A N I M A L S C I E N C E STOCK REPORT Spring/Summer 2004 Animal science units redesigned for upgrade and relocation Facilities on the move Construction of new animal facilities will begin in Summer 2005 to replace the current bull test, feed mill, feed lot and abattoir scheduled for relocation to make way for the Student Housing North proj­ ect. By 2008, these animal science units, covering approximately 35 acres north of Brizzolara Creek, will be replaced with fully operating apartments for sophomores, upper-division, married and graduate students, according to the Cal Poly Outlook and facilities planning Web sites. The current feed mill will become the Animal Nutrition Center located near the existing Poultry Unit. The bull test will be part of a new Beef Center on Chorro Creek Ranch, north of Cuesta College. An addition will be made to the Beef Cattle Evalu­ ation Center to serve as the new feedlot and a new abattoir, called the Meat Processing Center, will be constructed along Hwy 1, near Parker Ranch. The old units will remain in use until 2006, when con­ struction of the new units is complete. “Other than the move, there will be no impact on the animal science department,” said Joel Neel, associate director of facilities planning and capital projects for Cal Poly. The animal science department is using the move as an opportunity to improve the facilities. The Animal Nutrition Center design separates the milling of ruminant and non-ruminant feeds. Feed mill managers from animal nutrition companies such as Cargill, Associated Feeds, Nutritional Physiology Corporation and FE ATURE S Harris Ranch reviewed the engineering plans for the center, offering perspective and input from the cutting-edge of feed manufacturing technology. The Beef Center will accommodate not only the bull test but also embryo ?ushing and embryo transfer, complete with a small lab, chutes and cor­ rals. The Meat Processing Center design includes harvesting, processing and further processing in one location, strategically situated up wind of produc­ tion units to prevent contamination. “We want versatility in the facilities, so when technology changes, we can change with it without increasing costs,” said Andy Thulin, animal science department head. Location decisions were made with two main concerns in mind: unit proximity to the core of campus and to not develop prime agricultural land whenever possible, said Mark Shelton, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Ag Land Use Committee member. These concerns are set out by the Cal Poly Master Plan revised March 2001 and approved by the California State University Board of Trustees. “The options are few when these factors are con­ sidered,” Shelton said. New units were placed next to existing units to save costs. “The infrastructure, such as power, water and sewer, is already there,” Thulin said. “This costs less than building on a whole new site.” Thulin and Neel will make ?nal decisions about site locations. The goal is to have labs only a 10-minute walk or bike ride away, Shelton said. ALUMN I Despite efforts to build new units close to the campus core, students will commute to Chorro Creek Ranch for labs at the Beef Center. The total travel time to the Beef Center would slice out about 40 minutes of a three hour lab, Thu­ lin said. The Cal Poly Facilities Planning Department will soon hire a Student Housing North program man­ ager and this construction management company will address the transportation issue. “No speci?c planning has been done on this, yet,” said Linda Dalton, executive vice provost and chief planning of?cer for Cal Poly. The next step for the animal science department is to determine the functionality of the new facili­ ties for effective design. Committees of faculty and industry professionals serve each of the new units to determine the function requirements of the build­ ings. The animal science external advisory council viewed the preliminary design plans and offered input, Thulin said. The improvements, however needed and bene?­ cial, come with a price tag. “The state gave us $8 million to build the units, an outside ?rm assessed the project at $12 million, but we should be able to do it with about $10 mil­ lion,” Thulin said. A design-build company will complete the ?nal design during Fall 2004. S TU DE NTS DE PT. N E WS Old facilities replaced with new as Equine Center renovations continue Visitors to the Horse Unit have commented that very little has changed over the years. Well, changes are beginning to take place. Over the past three years, planning for enhancement of the facilities has occurred. First, the facility name was changed. To the “Equine Center,” which better re?ects the many different types of equine activities that take place in and around the facilities commonly known as the Horse Unit. Today, the Equine Center facilitates advanced training classes; embryo ?ushing, transfer and breeding activities as well as management, nutrition and physiology courses; all of which relate to the new equine science minor. Based on student interest, the Equine Center is the most impacted animal unit at Cal Poly. Unfortunately, over the years, the facilities have not kept pace with the increase in student demand. In order to meet increased student enrollment and demand, a plan was developed dur­ ing the 2001-02 academic year to remodel existing facilities and to build new facilities. Since that time a new 500-ton hay barn was built. Construction of the barn was made possible through a Cal Poly Foundation loan and donor support. Before the barn, hay was stored in outside stacks covered with tarps. This storage method resulted in hay spoilage each year, but since construction of the barn, weather damage of the hay has greatly decreased. Concurrently veterinarian and animal science professor, Jaymie Noland, obtained a research grant to study the effects of using frozen equine semen on embryo survivability. The remodeling of the breeding barn was completed with a portion of this grant and other funding. A stallion collection facility was added to the breeding barn and the existing labora­ tory space in the breeding barn was substantially expanded. The breeding barn interior was ?nished, including the instillation of concrete ?ooring to minimize dust and contamination when ?ushing and transferring embryos. Construction plans were made for additional facilities that will bring the Equine Center to the cutting edge. More than 10,000 cubic yards of soil were used to ?ll the area next to the student horse barn and bring the ground to the same grade as the student horse barn. In this area, plans were approved to build two 40-stall mare barns that will provide housing for 80 horses. Each barn will have 12’-by-12’ covered stalls and 12’-by-24’ outside runs. The two barns will allow the department to remove horses from hillside pastures during rainy winter months and improve pasture management. A new building, approximately 40’-by-135,’ will be located adjacent to the two 40-stall barns, according to the current plans. The building is designed to include a hoof care and demonstration area, a meeting room for equine industry functions, restrooms and tack and equipment storage rooms to support the two 40-stall barns. This building is critical for stu­ dent success as a covered meeting area and farrier/hoof care facility does not currently exist at the Equine Center. The existing mare barn, consisting of eight stalls and a small meeting room, next to the breeding facility is designated for removal and a 13-stall barn will be built in its place. The existing barn was moved to the Equine Center around 1960 from another location on campus. The structure is beyond reasonable repair. The replacement barn will be used to house mares under lights in order to stimulate estrus in preparation for breeding. Future plans also include covering the existing Hadley Arena and building a smaller arena directly above the existing Hadley Arena. Covering the Hadley Arena will provide a 150’ -by-275’ covered arena to accommodate year-round instruction of equine classes. Cur­ rently, training classes are temporarily cancelled during periods of rain to allow the existing arena to dry. The covered arena will provide greater ?exibility for class scheduling during the winter and early spring and will allow the department to provide additional classes to help meet student demand. The smaller arena will facilitate classes working with foals and handling young horses. Aside from major reconstructive efforts taking place at the Equine Center, basic maintenance requirements of the programs and facilities still exist. Replacement fencing and pasture im­ provements are critically needed; equipment such as trucks, trailers and tractors are needed for more ef?cient operation of the Equine Center. These new facilities will allow us to better manage the increased student enrollment and growing interest in equine science from stu­ dents in the College of Agriculture and other majors across Cal Poly. 2 www.animalscience.calpoly.edu “ A good goal is within your reach but just out of your grasp. ” - Anon. Opposite page: Current facilities await rennovation. Top: the Hadley Arena; the Working Horse Barn; the Hadley Arena and site of future small arena. This page: Future and recent facility additions. Top: The 500-ton hay barn; the new breeding lab; a MD Barns Gable-Style horse barn; an Inline Barn by MD Barns. (MD Barn photos, courtesy MD Enterprises, Inc.) he face of animal science at Cal Poly is evolving but the heart of the department remains the same. Change has swept through our classrooms and units, bringing with it the excitement of improvement and the challenge of adjustment. Today, the animal science department is a different place than it was a year ago. New classes. New students. New professors. But this change occurs on a solid foundation. The dedication and innovation of department faculty and staff is recognized by many, from students to national organizations. We continue to strengthen the animal science program with the introduction of 18 new courses and major revisions of existing courses. During the past spring, we developed seven new courses, including courses such as principles of animal science, advanced molecular techniques in animal science and immunology and diseases. In addition, we submitted 11 course modi?cations, including such courses as meat science, applied biotechnology in animal science and poultry business management. These new and revised courses allow us to better prepare our students for rewarding careers in numerous professional ?elds. Animal science students bring many different interests and goals to the department. Due to such variety of student interest and the rapid pace of change in today’s technology-driven world, it is critical that ?exible and challenging programs are developed within the department. The current department curriculum allows students to explore many facets of animal science-related industries and professions. Forty-six percent of 2002-03 graduates went to veterinary school or graduate school. Other students began their careers in ?elds such as animal and human pharmaceutical sales, animal nutrition, the biotechnology industry, the food industry, teaching and animal production and management. The animal science department continues to be one of the most impacted programs in the College of Agriculture. Unfortunately, with more than 600 students currently in the animal science major, budget restrictions forced us to limit enrollment for the 2004­ 05 academic year. State budgets are strained, with total budget cuts to the college of about 22 percent for 2003-04 and 2004-05. During Spring 2002 students voted to increase fees. These funds allowed the department to avoid major layoffs of faculty and staff. Also, strong support from industry and private donors have enabled the department to update equipment and facilities, which keeps our students current with cutting-edge technology, and competitive long after graduation. Changes continue to occur in the equine science area, which is the most impacted program in the department. Matt Burd, a veterinarian and equine reproductive physiologist, was hired in January to teach the equine reproduction course and to further develop the reproduction and embryo transfer areas. This summer professors Roger Hunt and Mike Lund accepted the golden handshake early retirement package offered by the State of California. Their retirements are a big loss for the department. These vacant positions will be ?lled with tenure-tract faculty during the next 12 months. For the 2004-05 academic year, Mr. Lund will return part-time to teach equine behavior modi?cation courses. Pete Agalos, a local cutting and performance horse trainer who has coached seven national champion Future Farmers of America horse judging teams, was hired for the academic year to teach courses full time in the equine area and coach the equine judging team. Another part-time lecturer is in the process of being hired. This fall, we will invite equine industry leaders to participate in a strategic visioning process, to help identify areas that could strengthen our equine program for the future. Although the animal science program is constantly adapting, the quality of the animal science faculty and staff remain constant. Organizations throughout the agriculture industry recognize the quality of the animal science department faculty and staff, a standard proven by acts of creativity, progressiveness and dedication to students. The College of Agriculture’s Winter Reception recognized three faculty and staff members for excellence. Becky Holleran, animal science department administrative support coordinator, received the Dole Staff Award for her work with faculty recruitment, budgets and the 100 Year Reunion, all of which enhance the quality of the animal science program. The Seminis Outstanding Faculty Advising Award went to Jonathan Beckett, animal science professor and beef cattle production specialist. Beckett is a popular adviser among animal science students. He developed several student advising tools used to ensure successful careers after graduation. Wendy Hall, animal science lecturer and Western Bonanza adviser, received the CAGR Special Award for her endless efforts in organizing the 100 Year Animal Science Reunion. The event was the largest event to ever be held at Cal Poly for alumni and friends. In April, Liz Koutsos, animal science assistant professor and recipient of the Foster Farms professorship, was awarded the 2004 Milton L. Sunde Award, given at the American Society for Nutritional Science annual meeting. This award recognized Koutsos’ manuscript in The Journal of Nutrition entitled “Maternal Carotenoid Status Modi?es the Incorporation of Dietary Carotenoids in to Immune Tissues of Growing Chickens.” Koutsos’ work is noted for outstanding experimental and applied research in nutrition using an avian species. At the Animal Science Annual Awards Banquet Joel Judge, animal science lecturer and Esculea Cow-Calf enterprise adviser, was named the 2004 Teacher of the Year for his drive to engage and involve students in all aspects of the animal science department and the livestock industry. The banquet also named the Lifetime Block and Bridle Member, Robert Vance, animal science professor and meat science specialist; awarded for his contributions to the animal science department. Vance retired after 31 years with Cal Poly. He impacted animal science students by helping many ?nd meaningful employment in the meat industry. He ranked among the highest on student evaluations for excellent teaching and mentorship. While the animal science department continues to change and evolve, we remain steadfast in our learn-by-doing teaching philosophy. Our students are in high demand by numerous industries for their understanding of technology and their “can­ do” attitude. We sincerely appreciate your continued support of this great program and I encourage you to stop by the animal science department of?ce whenever you are in the area. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments about the program. Our door is always open. THE STOCK REPORT F E AT U R E S Department Vision 3 New faculty improve opportunities for students Graduate returns to enhance programs Allen Pettey returned to Cal Poly as a professor to work with “motivated, intelligent students” and to see to it that the swine unit gets a face lift. Pettey joined the animal science department in March 2004 as the new swine professor and manager of the swine unit. Pettey teaches swine production, sheep labs, non-ruminant nu­ trition and introduction to animal science. His interview with the department sold him on the position. It was summer, but still about 15 students showed up for the interview. “They asked the most interesting questions about me and what I would bring to the department,” Pettey said. “It was the best interview.” Pettey said he wants to involve students; open doors for them to an industry they might not know existed. Pettey’s stu­ dents will gain exposure to cutting-edge practices in the swine industry. Pettey grew up in Bloomington, Calif., near San Bernardino, where his family raises purebred Southdown sheep. He came to Cal Poly, joined the livestock judging team and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Then, Pettey left California. He headed to Oklahoma State University to obtain a master’s degree in monogastric nutri­ tion. Before returning to Poly, Pettey secured another degree. He completed a doctorate degree in swine nutrition from the University of Kentucky. Pettey’s primary goal is to improve the image of the swine facility and have it be better utilized for student learning and high-level research projects. He said he feels the swine facility can serve in an extension role through cooperative activities with small and large-scale swine producers in the Western United States. Physiologist brings industry expertise Cal Poly’s equine program is in full swing thanks to the newest faculty member, Matt Burd. As the animal science de­ partment’s new equine reproductive physiologist, Burd teaches equine reproduction, equine biomechanics and systematic physiology. He is eager to further his skills and develop those of his students. “As a veterinarian, students can work under me and do things they never could before. I want to raise the bar of pro­ ?ciency, learning and my own expectations of students,” Burd said. Burd earned a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in marine science from San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Lab and then Burd graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. After this, he opened an equine veterinarian practice on the Big Island of Hawaii and later worked for Santa Lucia Farm, a full-service cutting horse breeding and foaling fa­ cility in Santa Ynez, Calif. After working in the equine industry, Burd wanted to teach students and make a difference. And he knows just the ingredients for change. “I want to collaborate with the equine industry to improve facilities, ultimately attracting higher quality horses, clients and students,” Burd said. National champion coach leads Poly team Pete Agalos is no stranger to horses or judging teams. In fact, he’s coached eight national champion horse judging teams dur­ ing his career as a high school agricultural sciences teacher. For the past 11 years Agalos taught at Arroyo Grande High School, spending the summers training cutting horses. He joined the animal science department in April 2004 to teach ASCI 324, advanced equine evaluation, and coach Cal Poly’s horse judg­ ing team to be ?elded in Fall 2004. “My game plan is to work hard and keep working hard. I expect my team to be committed and work just as hard as I do,” Agalos said of his goals and expectations for the team. This marks the ?rst time in two years that Cal Poly will have both the livestock and horse judging teams compete nationally. The horse judging team plans to attend the Ohio State Quarter Horse Congress, American Quarter Horse Associa­ tion World Show and the National Reining Horse Association Futurity. During these contests students judge up to 12 classes of performance horses and horses on halter, and then give ?ve to six sets of reasons. “You learn so much, it could bene?t your whole career. If you are already a horse person, it will enhance your knowl­ Top to bottom: Allen Pettey, edge, training ability and showmanship,” said Mary Edes, Matt Burd and Pete Agalos agribusiness senior and team member. Student’s innovations bring pro?t to enterprise projects A new approach to a tradtional event The ten members of the Ranch Horse enterprise wanted their sale to be different. They wanted it to break the mold. The Ranch and Performance Horse sale, held in May, featured a trade show, raf?e, wine and cheese tasting, a silent auction and a barbecue. Students and faculty from other departments contributed to the event. “The best part of the sale this year was everyone coming together,” said Ellen Kim, animal science senior and project member. The professional image of the sale, created by the project members, paid off. Nineteen horses sold, including ten 2 year olds averaging $3,800, four seasoned horses and ?ve broodmares for a total sale average of $3,333. The high-selling horse of $5,400 was Smart Summer Fox, a 2002 bay ?lly out of Smart Summer Cash, sired by Cinderellas Fox, and trained by Ellen Kim. Enterprise members are selected to start and train Cal Poly bred Quarter Horse 2-year-olds un­ der saddle and sell them at a live auction. Under the 4 supervision of animal science professor Mike Lund, the students rode daily, increasing their horse’s ver­ satility by gathering cattle and horses, performing herd work, roping, trailing, reining and exposing them to the daily commotion of life at the horse unit. Sires represented were Cinderellas Fox, License To Shine, Colonel YoYo, Boomernicker, Smart Cash Cutter, Little River Olena and Okies Leo Rose. Ma­ jor sponsors included Atwood Hats, Farm Supply, Platinum Performance, Cowboy Brand Candles, Cowboy Magic and Stony Creek Station. For more information visit the Web site at: http://ranchhors e.lib.calpoly.edu. Escuela calves recognized for aboveaverage performance The 2003 Escuela Ranch enterprise made minor management adjustments and received a major bonus. The enterprise added one respiratory vaccina­ tion and eliminated the heavier and lighter steers www.animalscience.calpoly.edu from the load of cattle they sent Caprock Feeders, in Texas, as part of the company’s Sharing Total Value program. This small change in the favor of uniformity put the cattle in the top 10 percent of the harvest plant. “(The cattle) out-performed Caprock’s expecta­ tions,” said Joel Judge, animal science lecturer and project adviser. This above-average performance generated additional income. The 71 head of Escuela steer calves that made the top 10 percent at the harvest plant received $67.88 per head in total added value. The project received $21.35 per head of the total added value. “It is like a bonus for the cattle ?nishing out sooner than estimated,” Judge said. The Escuela Ranch is a student-run enterprise consisting of 15 students who every year manage the 180-head herd through all stages of production . In 2002, the Escuela calves did well, barely miss­ ing the top 33 percent threshold at the plant due to respiratory problems, a result of the cattle’s adjust­ ment to arid Dalhart, Texas, after life on the Central Coast. EDITOR’S NOTE What happens next? Five years ago she had it all ?gured out. Work­ ing at an up-scale French restaurant, studying at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena and majoring in hotel and restaurant management at Cal Poly Pomona, she had priorities and plans. Then Catherine Mi visited the Rotta Ranch in Ar­ royo Grande, Calif., and everything began to change. Mi, a recent animal science graduate, credits her experiences on the Rotta Ranch, an animal science lecturer and one particular class with discovering her passion in life, a search that had brought her through different universities and many majors. Mi, following her heart, begins work as an embryologist at the La Jolla IVF, a fertility clinic, in September 2004. She turned down two job offers for the same position on the East Coast. Changes began when the restaurant industry lost its appeal. “It looks glamorous, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be,” she said. She changed her major to nutrition. Then to pre-vet. Then she changed universities, entering Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an agribusiness student - then she switched majors again, ?nally settling in as an animal science student - and later moved to the Rotta Ranch. “My life then was such a whirlwind, all these changes happened in a matter of weeks,” she said with a wide adventurous smile, the smile of someone who has taken a chance. The Pasadena native who candidly describes her­ self as a “total city girl” found herself getting up early to feed cows and do chores. She planted, harvested and herded. She commuted a half hour from the ranch to Poly. “I’d never come close to a cow before, then I was fully in (the ranch life),” Mi said. “How often does someone with no experience get to do this?” she said, revealing her open-minded perspective on life. Mi discovered embryology and biotechnology in ASCI 304, animal breeding, taught by animal science lecturer Debbie Beckett. “I saw a spark in her when I talked about biotech and embryology,” Beckett said. Mi found out about the once-a-year applied ani­ mal embryology class, ASCI 406, and was ?rst to sign up on the waiting list. “From the ?rst day of class, she was thrilled to be there, always wanting to know more,” Beckett said. The class gave Mi her career. “I took that class and it is everything I am now. Without it and without Debbie I would not be who I am,” she said. The next year Mi worked as a teaching assistant for the class, putting in about six hours a day every week and her excitement for the subject did not wan. “That I want to be there tells me I am doing the right thing. I want that excitement every day,” Mi said. Mi studied animal science and animal embryos, yet she will work in a human clinic. For some, this would send up a red ?ag. Even though there are no schools for training human embryologists, the interview panel still addressed the issue. The panel wanted to know if she understood the importance of working with human embryos, that she could not carelessly drop them as if they were mouse embryos. Mi answered that she was con?dent in her training and background. “The (biotech) equipment (at Cal Poly) is awe­ some, the micromanipulator for example. Students don’t take advantage of this enough,” Mi said. Landing a job in human embryology is not easy, saidDiane Batzo?n, the La Jolla IVF administrator. In the 1980s human embryologists were medical technicians with special training. “We are giving her an opportunity. We are going to train her because we think it is appropriate to invest time with her because she is so enthusiastic. She truly loves it,” Batzo?n said. Three fertility clinics offered Mi a position. Beckett said it is not because of her technical skills alone. “She has drive, motivation, she can work with people or individually, she’s got it all,” Beckett said. While working with animal science professors, Mi polished her life skills, like having a positive attitude. “Professors here are truly interested in who you are and what you want to become,” she said “if you put in even the smallest effort, you will get so much in return. They have so much to offer.” ALUMNI Every non-pre vet graduate of the animal science department has had this conversation at least once: Other person: “What is your degree in?” Animal science grad: “Animal sci­ ence.” Other person: “So, you’re going to be a vet?” Animal science grad: “No.” Other person (with a look of surprise and shock): “What else can you do with a degree in animal science?” My college career is an answer to that question. I graduated Magna Cum Laude last June with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in ethnic studies and agricultural communica­ tions. It took me ?ve years. I was on the 2001 Thoroughbred enterprise, a staff writer for the Mustang Daily in 2002, managing editor of the Daily in 2003­ 04. Scattered throughout my years were Thoroughbred racehorse sales in Los Angeles, Del Mar, the Bay Area and Ocala, Fla. where I worked to support my education. I am a writer who loves science and can’t seem to get the freedom of a ranch childhood out of my blood. For me, spe­ cialization is death. Friends and family alike were afraid to ask me the question looming over every college grad: What happens next? Working on a sustainability issue for the Mustang Daily, I had the opportu­ nity to interview Allan Savory, founder of holistic management, thanks to Rob Rutherford, an animal science professor. Savory’s intriguing perceptions sent me running to the computer to research more about this method of life and land management. I found the Savory Center Africa Centre for Holistic Management in Zimbabwe, tracked down an intern­ ship coordinator, met with her when she came to Poly and started saving money for immunization shots, plane tickets and room and board in a bungalow on the center’s ranch. After ?ve years at Poly I realized that graduates need hard skills or technical skills and soft skills or communication skills to ?nd success. The animal science department and Cal Poly gave me both. So at the end of my college career, with relief, I realized I might not be a starving writer my whole life after all. When plans change: From restaurants to ranches Right: Catherine Mi biospyes embryos with a mircomanipulator to determine their sex. Below: Mi looks for embryos or semen in a liquid nitrogen tank to use in a grant research project. Abbey Kingdon is a 2004 graduate of the animal science department Photographer: Ken Chen THE STOCK REPORT 5 Animal Science Banquet recognizes outstanding seniors The animal science department named nine graduating seniors as outstanding. Danielle O’Brien, Joe Gardner, Garret Guenther, Ann-Marie Heckendorf, Ellen Kim, Abbey Kingdon, Andrea Nelson, Shane Osterthaler,and Stephanie Quinn were the recipients of the 2004 Outstanding Senior Award, based on academic standing and/or department involvement. Joe Gardner of Santa Maria, Calif., managed the swine unit and participated in poultry enterprises while at Cal Poly. He said he hopes to work in the feed or swine industry after graduation. Garret Guenther of San Diego, Calif., participated in the department’s Veterinary Science Club, poultry enterprises and said he hopes to attend vet school in Fall 2004. Ann-Marie Heckendorf of Modesto, Calif., spent her extra time at Cal Poly with the Vet Science Club, working as the reproductive physiology/embryology lab manager and the herd health manager of the Bull Test. Three vet schools accepted Heckendorf. She chose UC Davis and will begin in Fall 2004. Ellen Kim of North Hills, Calif., has been involved in all aspects of the equine and beef programs and currently pursues farm and breeding manager positions in the equine industry. Abbey Kingdon of Taylorsville, Calif., will participate in an internship at the Savory Center’s Africa Centre for Holistic Management in Zimbabwe, Africa upon graduation. She participated in the Thoroughbred enterprise and was the 2003-04 managing editor of the Mustang Daily. Andrea Nelson of Sebastopol, Calif., took full advantage of her time with the animal science department by living and working at the beef unit and participating in nutrition and feed internships across the nation. She will attend the University of Wyoming in pursuit of a master’s degree in range nutrition. Danielle O’Brien of Concord, Calif., was named outstanding senior because of her 3.865 grade point average. The School of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State accepted O’Brien. A position in the research lab at UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital was also offered to O’Brien. Shane Osterthaler of Palmdale, Calif., has been active in all areas of the department during his seven years in attendance. He was the meat lab manager and has several job offers in the meat industry. Stephanie Quinn of Carmel, Calif., accepted a graduate assistantship at the University of Nebraska in ruminant nutrition. She participated in beef enterprises and was the presiden