New grant leads to study that will positively impact poultry industry New study from The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences will have a positive economic impact on the poultry industry worldwide. Drs. Kichoon Lee, David Latshaw and Sangsu Shin from the Department of Animal Sciences at Ohio State were recently awarded a $350,000 grant to study the molecular and cellular function of a gene responsible for muscle growth and development in the poultry animal species. Lee and his colleagues hope to find the DLK1 protein that is directly responsible for increased muscle growth in avian species. By increasing the muscle mass in avian species, producers will have the ability to develop new breeding strategies that will select for superior avian lines. A one percent increase in poultry muscle mass translates to a profit of $36 million for the poultry industry, says Lee. "After we identify the active part of DLK1 protein, we can use it as an agent to increase muscle mass in the food animal species. Eventually, the study can be translated to include applications in humans as well," said Lee, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. Results from this study can have implications for other animal species and can be applied to studies in muscle wasting diseases or muscle regeneration for damaged tissue in human health. The study, "The role of delta-like homolog 1 in muscle growth and development of poultry," is a three-year study funded through a USDA-AFRI grant.

Ohio State hosts Sixth Annual Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences will host the 2010 Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge February 11 through 13 in Wooster, Ohio. The annual event draws the best and brightest among Midwest college students enrolled in dairy science programs. According to contest chair, John Goeser of Vita Plus, 75 students are scheduled to participate in the management analysis and recommendation program. Over the two-day event, students will work with teammates to visit a dairy farm and evaluate the business through both observation and interviews with the herd owner and/or manager. Their task is to identify management recommendations, which are then presented to a panel of judges who have expertise in dairy management, nutrition and reproduction, animal health and agri-business finance. The Midwest event is one of four regional contests associated with the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC). NAIDC was established in 2002 as a management contest spanning all phases of a specific dairy business. It strives to incorporate a higher-learning atmosphere with practical application, in return generating highly qualified graduates to lead and further improve the dairy industry. More than 1,500 students enhanced their dairy management, communication and business skills through the Dairy Challenge program. Financial support for the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge and its regional contests comes from generous contributions from dairy industry companies, associations and foundations, and dairy business owners. NAIDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Contributions to Dairy Challenge are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Visit www.dairychallenge.org for more information on sponsorship support, or contact Executive Director Molly Kelley at 217-684-3007 or naidcmjk@aol.com. Press release sent by Molly Kelley, Executive Director of North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge

Dairy Cowreers Offers Students an Opportunity to Learn About the Dairy Industry There is a new opportunity on campus, sponsored by the American Dairy Association Mideast, for those who wish to learn more about career opportunities in the Dairy industry. Dairy Cowreers, held April 10, is a free workshop and career fair that includes an opportunity to network with dairy industry professionals. If you wish to gain an advantage in the dairy industry, you should plan now to attend Dairy Cowreers on April 10th at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As you embark on your search for a career, you will be able to spend quality time investigating and networking with a collection of dairy professionals. Some of these resource people will also participate in a panel discussion to answer your questions and provide advice on how you can prepare for your future right now. Information about The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences and the Dairy Certification Program will be available.

Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio State University Extension Announce In a coordinated effort, the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio State University Extension are pleased to announce the 2010 “District” Sheep and Goat Programs. The “District” Sheep and Goat Program series was started in 2001 due to an increased need to get educational programming out into the state of Ohio. These programs offer wide variety of topics and speakers in different areas of the state of Ohio. In 2010, we are offering 12 “District” Sheep and Goat programs as well as a Sheep and Goat Production School Series. The “District” Sheep and Goat Program series is sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and OSU Extension. With each of the programs we have provided a program date, the program location, the time, the speaker and topic, as well as any contact information for the key OSU Extension Personnel responsible for the educational program. Please contact that OSU Extension Personnel with any questions or concerns regarding the program that you are interested in attending, especially in the case of inclement weather. Cancellation due to inclement weather may also be announced on local radio stations. Also, included are any known registration fees for the programs. Dates for these programs can be obtained by contacting your Extension Personnel or visiting the Department of Animal Sciences' Calendar. For more information about OSIA please refer to its website (www.ohiosheep.org) or contact the OSIA office at (614) 246-8299. Contact: Roger A. High, Executive Director of OSIA and Extension Specialist for The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences Phone: 614-246-8299 E-mail: rhigh@ofbf.org

Department faculty members secure new grant Congratulations to Dr. Kichoon Lee, assistant professor; Dr. David Latshaw, professor; and Sangsu Shin, postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Animal Sciences for receiving a $349,872 USDA-CREES-AFRI grant for the "Role of delta-like homolog 1 in muscle growth and development of poultry."

Livestock judging team member receives All-American honor Natalie Miller, an Animal Sciences senior and member of The Ohio State Livestock Judging Team, received the All-American recognition during the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest Award ceremony November 17. The All American recognition is awarded to 10 students each year who show a commitment to livestock judging in addition to showing proven excellence in academics, involvement in university and industry activities, and a commitment community service. The recognition was given to nine other students during the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY. Miller also joins nine other Ohio State Animal Sciences students to receive this recognition since the establishment of this award in 2000. “We’re all proud of Natalie. She is a great student and judging team member. It’s an honor that Natalie was chosen as one of the top students to be recognized,” said Dr. Tom Turner, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and coach for the Ohio State Livestock Judging Team. Throughout her undergraduate career at Ohio State, Miller participated in a wide variety of academic, extracurricular and industry activities. She served as vice president of the Towers Agricultural Honor Society and for the Saddle and Sirloin student organization, served on the CFAES Student Council, and participated on the 2007 Meats Judging Team. In addition, Miller studied abroad in Brazil and Ireland in 2008. Miller was also named a Top Twenty Senior in 2009. She also completed internships at the Ohio Cattleman's Association, Select Sires and with The Ohio State University Extension. "It is an honor to be named All-American, especially when there are so many deserving candidates," she said. "It's a great way to end both my collegiate judging career and my undergraduate career," she said. Miller will graduate with a BS in Animal Sciences at the end of the 2009 Autumn Quarter and plans to attend graduate school to study Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiology. Ultimately, her career goals are to work on a large beef cattle operation in the Midwest.

Congratulations to Graduating Seniors Congratulations to the following students who graduated at the end of the Autumn 2009 quarter: Erin Bardall Julia Beaschler Holly Cline Tara Desai Kevin Harrod Megan Hesson Cynthia Hokes Shane Hostetler Haley Lawrence Jaklyn Mesa Natalie Miller Amanda Powell Jonathan Ricciuto Rayanna Rinehart Ashley Russell Adam Shearn Berrigan Sheils Tyler Thompson Karl Wedemeyer Autumn Quarter commencement was held Sunday December 13 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.