Outreach Center Research Articles

Growth, behavior, and economics of group-fed dairy calves fed once or twice daily in an organic production system

Heifer calves (n = 102) were used to evaluate the effect of once- or twice-daily feeding on growth, behavior, and economics of calves in an organic group management system. Calves were assigned to replicate feeding groups of 10 in superhutches by birth order, during 2 seasons from September to December 2013 and March to May 2014 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris. Calves in groups were the experimental unit. Breed groups of calves were Holsteins (n = 26), crossbreds (n = 45) including combinations Holsteins, Montbéliarde, and Viking Red (selected for high production), and crossbreds (n = 31) including combinations of Holsteins, Jersey, Normande, and Viking Red (selected for robustness). Treatment groups were once-daily feeding (1×) or twice-daily feeding (2×). Calves in both groups were fed 6 L per calf/daily of organic milk with 13% total solids and then weaned at 60 d when the group consumption averaged 0.91 kg/d of starter per calf. Body weight and hip height were recorded at birth, once a week, at weaning, and at 90 and 120 d of age. Hobo Pendant G loggers (Onset Computer Corp., Bourne, MA) were applied to the right rear leg of calves to measure total lying and standing time. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Independent variables for analyses were the fixed effects of birth weight (co-variable), season of birth, and treatment group, along with replicate as a random effect. No significant differences were found between feeding groups for body weight, weight gain, average daily gain, hip height, or heart girth. For calves in 1× and 2× groups, respectively, weaning group performance was as follows: gain per day was 0.79 and 0.81 kg, weaning weight was 92.7 and 93.3 kg, and weaning hip height was 95.2 and 95.3 cm. Daily gain to 90 d was 0.85 and 0.85 kg, and daily gain to 120 d was 0.85 and 0.83 kg for 1× and 2× calves, respectively. For lying time, calves in groups 1× (988 min/d) and 2× (995 min/d) did not differ. During the evening hours, 2× calves had lesser lying times (34 min/h for 1×; 28 min/h for 2×) because they were fed at 1800 h every evening. The average cost per kilogram of gain for the 2× ($4.03/kg) calves was greater than that for the 1× ($3.56/kg) calves. In summary, group-fed calves fed once a day in an organic production system had similar average daily gains and body dimensions compared with calves fed twice a day. Our results indicated that there is no need for twice-daily milk feeding under the conditions of the present study.

Outreach and Partnership Oncology Center Program Model in Eastern Province, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (Out-East)

The overall goal of King Fahd Specialist Hospital Oncology center outreach program is to bring cancer care delivery to individuals in their own communities, thereby generating a broadly applicable evidence base that contributes to improved patient outcomes and a reduction in cancer disparities through establishment of clearly defined and progressively implemented policy of evidence-based practices, utilizing local resources through a transfer of knowledge and management responsibilities to local healthcare professionals.

Short communication: Relationship of activity and rumination to abundance of pest flies among organically certified cows fed 3 levels of concentrate.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate activity, rumination time, and their association with 3 kinds of pasture flies for organic dairy cows (n=57) fed 3 grain supplementation strategies during the grazing season from May to September 2013. Cows were assigned to 1 of 3 replicate supplementation groups: (1) no corn-grain supplementation (100% pasture, PAS, n=19); (2) low corn-grain (2.72kg/cow per day, LG, n=19); and (3) high corn-grain (5.44kg/cow per day, HG, n=19). Cows calved during 2 seasons (fall and spring) at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, from October to December 2012 and March to May 2013. Supplement (corn-grain and minerals) was fed in a total mixed ration of corn silage and alfalfa silage, and at least 30% of diet dry matter intake for LG and HG cows consisted of pasture. Activity and rumination time (daily and 2-h blocks of time) were monitored electronically using HR-LD tags (SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel) for 125d. Activity (cow body movement and head movement) was reported in activity units from SCR DataFlow II software, and rumination times were reported in minutes per day. PROC HPMIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used for statistical analysis, and independent variables were season of calving (fall or spring), month of grazing (June to September), supplementation group, and interactions of month of grazing and supplementation group. Replicate was a random effect with repeated measures. Daily activity was higher for PAS cows (1,138 activity units) than for HG cows (1,001 activity units), and LG cows (1,019 activity units). Daily activity was highest in July (1,258 activity units) and lowest in September (819 activity units). Rumination was not different for PAS (397min/d), LG (384min/d), or HG (370min/d) cows. Daily rumination was greater in September (402min/d) than in July (361min/d). Daily activity increased rapidly between 0600-0800h and 1600-1800h. From 1800 to 2000h, cows had a rapid decline in activity until 0600h the next day. All supplementation groups had the greatest rumination activity from 0200 to 0400h and the least between 1000 and 1200h. Greater activity of cows on a herd basis was moderately correlated with increased fly populations. Monthly activity patterns of grazing cows were associated with fly populations on cows.

Toward a Critical Race Perspective of Transfer: An Exploration of a Transfer Receptive Culture

ABSTRACTIn this study we highlight the five elements of a transfer receptive culture and its connection to the Summer Transfer Enrichment Program (STEP) administered by the Community College Outreach Center (CCOC) at Best Coast University (all pseudonyms). A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted focusing on five years of STEP, consisting of 87 participants (70% female, 30% male), with 90% identifying as students of color (the majority Latinx1). Fifty-six students completed a survey and 22 participated in focus group interviews. Through Critical Race Theory we found that this program embodies four out of the five transfer receptive culture elements. Students felt reassured by the longevity and presence of CCOC and that STEP addressed fears and misconceptions about transferring. In addition, students felt financially and academically supported along with being validated through coursework and workshops that were similar to their life experiences.

Photovoice: A Strategy to Better Understand the Reproductive and Sexual Health Needs of Young Mothers

Study ObjectiveAdolescent women face significant sexual and reproductive health challenges and are more vulnerable than their male peers. Photovoice methodology might allow them to provide more meaningful and accurate representations of the health challenges they encounter. Our objectives were to: (1) use Photovoice to understand how young mothers frame reproductive and sexual health within the context of their lives; (2) explore how they define reproductive and sexual health; (3) identify youth perspectives on how their life situations influence their ability to affect their health; and (4) connect their perspectives to social determinants of health framework to facilitate implementation of effective programs and policies to address their needs. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresThis was a prospective qualitative community-based participatory research study involving young women (ages 15-25 years) recruited from a local youth outreach center. A 9-step validated qualitative participatory approach that combined documentary photography with focus groups was used. Qualitative analysis was conducted with NVivo version 10 software (QSR International Inc., Burlington, MA, USA). Data were coded and themes were developed. ResultsThirty women were recruited and nine women completed the study. Key themes included: personal sexual health practices and coping skills, influence of poverty, physical environments, community resources and sexual health services, education, and stigma of pregnancy. Participating in community-based participatory research empowered participants to advocate for their own health. ConclusionPhotovoice methodology contributes to understanding complex factors influencing sexual and reproductive health of young mothers. This participatory-based methodology highlights their individual situations, allowing us to seek connections, create analytical perspectives from which to relate their situations to root causes, and consider strategies for change.

I Am > Trauma: Experimentally Reducing Event Centrality and PTSD Symptoms in a Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTEvent centrality has been one of the strongest predictors of PTSD symptoms. We attempted to experimentally reduce event centrality using a modified version of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a sample of traumatized participants from a community outreach center. Relative to a control group, participants who received ACT evidenced significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, and event centrality. A mediation analysis revealed that the effect of condition on PTSD symptoms was mediated by decreases in event centrality. Only the effect of condition on depression was still significant at six weeks posttreatment. This study is the first to manipulate event centrality and suggests that components of ACT may be effective at reducing event centrality.

Art Therapy Services to Support Veterans' Transition to Civilian Life: The Studio and the Gallery

Beyond having knowledge of the treatment of combat-related trauma, art therapists need to understand veterans' experiences of transition from military to civilian life in order to offer effective interventions. This article reviews the literature on veteran transition and the challenges common to transition difficulty and describes two major components of the art therapy program at the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, New York: a drop-in studio space and a veterans' art gallery. The clinical benefits of studio and gallery approaches in art therapy are discussed in relation to treatment needs associated with veteran transition, collective trauma, and creating spaces for remembering and retelling. Art therapy may support successful transition within the context of interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and members of the community that the veteran calls “home.”

The Impact of Marcellus Shale Development on Hotel Revenues in Pennsylvania

New technologies have allowed for new drilling in oil and gas deposits throughout the world. In the Northeast United States, the Marcellus Shale formation has been one of the most active regions for new wells. This new drilling activity has created a visible economic impact to communities in and around the drilling sites. The increase in hotel activity metrics such as occupancy percentage and average daily rate has been noted but there has been no research that determines the total revenue impact of the drilling activity. This research does not attempt to factor in the social and environmental costs that have been discussed with the new drilling activities. This research studied the total revenue impact of the Marcellus Shale regions in the state of Pennsylvania. The state of Pennsylvania was chosen for this study as the state maintains detailed records on well development by county, while other states do not provide such data. Based on determinations made by a leading Marcellus Outreach Center, five distinct drilling “regions” were identified. Smith Travel Research provided hotel performance data. The performance indicators (demand, average daily rate, total revenue) of the hotels in the five drilling regions were tracked against the U.S. hotel industry performance indicators for comparable time periods. It was determined that approximately $685 million of hotel revenue has been generated by Marcellus Shale drilling activities. The incremental revenue was generated by both demand and average daily rate increases. This is a significant economic benefit to the drilling regions with increased tax collections for the taxing agencies and consumer spending by those visiting the region for drilling related activity. Approximately 65 new hotels were added in the drilling regions beyond what could have been expected with no drilling based on U.S. hotel industry supply trends. These new hotels are, almost exclusively, select-service, branded hotels. The average room size was 82 rooms, with an average employee count of 25 employees, the drilling has accounted for approximately 1,600 new hotel jobs plus whatever new jobs were added based on the increased occupancy levels of existing hotels. The cautionary note in the findings is that the 2012 data suggests that the demand may be stabilizing or decreasing. Demand in 2012 was flat at 0.0 but occupancy was down by 4.1% due to the increased supply. While the regions are still experiencing increased hotel revenues compared to a “non-Marcellus” scenario, the increase in hotel supply is making for a more challenging competitive environment for individual hotels. The finding suggest that new hotel development should begin early in a drilling environment and that hotels should have a long-term viability strategy as the long-term demand may stabilize or decrease. Sixty-two of the 65 new hotels are branded, 60 of those are select- service. Existing older and non-branded hotels will face a tougher operating environment and should have an exit strategy. Of the 14 hotels that closed in the drilling regions between 2006- 2012, 9 were independents and the average age of all 14 hotels was over 38 years old.

Building Collaborative Health Promotion Partnerships: The Jackson Heart Study.

Building Collaborative Health Promotion Partnerships: The Jackson Heart Study. Background: Building a collaborative health promotion partnership that effectively employs principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) involves many dimensions. To ensure that changes would be long-lasting, it is imperative that partnerships be configured to include groups of diverse community representatives who can develop a vision for long-term change. This project sought to enumerate processes used by the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Community Outreach Center (CORC) to create strong, viable partnerships that produce lasting change. Methods: JHS CORC joined with community representatives to initiate programs that evolved into comprehensive strategies for addressing health disparities and the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This collaboration was made possible by first promoting an understanding of the need for combined effort, the desire to interact with other community partners, and the vision to establish an effective governance structure. Results: The partnership between JHS CORC and the community has empowered and inspired community members to provide leadership to other health promotion projects. Conclusion: Academic institutions must reach out to local community groups and together address local health issues that affect the community. When a community understands the need for change to respond to negative health conditions, formalizing this type of collaboration is a step in the right direction.

Social support and intimate partner violence among women with HIV/AIDS

This study examines the relationships between Social Support and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among women living with HIV/AIDS. During the fall of 2011, women living with HIV/AIDS and receiving services from AIDS Outreach Center located in the southwestern part of the United States were recruited to participate in a study through the purposive sampling method. They were asked to complete surveys about their HIV/AIDS diagnosis, the level of IPV experienced, and their level of social support. Sixty-four women completed the Revised Conflict Tactic Scale (Straus et al., 1996), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and a HIV/AIDS Questionnaire. The majority (51.6%) of the research participants were African-Americans with a mean age of 46 years. Many women in the study were separated/divorced (34.4%); 29.7 % were married and 12.5% were cohabiting. Social support (β = -.206, p<.05) significantly predicted severity of emotional violence experienced by women living with HIV/AIDS.. This research emphasizes on the importance of teaching social work students about the co-occurrence of IPV and HIV/AIDS.

Effect of feeding kelp on growth and profitability of group-fed calves in an organic production system

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding kelp on growth and economics of group-fed organic dairy calves. Heifer calves born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, organic dairy during the fall of 2012 (n = 52) and the spring of 2013 (n = 64) were used to evaluate the effect of feeding kelp on growth and profitability of group-fed calves fed once per day in an organic production system. The treatment groups were (1) control calf starter (18% CP as fed; CON = 5 groups), (2) calf starter plus 56.7 g/d of kelp per calf daily (K2 = 4 groups), or (3) calf starter plus 113.5 kg/d of kelp per calf daily (K4 = 4 groups). Calf groups were fed organically produced milk once daily at 1.5% (DM basis) of the combined birth weight of calves in the group. Body weight and hip height were recorded at birth, once per week, at weaning (60 d), and at 90 d of age. Calf group ADG to weaning and weaning BW were 0.67, 82.2; 0.62, 78.8; and 0.63, 80.7 kg for CON, K2, and K4, respectively. Hip heights at weaning were 94.2, 90.7, and 91.1 cm for CON, K2, and K4, respectively. Daily gains from d 0 to 90 d of age were 0.78, 0.73, and 0.71 kg for CON, K2, and K4, respectively. The cost per kilogram of gain from d 0 to 90 d of age was greater (P = 0.07) for the K4 ($4.13) group compared with the CON ($3.69) group. In summary, calves fed a control calf-starter ration had greater (P = 0.06) ADG than calves fed calf-starter rations with kelp. Feeding kelp in calf-starter rations for organic dairy calves may not be economically justified.

Examining Mental Health Illness in a Community Based Sample of Pregnant and Postpartum Youth: A Pilot Study

Background: One in five women will suffer from mental health (MH) disorders during their pregnancy or first year postpartum. These rates are even higher in adolescent mothers. In an attempt to optimize health outcomes for young mothers and their families, a multi-disciplinary clinic for pregnant and post-partum adolescents was established at a community based young parent’s outreach center in Ottawa in 2004 (St. Mary’s Home). An on-site psychiatric clinic was piloted at the center in 2013. The current study aimed to describe characteristics of patients using data obtained at initial assessment. Methods: A total of 36 patients were referred over the recruitment timeframe, of which 28 attended the first assessment and consented to participate. The patients completed a battery of psychological measures and assessment tools which screened for issues relating to mood, anxiety, attachment, level of functioning and distress, substance use, and coping skills. Our institution’s research ethics board approved the study. Results: Thirty nine percent of those assessed were adolescents (<18 years). The mean age of all participants was 19.4 years (+/-2.3 years). Just over 80% (82%) of assessments were initiated in the antenatal period. Approximately 1/5 of patients were rated as having severe mental health problems at intake when the Threshold Assessment Grid (TAG) was applied. Over 80% (82.1%) of the sample demonstrated moderate to severe levels of depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and half of all participants reported anxiety levels in the moderate to severe level. In addition, the majority of participants experienced insecure anxiety-based and avoidance-based attachments with close relationships and low scores on measures of infant-attachment. At least 10% of the sample endorsed other symptoms that would suggest other possible mental health diagnoses, including drug and alcohol abuse (11% each) and panic syndrome (43%). Conclusions: Assessed patients demonstrated high rates of psychiatric morbidity and distress as evident by clinical scores on a number of different measures. It is vital that any program that offers care to pregnant and postpartum youth have sufficient resources to address these issues in order to help optimize overall health outcomes.

Spaceflight-relevant stem education and outreach: Social goals and priorities

This paper is based on a presentation and conference proceedings paper given at the 65th International Astronautical Congress. The paper addresses concerns in education and public outreach (EPO) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The author serves as a Director of a US statewide NASA-funded Space Grant Consortium, with responsibilities to coordinate funding for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and program awards. Space Grant is a national NASA network of STEM EPO programs including over 1000 higher education, outreach center, science museum, local government, and corporate partners. As a Space Grant Director, the author interacts with a variety of levels of STEM literacy and sophistication among members of the public. A number of interactions highlight the need for STEM EPO leaders to speak directly to a variety of social goals and priorities. Spaceflight is largely seen as an appealing and potentially desirable STEM application. However, members of the public are often unclear and ill-informed regarding relative expense, relative benefit, and relative breadth of domains of expertise that are relevant to the spaceflight enterprise. In response (and resulting in further disconnects between STEM specialists and the public), focused STEM professionals frequently over-emphasize their own technical specialty and its priority in general because of its importance to that professional. These potential divides in the attempt to share and connect STEM related goals and priorities are discussed as an elaboration of invitations to discuss spacefaring in “futures forum” contexts. Spaceflight can be seen as addressing a combination of “actualization” and “aspirational” goals at social and societal levels. Maslow׳s hierarchy of needs distinguishes between “basic needs” and “actualization” as a higher–order need. Another aspect of spaceflight is aspirational—it speaks to hopes and desires for levels of flexibility and capability at the societal level. One analogy is the marketing of premium brand luxury items, at lower cost and larger volumes, to larger segments of the population. STEM EPO activities should not be directed solely at the “rocket science” applications of technology and engineering capabilities. Additional effort is needed to connect spaceflight experiences and examples to broader STEM needs, social priorities, and local contexts.

Pattern of eye diseases presents at free outreach in rural community in the Northwestern Nigeria

Background: The lower socioeconomic status and long distance to eye care facility of the rural dwellers in many communities in developing countries accounts for the increase in the number of preventable and avoidable causes of blindness compare to developed countries of the world. It is widely believed that the best option to reduce blindness and visual impairment in these communities is to bring eye care services to their doorsteps in the form of outreach programs this has been practiced successfully in India and other Asian countries. Aims: To assess the pattern of eye diseases presenting at a free eye outreach in a rural community of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on the findings of 3-day outreach programs at Zuru General Hospital, in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State, Northwestern Nigeria. The following information was extracted from patient's folders: sociodemographics, diagnosis, treatment offered the patient, and distance of the patient house to the eye outreach center. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 (2006 Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: There were 458 patients seen at the outreach of which 197 (43%) were males and 261 (57%) were females. More than half of the patients 236 (52%) were 50 years and above, followed by age group of 34–50 years 99 (21.6%). The majority of the patients 128 (27.9%) were homemakers, followed by civil servants 125 (27.2%), and farmers 112 (24.5%). Most of the patients 188 (41%) covered a distance of 3–5 km before reaching the outreach center. The predominant ocular diseases seen were cataract 148 (32.3%), glaucoma 84 (18.3%), and refractive error 82 (17.9%). Conclusion: There were more females seen at our free eye outreach and majority of participants were 50 years and above. Cataract, glaucoma, and refractive error were the main reasons why patients presented at the outreach center. Efforts at improving the ocular health of this community should be focused on reducing the burden of cataract, glaucoma, and refractive error.

Responding to Outreach and Training Challenges in Health Information: A Case Study from Africa

This article shares the experience and lessons learned by Information Training and Outreach Center for Africa (ITOCA) in rolling out an on-line distance learning course. Key objectives were to explore the efficacy of online courses in increasing skills and awareness of electronic resources access initiatives. This is in the context of responding to limited funding alongside low awareness and usage of the resources. The initiative involved several stake-holders including ITOCA, Research 4 Life (R4Life), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The process used to set up the course and the results are described. Challenges and lessons learned are highlighted. Various recommendations for improving future courses are proposed. It is concluded that on-line learning is the fastest, least expensive, and most convenient mode of training and outreach, especially when compared with face-to-face delivery. It should be acknowledged that this mode of training requires much time, planning, and effective communication between the different parties.

Fatty acid profiles, meat quality, and sensory attributes of organic versus conventional dairy beef steers

Meat from Holstein and crossbred organic and conventional dairy steers were evaluated and compared for fatty acid profiles, meat quality, sensory attributes, and consumer acceptance. Bull calves (n=49) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 replicated groups: conventional (CONV), organic (ORG, pasture + concentrate), or grass-fed organic (GRS) and were born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN) between March and May 2011. The CONV steers (n=16) were fed a diet that contained 80% concentrate and 20% forage, and ORG steers (n=16) were fed a diet of organic corn, organic corn silage, and organic protein supplement. Furthermore, ORG steers consumed at least 30% of diet dry matter of high-quality organic pasture during the grazing season. The GRS steers (n=17) consumed 100% forage from pasture during the grazing season and high-quality hay or hay silage during the nongrazing season. The ORG steers had fat that was greater in oleic acid (C18:1) than the GRS and CONV steers (47.1, 36.1, and 39.9%, respectively). The GRS steers (21.9%) were lower for monounsaturated fat than the ORG (42.1%) and CONV (40.4%) steers. Furthermore, the GRS steers tended to have greater n-3 fat and had lower n-6 fat than the ORG and CONV steers. Consequently, the GRS (1.4%) steers had a lower n-6-to-n-3 fat ratio than the ORG (12.9%) and CONV (10.0%) steers. The GRS (2.6kg) steers had steaks that were not different for Warner-Bratzler shear force than ORG (2.3kg) steaks; however, the GRS steaks tended to have greater shear force than the CONV (2.0kg) steaks. The 3 steer group had steaks that were not different for color brightness (L*; 0 = black and 100 = white) and yellowness/blueness (b*; positive values = yellow and negative values = blue) values; however, the GRS (10.5) steaks had lower redness/greenness (a*; positive values = red and negative values = green) values than CONV (14.5) steaks. For sensory attributes (0- to 120-point scale), no differences were observed for ORG (71.3) and CONV (69.2) steers for overall consumer liking of the beef; however, the GRS (56.3) steers had the lowest overall liking among beef consumers. The ORG (73.3) steers had greater flavor liking than the GRS (56.8) and CONV (69.2) steers. Conversely, the GRS (6.3) steers had the highest scores for off-flavor (0- to 20-point scale) compared with the ORG (3.9) and CONV (4.1) steers. The results of the current study suggest that a potential market may exist for organic grass-fed dairy steers in the United States, but quality and consistency of the beef needs to be improved.

Growth, carcass characteristics, and profitability of organic versus conventional dairy beef steers

Bull calves (n=49), born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris) between March and May 2011, were used to compare growth measurements and profitability of conventional and organic dairy steers. Calves were assigned to 1 of 3 replicated groups at birth: conventional (CONV; n=16), organic (pasture and concentrate; ORG; n=16), or organic grass only (GRS; n=17), and analysis of variables was on a pen basis. Breed groups of calves were Holstein (HO; n=9); Holsteins (n=11) maintained at 1964 breed average level; crossbreds (n=19) including combinations of HO, Montbéliarde, and Swedish Red; and crossbreds (n=10) including combinations of HO, Jersey, Swedish Red, and Normande. The CONV steers were fed a diet of 80% concentrate and 20% forage. The ORG steers were fed a diet of organic corn, organic corn silage, and at least 30% of their diet consisted of organic pasture during the grazing season. The GRS steers grazed pasture during the grazing season and were fed high-quality hay or hay silage during the nongrazing season. Intakes of a total mixed ration were recorded daily with herd management software. A profit function was defined to include revenues and expenses for beef value, feed intake, pasture intake, health cost, and yardage. The GRS (358.6kg) steers had lesser total gains from birth to slaughter than ORG (429.6kg) and CONV (534.5kg) steers. Furthermore, the GRS (0.61kg/d) steers had lesser average daily gain from birth compared with ORG (0.81kg/d) and CONV (1.1kg/d) steers. The GRS and ORG steers had smaller rib eye area (49.5 and 65.8cm2, respectively) compared with CONV (75.4cm2) steers. For profitability, GRS steers had 43% greater profit than CONV steers due to organic beef price premiums and lower feed costs. On the other hand, ORG steers had substantially less profit than CONV steers. The higher cost of production for the ORG steers is due to the extreme high value of organic corn. The results of the current study illustrate the economic potential of alternative strategies for growing and marketing male offspring of organic dairy cattle in the Midwest.

Whole-milk feeding duration, calf growth, and profitability of group-fed calves in an organic production system

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of early-life feeding duration on growth and economics of group-fed organic dairy calves. Heifer calves born during the spring of 2011 (n=67) and the spring of 2012 (n=57) were used to evaluate the effect of weaning age, growth, and profitability of group-fed calves fed once per day in an organic dairy production system. Calves were assigned to replicate feeding groups of 10 in super hutches by birth order, and were born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris organic dairy. Breed groups were Holsteins (n=15) selected for high production, Holsteins (n=23) maintained at 1964 breed-average level, crossbreds (n=54) including combinations of Holstein, Montbéliarde, and Swedish Red, and crossbreds (n=32) including combinations of Holstein, New Zealand Friesian, Jersey, and Swedish Red. Groups of calves were weaned at 30 (EW, early weaning), 60 (MW, mid weaning), or 90 (LW, late weaning) d of age, and groups were fed 1.5% of birth weight of 13% total solids organic whole milk once daily and weaned when the group of 10 calves consumed an average of 0.91kg of organic calf starter per calf per day for 4 consecutive days. Body measurements were recorded at birth, weekly during the preweaning period, at weaning, and monthly thereafter. Profitability was estimated as a function of the total cost for organic milk and organic calf starter for weaning groups to weaning and to the first 90d of age. Preweaning group performance was weaning age, EW: 47.6d, MW: 64.5d, LW: 93.7d; weaning weight, EW: 61.8kg, MW: 79.2kg, LW: 108.1kg; and gain per day, EW: 0.51kg/d, MW: 0.63kg/d, LW: 0.75kg/d. Body weight (BW) did not differ among weaning groups at 90d of age; however, MW calves had lower 120-d BW than did LW calves. The EW calves did not differ from either MW or LW calves for 120-d BW. Total feed costs to weaning for groups were $1,092.97 for EW calves, $1,871.24 for MW calves, and $2,956.64 for LW calves. The cost per kilogram of gain was higher for the EW ($5.54) group of calves than for the MW ($4.60) or LW ($4.14) groups during the preweaning period. Total costs and cost per kilogram of gain for the first 90d of age were lowest for EW ($1,595.59, $3.02) calves and highest for LW ($2,956.64, $4.13) calves, respectively.

Comparison of the performances of DRAINMOD-NII and ADAPT models in simulating nitrate losses from subsurface drainage systems

Adequate knowledge on the movement of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) under different subsurface (tile) drain configurations and management practices in the U.S. Midwest is essential for developing remedial measures for reducing hypoxic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. In this study, DRAINMOD-NII, a daily time-step soil carbon (C) and N model, was calibrated and validated for subsurface drainage and associated NO3-N losses, and crop yield. Long term (1983–1996) monitoring data measured on three experimental plots under continuous corn (Zea mays L.) with conventional tillage practice at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center near Waseca, southern Minnesota was used for this purpose. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Percent Error (PE) and Index of agreement (d) were used for assessing the model performance. DRAINMOD-NII predicted monthly subsurface drainage matched well with measured data during calibration (NSE=0.81, PE=−7.8% and d=0.94) and validation (NSE=0.67, PE=−0.7% and d=0.88) periods. Performance of DRAINMOD-NII for predicting monthly NO3-N losses in subsurface drainage was also good for both calibration (NSE=0.64, PE=0.8%, and d=0.85) and validation (NSE=0.62, PE=−5.3%, and d=0.83) periods. DRAINMOD-NII predicted average (1983–1992) annual corn relative yield (93%), a ratio of crop yield in a year to the long-term average crop yield, was close to the observed relative yield (92.5%). DRAINMOD-NII simulation results were also compared and contrasted with those obtained by the Agricultural Drainage and Pesticide Transport (ADAPT) model with the same dataset. Both models performed equally well in predicting monthly subsurface drainage. However, DRAINMOD-NII performed slightly better in predicting monthly NO3-N losses and annual N budget, in addition to showing potential to simulate the effects of excess and deficit water stresses on crop yield. Studies comparing performances of different drainage models in the U.S. Midwest are useful to select an appropriate model for devising various strategies for reducing NO3-N losses from subsurface drainage systems, and thereby minimizing hypoxic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.

Announcing a New ABT Department on the Neurobiology of Learning

You may recall that the ABT ran several short articles for the 2012–2013 academic year on addiction and the brain by Helen Buckland and Susanna Cunningham. Thank you, Helen and Susanna, for your valuable contributions to biology education. Those articles are now complete, and the department will be replaced by a new series beginning this month titled “The Neurobiology of Learning.”This column will be written by members of the “How Do I Learn: Neuroscience Advances Inform Learning” grant (HDIL). HDIL is a collaborative effort of Puget Sound Educational Service District and three groups at the University of Washington (School of Nursing; School of Education’s LIFE Center–Learning in Formal & Informal Environments; and UW Educational Outreach Center). It is funded through the Blueprint for Neuroscience program hosted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the grant is to engage teachers, students, parents, and interested community groups in an innovative program of neuroscience education focused on answering the questions “How do I learn?” and “How do I teach students about how they learn?” An additional focus is to inform all the audiences about potential careers in neuroscience.The anticipated titles of the next 10 articles areHDIL Project activities include a yearly summer workshop for teacher teams, followed up with an online professional learning community; a free online course about aspects of neuroscience related to learning; and online parent pages and parents’ night programs with information on what research tells us about how to support student learning. A specific objective for the teacher audience is to increase their knowledge of neuroscience research related to learning and their use of cognitive learning models, related teaching resources, and pedagogical skills. If you are interested in learning more about this project, contact project director Jenny Williamson at jenlw@uw.edu.