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Fri, 10/28/2022 - 16:29
Edited Text
N I M A L
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Spring 2003
Courses Offer Insight
100 YEARS
OF - - HERITAGE
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New animal science courses expose students to benefits and
advances of biotechnology.
An·
By Nick Garica
Cal Poly is always on the cutting
edge and it's no different in the
J
university's animal science depart
ment.
installed a new state-of-the-art
genomics and biotechnology labora
tory that will open up opportunities
for students interested in the inno
Animal science student Don Win Is
pipeting samples to be tested for the pres
The laboratory is just one step in ence of genes.
the department's overall goal of de
The hands-on class allows students
vative science program.
veloping a top-notch biotechnology to apply biotechnology in the lab. Stu
program that rivals land grant univer dents handle and freeze embryos and
sities and government funded labs.
eventually clone them using the micro
"The lab is an incredible facility for manipulator purchased by a generous
animal science students," said Debbie donation from alumni Bob Thompson
Beckett, lecturer in the department. and student based fee money.
"We set out with a clear vision to
"Students are doing in our lab,
establish a facility that would benefit what professionals are doing in bio
the courses we hope to offer today technology labs across the world," said
and in the future. We purchased state Beckett. "It's a great learning oppor
of-the-art lab equipment so that our tunity that starts in the lab."
students can learn using the same
"This is the most intriguing course
I have ever enrolled in at Cal Poly," said
Beckett, an embryologist with Heidi Jackson, animal science senior.
seven years experience in the human "It's very intense, yet fun at the same
field saw a need to incorporate the time."
science at Cal Poly. With Dr. Andy
Students enrolled in the senior
Thulin, department head, she devel level course are extremely dedicated
oped ASCI 406: Applied Animal majors with interests in reproductive
Embryology which she teaches physiology. The class is three hours of
during the winter quarter. The lecture and six hours of lab per week.
course was developed to research Students begin by working on mice
and find scientific benefits that bio embryos for the first five weeks and
technology offers in animal selection, progress to bovine embryos by the end
breeding and genetics.
See BIOTECH, page 3
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FEATURES
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Cal Poly's founders had one clear vision:
Attract the state' finest and give them the tools
to succeed. One-hundred years later, that vision
continues to be reality. Animal science at Cal
Poly has been around since the beginning and
it's only fitting that we celebrate its century mark
with a birthday bash like none other.
"We're planning a big reunion that will
bring animal science alumni back to Cal Poly in
May," said Dr. Andy Thulin, department head.
"We're compiling history, photos, stories and
news spanning 100 years that celebrates animal
science's contributions to the university."
A graduate level course offered this Spring
will organize, publicize and execute the event
planned for May 16-18, 2003. Wendy Hall, part
time lecturer in the department will co-chair the
celebration with Dr. Thulin.
Events planned for the two-day reunion in
clude alumni dinners, tours of animal science
facilities and lots of opportunities to catch-up
with old friends.
"The reunion will be a great opportunity
for alumni to see the progress we've made over
the last century," said Thulin. "It will also be a
time to rekindle old friendships and meet cur
rent students."
The culmination of the weekend will be the
unveiling of, "A Century of Heritage" a book
chronicling the department's history at Cal Poly
from 1903 to 2003,
For more information on the alumni
reunion, see back page. Be sure not to miss out
on the activities and return the insert card today!
The department recently
equipment utilized in the industry."
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ALUMNI
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«The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what
direction we are moving."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
M
uch has changed in the Animal Science Department during the past few years.
Department Head
During this time the Department has enjoyed the greatest number of qualified
student applicants, with the highest average SAT scores, in the College of Agriculture.
We are proud that the two National Merit Scholars in the college also reside in the department. We have excel
lent students who work hard to not only develop their own careers, but also to improve and enhance the direc
ANDY THULIN,
Ph.D
tion of the department. Our students demonstrated
their belief in the direction of the program when they
voted last spring to raise their fees by $200 per quarter
(Student Fee Funds). The fees are being used to up
grade teaching laboratories and facilities, equipment
purchases, and salaries for faculty and lecturers to pro
vide additional course offerings.
During the past three years, the department has
developed over 30 new or major revision courses and
deleted numerous older courses. A new animal
science curriculum has been approved for the fall 2003
catalog that will better serve our students. Three new
minors have been developed, including Equine Science,
Range Resource Management, and Meat Science and
Processing. Wouldn't it be great to be back in school?
We strengthened the poultry program by hiring
Dr. Liz Koutsos, whose background is in poultry
nutrition and immunology. This position was estab
lished as a result of the Foster Farms' $250k donation
over 5 years. With this kind donation, we were able to
complement some of our focus from egg production
and distribution to meat production and further pro
cessing. We also established a biotechnology program
and recently hired Dr. Dan Peterson, who is trained in
animal genomics. This position was made possible by
Student Fee Funds and it allows the Department to
meet the high student demand for the biotechnology
area. In addition, Student Fee Funds allowed the
department to remodel three technology laboratories
and strengthen the applied embryology area.
Changes occurred in the Equine Science area when
Gene Armstrong retired this past summer. This posi
tion will be replaced with a person trained in embryol
ogy and embryo transfer, to take over the equine
reproduction courses that Mr. Mike Lund has taught
for the past 14 years. Mr. Lund has moved more into
the behavior modification and management areas.
"f!!f'
2 I www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
Also, the department expanded the old breeding barn
into an equine artificial insemination and embryo trans
fer lab. Much of the funding was provided by an Agri
culture Research Initiative grant that Dr. Jaymie Noland
received to conduct embryo survival research in Quar
ter Horses. In addition, we finally built a much needed
500-ton hay barn to reduce our hay storage costs.
The department strengthened the meat science and
processing program by developing and implementing
further processing technologies and Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points (HACCP) courses. Dr.
Robert Vance has announced he will retire in August,
after 30 years at Cal Poly. Dr. Vance has been the leader
of the Cal Poly meat science and processing program,
making it one of the top undergraduate programs in
the U.S.
The department has received several faculty dis
tinction awards. Dr. Robert Vance recently received
the Sunkist Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award,
as well as the National Meat Association's E. Floyd
Forbes Award, the highest honor awarded in the meat
industry. Dr. Jaymie Noland recently received the
Monsanto New Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Jon
Beckett received the Plant Sciences, Inc. Outstanding
Faculty Award last spring.
Finally, I hope you will join us to celebrate the 100
Year Reunion of Animal Husbandry, Poultry Science,
and Animal Science. We will host a major celebration
of friends and alumni of these programs at Cal Poly on
May 16, 17 and 18. We expect about 750 participants
will celebrate the excellence of these programs from
1903 to 2003. A history book about these programs
"A Century of Heritage" - is being published and will
be available at the reunion. Please join us and many
friends from the past, as we celebrate the great times
we've had at Cal Poly. .p
ABOVE: STUDENTS WORK IN THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART GENOMICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY.
BIOTECH
I from
page 1
---------------------------------------of the quarter. Of the 300 plus embryos,
25 might be successful clones says
Beckett.
"Embryos are extremely delicate,"
she said.
ASCI 406 is just one part of the
The capstone of the course is the
departments long-term goal of a full
discussion on scientific and political is
biotechnology program and minor.
sues surrounding cloning and biotech
Beckett hopes to see this course offered
said Beckett. "This is learn by doing at
nology.
every quarter, both in beginning and ad
its best."
Beckett assigns students an issue and
At the end of the course,
vanced stages.
According to Beckett, students that
stance dealing with biotechnology. Stu
complete the course can go to work for
dents research pros and cons relating
again," said Jackson.
corporate biotechnology companies and
to their specific issue and hold a mock
forward to taking other biotech courses
be successful.
debate.
the department offers in this great
"I would take the course over
''I'm looking
"All embryo techniques look the
"The students don't get to choose
same and can be applied whether work
what side they will argue," said Beckett. "I
For more information logon to:
ing in human or animal biotechnology,"
do, and that's where the learning occurs."
"""""",animalscience.calpoly.edu/dbecken
Felows ip Established
Former Animal Science professor Bob Hooks will be forever remembered
Robert "Bob" Hooks
Professor of Animal
Science 1966-1988
Professor Robert "Bob" Hooks (Animal Husbandry
1961) served as a member of the Animal Science fac
ulty from 1966-1988. For over 22 years he touched
the lives of many students and sparked their interest
in animal nutrition.
Professor Hooks passed away on March 28, 200l.
In memory of her husband, Lillian R. Hooks, who for
many years worked on campus in the Kennedy
Library, established the Dr. Robert D. "Bob" Hooks
Undergraduate Fellowship in Animal Nutrition
Endowment. Her investment in the department's
future will provide student support to pay travel and
expenses to the annual California Animal Nutrition
Conference.
"I was pleased to be able to do this in memory of
Bob," remarked Mrs. Hooks. "Cal Poly Animal Sci
ence was something he truly loved." .p
lab.".p
Investing in
ANIMAL SCIENCE
For over a century, animal science has
enjoyed a wonderful learn by doing tra
dition of excellence. As the current fac
ulty and students chart a course into
the fu ture to even greater achieve
ments, private support from dedicated
alumni and friends will play an increas
ingly more important role in our suc
cess.
There are several ways you can partner
with the department to provide much
needed resources. In addition, some
giving methods may provide you with
attractive financial and tax benefits. For
more information contact the depart
ment office at 805.756.1241!
The Stocl< Report Spring 2003
I3
The Intercollegiate Horse Show
Association (IHSA) is unique be
cause individual colleges host shows
and provide horses for the exhibitors
to ride. Competitors are not allowed
to ride their own horses, use their
own tack, or warm up on the horses
prior to entering the arena. Horses
and riders are paired through a ran
dom draWing. This creates a fair en IHSA Team after a show they successfully hosted
vironment and is a true test of horse
manship.
community colleges. This year at Cal Poly, over 30 students
The classes range from beginning walk-trot to advanced
competed on the equestrian team. Ten riders will be com
equitation, jumping, and reining. Riders advance through
peting at the Regional, Zone, and National shows, which is
a team record.
the levels by accumulating points. Upon accumulating 35
IHSA competitions develop strong teamwork, sports
points, a rider advances to the next level and has qualified
for the Regional show. They then are eligible to compete at
manship, and horsemanship skills. Cal Poly's team relies
Zones and Nationals. In addition to qualifying individual
solely on its members and students themselves to schedule
riders for Nationals, each team strives to be the high point
practices, clinics, and travel to shows. We pride ourselves
on being self-sufficient and able to compete with the best
college and represent the region at Nationals.
IHSA is comprised of eight zones and over 24 regions.
schools in our zone. Most of these teams are financially
Cal Poly competes in Zone 8, Region 1 against UC Davis,
supported by their schools and have their own coaches,
horses, and facilities. .p
Stanford, CSU Fresno, UN Reno, UC Santa Cruz, and other
Western Bonanza Ce ebrates 19 years!
"It doesn't seem that long ago that I was taking pictures
Cal Poly partners \'lith the California Mid-State Fair and
at the first Western Bonanza," said Wendy Hall, lecturer and
other sponsors from around the state to put on the show. Stu
adviser to Cal Poly's Western Bonanza student committee.
dents solicit sponsors from beef, sheep and swine breeders as
"I am so excited to see it turn
well as local area businesses.
nineteen and to see it continu
"We get a lot of support be
ing to grow."
cause we're able to show com
Hall's excitement is for the
munity members that our hard
Western Bonanza, a junior live
work is going to tum into a good
stock show that was created as
old fashion family weekend,"
a senior project some nineteen
said Lauri Bollinger, student co
years ago. Today the show has
chair of the livestock show.
grown into the largest junior
"When the Western Bonanza is
jackpot show in California. The
in town, we sell out the local
most important part, it's all done
hotels and the local restaurants
by students.
The 2003 organizing committee worked for two quarare usually packed too!"
"The students are the comters to plan the annual livestock show.
This year's event was the largest
mittee," said Hall. "They make the decisions, plan the weekend and see the event through. They certainly deserve all
the credit."
ever for the show. Entries were up some 22-percent and area
attendance and media coverage continue to soar. Planning
for the shows twentieth anniversary has already begun.
Research Update
Noland lands Agricultural Research Initiative grant for horse research
A unique partnership between Cal Poly and Colorado State University
(CSU) is nearing the end of its second year. The project is a research study
funded by the Agricultural Research Initiative that looks into the use of
fresh and frozen horse semen and embryo recovery rates.
"I saw this grant as a great opportunity to get more students involved,
update our facilities and research something that the equine industry needs,"
said Dr. ]aymie Noland, associate professor of animal science and lead
researcher on the project.
Noland is working with Dr. Ed Squires of CSU in determining whether
fresh or frozen semen settles mares better. Next she and her students flush
the mares, cool the embryos and send them to Colorado for freezing. At
CSU, the embryos are thawed and inseminated into mares to research con
ception rates.
"Last year we harvested and sent nine embryos to Dr. Squires, of which
six were successfully transferred into mares," said Noland.
Noland involves as many students in the research project as possible.
She partners with Cal Poly's other horse projects to use their mares and
stallions, develops senior projects for students and uses over 20 students
on the research project. In addition, she partnered with Debbie Beckett's
animal science 406 course (see page 1) so that students interested in bio
technology could see the process of flushing embryos.
"The beauty of this project is that students get hands-on experience in
l1ushing embryos and get comfortable with embryo transfers," said Noland.
The research grant funded by the California State University was for
two years in the amount of $344,000. Recently Noland reapplied for the
grant and hopes to receive $80,000 to finish the research.
"Since we received the grant, we were able to update our facilities at
the Equine Center so that we would be prepared to conduct this research,"
said Noland. "We were able to purchase new stocks, ultra sound equip
ment and freezing machines."
Noland anticipates to hear about the grant funding by May. In the
meantime she has begun a small commercial embryo transfer operation at
the Equine Center to further her research and facility improvements.
FACI I IES
on the move
"It's an exciting opportunity for us," says
Dr. Andy Thulin, head of Cal Poly's animal
science department. Thulin is referring to the
university's recent decision to relocate four
animal science facilities from their present
locations.
The move is needed to support the
Capstone project, a new campus housing
complex that will house 2,700 students. To
make room for the project, the current beef
center/unit, meat processing facility, feed mill
and feed lot will have to relocate.
''Although we hate losing valuable agricul
tural land, we have to look to the future and
the many benefits that this move will provide
our students," said Thulin. "We'll be able to
build state-of-the-art facilities with relocation
money and help from alumni and friends."
The expected cost of the move is $6
million, which $5 million will come from the
university. The beef center will be relocated
to the Chorro Creek Ranch and will include
the bull test and embryo transfer facility. Both
the meat processing facility and feed lot will
move to land at the Beef Cattle Evaluation
Center. The feed mill will move to a central
location near Cal Poly's dairy.
"These moves will begin in October of
2003," said Thulin.
"The reunion could be
the last time for some to see the existing
facilities and reminisce about the good times."
Note: Look for more information about these re
location in the next issue of the Stock Report
LOOK WHAT'S
NEW AT THE
EQUINE CEN
There's new and exciting construction projects at the Equine Center. "We needed more room to grow and expand our facilities at the Equine Center,"
said Dr. Andy Thulin. "We've recently completed some remodeling and new construction projects that are first class."
What are they? (I) Four new stocks that will allow for pregnancy checking and artificial insemination of mares. (2) A new expanded barn complete with
a collection dummy for collecting the five stallions standing at the EqUine Center. (3) A new hay barn that is able to store up to 500 tons of hay. Use of
the hay barn is only for the Equine Center.
Grazing on Sedgwick
eserve
Study links Cal Poly with UC Santa Barbara
or several years, the Cal Poly Animal Science Depart
ment has been working in cooperation with UC Santa
Barbara at the Sedgwick Reserve in Santa Ynez, which
is part of the UC Natural Reserve System. UC Santa Barbara
has recently reported on its extensive study exploring the pos
sible effects of high intensity - short duration (HISD) cattle
grazing, small mammal predation, and weather variations on
regeneration of valley oak and coast live oak on the Central
Coast of California.
Research began in 1995, on approximately 1,000 acres of
the Sedgwick Reserve, in Santa Ynez Valley. The study area
was divided into 20-acre pastures. Cal Poly managed approxi
mately 100 pairs of cattle that grazed the study area. Within
each pasture, experimental plots were established. Half of the
plots allowed cattle grazing and half excluded cattle. Every
year, for four years, a total of 1,000 acorns were planted, evenly
distributed over all plots of land. Within every plot of land,
randomly selected acorns received various degrees of protec
tion. Some were caged to exclude all sizes of mammals, in
cluding squirrels and gophers; others were caged to keep out
large mammals; such as deer, pigs, and cattle; still others were
not caged at all.
After collecting data on the growth and progress of every
seedling over four years, it was found that the presence of
cattle did not Significantly affect the growth of the young trees.
Rather, the majority of oak mortality can be attributed to pre
dation by small mammals and drought. In sharp contrast to
popular belief, the presence of cattle on the land appeared to
have slightly increased the percent of survivorship for young
seedlings. Those acorns planted in ungrazed plots actually
suffered a higher mortality rate than did those planted in grazed
areas.
For four years, only the oak tree regeneration was
studied. In 1999, Cal Poly student, Bart Cremers started a
Master's thesis based on the existing study, but looking at
additional effects of
HISD grazing on
Sedgwick's rangeland.
He monitored plant
species composition
and forage quality in
grazed and ungrazed
plots.
The two-year
Graduate student Bart Cremers collects forage samples at the Sedgwick Reserve
study showed that grazing had a positive effect on the range
lands. Cremers found that grazed plots had higher plant spe
cies diversity than ungrazed plots, and the number of species
was increasing in the grazed plots. Also, grazed plots had
more desirable plants and less undesirable plants. The grazed
plots had more native plants, and the native plants increased
in the grazed areas the second year. The amount of bare ground
was equal between the two treatments, but the bare ground
was decreasing in the grazed. The grazed plots also had a
higher feed value. The study is being continued this year by
Cal Poly Master's student Adrian Cuzick to further prove that
HISD grazing will produce higher quality rangeland than the
absence of grazing.
From research such as this, performed by the staff and
students at both Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara, it is pOSSible
to confirm what has been the position of many cattle produc
ers for years; cattle production and a healthy environment are
extremely compatible. Hopefully, with continued evidence
and results such as those highlighted above, the cattle indus
try can work with agencies to maintain a healthy and diverse
environment; as well as dispel the popular myth that com
mercial cattle production is destructive and harmful to the
natural ecosystem. Cal Poly is committed to continuing re
search studies pertaining to this topic, and is dedicated to help
ing create a mutually beneficial relationship for both cattle
and the environment. .p
--~-------
«!!IOtt!
Animal Science at Cal Poly continues to grow and thrive because of generous
donations from alumni and friends. Today's animal science graduates are trained
with the most up-to-date equipment and technology because of supporters like
you. Thank you for your support and belief in our program! Look for our grand list of donors and
supporters in the Summer 2003 issue of the Stock Report.
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Immunology and Nutrition Expert
named to Foster Farms Professorship
Dr. Elizabeth Koutsos was appointed to the Foster Farms Professorship in Poultry Science on
December 16. 2002. She was a research associate in the Avian Immunology/Nutrition Labo
ratory at UC Davis, where she received her Doctorate in poultry nutrition. She received a
Bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master's in poultry nutri
tion from UC Davis.
Koutsos has held fellowships provided by the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association and has collaborated with
researchers at many leading institutions, including the Washington National Zoo Nutrition Laboratory, Maryland Egg
Council, the San Diego Zoo and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company. Her research has focused on the relationships
between immunity and nutrition and the mechanisms by which they affect commercial poultry production. This
new faculty position is jointly supported by the College of Agriculture and Foster Farms, the largest poultry com
pany in the Western United States.
Get the latest online
at the new Animal Science website zrn
It's finally here, and online too! The Animal Science department has a new
webpage and website address developed with students at its center. Get
~
online and travel to and see our
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new information epicenter.
The new website was a six month project that recently culminated
in an online source for students, faculty, alumni, prospective students
and the general public. The site includes areas of study within the
.
.
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major as well as other information for prospective students. For current
~---- ~-
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students there is information on course offerings, a four-year study flow chart, gradu~
ation requirements, scholarship information and a section for internships and jobs. If you are
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looking for contact information for the deparment, click on Departement Contacts for a listing of Animal
Science staff.
For alumni and Animal Science friends that are visiting the website for the first time, there is an alumni registra
tion section. This area allows users to enter their contact information so that they are always up-to-date with the
happenings of the department.
STOCK REPO Err
Published by Cal Poly's Animal Science Department as a link between the nation's premier animal science program and alumni and friends.
For more information contact:
Animal Science Department
Building 10, Room 141
P 805.756.2419 F 805.756.7403 On the world wide web at www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
CELEBRATING
100
YEARS
I
Join us as we celebrate one hundred years of "Learn by Doing" and discover what
the Animal Science Department has to offer in 2003! The weekend will begin by
reuniting with old friends while "graZing" on Cal Poly Specialty Foods and Prod
ucts and tasting of the Central Coasts finest wines. Take part in our golf tourna
ment, a tour offacilities, attend the Ranch Horse Sale and finish the evening off
with a superb dinner, auction and dancing. Enjoy a Sunday breakfast gathering
before heading out to explore all the beauty Californias Central Coast has to offer.
Mark your calendars and call your friends ... don't miss the event that will be
talked about for the next 100 years! !
OF
ANIMAL
SCIENCE
WHEN?
May 16,17 & 18, 2003
WHERE?
California State Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObiSpo
LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMING
Call (805) 756-5398, Fax (805) 756-7403,
Visit our website at www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
or send in the enclosed registration card!
CAL POLY
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
Animal Science Department
PAID
San Luis Obispo, California 93407
San Luis Obsipo, CA
Permit No. 30
s c
I E N
c
Spring 2003
Courses Offer Insight
100 YEARS
OF - - HERITAGE
-----
New animal science courses expose students to benefits and
advances of biotechnology.
An·
By Nick Garica
Cal Poly is always on the cutting
edge and it's no different in the
J
university's animal science depart
ment.
installed a new state-of-the-art
genomics and biotechnology labora
tory that will open up opportunities
for students interested in the inno
Animal science student Don Win Is
pipeting samples to be tested for the pres
The laboratory is just one step in ence of genes.
the department's overall goal of de
The hands-on class allows students
vative science program.
veloping a top-notch biotechnology to apply biotechnology in the lab. Stu
program that rivals land grant univer dents handle and freeze embryos and
sities and government funded labs.
eventually clone them using the micro
"The lab is an incredible facility for manipulator purchased by a generous
animal science students," said Debbie donation from alumni Bob Thompson
Beckett, lecturer in the department. and student based fee money.
"We set out with a clear vision to
"Students are doing in our lab,
establish a facility that would benefit what professionals are doing in bio
the courses we hope to offer today technology labs across the world," said
and in the future. We purchased state Beckett. "It's a great learning oppor
of-the-art lab equipment so that our tunity that starts in the lab."
students can learn using the same
"This is the most intriguing course
I have ever enrolled in at Cal Poly," said
Beckett, an embryologist with Heidi Jackson, animal science senior.
seven years experience in the human "It's very intense, yet fun at the same
field saw a need to incorporate the time."
science at Cal Poly. With Dr. Andy
Students enrolled in the senior
Thulin, department head, she devel level course are extremely dedicated
oped ASCI 406: Applied Animal majors with interests in reproductive
Embryology which she teaches physiology. The class is three hours of
during the winter quarter. The lecture and six hours of lab per week.
course was developed to research Students begin by working on mice
and find scientific benefits that bio embryos for the first five weeks and
technology offers in animal selection, progress to bovine embryos by the end
breeding and genetics.
See BIOTECH, page 3
I
I
FEATURES
r
-
'17'/
/)'/ r.--( /j'/{ -fl'
t'.... ·t'.... J I l J,. ·t'....
.
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Cal Poly's founders had one clear vision:
Attract the state' finest and give them the tools
to succeed. One-hundred years later, that vision
continues to be reality. Animal science at Cal
Poly has been around since the beginning and
it's only fitting that we celebrate its century mark
with a birthday bash like none other.
"We're planning a big reunion that will
bring animal science alumni back to Cal Poly in
May," said Dr. Andy Thulin, department head.
"We're compiling history, photos, stories and
news spanning 100 years that celebrates animal
science's contributions to the university."
A graduate level course offered this Spring
will organize, publicize and execute the event
planned for May 16-18, 2003. Wendy Hall, part
time lecturer in the department will co-chair the
celebration with Dr. Thulin.
Events planned for the two-day reunion in
clude alumni dinners, tours of animal science
facilities and lots of opportunities to catch-up
with old friends.
"The reunion will be a great opportunity
for alumni to see the progress we've made over
the last century," said Thulin. "It will also be a
time to rekindle old friendships and meet cur
rent students."
The culmination of the weekend will be the
unveiling of, "A Century of Heritage" a book
chronicling the department's history at Cal Poly
from 1903 to 2003,
For more information on the alumni
reunion, see back page. Be sure not to miss out
on the activities and return the insert card today!
The department recently
equipment utilized in the industry."
15cience
~-
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«The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what
direction we are moving."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
M
uch has changed in the Animal Science Department during the past few years.
Department Head
During this time the Department has enjoyed the greatest number of qualified
student applicants, with the highest average SAT scores, in the College of Agriculture.
We are proud that the two National Merit Scholars in the college also reside in the department. We have excel
lent students who work hard to not only develop their own careers, but also to improve and enhance the direc
ANDY THULIN,
Ph.D
tion of the department. Our students demonstrated
their belief in the direction of the program when they
voted last spring to raise their fees by $200 per quarter
(Student Fee Funds). The fees are being used to up
grade teaching laboratories and facilities, equipment
purchases, and salaries for faculty and lecturers to pro
vide additional course offerings.
During the past three years, the department has
developed over 30 new or major revision courses and
deleted numerous older courses. A new animal
science curriculum has been approved for the fall 2003
catalog that will better serve our students. Three new
minors have been developed, including Equine Science,
Range Resource Management, and Meat Science and
Processing. Wouldn't it be great to be back in school?
We strengthened the poultry program by hiring
Dr. Liz Koutsos, whose background is in poultry
nutrition and immunology. This position was estab
lished as a result of the Foster Farms' $250k donation
over 5 years. With this kind donation, we were able to
complement some of our focus from egg production
and distribution to meat production and further pro
cessing. We also established a biotechnology program
and recently hired Dr. Dan Peterson, who is trained in
animal genomics. This position was made possible by
Student Fee Funds and it allows the Department to
meet the high student demand for the biotechnology
area. In addition, Student Fee Funds allowed the
department to remodel three technology laboratories
and strengthen the applied embryology area.
Changes occurred in the Equine Science area when
Gene Armstrong retired this past summer. This posi
tion will be replaced with a person trained in embryol
ogy and embryo transfer, to take over the equine
reproduction courses that Mr. Mike Lund has taught
for the past 14 years. Mr. Lund has moved more into
the behavior modification and management areas.
"f!!f'
2 I www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
Also, the department expanded the old breeding barn
into an equine artificial insemination and embryo trans
fer lab. Much of the funding was provided by an Agri
culture Research Initiative grant that Dr. Jaymie Noland
received to conduct embryo survival research in Quar
ter Horses. In addition, we finally built a much needed
500-ton hay barn to reduce our hay storage costs.
The department strengthened the meat science and
processing program by developing and implementing
further processing technologies and Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points (HACCP) courses. Dr.
Robert Vance has announced he will retire in August,
after 30 years at Cal Poly. Dr. Vance has been the leader
of the Cal Poly meat science and processing program,
making it one of the top undergraduate programs in
the U.S.
The department has received several faculty dis
tinction awards. Dr. Robert Vance recently received
the Sunkist Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award,
as well as the National Meat Association's E. Floyd
Forbes Award, the highest honor awarded in the meat
industry. Dr. Jaymie Noland recently received the
Monsanto New Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Jon
Beckett received the Plant Sciences, Inc. Outstanding
Faculty Award last spring.
Finally, I hope you will join us to celebrate the 100
Year Reunion of Animal Husbandry, Poultry Science,
and Animal Science. We will host a major celebration
of friends and alumni of these programs at Cal Poly on
May 16, 17 and 18. We expect about 750 participants
will celebrate the excellence of these programs from
1903 to 2003. A history book about these programs
"A Century of Heritage" - is being published and will
be available at the reunion. Please join us and many
friends from the past, as we celebrate the great times
we've had at Cal Poly. .p
ABOVE: STUDENTS WORK IN THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART GENOMICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY.
BIOTECH
I from
page 1
---------------------------------------of the quarter. Of the 300 plus embryos,
25 might be successful clones says
Beckett.
"Embryos are extremely delicate,"
she said.
ASCI 406 is just one part of the
The capstone of the course is the
departments long-term goal of a full
discussion on scientific and political is
biotechnology program and minor.
sues surrounding cloning and biotech
Beckett hopes to see this course offered
said Beckett. "This is learn by doing at
nology.
every quarter, both in beginning and ad
its best."
Beckett assigns students an issue and
At the end of the course,
vanced stages.
According to Beckett, students that
stance dealing with biotechnology. Stu
complete the course can go to work for
dents research pros and cons relating
again," said Jackson.
corporate biotechnology companies and
to their specific issue and hold a mock
forward to taking other biotech courses
be successful.
debate.
the department offers in this great
"I would take the course over
''I'm looking
"All embryo techniques look the
"The students don't get to choose
same and can be applied whether work
what side they will argue," said Beckett. "I
For more information logon to:
ing in human or animal biotechnology,"
do, and that's where the learning occurs."
"""""",animalscience.calpoly.edu/dbecken
Felows ip Established
Former Animal Science professor Bob Hooks will be forever remembered
Robert "Bob" Hooks
Professor of Animal
Science 1966-1988
Professor Robert "Bob" Hooks (Animal Husbandry
1961) served as a member of the Animal Science fac
ulty from 1966-1988. For over 22 years he touched
the lives of many students and sparked their interest
in animal nutrition.
Professor Hooks passed away on March 28, 200l.
In memory of her husband, Lillian R. Hooks, who for
many years worked on campus in the Kennedy
Library, established the Dr. Robert D. "Bob" Hooks
Undergraduate Fellowship in Animal Nutrition
Endowment. Her investment in the department's
future will provide student support to pay travel and
expenses to the annual California Animal Nutrition
Conference.
"I was pleased to be able to do this in memory of
Bob," remarked Mrs. Hooks. "Cal Poly Animal Sci
ence was something he truly loved." .p
lab.".p
Investing in
ANIMAL SCIENCE
For over a century, animal science has
enjoyed a wonderful learn by doing tra
dition of excellence. As the current fac
ulty and students chart a course into
the fu ture to even greater achieve
ments, private support from dedicated
alumni and friends will play an increas
ingly more important role in our suc
cess.
There are several ways you can partner
with the department to provide much
needed resources. In addition, some
giving methods may provide you with
attractive financial and tax benefits. For
more information contact the depart
ment office at 805.756.1241!
The Stocl< Report Spring 2003
I3
The Intercollegiate Horse Show
Association (IHSA) is unique be
cause individual colleges host shows
and provide horses for the exhibitors
to ride. Competitors are not allowed
to ride their own horses, use their
own tack, or warm up on the horses
prior to entering the arena. Horses
and riders are paired through a ran
dom draWing. This creates a fair en IHSA Team after a show they successfully hosted
vironment and is a true test of horse
manship.
community colleges. This year at Cal Poly, over 30 students
The classes range from beginning walk-trot to advanced
competed on the equestrian team. Ten riders will be com
equitation, jumping, and reining. Riders advance through
peting at the Regional, Zone, and National shows, which is
a team record.
the levels by accumulating points. Upon accumulating 35
IHSA competitions develop strong teamwork, sports
points, a rider advances to the next level and has qualified
for the Regional show. They then are eligible to compete at
manship, and horsemanship skills. Cal Poly's team relies
Zones and Nationals. In addition to qualifying individual
solely on its members and students themselves to schedule
riders for Nationals, each team strives to be the high point
practices, clinics, and travel to shows. We pride ourselves
on being self-sufficient and able to compete with the best
college and represent the region at Nationals.
IHSA is comprised of eight zones and over 24 regions.
schools in our zone. Most of these teams are financially
Cal Poly competes in Zone 8, Region 1 against UC Davis,
supported by their schools and have their own coaches,
horses, and facilities. .p
Stanford, CSU Fresno, UN Reno, UC Santa Cruz, and other
Western Bonanza Ce ebrates 19 years!
"It doesn't seem that long ago that I was taking pictures
Cal Poly partners \'lith the California Mid-State Fair and
at the first Western Bonanza," said Wendy Hall, lecturer and
other sponsors from around the state to put on the show. Stu
adviser to Cal Poly's Western Bonanza student committee.
dents solicit sponsors from beef, sheep and swine breeders as
"I am so excited to see it turn
well as local area businesses.
nineteen and to see it continu
"We get a lot of support be
ing to grow."
cause we're able to show com
Hall's excitement is for the
munity members that our hard
Western Bonanza, a junior live
work is going to tum into a good
stock show that was created as
old fashion family weekend,"
a senior project some nineteen
said Lauri Bollinger, student co
years ago. Today the show has
chair of the livestock show.
grown into the largest junior
"When the Western Bonanza is
jackpot show in California. The
in town, we sell out the local
most important part, it's all done
hotels and the local restaurants
by students.
The 2003 organizing committee worked for two quarare usually packed too!"
"The students are the comters to plan the annual livestock show.
This year's event was the largest
mittee," said Hall. "They make the decisions, plan the weekend and see the event through. They certainly deserve all
the credit."
ever for the show. Entries were up some 22-percent and area
attendance and media coverage continue to soar. Planning
for the shows twentieth anniversary has already begun.
Research Update
Noland lands Agricultural Research Initiative grant for horse research
A unique partnership between Cal Poly and Colorado State University
(CSU) is nearing the end of its second year. The project is a research study
funded by the Agricultural Research Initiative that looks into the use of
fresh and frozen horse semen and embryo recovery rates.
"I saw this grant as a great opportunity to get more students involved,
update our facilities and research something that the equine industry needs,"
said Dr. ]aymie Noland, associate professor of animal science and lead
researcher on the project.
Noland is working with Dr. Ed Squires of CSU in determining whether
fresh or frozen semen settles mares better. Next she and her students flush
the mares, cool the embryos and send them to Colorado for freezing. At
CSU, the embryos are thawed and inseminated into mares to research con
ception rates.
"Last year we harvested and sent nine embryos to Dr. Squires, of which
six were successfully transferred into mares," said Noland.
Noland involves as many students in the research project as possible.
She partners with Cal Poly's other horse projects to use their mares and
stallions, develops senior projects for students and uses over 20 students
on the research project. In addition, she partnered with Debbie Beckett's
animal science 406 course (see page 1) so that students interested in bio
technology could see the process of flushing embryos.
"The beauty of this project is that students get hands-on experience in
l1ushing embryos and get comfortable with embryo transfers," said Noland.
The research grant funded by the California State University was for
two years in the amount of $344,000. Recently Noland reapplied for the
grant and hopes to receive $80,000 to finish the research.
"Since we received the grant, we were able to update our facilities at
the Equine Center so that we would be prepared to conduct this research,"
said Noland. "We were able to purchase new stocks, ultra sound equip
ment and freezing machines."
Noland anticipates to hear about the grant funding by May. In the
meantime she has begun a small commercial embryo transfer operation at
the Equine Center to further her research and facility improvements.
FACI I IES
on the move
"It's an exciting opportunity for us," says
Dr. Andy Thulin, head of Cal Poly's animal
science department. Thulin is referring to the
university's recent decision to relocate four
animal science facilities from their present
locations.
The move is needed to support the
Capstone project, a new campus housing
complex that will house 2,700 students. To
make room for the project, the current beef
center/unit, meat processing facility, feed mill
and feed lot will have to relocate.
''Although we hate losing valuable agricul
tural land, we have to look to the future and
the many benefits that this move will provide
our students," said Thulin. "We'll be able to
build state-of-the-art facilities with relocation
money and help from alumni and friends."
The expected cost of the move is $6
million, which $5 million will come from the
university. The beef center will be relocated
to the Chorro Creek Ranch and will include
the bull test and embryo transfer facility. Both
the meat processing facility and feed lot will
move to land at the Beef Cattle Evaluation
Center. The feed mill will move to a central
location near Cal Poly's dairy.
"These moves will begin in October of
2003," said Thulin.
"The reunion could be
the last time for some to see the existing
facilities and reminisce about the good times."
Note: Look for more information about these re
location in the next issue of the Stock Report
LOOK WHAT'S
NEW AT THE
EQUINE CEN
There's new and exciting construction projects at the Equine Center. "We needed more room to grow and expand our facilities at the Equine Center,"
said Dr. Andy Thulin. "We've recently completed some remodeling and new construction projects that are first class."
What are they? (I) Four new stocks that will allow for pregnancy checking and artificial insemination of mares. (2) A new expanded barn complete with
a collection dummy for collecting the five stallions standing at the EqUine Center. (3) A new hay barn that is able to store up to 500 tons of hay. Use of
the hay barn is only for the Equine Center.
Grazing on Sedgwick
eserve
Study links Cal Poly with UC Santa Barbara
or several years, the Cal Poly Animal Science Depart
ment has been working in cooperation with UC Santa
Barbara at the Sedgwick Reserve in Santa Ynez, which
is part of the UC Natural Reserve System. UC Santa Barbara
has recently reported on its extensive study exploring the pos
sible effects of high intensity - short duration (HISD) cattle
grazing, small mammal predation, and weather variations on
regeneration of valley oak and coast live oak on the Central
Coast of California.
Research began in 1995, on approximately 1,000 acres of
the Sedgwick Reserve, in Santa Ynez Valley. The study area
was divided into 20-acre pastures. Cal Poly managed approxi
mately 100 pairs of cattle that grazed the study area. Within
each pasture, experimental plots were established. Half of the
plots allowed cattle grazing and half excluded cattle. Every
year, for four years, a total of 1,000 acorns were planted, evenly
distributed over all plots of land. Within every plot of land,
randomly selected acorns received various degrees of protec
tion. Some were caged to exclude all sizes of mammals, in
cluding squirrels and gophers; others were caged to keep out
large mammals; such as deer, pigs, and cattle; still others were
not caged at all.
After collecting data on the growth and progress of every
seedling over four years, it was found that the presence of
cattle did not Significantly affect the growth of the young trees.
Rather, the majority of oak mortality can be attributed to pre
dation by small mammals and drought. In sharp contrast to
popular belief, the presence of cattle on the land appeared to
have slightly increased the percent of survivorship for young
seedlings. Those acorns planted in ungrazed plots actually
suffered a higher mortality rate than did those planted in grazed
areas.
For four years, only the oak tree regeneration was
studied. In 1999, Cal Poly student, Bart Cremers started a
Master's thesis based on the existing study, but looking at
additional effects of
HISD grazing on
Sedgwick's rangeland.
He monitored plant
species composition
and forage quality in
grazed and ungrazed
plots.
The two-year
Graduate student Bart Cremers collects forage samples at the Sedgwick Reserve
study showed that grazing had a positive effect on the range
lands. Cremers found that grazed plots had higher plant spe
cies diversity than ungrazed plots, and the number of species
was increasing in the grazed plots. Also, grazed plots had
more desirable plants and less undesirable plants. The grazed
plots had more native plants, and the native plants increased
in the grazed areas the second year. The amount of bare ground
was equal between the two treatments, but the bare ground
was decreasing in the grazed. The grazed plots also had a
higher feed value. The study is being continued this year by
Cal Poly Master's student Adrian Cuzick to further prove that
HISD grazing will produce higher quality rangeland than the
absence of grazing.
From research such as this, performed by the staff and
students at both Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara, it is pOSSible
to confirm what has been the position of many cattle produc
ers for years; cattle production and a healthy environment are
extremely compatible. Hopefully, with continued evidence
and results such as those highlighted above, the cattle indus
try can work with agencies to maintain a healthy and diverse
environment; as well as dispel the popular myth that com
mercial cattle production is destructive and harmful to the
natural ecosystem. Cal Poly is committed to continuing re
search studies pertaining to this topic, and is dedicated to help
ing create a mutually beneficial relationship for both cattle
and the environment. .p
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«!!IOtt!
Animal Science at Cal Poly continues to grow and thrive because of generous
donations from alumni and friends. Today's animal science graduates are trained
with the most up-to-date equipment and technology because of supporters like
you. Thank you for your support and belief in our program! Look for our grand list of donors and
supporters in the Summer 2003 issue of the Stock Report.
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Immunology and Nutrition Expert
named to Foster Farms Professorship
Dr. Elizabeth Koutsos was appointed to the Foster Farms Professorship in Poultry Science on
December 16. 2002. She was a research associate in the Avian Immunology/Nutrition Labo
ratory at UC Davis, where she received her Doctorate in poultry nutrition. She received a
Bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master's in poultry nutri
tion from UC Davis.
Koutsos has held fellowships provided by the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association and has collaborated with
researchers at many leading institutions, including the Washington National Zoo Nutrition Laboratory, Maryland Egg
Council, the San Diego Zoo and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company. Her research has focused on the relationships
between immunity and nutrition and the mechanisms by which they affect commercial poultry production. This
new faculty position is jointly supported by the College of Agriculture and Foster Farms, the largest poultry com
pany in the Western United States.
Get the latest online
at the new Animal Science website zrn
It's finally here, and online too! The Animal Science department has a new
webpage and website address developed with students at its center. Get
~
online and travel to and see our
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new information epicenter.
The new website was a six month project that recently culminated
in an online source for students, faculty, alumni, prospective students
and the general public. The site includes areas of study within the
.
.
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major as well as other information for prospective students. For current
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students there is information on course offerings, a four-year study flow chart, gradu~
ation requirements, scholarship information and a section for internships and jobs. If you are
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looking for contact information for the deparment, click on Departement Contacts for a listing of Animal
Science staff.
For alumni and Animal Science friends that are visiting the website for the first time, there is an alumni registra
tion section. This area allows users to enter their contact information so that they are always up-to-date with the
happenings of the department.
STOCK REPO Err
Published by Cal Poly's Animal Science Department as a link between the nation's premier animal science program and alumni and friends.
For more information contact:
Animal Science Department
Building 10, Room 141
P 805.756.2419 F 805.756.7403 On the world wide web at www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
CELEBRATING
100
YEARS
I
Join us as we celebrate one hundred years of "Learn by Doing" and discover what
the Animal Science Department has to offer in 2003! The weekend will begin by
reuniting with old friends while "graZing" on Cal Poly Specialty Foods and Prod
ucts and tasting of the Central Coasts finest wines. Take part in our golf tourna
ment, a tour offacilities, attend the Ranch Horse Sale and finish the evening off
with a superb dinner, auction and dancing. Enjoy a Sunday breakfast gathering
before heading out to explore all the beauty Californias Central Coast has to offer.
Mark your calendars and call your friends ... don't miss the event that will be
talked about for the next 100 years! !
OF
ANIMAL
SCIENCE
WHEN?
May 16,17 & 18, 2003
WHERE?
California State Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObiSpo
LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMING
Call (805) 756-5398, Fax (805) 756-7403,
Visit our website at www.animalscience.calpoly.edu
or send in the enclosed registration card!
CAL POLY
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
Animal Science Department
PAID
San Luis Obispo, California 93407
San Luis Obsipo, CA
Permit No. 30