Canadian Society of Animal Science Honours and Awards 2004

 

The Canadian Society of Animal Science Fellowship Award

This award is given to a member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science in recognition for truly outstanding contributions in any field of animal agriculture. The sponsor of this award is Alltech Canada Inc.

 

This year the Canadian Society of Animal Science Fellowship Award Winner is Dr. Brian McBride of the University of Guelph.

 

Dr. McBride started his agricultural science career in the East, obtaining his BSc in 1978 and MSc 1980 from the University of Guelph and then moving West to do his PhD here at the University of Alberta. After completing his Ph.D. in 1984, the University of Guelph hired him as an Assistant Professor where he was promoted to full professor in 1993 and has remained until the present time.

 

Over this period of time he has distinguished himself as a researcher, a teacher and a scientist who is capable of extending his research to local national and international audiences. His refereed scientific publications, which number over 150 attest to his ability to see the potential of research problems and develop practical answers. As an indication of the immediacy of his work, his recent research on enriching milk in DHA has resulted in the patenting and commercialization of the process involved in the production of the enriched product. The work has provided additional economic opportunities for Canadian dairy farmers and dairy industry business.

 

Dr McBride has also been very active on the international scene. He has worked and published cooperatively with colleagues in Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Africa. His work with small-holder dairy producers under the auspices of the International Atominc Energy Agency has led to other projects with CIDA in Kenya and World University Student Service/World bank in Indonesia. His service on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Animal Nutrition and Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology, Health and the Environment has given him an influence over animal agricultural unrivalled by other Canadian animal scientists. His recent appointment to the Board on Agricultural and Natural Resources has only strengthened this influence.

 

Dr McBride is a well-rounded scientist and faculty member. He has served his university in several capacities that have been influential in shaping university policy and curriculum. He is an exceptional teacher, continually receiving high marks in student evaluations. His teaching has a covered the spectrum of courses from diploma to graduate level. To date he has been major advisor to 36 graduate students of which 13 were /are in PhD programs. He has also been on the advisory committee of an additional 35 students. He has ably demonstrated his ability and willingness to work on interdisciplinary projects, thereby encouraging cooperation among teachers across departmental boundaries. He has also been very willing to undertake difficult international tasks that have promoted the welfare and education of people in less fortunate circumstances.

 

Dr. John Burton nominated him for this award because quote” Dr McBride is an outstanding animal nutrition scientist who has reached the mid-point of what is already an exceptional career”. It is with great pleasure that the society presents the Canadian Society of Animal Science Fellowship to Dr Brian McBride in recognition of his outstanding contributions to animal science.

 

Dr. McBride, the President of the Society, will present the award on behalf of Alltech Incorporated.

 

Young Scientist Award

Members of the Canadian Society of Animal Science who have demonstrated excellence in research in any area of Animal or Poultry Science, and who have held their Ph.D. for a period not greater than seven years, are eligible for this award. The Award is sponsored by Pfizer Canada Incorporated.

 

The 2004 recipient of the Young Scientist Award is Dr. Kees Plaizier of the University of Manitoba.

 

Dr. Plaizier received his BSc in 1983 and MSc in 1986 from Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands. He came to Canada to do his PhD and graduated in 1997 from the University of Guelph. He stayed on there as a Post doctoral fellow and joined the research team led by Dr. Brian McBride until 2000 when he was hired as an assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba.

 

Since joining the Department of Animal Science, at the U of M in September of 2000, Kees continues to demonstrate his abilities in research. He very quickly initiated his research program in the designated area, dairy cow nutrition and metabolism. To accomplish this goal, he acquired a Canadian Foundation for Innovation grant resulting in a total of $700,000 to establish a Centre for Advanced Animal Metabolism Studies. Dr. Plaizier’s ability for independent research and collaborative works has been well demonstrated through his successful attraction of funds from national (NSERC, Dairy Farmers of Canada) and provincial sources. As well as attracting the $700,000 in infrastructure funding, Kees has received a total of $467,000 in operating grants since arriving at the University of Manitoba just 3 ½ years ago.

 

He has authored or co-authored 23 refereed publications since 1997 and given numerous presentations at conferences (39 abstracts since 1997).

 

In addition to his achievements in the area of research, Dr. Plaizier has contributed significantly in teaching and outreach. His teaching spans diploma, degree and graduate programs. He is thorough in his teaching and challenges his students to think critically. Although demanding, he is always available to help those who need help. He was involved with many students at the University of Guelph and served as co-advisor on some programs. His past and continued involvement in graduate student training led to a four year appointment to the Associated Graduate Faculty at the University of Guelph, recognition generally reserved for more senior researchers. In his short career Dr. Plaizier has supervised 2 MSc students and currently is supervising 3 PhD and 1 Msc students.

 

Dr. Plaizier has become very active in outreach to the Manitoba Dairy Industry by participating in many of their meetings and writing numerous extension articles. To the Scientific Community he has volunteered his time reviewing research proposals for NSERC, Livestock Environment Initiative and the International Foundation of Science (Stockholm, Sweden) and manuscripts for CJAS and Dairy Science.

 

According to his nominators Dr. Plaizier has been a very valuable addition to our Department. He has in a short period, demonstrated his excellence in research, teaching and outreach; there is no doubt that this he will make significant contributions to his science, his students and the dairy industry of Canada.

 

The Canadian Society of Animal Science is pleased to recognize Dr. Plaizier’s accomplishments by presenting him with the 2004 Young Scientist Award presented by Mr Mike Kohle of Pfizer Animal Health.

 

The Award for Excellence in Nutrition and Meat Science

This award is presented to a member of our society in recognition of excellence in teaching, research or extension in the fields of nutrition and meat science at the provincial, federal or international levels. The award is sponsored by Shur-Gain Canada.

 

This year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in Nutrition and Meat Science is Dr. Karin Wittenberg of the University of Manitoba.

 

Dr. Wittenberg was educated at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg obtaining her B.Sc. M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Science. Immediately after the completion of her PhD in 1985, she was hired by the U of M as an assistant Professor. She worked her way up the ranks to full professor in 1996 and has remained there until present day.

 

Dr Wittenberg is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise in numerous areas related to ruminant nutrition including mineral nutrition, forage production and utilization, as well as greenhouse gas mitigation. She has published 54 scientific papers, 8 book chapters, and is the author of over 125 conference proceedings, reports and technology transfer bulletins. Her expertise in nutrition has been recognized through invitations to serve on numerous national and international committees including the USA National Research Council (NRC) Committee on Animal Nutrition, the Canadian Climate Change Table, BIOCAP Canada, Alberta Environment GHG Science Plan for Agriculture, and the New Zealand/Australia Workshop on GHG Mitigation.

 

Over the course of her career, she has trained 11 Master’s students, 5 Ph. D. students and has served on the committee of more than 21 graduate students. In addition, she has taught courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in nutrition, dairy, beef and forage production. She has trained her students to rigorously examine and interpret their research data, as it applies to production agriculture. The quality of training that Dr Wittenberg has given to undergraduate and graduate students is evident by the employment record of former students in government and research organizations, as well as universities and agro-allied companies.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned accomplishments in teaching and research, Dr Wittenberg continues to maintain an interest in extension. She regularly receives requests to deliver presentations at provincial extension meetings, including the Eastern and Western Nutrition Conferences and the Manitoba Grazing School.

 

In 2000, Dr Wittenberg was elected Head of the Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba. Despite of this heavy administrative responsibility, she has provided indispensable guidance to four recently hired assistant professors. Two of these assistant professors are nominators for this award. The Canadian Society of Animal Science agrees that Dr. Wittenberg is an obvious choice to receive the Award for Excellence in Nutrition and Meat Science. The award will be presented by Duane McCartney, President of CSAS.

 

The Canadian Animal Industries Award in Extension and Public Service

This award is given to a member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science in recognition of sustained outstanding service to the animal industries of Canada in technology transfer, leadership and education in animal production. These contributions must be distinct from those of research. The recipient of the award may be employed in any sector of the Canadian Animal Industry. The award is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada, Canadian Pork Council and Chicken Farmers of Canada.

 

This year, the Canadian Animal Industries Award in Extension and Public Service goes to Dr. Ed Charmley of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Nappan Research Centre.

 

Dr. Charmley began his postgraduate education in the UK, receiving his B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Aberdeen and PhD from the University of Reading in 1984. He then did 1 year as a Post Doctoral Fellow at Aberdeen before coming to Canada 1986 where he was again hired as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Animal Research Centre in Ottawa with Agriculture Canada. Dr. Charmley took a position at the Fredericton Research Centre from 1989-1992 and in 1992 he moved to the Crops and Livestock Research centre in the Nappan where he remains until the present.

 

Through his enthusiasm and dedicated work, Dr. Charmley has promoted the idea of forage-beef production systems throughout the Maritimes. Over the years he has been able to identify the major needs and opportunities of the beef cattle industry in this region. He has developed an excellent research and extension education program on pasture management at the Nappan Research Centre. He is noted for taking the time and interest in ensuring that the information that is created on grazing systems is transferred to the producer and other extension agrologists in an easily interpreted practical manner leading to many yearly invitations he receives speak at extension meetings.

 

Dr. Charmley has worked in the practical farm environment and in agricultural research and extension fields for many years. In the last 10 years his research has been directed towards forage-based beef production using silage and grazing systems. He is one of Canada’s authorities on silage quality and is well known locally as well as abroad for his silage research. Most recently his focus has shifted towards mitigating the impact of forage-based beef production systems on the environment. This research has focused on reducing N losses to the environment in both conserved and grazed forage systems.

 

Dr. Charmley has directed the research program at the Agriculture Canada Nappan Research farm. He has developed an integrated beef cattle systems research program incorporating manure management, forage production and utilization and beef production and management. In addition, he has developed novel research techniques such as the use of alkanes as a research tool to allow increased understanding of animal factors which influence pasture utilization and beef production from pasture. He has also forged links with expertise at the Atlantic Veterinary College to allow for a comprehensive nutrition/reproduction program with the beef cow herd.

 

Dr. Charmley developed an extension strategy including frequent publications in industry magazines. He also works with industry to develop new technologies for the agricultural sector including a most recent venture with a manufacturer and 3 other AAFC centres to develop biodegradable silage plastic. He is actively involved with the regional Forage/Beef Network and is the Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science.

 

The Canadian Society of Animal Science is pleased to present the Canadian Animal Industries Award in Extension and Public Service to Dr. Ed Charmley in recognition of his leadership, and his continued dedication to high quality extension.

 

Jody Hesse, who is a member of the Canadian Pork Council and Pauline Bilodeau from DFC will present the award this evening on behalf of the three sponsors of this award, the Canadian Pork Council, Dairy Farmers of Canada and of course the Chicken Farmers of Canada.

 

The Award for Technical Innovation in Enhancing Production of Safe Affordable Food

 

This award is presented to a member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science in recognition of excellence in technical innovation and teaching, with particular emphasis in the fields of biotechnology, genetics, physiology and animal behavior. The award requires a demonstration that the recipient had contributed to the production of safe and affordable food. The award is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health.

 

This year, the Award for Technical Innovation in Enhancing Production of Safe Affordable Food goes to Dr. Tim McAllister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge.

Dr. McAllister received a B. Sc. in agriculture in 1985 from the University of Alberta. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Alberta obtaining a M. Sc. in 1987. Dr. McAllister worked briefly as a research technician at the Lethbridge Research Centre in 1987 before beginning a Ph. D. at the University of Guelph. In 1991, Dr. McAllister completed his Ph. D. with distinction. In 1991, Dr. McAllister obtained an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary. In 1994, Dr. McAllister was appointed as a Research biologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge. In 1996 he was promoted to a Research Scientist and by 2002 he obtained the position of senior research scientist.

 

Dr. McAllister has contributed to the production of safe and affordable beef on a number of different fronts. His team has developed technologies to lower the cost of production such as the use of byproduct feeds in feedlot diets and the employment of exogenous enzymes to enhance ruminal fibre digestion. Some of these strategies such as the inclusion of sunflower seeds in the diet have been shown to enhance the health-associated properties of beef via increasing CLA content. He has played a pivotal role in the development of strategies to prevent disease in feedlot cattle including characterizing atypical interstitial pneumonia in feedlot cattle and developing agronomic strategies and additives to prevent bloat in grazing cattle. His team pioneered the use of electronic systems to document feeding behaviour and intake in feedlot cattle. This technology is presently being used to characterize the role that feeding behaviour plays in the development of subclinical acidosis in feedlot cattle.

 

He has participated in defining the ecology of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in beef cattle, both of which are potential human pathogens. His team demonstrated that composting can be used as an effective means of killing Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts and preventing their transference into the environment. His work demonstrated that saponins can be used to kill Giardia within the intestinal tract of monogastric animals.

 

Recently, his team has focussed on characterizing the ecology of E. coli O157:H7 and the nature of antibiotic resistant E. coli in beef cattle and their environment. His team demonstrated that preconditioning can be used as a means of reducing the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in beef cattle and that as with intestinal protozoa, E. coli can be killed by composting of manure. Silage inoculants were shown to reduce the risk of feed to animal transfer of E. coli O157:H7 and bacteriophage were determined to be an effective means of reducing its prevalence in the rumen.

 

Furthermore, he has coordinated experiments to assess the safety of transgenic feed. His team demonstrated that transgenes are rapidly degraded to fragments within the digestive tract and that the likelihood of gene uptake by intestinal microorganisms or tissues is remote. His group was the first to employ real-time PCR to actually quantify the level of transgenes within the lower digestive tract, a technology that may have application in estimating the differential digestion of feed components within mixed diets. His work in these areas is internationally recognized as he is frequently called upon to present his team’s work both in North America and abroad.

 

Dr. McAllister has made a significant contribution to the professional society of animal science having served as western director, vice president and president of the Canadian Society of Animal Science and as associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science for a six year period. He remains an associate editor to the Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science and Animal Feed Science and Technology. Dr. McAllister’s contributions to livestock production were recognized early in his career when he was awarded the Canadian Society of Animal Science Young Scientist Award and the Animal Industries Award in Extension and Public Service.

 

Dr. McAllister is a member of several professional societies and has been an adjunct professor at the Universities of Alberta, Calgary, Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Utah State University. He has provided training and guidance to 9 Ph. D. students and 8 M. Sc. students. Dr. McAllister has now authored or co-authored over 150 papers in referred journals, 35 reviews, 9 book chapters, and over 550 proceeding, report and tech transfer publications. Dr. McAllister is undoubtedly a most worthy candidate for the Award of Technical Innovation in Enhancing the Production of Safe and Affordable Food.

 

The award will be presented by Dr. John Merrill of Elanco Animal Health

 

 

Honorary Life Memberships

Honorary life memberships are awarded to recognise recently retired Canadian Society of Animal Science members who have demonstrated support of the Society’s Mission and Objectives. Recipients are selected on the basis of their contributions to Animal Science in general and to the Canadian Society of Animal Science, and will subsequently not pay the Annual Dues of the Society.

 

Two recipients were honoured.

Dr. Bob Christopherson.

Dr. Christopherson is a professor of Animal Science here at the University of Alberta who has worked in many areas related to beef production and physiology, and been an extremely important contributor to beef research in Canada. His research has focussed on the manipulation of nutrient supply and the endocrine system in an effort to improve cold tolerance, efficiency of growth and reproduction. More recently his program has involved greater emphasis on gut hormones, tissue growth factors, and cytokines from cells of the immune system and other tissues.

 

The Canadian Society of Animal Science is pleased to admit Dr. Christopherson as a lifetime member of our society.

 

 

Dr. Gerry Mears

 

Dr. Mears completed his career at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre in Lethbridge. Dr Mears research accomplishments have been in the area of animal physiology with emphasis on beef cattle and sheep. His early work included physiology of endotoxin–induced fever and fetal sheep endocrinology and placental transfer of drugs and hormones using the fetal sheep. Another major focus of his work was determining the role of naturally occurring endogenous hormones in controlling the rate at which meat producing animals grow from birth to slaughter. In recent years Dr Mears has focused on ruminant stress physiology with the primary objective of developing a method to evaluate the stress that various management practises cause cattle. The award was accepted by …………………………………………..

 

It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Society of Animal Science admits Dr. Gerry Mears as a lifetime member of our society.

 

 

 

Graduate Student Theatre Presentation Awards

These awards recognize the top theatre presentations in the graduate student research presentation competition at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Animal Science. The awards sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and were presented by Mike Kohle of Pfizer.

 

Award Winners:

Tied First Place: Amy Hawkins for her presentation “Efficacy of supplemental microbial phytase on hydrolysis of phytate phosphorus by growing-finishing pigs.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tied First Place: Desmond Pink for his presentation “Regulation of Lysine a Ketoglutarate Reductase in Growing Pigs

Considering the Most Important Player in an Old Problem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second/Third Place: Akbar Nikkhah for his presentation “Infrared Thermography for the Early Detection of Laminitis in Dairy Cows”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate Student Poster Presentation Awards

These awards recognize the top poster presentations in the graduate student research presentation competition at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Animal Science. The awards are sponsored by Adisseo Animal Nutrition and were presented by

Duane McCartney, President of CSAS, on behalf of Adisseo.

 

Award Winners:

First Place: Trever Alexander for his poster presentation “Assessment of the stability of cp4 epsps transgene from Roundup Ready^® canola in digesta from sheep by quantitative real-time and qualitative PCR

 

Second Place: N. C. Johnson for his poster presentation “The effect of an abrasive pearling procedure on the digestible energy content of hulled barley for swine. “

 

Third Place: J. D. Nkrumah for his poster presentation “Relationships between residual feed intake and metabolic rate in growing hybrid cattle”

 

Canadian Society of Animal Science Book Prize

The Canadian Society of Animal Science Book Prizes are awarded to recognize academic excellence in the first three years of undergraduate study in the Departments of Animal Science, Poultry Science, Nutrition or Food Science in each the University Faculties of Agriculture across Canada. The prizes are sponsored by Oxford University Press, Canada, and the Canadian Society of Animal Science, and awarded in the fall of the year at the institution where the award winner is a student.

 

2004 Book Prize Winners:

University of British Columbia: Jane Noble

University of Guelph: Mark Johnston

Nova Scotia Agricultural College: Shawn Llewellyn

Universite Laval: Jean-Yves Robidoux

McDonald College, McGill University: Maude Bisson

University of Alberta: Meghan Ford

University of Saskatoon: Kristen Holgrem

University of Manitoba: Tyra Meaghan Dickson