Issues of Education for Dairy Foods Scientists: Food Science vs. Dairy Science

The issues are considered under the headings of 1) quantity of graduates needed at the three degree levels, 2) quantities of students available for the educational programs, 3) content of the curricula at participating universities, 4) methods of teaching, 5) application of electronic technology to both teaching and industrial practice, 6) influence of the changing industry, and 7) factors affecting locations of dairy industry facilities and of educational institutions involved in specialized discovery, education and service.     

Successful Teaching Techniques in Dairy Foods Courses

Students preparing for careers in the dairy food industries need opportunities to develop interpersonal, computer, problem solving, and communication skills as well as technical competency in dairy foods. Dairy foods courses have traditionally offered a multidisciplinary framework for providing a successful learning environment. The application of classroom theory to realistic situations has been a product of knowledgeable faculty and strong daily industry cooperation through site visits, guest speakers and internship/co-op programs. This paper presents examples of traditional problem solving and hands-on teaching models and examines the developing resources related to computer technology. The modern facilities at the Michigan State University Dairy Foods Complex are used as the basis for demonstration of the commingling of traditional educational opportunities with modern process control and multimedia teaching resources. The examples demonstrate the continued ability of dairy foods courses to be foundational learning experiences for both dairy and food science programs.     

Acknowledging and adapting to dietetic students' changing needs

PURPOSE: Various societal influences have shaped the way dietetic students view and react to current educational situations. Students' perspectives were sought on conditions that caused stress in the educational environment, what they thought educators did not understand about them, and changes their faculty or preceptors had made to address their needs. METHODS: Third- and fourth-year university students, interns in their final rotations, and master's degree students completed a questionnaire (n=284). RESULTS: Several stressors were identified: thinking about getting a job as a dietitian, lack of finances or debt, competing for internship positions, the ability to meet program demands, and envisioning the area in which they would specialize. The qualitative analysis highlighted gaps in understanding between students and educators. Gaps concerned student finances, the evaluation process, inflexible undergraduate and internship structures, competition among students, ineffective communication, and finding a balance between academics and other competing interests. CONCLUSIONS: A conflict exists between what students expect as part of their educational experience and what they actually experience. Students appreciated educators who engaged them in the learning process and recognized the realities of their lives.     

Evaluation of effects of metritis management in a complex dairy herd health management program

Evaluating the effects of all interventions in a dairy herd, including the effects of various herd health management programs (HHMP), is highly relevant. A traditional randomized controlled trial is the gold standard but is likely practically impossible or prohibitively expensive to use for a general evaluation of a HHMP. Generalizability may also be poor because of the dynamics of the production contexts. In this study, we demonstrate an approach for evaluating the effects of an HHMP in the field, specifying an intervention theory for an ongoing HHMP in the context of the Danish dairy industry. As an example, we suggest one coherent analytical approach for studying the possible effects on milk production of systematic postpartum examinations of vaginal discharge, which is supposed to improve detection and treatment of metritis or endometritis. This routine is one component of the HHMP. The data consisted of 121 herds and 76,953 lactations over a 15-yr period. For parity group 1, the negative effects of metritis (despite treatment) on 305-d milk production after a normal calving were reduced by 116 kg of energy-corrected milk after enrollment in the HHMP. For parity group 2 and parity group >2, enrollment in the HHMP resulted in a 129-kg and an 80-kg energy-corrected milk yield increase in milk production, respectively. The results indicate that effects of the HHMP existed, which were mediated through improved metritis detection. This study demonstrates the importance of a clear-cut intervention theory, although even with a theory, the research question can be too herd and context specific. In such a case, a within-herd randomized controlled trial study design seems to be the only way to achieve a valid result for a given herd, and acquiring valid results from an observational multi-herd study will be very difficult.     

Off-flavors in milk

This report is a review of off-flavors encountered in fluid milk. It includes sections on transmitted, microbial, lipolyzed, heated, light-activated, oxidized, and miscellaneous flavors. Finally, the flavor of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) milk is reviewed. Most of the literature cited for different off-flavors covers the period since a comprehensive review was done of milk flavors by Strobel et al. (1953). In addition to causative agents and volatile materials associated with off-flavors, methods for control of each of the off-flavors are presented. This report is designed to serve the dairy production and processing industry, students and faculty of food science curricula, dairy product evaluation students, regulatory people, and fieldmen.     

Factors affecting the decision to exit dairy farming: a two-stage regression analysis

Substantial attention has focused on the dairy industry because of a concern that many producers are getting out of dairying. Although low milk prices are postulated as a primary reason for exits from dairying, other factors may be important as well. Data from a representative 64-farm subset of a 2002 survey of dairy producers in Maine were used in the current study. Of the 64 farms, 15 indicated an imminent exit from dairying, whereas 49 dairy farms expected to remain in business for > or =5 yr. A binary choice logit regression model, based upon the dependent variable decision to exit or remain in the industry, was used as part of a 2-stage regression process to ascertain why dairy producers are choosing to leave the industry. The hypothesis states that the decision is a function of 3 independent variable categories: demographic, efficiency, and opportunity costs. Four variables were revealed that significantly influence the exit decision. Older producers, higher off-farm income, lower returns over variable cost, and greater diversification of farm income were more likely associated with a decision to leave dairy farming. Because factors other than milk price are involved in exit decisions, perhaps national or regional dairy programs should consider strategies beyond price supports to provide for a stable dairy industry and a reduction in the rate of dairy farm exits.     

美国传媒教育的发展趋势（英文）

10月25日，在北京印刷学院举办了2008印刷媒体技术与教育北京论坛。我们从众多演讲人的发言中选取几篇，将从本期起陆续刊出，供读者参考。     

美国传媒教育的发展趋势

10月25日,在北京印刷学院举办了2008印刷媒体技术与教育北京论坛。我们从众多演讲人的发言中选取几篇,将从本期起陆续刊出,供读者参考。     

Major advances in globalization and consolidation of the artificial insemination industry

The artificial insemination (AI) industry in the United States has gone through many consolidations, mergers, and acquisitions over the past 25 yr. There are 5 major AI companies in the United States today: 3 large cooperatives, 1 private company, and 1 public company. The latter 2 have majority ownership outside of the United States. The AI industry in the United States progeny-tests more than 1,000 Holstein young sires per year. Because healthy, mature dairy bulls are capable of producing well over 100,000 straws of frozen semen per year, only a relatively small number of bulls are needed to breed the world's population of dairy cows. Most AI companies in the United States do not own many, if any, females and tend to utilize the same maternal families in their breeding programs. Little differences exist among the selection programs of the AI companies in the United States. The similarity of breeding programs and the extreme semen-production capabilities of bulls have contributed to difficulties the AI companies have had in developing genetically different product lines. Exports of North American Holstein genetics increased steadily from the 1970s into the 1990s because of the perceived superiority of North American Holsteins for dairy traits compared with European strains, especially for production. The breeding industry moved towards international genetic evaluations of bulls in the 1990s, with the International Bull Evaluation Service (Interbull) in Sweden coordinating the evaluations. The extensive exchange of elite genetics has led to a global dairy genetics industry with bulls that are closely related, and the average inbreeding level for the major dairy breeds continues to increase. Genetic markers have been used extensively and successfully by the industry for qualitative traits, especially for recessive genetic disorders, but markers have had limited impact for quantitative traits. Selection emphasis continues to migrate away from production traits and towards nonproduction traits, especially towards health and fitness traits. Specifically, fertility has arguably become the major breeding and management issue facing dairy farmers today. Some producers have implemented crossbreeding programs in an effort to capitalize on heterosis, and crossbreeding will almost certainly need to be a bigger part of the AI companies business in the years ahead.     

Impact of Milk Supply Management Policies on the South

Supply management for milk is defined in this paper as any method used to attempt to balance supply with demand. Price supports, voluntary dairy farmer programs, and mandatory programs were evaluated for the South. Partially as a result of government programs, milk production in the South increased 5% in the 1976 to 1986 while production in the United States increased 20%. Southern dairy farmers participated at a higher rate than US dairy farmers in both the milk diversion and dairy termination programs. Long-term average returns to southern dairy farmers in 1976 to 1985 were well under returns to dairy farmers in other regions, which partially explains the high participation. Southern dairy farmers indicated a poor future in dairy farming and retirement age as major reasons for dairy termination program participation.Southern dairy farmers are expressing mixed opinions regarding supply management programs for the future. “Let the 1985 program work” is one expression. Another group shows concern about low prices, adequate but not excessive supplies for the fluid market, and the family dairy farm. Some prefer mandatory supply management including marketing quotas. Milk price, used alone as the supply management policy, may be a harsh adjustment method for dairy farmers and the dairy industry in the South.     

Trends in Food Science Education in Europe

ABSTRACT: In Europe, graduate studies in Food Science have various characteristics: a specific focus or a multi-disciplinary program among science, engineering, and management; a training period (internship) in industry; and exposure to different languages. A European credit transfer system (ECTS) is used to facilitate exchange of students. The European Union finances the exchange of students and teachers through networks of universities and schools in Europe and with institutions around the world where exchange of teaching methods and scientific information occur. Distance education, continuing education, and opportunities where the student alternates between course work and working in the industry are other modes of education. The organization of Ph. D. programs varies depending on the country. Other initiatives for collaboration with other parts of the world include international Master's programs and courses which prepare students for teaching (for example, courses in curriculum development and pedagogy).     

Views of American animal and dairy science students on the future of dairy farms and public expectations for dairy cattle care: A focus group study

Students completing advanced degrees in dairy or animal science may go on to have a major impact on the food animal agriculture industries. The aim of this study was to better understand student views of the future of dairying, including changes in practices affecting animal care on farms as well as perceived public perceptions. We conducted 6 focus group sessions with undergraduate students enrolled in the 2019 US Dairy Education and Training Consortium held in Clovis, New Mexico, and used explorative key word analysis of written notes and thematic analysis of the semi-structured discussions. Some “must-haves” of future animal care on dairy farms included increased use of technology, group housing of calves, and adequate facilities, including enrichment. Students also discussed their views of public expectations regarding animal care on dairy farms, and measures that they felt must be put into place to address these expectations in the coming years. Although the influence of the public was highlighted by the students, they were not always certain what specific values the public holds and doubted the feasibility and practicality of some expectations, such as providing pasture access or keeping the calf and cow together. They further demonstrated uncertainty about how best to align the directions of the industry with public expectations. Although they felt that public education could be used to demonstrate the legitimacy of dairy practices, they also believed that the industry should strive to find compromises and work toward meeting public expectations. Deciding what animal welfare considerations (e.g., naturalness, affective states, or animal health) were most relevant was a challenge for the students, perhaps reflecting diverging messages received during their own education.     

The American Dairy Science Association: The Fourth Twenty-Five Years, 1981-2005

Great leaders have stepped forward to successfully lead the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) through its fourth 25-yr period of its 100-yr history. Rather than meeting on college campuses, the annual meetings of the ADSA are now held at convention centers that are easily accessible, and are usually held jointly with the American Society of Animal Science. Besides the scientific and social exchanges, regular members and students are recognized for their professional excellence with awards at these meetings. The Student Affiliate Division continues to hold an active meeting along with the parent society. The last 25 yr experienced the termination of the Purina Mills Fellowship Program after 52 yr of support for graduate students. The establishment of an ADSA Foundation has increased resources for enhancement of the ADSA. Newly established DISCOVER Conferences are recipients of Foundation support. The last 25-yr period experienced the development of a formal business arrangement with the American Society of Animal Science and Poultry Science Association that resulted in the establishment of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), which now houses the 3 societies in its building in Savoy, IL. The Journal of Dairy Science has become the leading journal for publication of dairy science research in the world. The Journal as well as the membership of the ADSA has become increasingly internationalized. Truly, the ADSA has much to celebrate because of its successes in mission during the fourth 25 yr of its history. Its membership can be confident as the ADSA begins its second century of service to the dairy industry.     

Economic Issues and Implications of a United States Milk Quota Program

Interest in adoption of a national mandatory milk quota program has grown considerably in the last 2 yr primarily due to mounting dairy surpluses and burgeoning costs of the dairy price support program. If this type of program were to be adopted, all segments of the dairy industry would be affected. This article examines the potential economic issues and implications of such programs on current and future generations of dairy farmers, milk handlers, government, and consumers. In part, it is argued that a national mandatory milk quota program would most likely raise farm milk prices, reduce milk surpluses, provide windfall gains to current producers, reduce government budgetary costs, increase retail prices for consumers of dairy products, increase costs of production, encourage the use of substitutes for dairy products, and slow adoption of new technologies by farmers. Although the political climate in Congress and the Administration is not very receptive, support for these programs has grown during the past year among farmers and the dairy lobby. At the very least, there undoubtedly will be political pressure for a national mandatory milk quota program in the near future.     

An overview of the educational needs for the international dairy industry

Educational provision for potential recruits to the dairy industry has changed dramatically over recent years. This study considers the current situation in various countries including the United Kingdom, and highlights the evolution of the traditional dairy based courses to curricula which now embrace science and technology of all main food areas, together with an increasingly important element of quality management. Effective delivery of current courses via the use of contemporary teaching methodologies is explored. Emerging concerns that the specific training needs of the dairy industry are poorly addressed by the nature of current courses are discussed .     

Reproductive loss in high-producing dairy cattle: where will it end?

The dairy industry in the United States has changed dramatically in the last decade. Milk production per cow has increased steadily because of a combination of improved management, better nutrition, and intense genetic selection. Dairy farms are larger, and nearly 30% of the dairy cows in the United States are on farms with 500 or more cows. The shift toward more productive cows and larger herds is associated with a decrease in reproductive efficiency. Cows with the greatest milk production have the highest incidence of infertility, but epidemiological studies suggest that, in addition to milk production, other factors are probably decreasing reproductive efficiency in our dairy herds. The reproductive physiology of dairy cows has changed over the past 50 yr, and physiological adaptations to high milk production may explain part of the reproductive decline. Critical areas for new research include control of the estrous cycle, metabolic effects of lactation on reproduction, mechanisms linking disease to reproduction, and early embryonic mortality. Solving reproductive loss in dairy cows will not be easy because only a small number of research groups study reproduction in postpartum dairy cows. Therefore, the present research base will need to be expanded. For this to occur, research funding must be increased above its current level and a renewed emphasis must be placed on solving the emerging crisis of infertility in dairy cows.     

《造纸原料各论》本科课程的现状与展望

国内涉及制浆造纸方面本科教学的高校有20多所。《造纸原料各论》课程的学习可拓展学生视野,有利于从全局意义上认识和把握制浆造纸。此课程涉及的内容包括造纸原料纵览、针叶木原料、阔叶木原料、禾本科纤维原料、韧皮纤维原料、叶纤维原料、果实纤维原料和废纸原料等。课程内容的丰富和拓展、国内外优质视频资料的引进及始终以国际化视野推进课程建设等有利于保持课程的先进性,提高课程教学效果和学习效果。     

Frequencies of injection-site lesions in muscles from rounds of dairy and beef cow carcasses

The frequency of injection-site lesions in muscles from top sirloins and rounds in fed cattle carcasses is well documented; this study characterizes the frequency and severity of lesions in muscles from rounds of beef and dairy cow carcasses. Audits were conducted in 1998, 1999, and 2000 on 3190 rounds from cow carcasses. Outside round muscles were cut into 1.25-cm slices to characterize lesions. In 1998, 31% of beef rounds and 60% of dairy rounds had an injection-site lesion. Frequency of lesions in beef rounds significantly declined 5 percentage points between 1998 and 1999 and 6 percentage points between 1999 and 2000. The frequency of lesions in dairy rounds significantly declined 9 percentage points between 1998 and 1999 and 16 percentage points between 1999 and 2000. Frequencies of injection-site lesions in muscles of beef rounds were significantly lower than those in muscles of dairy rounds in all 3 yr. Injection-site lesions were most common between the hooks and pins of the hindquarter of beef cattle and between the pins and hocks of the hindquarter of dairy cattle. Clear lesions and woody calluses exceeded 89% and occurred more frequently than did other kinds of lesions in muscles of beef and dairy rounds in 1998, 1999, and 2000 audits. Of all injection-site lesions, between 3 and 5% were cystic in muscles of beef rounds, similar to the 2 to 4% of cystic lesions found in muscles of dairy rounds. Although yearly data indicate trends in declining frequencies of injection-site lesions, the need remains for educational programs and continued improvements in beef quality assurance practices among both beef and dairy producers.