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News for alumni and friends

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu — Department to be Merged in 2012

As a result of the College’s ‘AG Futures’ process, our department will be merged with the Dairy & Animal Science Department in 2012 (see article on page 3). The consequences of Poultry Science department closings/mergers

has been an ongoing topic of concern among American poultry scientists for over 40 years. In a 1972 article in Poultry Science (51:1079-1087), Sunde et al. concluded that, when departments are merged, vacant poultry faculty positions typically are shifted to other commodity areas (or closed) and budgets are reduced. Unfortunately, since 1960, when there were 44 separate departments, this scenario has played out 37 times. Soon, there will be only six Poultry Science departments left in the U.S. (see map on next page). Sunde et al. (1972) asked: “Will the land grant institutions continue to provide a sufficient number of trained specialists to meet the needs of the poultry industry? Will they continue to provide leadership in the development of innovations that will assure change and progress in the poultry industry for the better of mankind?” Based on the fact that our graduates have had virtually a 100% job placement rate for decades - many with multiple offers - I would conclude that although our students are outstanding and in very high demand, the land grant universities overall are not meeting the needs of the poultry industry. Regarding Sunde et al.’s second question, I can only hope so, but there are significantly less U.S. academic poultry researchers and educators today than there were 39 years ago. In a paper from the 2002 Multi-State Poultry Nutrition Conference, the late Prof. David Baker (a National Academy of Science member and animal nutritionist at the University of Illinois), described the health of poultry science as a discipline as ‘fragile’, and then asked: “Why is it that the most dynamic animal industry (i.e., poultry) that represents the largest animal-based food in the American diet and one that consumes well over 50 percent of the corn and soybean meal fed to animals finds itself in this debilitated condition?”

Baker went on to provide five reasons: (1) Failure to recruit high quality domestic undergraduate and graduate students into poultry science disciplines; (2) Failure of land-grant college administrators to recognize the value of poultry teaching and research to the overall health of the animal science discipline and the agricultural economy as a whole; (3) Declining federal, corporate, and university funding for poultry research; (4) Integration within the poultry industry; and (5) Impediments to using avian species as animal models for biomedical research. Baker suggested that poultry programs could be better marketed to students, their parents, and their teachers at the grade school, high school, and college level, and that college administrators “need to be educated about the importance of poultry to the economy not only of the U.S., but of the world.” Industry integration has resulted in companies having their own teams of Ph.D. and veterinary scientists. In a 2003 review in the World’s Poultry Science Journal (59:303-313), Vizzier-Thaxton et al. stated: “These companies have taken the position that in-house research is more beneficial to their profit and long-term survival than public research.” The authors concluded that “…without academic poultry science, there would be no one to teach the basics of poultry sciences and husbandry at the university level, to train research personnel for industry, or to train replacements for academic positions. The infrastructure that assisted the rise of the modern poultry industry may also be at risk. It is also possible that, in the future, no poultry scientists will be trained in the United States.” I have been told many times that “You don’t need a separate department to have a viable and vibrant program”. For our discipline, history argues very strongly against this. Once a merger is effected, support is never maintained at the prior level and the poultry program – no matter how excellent – shrinks. However, despite the odds, we will do everything in our power to try to make Penn State the lone exception to this rule! − Robert G. Elkin, Professor and Head

Department of Poultry Science Summer 2011 College of Agricultural Sciences 213 William L. Henning Building University Park, PA 16802-3501

PS Update

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Poultry Density by County (2010)* and Remaining U.S. Poultry Science Departments (2012)

*From Feedstuffs, 5 April 2010 issue.

Auburn Univ. Mississippi State Univ. N. C. State Univ. Texas A & M Univ. Univ. of Arkansas Univ. of Georgia

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Departmental News of Note Poultry Science Department to Merge with the Department of Dairy & Animal Science We are….....Poultry Science, but soon the Department will be history. As a result of the ‘AG Futures’ process, and in response to the recommendations of the University’s Academic Program and Administrative Services Core Council (“the Core Council”), the Department of Poultry Science is slated to merge with the Department of Dairy & Animal Science on July 1, 2012 (http://agsci.psu.edu/ag-futures/draft-academic-restructuring-proposal-june-2011.pdf). This URL also contains links to the College’s previous sustainability group reports, the Provost’s January 12, 2011 letter to Dean Bruce McPheron relaying the Core Council’s recommendations, the ‘AG Futures’ process overview and associated group reports, etc. To quote the College website: “AG Futures was a process designed to develop and implement a new business model for the college and address budget strategies in order to emerge as a stronger, more agile college well positioned to address the future. This process builds on the college strategic plan and includes various, intensive sub-processes, which will merge to direct college decision-making.” As of press time, the name of the new department and its leadership have not been determined, and final approval by the University Faculty Senate and the PSU Board of Trustees is pending. But folks, frankly, this is a done deal that will end our 96-year run as a stand-alone Penn State department in one form or another (see historic milestones below). 1916 - Poultry Extension Department established 1920 - Poultry Husbandry Department established 1963 - Poultry Husbandry Department renamed Poultry Science Department 1966 - Extension Program incorporated into the Poultry Science Department

Staff Members Leave Department

Cheryl Markley, who was the department’s Administrative Support Coordinator since January 2010, took a similar position in the Department of Kinesiology in April 2011. Prior to

joining the Department of Poultry Science, she was the Assistant to the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, she held positions in the College of Engineering, the Smeal College of Business, and the Center for Adult Learner Services at Penn State. In addition to managing the day-to-day financial operations of the Department of Poultry Science and providing administrative support to the Department Head, Cheryl oversaw the operation of the Main Office, served as the main interface with the Office of Physical Plant, and acted as a liaison to the Office of Human Resources. She also oversaw the coordination of the annual department Alumni and Friends Reunion (football tailgate) as well as other social events involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders.

Eileen Thomas, who was an Administrative Support Assistant since November 1, 2007, accepted a new position in the Facilities Planning and Maintenance Operations at Pollock Hall,

beginning in July 2011. Prior to joining the Department of Poultry Science, Eileen worked in the budget department of the Crop and Soil Sciences Department, where she primarily processed financial documents, reconciled credit card purchases, and ordered supplies from General Stores. She previously had worked at the Penn State Horticulture Farm, at Ag Progress Days, at the Penn State Plant Nutrition Lab, and at the Penn State Soil and Forage Lab. We sincerely thank Cheryl and Eileen for their service to our department and wish them the best in their new positions! .

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Students Recognized for Research Two students in the laboratory of Dr. Francisco Diaz (Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology) were recently honored for their

research. Xi Tian (left, Ph.D. student in ANSC) received a 2011 Lalor Foundation Merit Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) for her abstract

entitled: “Treatment with a zinc chelator alters mRNA abundance in oocytes and granulosa cells during follicular development”. Ms. Tian also was selected as a finalist for an SSR Trainee Research Award and will present her paper at the society’s annual meeting to be held in Portland, OR, from July 31-August 4, 2011.

Risa Stacey Lisle (left, undergraduate VBSC major) placed 3rd in the Health and Life Sciences Division at the University’s Spring 2011 Undergraduate Symposium for

her poster entitled: “The localization of zinc transporters in mammalian ovaries”. In addition to a certificate, Stacey received a cash prize for her winning poster. She also won a competitive 2011 Undergraduate Summer Discovery Grant from the PSU Office of Undergraduate Education to support her project entitled: “The role of zinc transporter, SLC-39A-1, in oocyte maturation”. The grant is in the amount of $2,500 and may be used to cover student living expenses and project costs. Department Receives Student Recruitment Funds from the USPEA For the eighth consecutive year, the Penn State Department of Poultry Science was successful in winning funding from the Poultry Science Education Fund Grants Program. The purpose of this competitive program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPEA), is to

support recruiting activities at colleges and universities with poultry science programs but without degree-granting Poultry Science Departments. Educational institutions can apply for up to $7,000 of support per year, and PSU was awarded $7,000 for 2010-11. Since 2000, the Poultry Science Department has received over $72,000 for undergraduate recruiting from the USPEA’s Harold E. Ford Foundation.

James L. Adams (right), President and CEO of Wenger’s Feed Mill, Inc., USPEA Board Member, and PSU alumnus (P T M ’80), presents Poultry Science Department Head Bob Elkin with a check from the USPEA to support student recruitment.

Pennsylvania Poultry Industry Fund for Poultry Science 4-H Program Support Established In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Poultry Industry Research Check-Off Egg and Broiler Programs established an endowment in the Department of Poultry Science “to enrich poultry youth educational programs offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences by providing the Department of Poultry Science with support to enhance the State 4-H poultry programs and to help defray travel costs for Pennsylvania youth to compete annually at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference.” The 4-H Program furthers the mission of The Pennsylvania State University as a land-grant institution in accordance with the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. Phil Clauer, Senior Instructor in Poultry Science and 4-H Poultry Program Leader in Pennsylvania, assists the coaches and members in training for the annual national contests (Poultry Judging, Egg Cookery, Chicken Barbeque, Turkey Barbeque, and Avian Bowl), which are held in Louisville, KY, each November. Since 2002, 55 4-Hers from Pennsylvania have participated.

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Bartell Delivered Keynote Presentation at Rutgers University Conference The Endocrinology & Animal Biosciences and the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Organizations hosted the 4th Annual Nutrition, Endocrinology, and Animal Biosciences (NEAB) Conference at the Cook Campus Center of Rutgers University on April 7, 2011. Dr. Paul

Bartell (Assistant Professor of Avian Biology) delivered one of the two keynote addresses entitled: “Time flies: Biological clocks and the control of avian migration”. He was invited

by Rutgers graduate student and former PSU advisee Jessica Verpeut (above, left; ANSC ’10 and PSYCH ’10), who conducted undergraduate research with Dr. Bartell during her senior year. Over 70 persons from various departments at Rutgers, including Animal Sciences, Plant Biology, Nutritional Sciences, Exercise Science and Sports Studies, Food Science, Toxicology, and Environmental Sciences, as well as personnel from Bristol-Myers Squibb, attended the conference. In addition, 15 undergraduate and graduate students also made poster presentations describing their original research. (Article adapted from the April 2011 Report from the Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers University.) Bartell Attended Gordon Conference Dr. Paul Bartell recently attended the Gordon Research Conference in Chronobiology, held in Barga, Italy, from June 12-17, 2011. Cutting-edge research on the molecular, cellular and behavioral aspects of circadian systems was presented. The Conference brought together a collection of investigators who are at the forefront of their field and provided opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field.

Stuber to Pursue Ph.D. Studies in Germany

Erica Stuber (M.S. student in Ecology; advisor Dr. Paul Bartell), has been accepted into the Organismal Biology Program at the International Max Planck Research School/University of

Konstanz. Beginning this fall, she will conduct her Ph.D. research at the Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen, Germany. Out of more than 125 students who applied, only 11 were selected to join this outstanding program. Cravener Joins PSU Commission for Women

Terri Cravener, Research Technologist 4 in the Poultry Science Department, recently became an Affiliate Member of the Penn State Commission for

Women (CFW). The CFW serves as an advisory group to the President of the University on the status of women at Penn State, advocates for women's concerns, and recommends solutions. Its membership represents every employment category, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. Terri, who has been an employee of the Department since 1989, manages a laboratory shared by Extension Specialists Dr. Mike Hulet and Dr. Paul Patterson. Among her many duties, she oversees ongoing research projects; trains, schedules and supervises wage payroll employees; maintains extensive research data and regulatory records; assists in the preparation of grants, abstracts, posters, manuscripts and other publications; and assists in several courses/lectures/labs taught by Drs. Hulet and Patterson. She is our unit’s Safety Officer and also serves as Poultry Science’s representative on the Staff Advisory Committee to the Dean. Terri holds two degrees from Penn State: a B.S. degree in Animal Production (1986) and an M.S. in Nutrition (1988; Dr. Regina Vasilatos-Younken, thesis advisor).

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Meeting Notes Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference & 82nd NECAD Overview For the fourth consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference was held jointly with the Northeastern Conference on Avian Diseases (NECAD), on September 22-23, 2010, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA. One-hundred ninety-two attendees from 21 states, Washington, DC, Canada, and the United Kingdom, heard presentations on a wide variety of topics by nationally- and internationally-known speakers. The Conference began with the NECAD Symposium on Alternative Approaches to Disease Prevention and Treatment and included the following presentations: “The science behind probiotics” (Dr. Carrie Walk, AB Vista); “Fantasies, pitfalls, and facts during a 20-year journey with probiotics and prebiotics for poultry” (Dr. Billy Hargis, University of Arkansas); “The science and application of probiotics and direct fed microbials – know your objectives” (Dr. Andrew Yersin, Kemin AgriFoods North America); “Advances in direct fed microbials – new developments, research, and field trials” (Dr. Randy Chick, Danisco Animal Nutrition); and “Alternatives to antibiotics” (Dr. Bill Pierson, Virginia Tech). The afternoon of the first day was devoted to the Conference’s General Session. Attendees heard presentations entitled: “Poultry waste to energy” (Dr. Paul Patterson, Penn State University); “Poultry Meat and Egg Purchases” (Dr. Hilary Thesmar, National Turkey Federation); “Water quality” (Dr. Susan Watkins, University of Arkansas); “Biosecurity, emergency planning, animal welfare training and certification for poultry haulers, handlers, and catch crews” (Dr. Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory); and “Penn State Department of Poultry Science

Research Overview” (Dr. Robert Elkin, Penn State University). Separate broiler, egg/layer, and turkey break-out sessions were held on the conference's second day. Broiler topics included: “Rats, bugs, and flies” (Robert Rowland, IVESCO, LLC); “Wintertime ventilation” (Dr. Eileen Wheeler, Penn State University; “Waterline sanitation” (Dr. Susan Watkins, University of Arkansas); “Optimizing litter treatment – between flock management” (Bill Brown, University of Delaware); Darkling beetle control in broiler housing (Robert Rowland, IVESCO, LLC); “Flock density in relationship to foot and leg health and marketing” (Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University); and “Flock management to reduce processing loss and improve carcass quality” (Thomas Pantano, Tyson Foods, Inc.). The turkey session included the first four presentations of the broiler session, plus the following: “Effects of starts on final performance” (John Menges, Hybrid Turkeys); “Impact of incubation on poult quality” (Dr. Michael Wineland, North Carolina State University); and “Turkey disease interactions” (Dr. Dan Karunakaran, Danisco Animal Nutrition). The egg/layer program included: “Humane housing solutions for layer hens” (Tim Amlaw, American Humane Certified); “Trends and directions in the egg industry” (Maro Ibarburu, Iowa State University); “A production and processing tour of Center Fresh Egg Farm” (J. T. Dean, Center Fresh Group); “FDA egg farm inspections by PDA personnel” (Kim Kennedy-Barnham, PA Department of Agriculture); “FDN update and impact” (Dr. Eric Gingerich, Diamond V); “Marek’s Disease in layers and pullets” (Dr. George Boggan, CEVA Biomune); and “The 1, 2, 3s of pullet and hen welfare audits” (Dr. Gregory Martin, Penn State Cooperative Extension). The NECAD meeting was chaired by Dr. Bill Pierson from Virginia Tech, and a NECAD Scientific Session was held concurrently with the layer, broiler, and turkey break-out sessions on the second day of the conference.

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The 2011 Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference will again be held in conjunction with NECAD on September 21-22. This year’s venue is the Eden Resort and Suites, Lancaster, PA. For additional information, please visit http://poultryextension.psu.edu/SalesandService.html.

2011 Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference Highlights The 2011 Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference was held at the Ramada Inn in State College, PA, on February 28 - March 1. Following a welcome by Bernadette Gilliland (Hidden Valley Pheasantry and President, PA Game Breeders Association), 85 registrants from seven states heard presentations from an outstanding group of individuals from industry, government, and academia. Among the topics discussed on the morning of the first day were: “North American Gamebird Association (NAGA) update and current issues” (Ladd Johnson, NAGA); “Vegetative buffers – urban/rural interface” (Dr. Paul Patterson, Penn State University); “Catching and crating gamebirds” (Chris Trace, Trace Pheasantry); “Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases in the young dog” (Dr. Mark Michelotti, Centre Animal Hospital); “Pros and cons of common ingredients in gamebird feed” (Carl Brown, F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc.); “Alternative energy sources and costs” (Dr. Dennis Buffington, Penn State University); and

“Estate and business planning for game farms” (Dr. John Becker, Penn State University). The afternoon session began with “PennAg Industries update” (Paul Hostetter, PennAg Industries Association); “Wild pheasant recovery areas in Pennsylvania” (Colleen DeLong, PA Game Commission); “Clay shooting courses” (Roy Fritz, Stonycreek Shooting Center); “Importance of trace minerals in gamebird diets” (Lance Minear, Minear Consulting Services), “Cover crop economics – planting and equipment” (Chris Lenker and Michael Martz, Martz’s Game Farm, F.L.P.); and “Current gamebird health issues” (Drs. Patty Dunn and Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory). Topics discussed on the following day included: “Brooding gamebirds panel” (chukars – Todd Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms, L.L.C.; pheasants – Bernadette Gilliland, Hidden Valley Pheasantry; and quail – John Delp, Wolfe’s Gamebird Hatchery); “Tools for dog training” (Dave Hughes, Hughesview Kennels); “Using technology to manage gamebirds” (Troy Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms, L.L.C.); and “Know your enemy: The Humane Society of the United States” (Allan Roberts, PA Flyers Association). In addition to exhibitor displays and presentations, the banquet presentation was delivered by Jeannine Fleegle (PA Game Commission) and was entitled: “Pennsylvania’s deer program”. Next year's meeting is scheduled for February 26-28, 2012, at the Ramada Inn (State College, PA). For more information, please contact Dr. Mike Hulet (814-863-8934; mrh4@psu.edu) or visit the PA Game Breeders Association website: http://pagamebird.psu.edu/Default.html.

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2011 Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference The 9th annual Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference (MANC), which is jointly sponsored by seven universities (University of Maryland, University of Delaware, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University), two feed organizations (the Mid-Atlantic Feed Industry Council and the American Feed Industry Association), and the USDA, was held at the Crowne Plaza North Baltimore (Timonium, MD), on March 23-24, 2011. Two-hundred thirty-seven registrants from 29 states, Washington, D.C., the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia attended the meeting. Approximately 56% of the attendees were from the animal, feed, and allied industries; with academic institutions, government agencies, individual producers, and practicing veterinarians accounting for the rest of the attendees. The primary species interests (% of registrants) were poultry (38), dairy (31), and equine (31). The General Session began with a welcome from Dr. Nick Zimmermann (University of Maryland) and included the following presentations: “World phosphorus supply” (Steve Auman, Potash Corporation); “Recycling minerals from poultry and livestock by-products” (Dr. Paul Patterson, Penn State University); “Interaction of nutrition and immunity” (Dr. Brooke Humphrey, Cargill); and “Dietary antibodies directed to the gastrointestinal associated host targets to overcome inflammation-induced losses in animal growth and feed efficiency” (Dr. Mark Cook, University of Wisconsin). The afternoon Technical Symposium was sponsored by AB Vista and centered on nutrient digestibility, calcium nutrition, and exogenous enzymes. Presentations included: “Corn quality and impact on nutrient digestibility” (Dr. William Dozier, Auburn University);

“Differentiation of xylanases and potential benefits of a xylanase-phytase combination (Dr. Tara York, AB Vista); “Impact of calcium on phytase efficacy in poultry” (Dr. C. Roselina Angel, University of Maryland); “Calcium solubility and digestibility: The influence of calcium source and phytase” (Dr. Carrie Walk, AB Vista); and “Exploiting calcium-specific appetite in broiler nutrition” (Dr. Aaron Cowieson, University of Sydney, Australia). The conference's second day consisted of concurrent species sessions. The Poultry Session topics included: “The effect of E.U. broiler and layer directives on the composition of poultry feeds” (Dr. Henk Enting, Trouw Nutrition International); “Trace minerals in poultry nutrition” (Dr. Elizabeth Koustos, Micronutrients); “Diet amino acid density and poultry product costs” (Dr. C. Roselina Angel, University of Maryland); “Poultry production and environmental sustainability” (Jeff Smith, Perdue Farms); “By-product feedstuffs/co-products of biofuel production for poultry” (Dr. Amy Batal, University of Georgia); “What poultry nutritionists and marketers need to know about conjugated linolenic acid – a potent anti-inflammatory of ruminant origin” (Dr. Mark Cook, University of Wisconsin); and “Corn supplies, uses and future” (Dr. Gerald Weigel, Nutrition Consulting, NC). The 10th MANC will be held at the same venue on March 28-29, 2012. For more information, please visit the conference website at http://manc.umd.edu.

Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH) News

A research retreat was held on May 25-26, 2011, at Stone Valley. There were presentations by PSU faculty and students, and Dr. Doug Stocco (far left), from Texas Tech University, presented a special seminar on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). He also provided the CRBH, which includes four Poultry Science faculty members, with feedback/advice.

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Successful Youth Poultry 101 Program Held in April Forty-six students and 36 youth leaders attended the 4th annual Poultry Youth 101 Program on April 30, 2011. The day’s agenda consisted of presentations and hands-on exercises. The morning session was held in the Agricultural Sciences and Industry Building and began with Dr. Jennifer Johnson (Domestic Animal Health Inspector, PA Department of Agriculture), who spoke about “NPIP, testing for shows, requirements, and why”. Dr. Paul Siegel (University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech) next discussed “The science of poultry breeding and genetics: Past to present”. Phil Clauer (Senior Instructor, Penn State Poultry Science Department) followed with a presentation entitled: “Avian Bowl: How does it all work?”, and the morning concluded with an engaging electronic game of Jeopardy, led by Dr. Cathy Cutter and Martin Bucknavage from the Penn State Food Science Department. With PSU Creamery ice cream vouchers at stake for the winners, the categories centered on the theme of “Safe processing and handling of home grown poultry and eggs”.

After lunch, the 3rd Annual Pennsylvania Poultry Youth Service Award was presented to Ms. Laura Longenecker, former staff Assistant at the Hy-Line International, Inc., hatchery in Elizabethtown, PA (left). Hy-Line has generously supplied over 2,400 dozen fertile eggs annually for the Pennsylvania 4-H Embryology Program, and before her retirement on July 1, 2011, Ms. Longenecker was the

person who made sure that all of the egg orders were processed properly through an e-mail ordering system that provided options for pick-up at hatchery, at the PSU main campus, or via shipping (at cost) to the customer. Over 50,000 annual 4-H Embryology participants state-wide have Ms. Longenecker and Hy-Line to thank for making this fantastic educational program possible! Following the award presentation, the program continued with PSU alumnus (Animal Science major/Poultry and Avian Science minor) Paul W. Hostetter, Assistant Vice President of the PennAg Industries Poultry Council, speaking about “Pennsylvania and national industry career outlook”, followed by a presentation entitled: “Planning your future – College and careers” by Jana Peters (Animal Science Advising Coordinator, PSU Department of Dairy & Animal Science). The lecture portion of the program concluded with Dr. Paul Siegel speaking about “The application of poultry breeding and genetics: Past to present”. The group then moved on to the Poultry Education and Research Center, where they rotated between two sessions entitled: (1) “Recognizing defects and disqualifications when selecting birds for show or breeding” by Phil Clauer; and (2) “Anatomy of the chicken with hands-on wet lab” by Drs. Mike Hulet (Associate Professor, Penn State Poultry Science Department) and Gregory Martin (Extension Poultry Educator, Penn State Southeast Region).

Youth Poultry 101 attendees, speakers, and undergraduate student helpers pose at the Poultry Education and Research Center.

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Poultry Science Club and Intercollegiate Judging Team News PSU Poultry Science Club Garners National Awards at the 2011 College Student Program in Atlanta The Penn State Poultry Science Club won two awards at the College Student Program at the International Poultry Exposition (IPE) in Atlanta, GA, on January 26, 2011. The Club won the Best Scrapbook Award for the 12th consecutive year. In addition, Poultry & Avian Science minor

and junior Agricultural Sciences major Philip Wise (left), from Spring Mills, PA, received the 2nd place Frank Perdue Student of the Year Award along with a cash prize. Jim Perdue, son of the late Frank Perdue and chairman of Perdue Farms, Inc.,

presented the award to Philip. Approximately 300 students from 25 universities attended the program, and many participated in interviews for internships and jobs with the industry and allied firms. Phil Clauer and Dirk Wise are the Penn State Club's co-advisors.

The IPE is the networking hub of the world for the poultry industry, with every segment represented. The International Feed Expo, sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association, is also co-located at the IPE. In addition to featuring educational sessions, over 900 exhibits (above) covered more than 16 acres of display area in the Georgia World

Congress Center with every conceivable product and service used by the industry. The 63rd

annual IPE welcomed 20,742 attendees, including 16,371 from 48 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and a total of 4,371 international visitors. Next year’s IPE will be held on January 24-26, 2012, in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit the exposition’s website at http://www.ipeweek12.org. PSU Poultry Judging Team Places Second at Both National Contests in 2010-11 The Penn State Intercollegiate Poultry Judging Team had another excellent year, placing second behind Texas A&M University at the 45th National Poultry Judging Contest in Fayetteville, AR (November 1-2, 2010) and at the 64th U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPEA) National Poultry Judging Contest in Baton Rouge, LA (April 6-8, 2011). Co-coached by Phil Clauer and Dirk Wise, the PSU team finished ahead of 6 other schools at the Arkansas contest and consisted of Jacob Haagen (AN SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor; Howard, PA), Andrew Pullen (AN SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor; Harleysville, PA), Russell Phenicie (AG SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor; Mercersburg, PA), and Krista Moser (A E E major, Philadelphia, PA). In addition to their overall second place finish, the team placed second in both the Breed Selection and Market Products divisions. Haagen had the 4th highest overall individual score out of 31 participants and placed 3rd in Production and Egg division and 5th in the Breed Selection and Market Products division. Phenicie had the 5th highest overall individual score and placed 5th in the Production and Egg division and 9th in the Breed Selection and Market Products division. Pullen had the 10th highest overall individual score and placed 7th in the Breed Selection and Market Products division. Moser had the 16th highest overall individual score and placed 8th in the Production and Egg division.

©Zootecnica

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National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest Second Place Team (Fall 2010). Front row, left to right: Krista Moser, Jacob Haagen, and Andrew Pullen. Back row, left to right: Russell Phenicie and Dirk Wise (coach).

Ten teams competed in the spring contest at Louisiana State University. Penn State placed 9th in Production, 2nd in Breed Selection, and 2nd in Market Products. Team members were Ethan Cleaver (AN SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor; Howard, PA), Michael Taylor (AG SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor, Fairview, PA), Philip Wise (AG SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor; Spring Mills, PA), and Justin Knoebel (AN SC major, Elysburg, PA). Cleaver had the 4th highest overall individual score in the contest out of 40 individuals and placed 1st in Market Products and 6th in Breed Selection. Taylor finished 14th overall, 5th in Market Products, and 8th in Breed Selection. Wise finished 16th overall and 10th in Market Products. Knoebel finished 19th overall and 9th in Market Products.

Each year, students prepare for the competition through a rigorous training program and by enrolling in AN SC 421 (Poultry Evaluation and Selection) and AN SC 426 (Advanced Judging and Selection), co-taught by Phil Clauer and Dirk Wise. Poultry Science Club Members Volunteer at the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll On April 25, 2011, four PSU Poultry Science Club members (right; clockwise from lower left: Molly Winkle, AN SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor, Hookstown, PA; Ashley Stacharowski, AN SC major and Poultry & Avian Science minor, Glen Rock, PA; Ben Kunkel, ASM major, Jim Thorpe, PA; and Ariel Estes, Kinesiology major, Curtice, OH)

and Club Co-Advisor Phil Clauer joined more than 1,200 other volunteers at the White House Easter Egg Roll. A tradition since 1878, an

estimated 30,000 children and adults took part in the event, which was held on the White House lawn. Club members received hats and aprons with the official White House Easter Egg Roll logo from the American Egg Board. This

year’s theme, “Get Up and Go!”, focused on promoting health and wellness. On the South Lawn, the Giant Good Egg Project Egg (left) invited children to “lend a hand to feed the hungry” by placing their handprints on the egg. An egg was donated to Feeding America for every handprint.

National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest Second Place Team (Spring 2011). Front row, left to right: Justin Knoebel, Ethan Cleaver, and Philip Wise. Back row, left to right: Phil Clauer (coach), Michael Taylor, and Dirk Wise (coach).

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Poultry Science Club Industry Trips: Sperry Farms and Wolfe’s Gamebird Hatchery (Fall 2010) and Hy-Line International and Sauder’s Eggs (Spring 2011)

Highlights of the 21st Annual Poultry Science Club Awards Banquet The 21st Annual Penn State Poultry Science Club Awards Banquet was held on April 29, 2011, at Celebration Hall in State College, PA. Approximately 85 students, friends, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff attended. The evening began with a social hour followed by a silent auction. This was the 7th consecutive year that the silent auction was held, and the proceeds (approximately $700) were again donated to Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org), a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance and sustainability. Through the Club's purchase of “flocks of hope,” a combination of chickens, turkeys, and ducks will be distributed to needy families in Third World countries to provide them with food and a source of future income. Club President Jimmy Lowe welcomed the attendees, and Dr. Bob Elkin, Poultry Science Department Head, recognized the industry supporters, PSU faculty and staff, students, parents, and special guests. College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Bruce McPheron then addressed the group. Following dinner, Paul Hostetter presented the Club with a check from PennAg Industries Association. Molly Winkle was named the Most Active New Club Member and Philip Wise received the award for the Highest Grade Point Average by a Club Member in the Poultry & Avian Science Minor. Jimmy Lowe won awards for the Most Active Club Member and the Poultry Science Affiliate Program Group (APG)'s Most Outstanding Club Member. The latter was presented to him by APG president Andy Bradford (AN SC ‘96) from Pfizer Animal Health – Global Poultry. Members of the 2010-11 Poultry Judging Team were also recognized and presented with coats, and the new club officers for 2011-12 were introduced. The evening concluded with Dirk Wise’s traditional “Year in Review” PowerPoint presentation, followed by closing remarks from the Club Co-Advisor Phil Clauer.

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Photos from the 21st Annual PSU Poultry Science Club Awards Banquet

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Poultry Science Club Officers, 2011-12

President……………………………………………..Philip Wise Vice President………………………………………Ethan Hull Secretary……………………………………………..Anne Morris Treasurer……………………………………………..Molly Winkle Scrapbook/Awards Committee Chair…..Ashley Stacharowski Fund Raising Committee Chair……………..Justin Knoebel Public Relations Committee Chair………..Jillian Koren Community Service Committee Chair…..Richard Hutton Ag Student Council Representative………Taylor Young

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Poultry Science Scholarships and Awards for 2011-12*,§

Scholarship or Award Donor/Donor

Representative Spendable Amount ($)

Undergraduate The James L. Adams Annual Scholarship in Poultry Science

James Adams 1,500

Adams County Poultry Association, Inc., Scholarship Darlene Resh 1,870 Glenn O. Bressler Memorial Award Department of Poultry Science 11,460 Clauer Family Annual Award in Poultry Science Phillip and Vickie Clauer 1,000 Jay Irwin/Lancaster County Poultry Association Scholarship

PennAg Poultry Council 1,000

Dr. David C. Kradel Memorial Award PennAg Poultry Council 1,000 Frederick “Fritz” Leuschner Memorial Scholarship in Agricultural Sciences

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick E. Leuschner

2,310

PennAg Poultry Council Scholarship in Poultry Science

PennAg Poultry Council 3,000

Pennsylvania Poultry Industry Alliance Scholarship Andrew Bradford 1,600 William and Edward Powers Poultry Science Grant Fund

Department of Poultry Science 985

John H. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship PennAg Poultry Council 1,000 Raymond E. and Frances B. Sperry Scholarship Frances B. Sperry 1,919 Merrill P. and Adeline B. Tait Memorial Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Tait 1,755 Wenger’s Feed Mill Incorporated Annual Scholarship in Agricultural Sciences

Jamie H. Rowley 5,000

William G. Zewan Trustee Scholarship Alan Zewan and W. Dean

Zewan 5,000

Total 40,399 Graduate

Herbert S. Siegel Graduate Student Fund Dr. Herbert S. Siegel 933 William Bowers, Jr., Graduate Endowment in Poultry Science

William Bowers, III 1,281

Kenneth and Mary Goodwin Fund for the Support of Research in Avian Biology

Martha L. Goodwin 2,182

Total 4,396 *Undergraduate awards were made to 25 students on the basis of merit (GPA), Poultry Science Club

involvement, enrollment in the Poultry & Avian Science minor, participation in intercollegiate judging, internships and other work experience, and need. The amount awarded per student ranged from $500 to $4,000, with an average of $1,616. Graduate awards will be made to the 7 current students to support travel to attend professional meetings and assist them with research costs and/or support services.

§For the 2010-11 academic year, the College of Agricultural Sciences awarded a total of $1,802,713 to 678 students. Poultry Science scholarships and awards were included among the 380 active scholarships awarded.

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News for Alumni and Friends

2010 Alumni & Friends Reunion: Great Fellowship, Great Food, and We Hammered Michigan (Finally!) The 11th Annual Poultry Science Alumni & Friends Reunion (AFR) was held on October 30, 2010, inside the blue and white decorated Snider Ag Arena (thanks Cheryl!). Following a social hour, Dr. Bob Elkin provided the attendees with an overview of the department’s accomplishments during the past year and then discussed the College’s transformational plan, which is now referred to as the ‘Ag Futures’ process. As you read on page one of this newsletter, although we were optimistically hoping to remain as a stand-alone unit, Dean Bruce McPheron’s recently announced draft plan for academic department restructuring proposes to end that 96-year status in 2012. Rich Roenigk (AG EC ’71) followed the department overview with the annual Affiliate Program Group (APG) update, and another outstanding barbecued chicken dinner was prepared – this time by Dr. Mike Hulet and Phil Clauer, who were pinch-hitting for Poultry Education & Research Center Manager and Head Chef Dirk Wise, who was in Fayetteville, AR with the PSU Poultry Judging Team. Following dinner, many of the attendees joined the crowd of 108,539 and witnessed a 41-31 win against the Michigan Wolverines.

We hope that you will join us for this year’s Poultry Science Alumni & Friends Reunion, when the Alabama Crimson Tide visit PSU on September 10, 2011. This year we will again be inside the Snider Ag Arena. (See pages 18-19 for information and a registration form.)

Evan Royster scores!

©Penn State Alumni Association

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Poultry Science Affiliate Program Group (APG) Update from President Andy Bradford

Hello everyone and greetings from the Poultry Science APG! We have had another busy and exciting year. As an organization, we have made many efforts to help support and promote the Poultry Science

Department. Here is a review of our activities of the past year: 2010 Poultry Science Alumni and Friends Reunion and APG Annual Meeting: Another great success put together by Dr. Bob Elkin and his staff. The APG was glad to participate and help promote the department. We are looking forward to seeing you at this year’s football tailgate on September 10, 2011 (PSU vs. Alabama). Poultry Science Club Award: Congratulations to James Lowe, Jr. for being selected as the 4th annual winner of the Poultry Science APG’s Most Outstanding Club Member Award. Jimmy truly exemplifies what the award and the APG stand for − hard work and dedication to the poultry industry. Way to go, Jimmy! State of the College: With the structure of the College of Agricultural Sciences changing, as was mentioned by Dr. Elkin, the APG and the PennAg Poultry Council worked together to present Dean McPheron with a letter outlining the industry’s wants and desires. These suggestions, while seemingly simple, will add a needed level of dedication to the poultry industry while providing students with well rounded experiences that will continue to make them extremely desirable to the workplace. We wish the Poultry Science Department and Dean McPheron well in the coming months as they transition to the future. John Schwartz Memorial Golf Outing: John was a founding member of the APG and had an unwavering dedication to the poultry industry

in Pennsylvania. This year’s outing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2011, and will be held at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens, PA. For more information or to register for the event, please call the PennAg Industries Association office at (717) 651-5920. APG Membership: If you would like to join or renew your membership to the Poultry Science APG, please send a note with your name, address, phone numbers (work, home, cell), email address, PSU graduation year, degree, and major (if applicable), along with a check for $20 to: Rick Roenigk, York Ag Products, P. O. Box 327, York, PA 17405-0327. Just a reminder that you do NOT need to be an alumnus/alumna of Penn State to join the Poultry Science APG.

White Out! Poultry Science Alumni and Friends Reunion attendees were among the crowd of 108,539 who enjoyed Penn State’s 41-31 win over the Michigan Wolverines on October 30, 2010.

APG Officers Needed: The Poultry Science APG is also seeking individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors. If you wish to join the Board, please contact Andy Bradford at andy.bradford@alpharma.com. APG Officers for the remainder of 2011 are: ●President - Andy Bradford, Pfizer Animal Health - Global Poultry ●Treasurer - Rich Roenigk, York Ag Products, Inc. ●CAAS Rep. - Roxanne Molnar, Broiler Producer

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In Memoriam

Walther Henry Ott Walther Henry Ott passed away on December 25, 2010, at the Holly Center of Arbor Glen in Bridgewater, NJ. He was 99. Ott was born on September 30, 1911, in Hermiston, Oregon. He was the son of the late Henry John Ott and Minnie Walther Ott. Walther graduated from Hermiston High School in 1929 with the goal of attending college to “learn the scientific information about commercial chicken egg production”. In the fall of 1929, he enrolled at Oregon State College and, in 1934, received a B.S. degree in Poultry Husbandry and a minor in Business. He subsequently received an M.S. degree in Animal Nutrition (minor area Biochemistry)

from Oregon State College in 1936. On August 27, 1936, he married Maxine Peterson. They moved to Stillwater, OK, where Walther taught courses in turkey production and commercial egg production as an Instructor in Poultry Husbandry at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). In 1937, the Otts moved to State College, PA, where Walther pursued his doctoral studies in poultry nutrition at Penn State. For his thesis work, Walther obtained some of the first preparations of crystalline pantothenic acid from the vitamin’s discoverer, Dr. Roger Williams, which he used to determine the pantothenic acid requirement of Single Comb White Leghorn hens for maximal egg hatchability. He received his Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biological Chemistry (minor area Organic Chemistry) from Penn State in 1942. Following completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Ott accepted a position at the Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research. During his 34-year career with Merck, Walther held various positions, including Research Associate (1942-46), Director of the Biocontrol Department (1946-52), Associate Research Farm Manager (1954-56), Director of Animal Husbandry (1956-68), Director of the Animal Husbandry Laboratories (1969-72), Senior Director of the Animal Health Developmental Research Laboratories, and Senior Scientist (1974-76). The latter was the highest research position attainable at Merck. Walther retired on October 1, 1976. During his career at Merck, Dr. Ott directed programs in the areas of animal nutrition, physiology, parasitology, and veterinary pathology. He also had an extensive knowledge of statistical methods and experimental design, and applied biometry to bioassays. Dr. Ott was the author or co-author of 102 refereed journal articles, primarily in the area of poultry nutrition. He also held three patents. Some of his major accomplishments included the first demonstration of the effects of crystalline vitamin B12 on chick growth (the so-called “animal protein factor”), which was a key contribution to Merck’s efforts in the isolation of the vitamin, and the discovery and patenting of penicillin, bacitracin, and ronidazole as growth promotants in poultry and other farm animals. He also conducted extensive studies on many antiparasitic agents (including nicarbazin and amprolium) and other factors for improving the growth and/or health of farm animals. Dr. Ott was an active member of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) and was the first non-university, non-government person to be elected to the PSA presidency (1971-72) and was named a Fellow of PSA in 1977. He served on the Editorial Boards of Poultry Science (1974-79) and the Journal of Nutrition (1971-79). A lifelong Methodist, Walther was a 62-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Westfield, NJ, where he served as a lay leader, member and President of the Board of Trustees and, following retirement, as a volunteer Pastoral Assistant for 16 years. He was a 50-year member of the Gnosis (Westfield, NJ). Dr. Ott was a life member of both the Oregon State and Penn State Alumni Associations, and he and Maxine contributed generously to both of his alma maters, including the endowment of professorships in Walther’s honor at each institution. In 1973, he became a member of The African Violet Society of America (AVSA). His dedication to the promotion of Max Maas hybrids made him well known in the African violet community, where he published in the AVSA magazine and won many awards and ribbons for his violets and his educational displays at the shows. Ott was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his son, Roger; his parents; and his sisters, Edna Stratton and Marian Wagner. He is survived by his daughters, Ruth Ott Arthur and Arline Ott Cox; his son-in-law, James Cox; 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

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PENN STATE POULTRY SCIENCE

12TH ANNUAL ALUMNI &

FRIENDS REUNION

and 10TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE POULTRY SCIENCE AFFILIATE

PROGRAM GROUP The Plans We’ll have a brief update of departmental activities and special guest recognition by Bob Elkin, Poultry Science Department Head. An update of the activities of the Poultry Science Affiliate Program Group (APG) will also be provided. Following a chicken BBQ buffet meal, we will adjourn to attend the PSU-Alabama football game. What Should I Wear? Dress casually, as you would for the football game. Football Tickets Tickets are available to our group at the rate of $64.00 per ticket. These are chair-back seats (as opposed to bench seats), and our group will be seated in the South Upper Deck.

Registration Deadline Tailgate meal and football ticket orders must be received by Friday, August 19. Hotel Accommodations Unfortunately, we do not have any available rooms reserved for this game. Parking We have a limited number of reserved parking spaces near the Ag Arena that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form to request a parking space. Accessibility For Special Needs If you have special dietary needs, physical challenges, or need other assistance to participate in the reunion activities, note those on your registration form and someone from our office will contact you to make the necessary arrangements. Game Time The kick-off time for this nationally televised game will be 3:30 p.m. What If I Have Other Questions? Please call the Poultry Science Department at 814-865-3411.

SCHEDULE OF REUNION ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 The event will be held inside the Ag Arena (at the intersection of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road; enter from the side door facing the paved parking lot). 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Check-in and

Visiting 12:30 p.m. Welcome and

Department and APG Updates

1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Chicken BBQ

Meal and Social Time

3:30 p.m. Penn State vs.

Alabama at Beaver Stadium

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PSU Class Year & Name: Major (if applicable):

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Company/Organization: _________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )

Cell Phone: ( ) E-mail:

Yes, I would like Ag Arena Parking (first-come, first-served) Special Football Seating Needs: ____Wheelchair ____Companion Dietary or Other Special Needs (please explain):

(Someone from the Poultry Science Office will phone with details of arrangements.)

Name(s) as you wish them to appear on name badges (please print or type):

ACTIVITY (SEPTEMBER 10) QUANTITY PRICE AMOUNT

Football Tickets (chair-back seats)* Penn State vs. Alabama $ 64.00

Tailgate Chicken BBQ Dinner Adult $ 16.00

Child (5-12 years old) $ 8.00 Order Total

*Football ticket orders will be processed only for those making meal reservations. NOTES: All persons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter Beaver Stadium.

You will receive written confirmation of your registration. All tickets will be distributed at the registration table inside the Snider Ag Arena

on game day.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “PENN STATE UNIVERSITY” AND DETACH AND MAIL THIS FORM TO:

Dr. Robert Elkin, Department of Poultry Science, Penn State University

213 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802-3501 (Tel: 814-863-2102; Fax: 814-865-5691; E-mail: rge3@psu.edu)

TAILGATE DINNER/FOOTBALL TICKET ORDER RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ***AUGUST 19, 2011**

Penn State Poultry Science 2011 Alumni & Friends Reunion Registration Form

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HOW TO CONTACT US Department of Poultry Science: The Pennsylvania State University 213 Henning Building University Park, PA 16802-3501 Tel: (814) 865-3411 Fax: (814) 865-5691 Website: http://poultry.cas.psu.edu Poultry Education & Research Center: Dirk Wise, Manager Tower Road, University Park, PA 16802 Tel: (814) 863-0510 Fax: (814) 865-5691 E-mail: dfw3@psu.edu

Faculty

Office Tel

(A.C. 814) E-mail

(@psu.edu)

Area of Expertise Paul A. Bartell 205 Henning 867-2365 pab43 Avian Biology/Circadian Rhythms Phillip J. Clauer 225 Henning 863-8960 pclauer 4-H Youth and Specialty Poultry Francisco J. Diaz 206 Henning 865-1499 fjd10 Reproductive Biology Robert G. Elkin (Dept. Head) 214 Henning 863-2102 relkin Nutritional Biochemistry R. Michael Hulet 222 Henning 863-8934 mrh4 Meat Bird Reproduction and

Management Alan L. Johnson 227 Henning 867-3203 alj14 Ovarian Biology Roland M. Leach, Jr. (Professor Emeritus)

208 Henning 865-5082 lnr Nutrition/Skeletal Biology

Paul H. Patterson 223 Henning 865-3414 php1 Environmental Management and Egg

Science Ramesh Ramachandran 211 Henning 865-5202 RameshR Neuroendocrine Regulation of Female

Reproduction

If you have any comments or suggestions about this or future issues of PS Update, please contact Dr. Elkin. Editor and Designer: Robert G. Elkin This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

© The Pennsylvania State University 2011