Washington update

Jesse and Doris Lyons are the recipients of the 2008 Poultry Extension Special Recognition Award for their exceptional contributions to state, regional, and national extension programs. The National Poultry Extension Workshop continues to be possible only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. In a welcome break from tradition, the workshop was moved from Sunday to Monday morning, which reduced personal conflicts related to Saturday travel and early Sunday meetings. The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture 2008 Symposium was “Complementary Relationships in Animal Agriculture.” The 2009 Quadrennial Poultry Extension Workshop will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium coordinator for 2008 is Casey Ritz, University of Georgia. The USDA grants, deadlines, and procedures can be found on the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Internet site (http://www.csrees.usda.gov). The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Plant and Animal Systems has yearly internal reviews of its various portfolios that summarize the accomplishments and impacts of system personnel. Program accountability requires documentation by everyone. Now and in the future, cooperation, networking, teamwork, and participation in multistate research committees are essential to our ability to make meaningful contributions to the poultry system. Several universities now provide animal welfare education programs, including participation in assessment competitions and distance education. The Animal Welfare Assessment Contest will be coordinated by Michigan State University for the next few years. Tyson Foods sponsors the Poultry Science Association Support Personnel Award, and Felicity Dennis of the University of Alberta was the 2008 recipient.     

Book reviews

Proceedings of the Third European Symposium on Poultry Welfare. Edited by J. M. Faure and A. D. Mills, 1989. 284 pp., illustrated. Nouzilly, France, French Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association, in collaboration with the European Federation of the WPSA's Working Group 9 on Poultry Welfare.

Duck Production—Science and World Practice. Edited by D. J. Farrell and P. Stepleton. Australia, University of New England Press. ISBN 085834–6265.     

Washington Update

Theresia LaVergne was the recipient of the 2006 Poultry Extension Special Recognition Award for her exceptional contributions to regional and national extension programs. A new responsibility for national program leaders is being named as co-liaison to one or more land-grant universities. Continuing responsibilities include: departmental review team leader; liaison to several multistate research committees; review of grant proposals, plans of work and accomplishment reports, and Hatch projects; and evaluate Current Research Information System reports. The National Extension Workshop has been possible only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture 2006 symposium was “Addressing International Trade Complexities of Animal Welfare.” The 2005 Triennial Poultry Extension Workshop was considered very successful, with the next workshop to be held in 2009. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium coordinator for 2006 was Susan Watkins, University of Arkansas, with Casey Ritz (GA) the coordinator for 2008. The USDA grants, deadlines, and procedure can be found on the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Web site (http://www.csrees.usda.gov). The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Plant and Animal Systems Unit now has yearly internal reviews of their various portfolios. Program accountability requires documentation by everyone. Michigan State University and Purdue University are providing leadership in several animal welfare educational areas, including assessment and distance education programs. Coordination of the Animal Welfare Assessment Contest will be at Michigan State University for the next few years. Tyson Foods has taken over sponsorship of the Poultry Science Association Support Personnel Award, beginning in 2006 with Karen Schwean-Lardner of the University of Saskatchewan as the 2006 recipient. Cooperation, networking, teamwork, and participation in multistate research committees are essential to the ability of extension personnel to continue to make meaningful contributions to the poultry system.     

National Animal Identification System: Fancier Perspective

With respect to the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), poultry science professors are key players in resolving the concerns of fanciers in every state, because they have been and will be involved in developing the plans to implement the NAIS in their state. Highly restrictive, financially prohibitive regulations that ignore the needs of standard-bred exhibition poultry will cripple and then destroy an important part of our nation's poultry industry. This applies not only to NAIS but also to other regulations that affect the testing and movement of poultry. For example, poultry from other states entered in any fair or club poultry show in Texas must have been tested for avian influenza within 30 d of the entry date. This has eliminated entries from outside Texas, because there are very few veterinarians in Texas and other states that are qualified to test and retest the birds and provide the necessary health papers. We cannot host an American Poultry Association (APA) district meet in our 5-state district number 7 much less be considered for an APA national show. We recommend that any flock participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan program should be considered adequately monitored and should be allowed into any state that is not under quarantine. Even if the recommendation stated above is adopted, it will not help producers in a state such as Texas, which does not allow fanciers to become part of the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Texas fanciers go to Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico for exhibitions, but exhibitors from those states have been effectively eliminated from Texas shows. Anything that poultry science specialists can do to help prevent or change regulations detrimental to exhibition poultry is greatly needed and appreciated. The leadership of the APA and the American Bantam Association agrees with the NAIS and are actively involved in defining a plan that accomplishes program goals but does not cripple or end their contribution to the poultry industry. Furthermore, we urge our members to comply with the laws and regulations affecting poultry. There is no reason that commercial poultry and standard-bred exhibition poultry cannot exist side by side if both groups, in conjunction with the proper authorities, work together for their mutual benefit. These organizations are committed to that goal!     

Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Acidosis: new insights into the persistent problem

The Ruminant Nutrition Symposium titled "Acidosis: New insights into the persistent problem" was held at the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, Poultry Science Association, Asociación Mexicana de Producción Animal, Western Section-ASAS, and the Canadian Society of Animal Science in Denver, Colorado, July 11 to 15, 2010. The objective of the symposium was to provide the ruminant nutrition community with new insights and perspectives from recent research findings on acidosis. Under modern production systems, ruminants are fed high-grain diets to maximize their energy intake and productivity. However, feeding highly fermentable diets often causes excess fermentation and results in accumulation of fermentation acids in the rumen, leading to a decrease in feed intake, poor feed efficiency, liver abscesses, and lameness in feedlot cattle or lactating dairy cows. Although our understanding of nutritional factors (i.e., effects of type and processing method of grains and importance of physically effective fiber) affecting rumen pH have increased substantially over the past few decades, rumen acidosis has continued to be a common problem in the ruminant livestock industry. The symposium program was organized to review recent research findings in acidosis with more emphasis on physiological aspects, and provide novel insights into the persistent problem.     

Introduction

Volunteer committee members from the Poultry Science Association consulted with colleagues in their respective industries and allied industries to supplement their opinions of the best cutting-edge presentations for this workshop. After considerable discussion, the list of topics and potential speakers was reduced to a manageable level to address the following concerns: the future of extension, niche markets, food safety, animal welfare, and environment and training the trainer—network of first responders to agro-terrorism. We depend on the industry and especially extension specialists and agents to address these concerns by being a part of partnerships needed to find solutions.     

Shrinking membership in the American Society of Animal Science: does the discipline of poultry science give us some clues?

Concerns have been expressed by the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) leadership about the declining membership in ASAS. I present the viewpoint that the history of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) membership and the elimination of poultry science departments from many land grant universities could be an indication of what the future holds for animal science. I suggest that the industrialization of poultry production has led to a decline in the demand for traditionally trained poultry scientists. Industrialization of swine production is proceeding rapidly, with other animal-based industries showing the same trend. If maintaining a large ASAS membership is indeed a priority, new opportunities must be developed. Equine and companion animal programs offer such possibilities, tapping into a high level of student interest.     

草业科学专业本科生“科研助理”培养模式探索——以甘肃农业大学为例

人才培养是高校的根本使命,新时期不断创新办学理念,探索新型培养模式,对全面实施素质教育,提高教育质量至关重要。根据甘肃农业大学本科生"科研助理"培养模式,结合草业科学专业的特点,分析了"科研助理"培养模式及其宗旨,介绍了几种"科研助理"培养模式的常用方法,阐述了各种方法的优缺点和应用情况,还就其运行机制和实施情况等进行了说明,最后探讨了存在的一些问题及其保障措施。旨在加强本科生"科研助理"培养模式的培养效果,为高校草业科学专业与其他专业人才培养提供参考。     

High-resolution melt curve analysis: A real-time based multipurpose approach for diagnosis and epidemiological investigations of parasitic infections

BackgroundReal-time PCR coupled with high resolution melting curve analysis is a practical technique that could be employed in multipurpose studies. During the recent decade, this technique has been practiced for different targets, worldwide.MethodsIn the current study three major database centers consisted of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until Aug 2019 for applications of HRM real-time PCR in parasitology studies using terms: “Parasite” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”, “Protozoan parasites” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”, “Helminth” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”.ResultsTotally, 83 papers met our criteria and were included in our study. This method was more frequently used for protozoan parasites (52/83; 62.65%), while lower (31/83; 37.35%) studies were incorporated on helminths parasites. Furthermore, Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp., were the most prevalent protozoan parasites, and Taenia spp., and filers were the most frequent helminths that were studied by HRM real-time PCR.ConclusionHRM real-time PCR is a sensitive, flexible and cost-effective method that could be used for multipurpose studies.     

On the relationship between the height of the thick albumen and the weight of eggs

Calculations from data of egg quality obtained at four Regional Experimental Farms for Poultry Husbandry and at the Central Institute for Poultry Research “Het Spelderholt” at Beekbergen, the Netherlands, support the conclusions advanced in recent American investigations that the uniform regression of Haugh (1937), which is used for the correction of the height of the thick albumen in relation to the egg weight (0.05 mm. per g. difference in weight), has no general validity. Only for fresh eggs at the beginning of the laying period was an average regression found which did not deviate significantly from the Haugh regression. Significant differences between farms and strain crosses were not established as long as exceptionally deviating circumstances were not considered. It was also found that as the laying period proceeded the Haugh correction factor for the height of the thick albumen in relation to the egg weight could have an adverse effect. The same conclusion is valid for stored eggs produced at the end, and probably at the beginning, of the laying period.     

"双一流"建设背景下西北农林科技大学草坪学双语教学改革模式探索

国家"双一流"建设要求全面提升大学生的综合素质和国际视野.草坪学作为草业科学专业重要的专业课程,实施双语教学是教学改革的必然趋势.本文针对西北农林科技大学草坪学双语课程传统教学中存在的问题,基于学校优慕课网络教学平台,探讨了践行翻转课堂教学模式在草坪学双语教学中的实施方法.在本课程改革中设置"课前–课上–课后"3个教学环节,教师能够通过线上和线下混合式教学,公正、客观、实时、全面地了解学生学习过程中的学业完成情况,实现以教为主向以学为主转变,激发学生学习兴趣,促进学生混合式自主学习,培养学生创新能力,提升教学效果和人才培养质量.     

Book reviews

Manipulation of the Avian Genome. Edited by R. J. Etches & A. M. V. Gibbins, 1993. 322 pp., illustrated in colour. Boca Raton, FL, CRG Press. ISBN 0–8493–4216–3.

Proceedings of the 8th European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition. Edited by The Organizing Committee, 1992. 373 pp. Milan, Italy. World's Poultry Science Association.     

Washington Update

Paul Patterson is the recipient of the 2005 Poultry Extension Special Recognition Award for his exceptional contributions to regional and national extension programs over many years. Current responsibilities include the recently completed National Swine Alternative Housing project; liaison to several multistate research committees; review of grant proposals, plans of work and accomplishment reports and Hatch projects; coordination of biobased plant nutrient related workshops; and evaluation of CRIS reports. The National Extension Workshop has a long track record of accomplishment, which has been possible only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture 2005 symposium was “Certification and Education Programs: Current Status of Farm Animal Welfare.” The Triennial Poultry Extension Workshop will become a biennial event in 2007. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium was led by Mike Hulet in 2004. Susan Watkins is the coordinator for 2006; please contact Susan to volunteer.New procedures for USDA grants and deadlines can be found on the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) Web site. The CSREES/Plant and Animal Systems (PAS) review of their portfolio on animal health and welfare resulted in an outstanding evaluation (95/100). Increasing demands for accountability require increased documentation by all persons in our system. Michigan State and Purdue University are providing leadership in several animal welfare educational areas, including assessment and distance education programs. The Texture Technologies Corporation Support Personnel Award recipient is JoAnna Tharrington Foegeding, North Carolina State University. This award will be sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. in 2006. We are achieving impressive results through cooperation and networking, which are of increasing importance. Continued teamwork and increased participation in multistate research committees is essential.     

Book reviews

Birds Their Structure and Function, By A. S. King and J. McLelland, 1984. 2nd ed. 334 pp. illustrated. London, Baillière Tindall. £9.50. ISBN 0 7020 0872 9.

Proceedings of the 2nd European Symposium on Poultry Welfare, 1985. 360 pp. illustrated. German Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association, Celle, Institut für Kleintierzucht.     

白条纹鸡肉和木质化鸡胸肉的发生特征及机理研究进展

鸡肉品质是决定肉鸡生产效益的重要因素之一。近年来,白条纹鸡肉(white striping, WS)和木质化鸡胸肉(woody/wooden breast, WB)两种新型肌肉缺陷问题因其出现概率高、影响范围大,正受到业界的广泛关注。WS是指肌肉表面出现平行于肌纤维的白色脂肪沉积条纹,WB主要表现为胸肉明显硬化。这两种肌肉缺陷问题表现出类似的组织学特征,并且常常共同出现。WS和WB的出现严重影响了屠宰鸡肉及分割产品的外观、营养品质以及加工特性,给肉鸡产业造成了严重的经济损失。目前,WS和WB的特征、性质及发生机理方面已取得较大进展,但大多数研究为国外团队报道,国内相关报道较少。本文针对WS和WB的病理学特征、品质特性以发生机理等方面相关研究进展进行综述,旨在为后续研究提供基础理论支撑及参考。     

《家禽生产学》教学内容及方法的改革与研究

针对河北北方学院南校区动物科技学院家禽生产学的教学现状,提出了家禽生产学教学内容与方法改革的新思路。从教学内容、教学方法、实践性教学、考核制度等方面,对家禽生产学的教学内容与教学方法等环节进行了改革与探索,并制订了行之有效的措施,以促进和提高学生综合素质。     

从50年来在《Science》发表的蚕丝学文献看中国家蚕基因组研究

检索、概括了50年来在《Science》杂志刊登的10篇蚕丝学文献的基本情况和内容,介绍了家蚕基因组框架图在家蚕全基因组序列分析、比较基因组学和丝腺、激素及发育相关基因等功能基因研究方面取得的重要进展,显示了中国家蚕基因组研究对世界蚕业科学的重大贡献。     

Statistics: using regression models

In a previous article, we asked the simple question “Are we related?” and used scatterplots and correlation coefficients to provide an answer. In this article, we will take this question and reword it to “How are we related?” and will demonstrate the statistical techniques required to reach a conclusion.     

黑羽乌骨鸡碱性磷酸酶的测定

试验以江苏省家禽科学研究所培育的黑羽乌骨鸡为试验素材，测定早期碱性磷酸酶的含量、碱性磷酸酶与早期增重的相关性，试验结果表明：饲养前期（0～6周）碱性磷酸酶的含量极显著地高于饲养后期（7～10周）；饲养全期碱性磷酸酶含量与早期增重呈极显著相关。     

Determinants of cost inefficiency in poultry production: evidence from small-scale broiler farms in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

This paper examines the extent of cost inefficiency at 120 small-scale broiler farms in the Ashanti Region of Ghana by the use of stochastic frontier cost function, which incorporates cost inefficiency effects. Furthermore, farm-specific determinants that help explain why cost inefficiencies are different across broiler farms are identified. The findings confirm the presence of cost inefficiencies in small-scale broiler production in the area studied. Specifically, the results suggest that the broiler farms in question have the potential to reduce their production costs by 13.6% by being more efficient in cost management. The findings further indicate that experience in broiler production, an increase in farm size, veterinary contacts, use of self-prepared quality broiler feed, and membership in the Poultry Farmers’ Association (PFA) all help minimize cost inefficiency. On the other hand, the findings show that cost inefficiency appears to worsen with an increase in the market age of a farm’s broiler birds.