participants of the project have reinvigorated their direction and this is their final year. The project participants are in a rewriting phase for continuation of the project. They have appointed a coordinating committee to look at new objectives. At their annual meeting, all units that were present gave station reports. This group will likely transition into a coordinating committee. Geoff Dahl recommend they move through the rewriting phase for submission of project approval. The motion was seconded by Clint Rusk. Motion passed. S-1044: Nutritional Systems for Swine to Increase Reproductive Efficiency The monitor for this project is David Gerrard. This project is scheduled to terminate in 9/30/13. This has been a very productive group of participants with approximately 25 members. This project met a week ago and had an invited guest to deliver a presentation. Dr. Gerrard reported this was one of their most productive meetings. The project is in the rewrite phase and is making progress for renewal of the project. Dr. Gerrard made a motion to continue this project. The motion was seconded by Neal Schrick. The motion passed. S-1045: Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically Adapted Breeds The monitor for this project is Keith Bertrand. The project is scheduled to terminate in 9/30/14. Eleven universities participate in this project. The 2012 meeting was held in Mississippi. Seven institutions attended the meeting. Attendance at the meeting was down due to budget reductions. During the meeting, they participated in a tour. The project was productive with 17 papers and reports last year. They reported on all 4 objectives. The next meeting for this group is scheduled for Arkansas. Keith Bertrand made the motion to continue this project. The motion was seconded by Bob Harmon. Motion passed. S-1047: Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency of Poultry The project has been terminated. SCC-72: Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle The project has been terminated. SCC-81: Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S. The monitor for this project is Ralph Noble. Project focus is on sustainable small ruminant production in the southeastern United States. Objectives focus on areas limiting profitable small-ruminant production to include 1.) Development of integrated gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) control methods to reduce spreading of anthelmintic resistant worms, 2.) Development of forage-based feeding systems for year round grazing, 3.) Evaluate production potential of pure and crossbred goat and sheep germplasm and 4.) Dissemination of research results and information to producers through station field days, workshops and websites. The group has expanded to institutions from 15 states including 6 — 1862s, 12 — 1890s and 2 USDA-ARS research stations. Effort addresses the land grant mission of research, Extension/outreach and education in partnership between multiple institutions primarily throughout the southeastern U.S., with each contributing their specific expertise toward the design of integrated systems. Studies are both basic and applied in nature with results distributed through peer review publications (28), abstracts (20), proceedings (23) as well as extension publications, cooperative extension agent and farmer trainings, web sites and both undergraduate special problems and graduate student theses. The team continues to be productive making impacts on research based best management practices to sustain forage based integrated system for small ruminant production in the southeastern US. Key accomplishments include 1) Use of FAMACHA to selective identify animals for deworming, 2) Identification of germplasm from goat breeds on-station, on-farms and buck test stations that require less deworming (Boer vs. Kiki and Savanna), 3) Use of forage plants with condensed tannins (i.e. Serica lespedeza) as alternative to anthelmintics or natural dewormer to reduce parasite load in goats and sheep and 4) Fescue toxicosis reduce fetal lamb growth during gestation of sheep. Due to their productivity and integrated approach among the institutions, I recommend we approve continuation of this project. The motion was seconded by Geoff Dahl. Motion passed. SERA-15: Competitiveness and Sustainability of the Southern Dairy Industry The monitor for this project is Mike Looper. The project participants held their meeting on Jan 21 and 22, 2013 in conjunction with the Southern Dairy Conference. The meeting on the 21st involved the delivery of the state report. This committee has delivered the Southern Dairy Conference for a number of years. They have recently worked on the development of the Proposed Southeast Dairy Consortium. At present, there is discussion of this group becoming a research project. Mike Looper made the motion to continue this project and seconded by Neal Schrick. Motion passed. SERA-41: Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs across State Boundaries; The monitor for this project is Neal Schrick. This group is doing very well in communicating across state boundaries with Extension group. There are a number of programs integrating across state boundaries. This year there is a greater presentation in their research reports on how they were integrated across state boundaries. They hosted a symposium at SS-ASAS and the proceedings will be in the Journal of Animal Sciences. The administrative advisor recommended they get into a writing committee. Neal Schrick made the motion and seconded by Bob Harmon. Motion passed. Other Business: Mark Mirando discussed duplicative awards within the same programs. Efforts are being made to certify that duplicative activity within and across programs are not being funded. At NIFA, they understand that hatch projects do not provide real dollars to scientists; but, awarded dollar grants may show up in Hatch reports as being conducted. NIFA has to have a paper trail for auditors to say that there is not duplication. If titles in CRIS reports are the same as grant, then statement of how projects are different. Mark Mirando indicated that ‘formula funds’ will likely be referred to ‘capacity and infrastructure support funds’ by NIFA to provide a different connotation to these funds because although NIFA recognizes the importance of this funding stream to the Land Grant institutions, there is not a lot of support for formula funds in OMB. NIFA is often asked to provide impact on Hatch projects. It is difficult to go through CRIS reports and they tend to reiterate results instead of statements of. Dr. Mirando has even suggested taking journals that highlight articles identifying Hatch funds to OMB to identify impact. But, if recognition was given it would make it easier for NIFA if Hatch reported in articles. Dr. Dahl made a motion that we support any method to show Hatch and Experiment station funds into journal articles. Motion seconded by Bob Harmon. Motion passed. White Paper: The white paper written by the Southern Department Heads got a lot of attention by the Southern region experiment stations and then taken to the national directors meeting. The white paper was on the agenda at the national meeting. Greene reported on the importance of being a member of National Association for the Advancement of Animal Sciences (NAAAS) and encouraged departments to join the organization. Meeting was adjourned by Chairman David Gerrard.