W. E. Petersen Symposium

Presented by the Department of Animal Science

The 5th W. E. Petersen Symposium focused on graduate education and provided an overview of the needs in the Animal Sciences and what the future holds for students in Animal Science graduate programs. The goals of this symposium were to: 1) identify priority areas and the specific courses graduate students will need in the future to be successful, and 2) develop strategies for cooperation between universities in offering needed courses in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Symposium Presentations:

• Introduction (PDF)

• Future Graduate Education Needs—Academic Perspective (PDF)
  - Jim Linn/Bill Dayton, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota

• CIC and the CourseShare Program (PDF)
  - Amber Marks, Committee on Institutional Cooperation

• Multi-Institutional Alliance for Delivering On-Line Graduate Programs - Ag*IDEA (PDF) - Don Boggs, Kansas State University

Unavailable:

• Future Graduate Education Needs—An Industry Perspective
  - Ronnie Green, Pfizer Animal Genetics

• Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics On-Line: A solution to a Dilemma in Graduate Education
  - Ron Lewis, Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech University

Presented by the Department of Animal Science, April 2, 2007

The 4th W.E. Petersen Symposium addressed the science and impact of crossbreeding of dairy cattle. Crossbreeding is the hottest topic at this time in dairy genetics, and the University of Minnesota has taken a lead in conducting new research. Furthermore, the University of Minnesota has provided international leadership in educating dairy producers on implementation of crossbreeding systems. Internationally renowned researchers, as well as dairy producers from Minnesota and California, discussed their perspectives on crossbreeding of dairy cattle at this symposium.

View the Entire Proceedings:

• Proceedings of the 4th W. E. Petersen Symposium (PDF)

View Individual Articles:

• Mechanisms of Inbreeding Depression and Heterosis for Profitable Dairying (PDF)
  – Bennet Cassell, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg

• Impact of an Old Technology on Profitable Dairying in the 21st Century (PDF)
  – Brad Heins, University of Minnesota, St. Paul

• Experience with Crossbreeding–From Headaches to Happiness (PDF)
  – Kevin Prins, Dairy Producer, Modesto, CA

• Genetic Evaluation Using Combined Data from All Breeds and Crossbred Cows (PDF)
  – Paul VanRaden, USDA, Beltsville, MD

• Crossbreeding–An Important Part of Sustainable Breeding in Dairy Cattle and Possibilities for Implementation (PDF)
  – Morten Kargo Sørensen, Danish Agricultural Institute, Foulum, and Danish Cattle Federation, Aarhus

Presented by the Department of Animal Science, April 25, 2005

The objective of the 3rd W.E. Petersen Symposium was to explore which dairy system alternatives are most likely to be successful over the next 10-20 years in Minnesota and identify likely impacts of the dairy industry moving in this direction. This seminar explored implications of various systems relative to economics, human resources, farm families, rural communities, environmental impacts and animal welfare considerations. Top experts at the symposium discussed the impacts of alternative dairy systems.

Symposium Presentations:

• Introduction (PDF)

• Economically Feasible Dairy System Alternatives for Minnesota (PDF)
  - Stephen B. Harsh, Professor, Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University  

• Successful Transitions Engaging Everyone (PDF)
  - Robert A. Milligan, Sr. Consultant, Dairy Strategies LLC and Professor Emeritus, Economics, Cornell University  

• Is the Family a Trampoline, a Press or a Pulley (Dairy Systems Impact on the Family (PDF)
  - Sharon Danes, Professor and Extension Specialist, Family Social Science, University of Minnesota

• Dairy Systems Impact on the Environment (PDF)
  - Neil C. Hansen, Associate Professor, Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University

• Dairy Systems Impact on Animal Welfare (PDF)
  - Daniel M. Weary, Professor, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia

Presented by the Department of Animal Science, April 8, 2003

The 2nd W. E. Petersen Symposium addressed reproduction in dairy cattle and explored biological and management factors that affect dairy reproduction. Top experts in dairy cattle reproduction discussed their views on the decline of fertility in cows.

View Entire Proceedings:

• Proceedings of the 2nd W. E. Petersen Symposium (PDF)

View Individual Articles:

• Introduction (PDF)

• Physiological Mechanisms Leading to Reproductive Decline in Dairy Cattle (PDF)
  - M. C. Lucy, University of Missouri, Columbia

• Has the Fertilizing Capacity of Bovine Spermotozoa Changed? (PDF)
  - M. M. Pace, ABS, Global, Inc.

• Nutrition and Reproduction Loss - Can We Feed Our Way Out of It? (PDF)
  - W. R. Butler, Cornell University

• Reproductive Program Aids-Beneficial or Band Aid? (PDF)
  - J. S. Stevenson, Kansas State University

• Is Genetics a Cure for Reproductive Loss? (PDF)
  - L. B. Hansen, University of Minnesota

Presented by the Department of Animal Science, December 11, 2000

Dairy genomics was the theme of the first W. E. Petersen Symposium. The major objectives of the event were to: 1) provide our graduate students and colleagues with current information about advances in dairy genomics in the U.S., and 2) to provide a brainstorming forum to discuss the future of dairy genomics, possible development of a multi-state reserach program, and possible development of an F-2 Holstein population. The inaugural seminar was held on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus with 85 researchers and students in attendance.

Symposium Presentations:

• Functional Genomics of the Mammary Gland (PDF)
  - Tad Sonstegard, ARS, USDA

• A Case for a Holstein-Jersey Crossbred QTL Mapping Population in Dairy Cattle (PDF)
  - Curt Van Tassell, USDA

• Design of Resource Populations for Dairy QTL Mapping  (PDF) (Presentation & Manuscript)
  - Yang Da, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota

• A Genome Scan to Identify QTL Affecting Economically Important Traits in Dairy Cattle (PDF)
  - Melissa Ashwell, USDA

• Mapping Reproductive Trait QTL (PDF)
  - Brian Kirkpatrick, University of Wisconsin

• Effect of Selection for Milk Yield on Nutritonal Physiology of the Holstein Cow (PDF)
  - Brian Crooker, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota

• Dairy Genomics (PDF)
  - Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

• Mean Genetic Value / Waseca Control Sires  (PDF) (Tables)

• Future of Dairy Genomics-Brain Storming Session  (PDF) (Notes)