www.elsevier.com / locate / livprodsci
In this issue (page numbers) Editorial: Polarization on Genetically Modified Food (159) 51st Annual Meeting of EAAP, The Hague 2000 (165) 2000 Joint Celebration Millennium Meeting of EAAP/ASAS /ADSA (165) Satellite Symposia Associated with the EAAP Annual Meeting in The Hague (166) Future EAAP Annual Meetings (167) Forthcoming EAAP and Associated Scientific Meetings (167) 5th Global Conference on Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources, 2000 (170) EAAP Notices (172) Reports on EAAP and Other Scientific Meetings (172) Personal News (176) Awards (177) News from Member Countries (179) International News (180) In Memoriam (182) Book Reviews (184) Training Courses (194) Forthcoming Scientific Conferences (196) Editor: John Hodges, Lofererfeld 16, A-5730 Mittersill, Austria. Fax: 143-6562-54814; e-mail: [email protected]
April 2000
Number 37
EDITORIAL: POLARIZATION ON Many people in animal science have a deep GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD concern for the very important issues which are being distorted in an ideological battle. There are no winners when rational debate is absent and the Introduction
parties focus upon faulting their opponents rather than the facts. As informed spectators we know that It is not easy having an interest on both sides in a the real problems are not being faced or answered by raucous public debate. But that is where many of us either side and we feel powerless while the invective find ourselves in the continuing war of words, is promoted in the media. Part of the problem is that accusations, physical violence and abuse on Ge- the extremists on both sides, who undoubtedly are netically Modified Food. Each side has some valid not representative of the constituencies they claim, points but the opposition is no longer listening lose touch with reality and move into positions of
having already decided. fantasy.
Activists against GM Food view there are no further legitimate questions pre-venting widespread use.
Consider the activists who object to GM Food, This superior attitude reflects badly upon science employ scare tactics and abuse by coining concepts for it not only sweeps away the views of the like ‘‘frankensteinfoods’’ and ‘‘mutant grub’’ to extremist fringe in the opposing camp, but it fails to characterize the future dining table of the world. recognise and address the serious questions of many They also engage in physical violence and civil educated people and professionals in non-biological disobedience, as in Seattle in November 1999, and in fields who are also deeply concerned with the world pillaging suspect crops and private property. Even as food problem. Room must be found for debate and I write in early March 2000, some Greenpeace public scrutiny with people of other professional activists in the UK have been arrested for physically specialities, different cultures and values, diverse seeking to prevent a ship with a cargo of GM soya farming systems, varied dietary and culinary habits from the USA from docking in Liverpool. Let us not and life-styles. Regrettably, claiming to speak for the misunderstand. There are deep seated and wide- scientific constituency, these activists go far beyond spread concerns in Europe and among many thinking what scientific authority allows, which would be to people in the tropics about GM Food. Peaceful state that, to date, scientific methods find nothing demonstrations within a democratic society are abnormal in GM Food. The activists’ statements legitimate and well established ways of drawing the indicate clearly that, in their view, scientists are deliberate or unconscious blindness of governments competent to decide that the use of GM Food in to alternative positions held by many people. Vio- human society should now be implemented globally. lence never solves problems. In fact it often has the This unfortunate arrogance is further reinforced by opposite effect. In this situation agitators using verbal abuse, for while accusing the opposition of a propaganda enable their opponents to allege that all ‘‘language war’’ activist scientists now characterize who have questions about GM Food are victims of anyone who questions the legitimacy of immediately mass hysteria – which is not true. applying GM Food technology without discrimina-tion to the mass food market as ‘‘Luddites’’, ‘‘Anti-progress’’ and ‘‘Self-seekers impeding progress by Activists in support of GM Food imposing their own fetishes and New Age beliefs on society by employing a veneer of pious rhetoric Regrettably, there are also extremist scientists who regardless of the cost to humanity’’. This quotation employ scare tactics and abuse. They say GM Food from a January 2000 article is typical of much that is must be used globally and immediately to feed the written today by those who see themselves represent-world and they characterize those who do not ing the scientific position.
immediately agree as selfishly denying food to Such rhetoric brings discredit upon us all as hungry millions. They see no place for legitimate scientists. It is totally inappropriate today as we enter questions by non-specialists who have reservations the 21st century. Western society in Europe and and seek more information, further experience and North America has had a long struggle with au-call for time to evaluate GM Food. Rather these thoritarian decision-makers and today we live in a scientific activists invoke the authority of science to democratic, pluralist, civil society where science is state that all necessary research and experimental expected to present sound data, analyses and tech-work has been completed, risks have been assessed niques but not to announce unilaterally how, when, and negative effects exist only as small probabilities; where and by whom they shall be used.
further they deem as unnecessary the Precautionary Principle and they ignore Prior Informed Consent,
which are two procedures already embraced by most Position of mainstream scientists governments of the world in several international
fringe. There remains a majority of scientists, of the knowledge for a unilateral decision about which whom I am one, who seek balance and continue to techniques are appropriate for feeding the world. believe that biotechnology, like all new scientific Some of us have been privileged to work for the discoveries has potentials for both good and bad last two decades, especially within Europe and in the uses. We believe that knowing how to do something tropics, to help shape emerging biotechnologies into new is not sufficient reason to do it immediately in a new facility capable of launching another break-the absence of widespread study, consultation and through in food production, which will be desperate-public debate leading to informed consent by society. ly needed to feed the anticipated ten billion people Human history supports the view that when faced by before world population peaks. At the same time, we the potentials of new technologies especially those have insisted that our professional work in bio-which, like food, are capable of affecting the whole technology is linked with the other key issues to of humanity, society benefits by patience in gaining ensure that agriculture is sustainable, the environ-experience, humility in the face of knowledge and ment is preserved, production of quality animal and transparency in motive among all the interested and plant products is continued and rural life is en-affected parties. hanced. We have struggled for decades with the problem of how to use biotechnology to increase the yield of food animals and their feed supply without World food production risking the loss of quality in other areas of life. The European Association for Animal Production has Many of us are scientists who have made life-long also promoted this integrated approach to the appli-professional commitments to seek improvements in cation of animal biotechnology.
world food production. Although we have our specialities in science we are consciously working
for a global society with more food, cheaper and Integrated interdisciplinary approach is essential more available food, and food of better quality
approach the Green Revolution would not have been environment and to the terrible lifestyle of the effective. No-one, and no single professional group, people. It is a lesson which does not need replication has the whole story. Integration of knowledge, skills, before we learn that science is only one of the and experience towards a common agenda is vital. components for building prosperity and improving Sectional interests always result in some measure of quality of life.
failure and sometimes in catastrophe.
Polarization
Lessons from the former USSR It is sad and dangerous that some small but vociferous groups have polarized the very issues By way of warning, we should not overlook the concerning the use of biotechnology for food pro-evidence from the former Soviet Union which fol- duction which need to be faced together as a united lowed the model of building food production upon task by people with different skills and knowledge. scientific knowledge and technology while disallow- These small groups, claiming to speak on behalf of a ing other voices that would speak for the environ- whole profession, denigrate colleagues who do not ment, health, the consumer and for the overall renounce hard reality and join battle with the people quality of life. The result is now evident in the vast seen as opponents.
areas of good farmland in the countries of the former Let me quote my personal experience to illustrate. Soviet Union with depleted soils, polluted water, Because I refused to speak against the scientific epidemics of plant and animal diseases, pests and development of biotechnology at an international dying forests. The monolithic command economy Intergovernmental Conference which I was attend-prevented any dissident voices from questioning the ing, I was orally abused and then cut-off from further technologies which were used. There was no inte- personal dialogue by the leader of a delegation from grated approach to food production allowing all the a well-known global environmental Non-Gover-stakeholders to contribute to balanced decisions. nmental Organization (NGO). In a somewhat similar Central planners, guided by scientists, made the way, some scientists view colleagues who raise decisions in isolation from the real world of the questions about the immediate, indiscriminate, un-natural and human resources, from the people work- traceable and universal use of GM Food, as unsci-ing the land, from economics, and from the consum- entific, retrograde, green or victims of extremist ers. The aim was to produce basic foods in abun- NGO propaganda. These attitudes confirm that the dance. And it worked for a long time. There were no extremists on both sides are involved in all-out war hungry people in the former Soviet Union – but the for neither side allows any neutral ground. Since price was paid by everyone in deteriorating human these people will neither capitulate nor reconcile, a health, polluted environment and low quality of life. new approach is needed to resolve the impasse. These issues were not considered by the technocrats
who took scientific methods tested only in the
laboratory and applied them on the farms without Two modest proposals for changing the situation understanding the complexity of human society. The
It is probably useless at this stage to seek a face to therefore be more factual and honest to tell the face reconciliation of views by those who have taken consumer that risk assessment is an ongoing extreme positions. They are too entrenched and process with each product. Everyone under-usually represent institutional interests. What is stands the situation with new health care drug needed? What would help? What can be done to products where each drug needs extensive test-bring the integrated team approach to this important ing before release – and some are rejected. problem. Here are two suggestions. 4. What are the factual, economic, health, quality
or other advantages to the consumer of buying and eating GM Food products?
5. What is the analytical evidence to show that More information and more light Europeans should eat GM Food when the region
already has surplus food production?
First, the situation would be somewhat defused if 6. Where are the economic and trade studies to scientists and those involved in the production and show that eating GM Food in Europe will help marketing of GM Foods would provide a more feed people in the hungry countries of the factual, balanced and realistic picture of the state of world?
biotechnology for production of GM Food. The 7. Where are the integrated studies to show how educated public does not want GM Food discussed subsistence farmers in poor rural areas of the like a political electioneering issue when all the developing world will be able to access and energy goes on blaming the opponent. There is need benefit by the use of GM seeds?
for more candour, information and light. Here are 8. What do studies show for the estimated or actual
some starters: levels of investment needed and the likely
returns on the production of GM Seeds for 1. It would interest many people to see the data on various crops?
the actual physical gains in crop yields and the 9. How will competition be ensured and high reduced production costs of growing specific prices be avoided when patenting is a key GM Food products compared with Non-GM feature of producing GM seeds? The public has products plus information on the number, scale experience of health drugs being very expensive and descriptions of the farms from which they when they are the only product on the market for
derive. a specific problem.
2. What evidence is there that the benefits of GM 10. A statement would be valuable for the average crop trials are transferable to the conditions person in the street that expectations of solving where hunger and malnutrition prevail as en- the world food problems are potential, not demic problems? The issue of transferability actual, at present; and an acknowledgement that from developed intensive systems to developing, a great deal of research and hard work is needed extensive and subsistence farming conditions is before it is realized.
immensely important. Failure to deal with it in 11. Instead of criticising the public for rejecting GM the past has often caused more rather than less Food while accepting health care and drug
suffering. products produced by transgenic animals or
whether transgenes in new GM food products decisions on the real issues of world food pro-which have not yet been developed will also duction, rural development and quality of life would have no negative consequences. Further, the user be working in the light.
of pharmaceutical products is free to choose not to use a specific drug whereas everyone has to
eat; thus information and choice are more im- Conclusion portant with food.
We are all victims a polluted debate from extreme positions which goes on endlessly and does not Independent commission to study the whole vari- contribute to solving the real problems. Further there ety of issues is a lack of objective, factual information. It is tragic that the new biotechnology with such potential My second suggestion is to bring together in- should be so polarized and paralysed. The majority dividuals of knowledge, experience and openness to of people in the street and the consumers are really the larger picture to seek balanced approaches to the interested but lack objective information and due to use of the new biotechnologies for producing GM the introduction of GM Food by stealth are now Food. Such a Commission (or Working Group or suspicious that science linked with business is no Contact Group) would need time, funds, a Secretariat longer trustworthy. (That topic was discussed in and human resources to study the complex issues. more detail in the Editorial in this Journal, LPS 62, The Commission, having identified some questions, December 1999, pages 51–60.) The majority of would delegate the studies to professionals whose scientists do not join the polemic but feel frustrated results would feed back into the Group. The tech- by the purposeless debate. Governments are general-nique has been used to good effect in the past, for ly and often genuinely surprised at the heat generated example in producing the Brundtland Report on the but feel obliged to listen for they know it is not a Environment when the environment was a new and storm in a tea-cup – rather it is about the whole controversial issue. Much good still flows from the meal.
Brundtland Report, both in changed attitudes and Probably the lesson we need to learn again is the activities. danger of ideologies which go beyond their legiti-It is unreasonable to expect national governments mate boundaries and seek to colonize the whole of or Intergovernmental Bodies like the International life. What are the two ideologies in this case? On one Conventions on Biodiversity or Sustainable Develop- side some biological scientists seem to believe that ment to deal objectively with such issues for their their profession equips them not only to discover main criteria in selecting Study Group members is knowledge and techniques which explain the phys-always political balance and power. The Commission ical structure of living materials, but they also visualised would be an integrated group comprising believe they are free to prescribe what is good for scientists, economists, rural development experts, human society. On the other side is an ideology sociologists, environmental specialists, health profes- which seems to suspect and reject business on sionals, extension specialists, farmers and consumers principle which is a tragic position for business is who are chosen for their independence of vested essential for quality life. In this particular case the interests either national or business. Their first aim anti-business ideology is focussed upon the huge would be to sift the rhetoric, discard the chaff and multi-national businesses which have renamed them-then invite and commission new objective analyses selves Life Science Companies. It is an attractive to throw light on the subject from areas about which name for shareholders, but evidently conveys a little has been heard so far. The output should be needlessly provocative message. Let us beware of unassailable in fact and able to bring all the parties blind ideologies.
and the public up to date with reliable information.
51st ANNUAL MEETING OF EAAP, THE end at the Joint Conference Party in Amsterdam with HAGUE, 2000 buses back to The Hague.
Plans are well advanced now for the 51st EAAP Organizing Committee EAAP 2000: c / o S. van Annual Meeting in The Hague, The Netherlands der Beek, CR Delta, PO Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, from 21–24 August with the special theme ‘‘Inter- The Netherlands. Tel.: 131-26-3898791. Fax: action between Research and Innovation’’. Key 131-26-3898777. E-mail: [email protected] information and contacts are given below. Other Website: http: / / eaap2000.wau.nl
details of the meeting may be found in EAAP News
No. 36, LPS 62 in December 1999 on pages 67 –68. Congress Agency for Registration only: c / o Bernie Brilman PCO BV, Huygensstraat 1, 2271 BV Voor-burg, The Netherlands. Tel.: 131-70-387-0070. Fax: Scientific programme 131-70-386-3372. E-mail: [email protected]
The Revised Scientific Schedule for the meeting Book of Abstracts: c / o A.F.M.Jacobs, Wageningen may be found in EAAP News No. 35, LPS 61 Pers, PO Box 42, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Nether-(August 1999), page 82. An update on individual lands. Tel.: 131-317-47-6516. Fax: 1
31-317-42-Study Commission sessions is given on pages 70 – 6044. E-mail: [email protected] 73 of EAAP News No. 36, LPS 62 (December WWW.WageningenPers.nl / eaap / eaap2000
1999).
Registration details: The most important point is to
2000 JOINT CELEBRATION MILLENNIUM register NOW as the Registration fees increase after
MEETING OF EAAP/ASAS /ADSA 31 May 2000. Early (and late) registration fees for
Participants are Euro 500 (625); and for
Accom-This Joint Celebration will be held in two parts. panying Persons Euro 250 (375). See below for
From 24–28 July 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA registration address.
at the combined meeting of ASAS (American Socie-ty of Animal Science) and ADSA (American Dairy Accompanying Persons Programme: A two-day
Science Association) and from 21 to 24 August in programme will take place on Monday 21 and
The Hague at the EAAP Annual Meeting thus Tuesday 22 August 2000. On Monday the tour will
bringing together animal scientists from both sides of visit Amsterdam and on Tuesday Delft, The Hague.
the Atlantic. Information on the Baltimore meeting is Full details are available in the EAAP 2000 booklet
available at ASAS: Tel.: 11-301-571-1875. Fax: from the Organizers, together with Registration
11-301-571-1837. E-mail: [email protected] Forms and Programme.
Both at the meeting in Baltimore and in The Hague two plenary talks will be given related to the Reduced Fee and Courses For Graduate Students
common theme ‘‘Interaction between Research and at EAAP-2000: HURRY . . . A 50% reduction in fee
Innovation’’. The speakers are: Prof. Dr. G. van is available for 100 Ph.D. students that submit an
Dijk, Director of the NCR National Co-operative accepted abstract. Ph.D. courses of one week length
Council for Agriculture and Horticulture, The will be organized in the week preceding EAAP-2000
Netherlands on the topic of ‘‘Governance of innova-Application should be completed by 15 April 2000.
tion in animal production: New roles for science, Further details on the EAAP-2000 at the Website or
business and the public sector’’. The US Speaker is the Organizing Committee given below.
SATELLITE SYMPOSIA ASSOCIATED WITH nologies concerning lactation in farm animals. The THE EAAP ANNUAL MEETING IN THE main themes of the 2000 Workshop are:
HAGUE.
• Practical and fundamental aspects of milk ejec-tion;
Elsevier / EAAP Workshop, The Hague 2000 on
• Prolactin: mechanism and function; Preparing and Presenting Scientific Papers
• Milk protein synthesis in high yielding dairy cows;
The Elsevier / EAAP Workshop on writing and
• Regulation of milk fat synthesis and milk fat for presenting scientific papers, that was highly
ap-human health. ¨
preciated in Warsaw 1998 and in Zurich 1999, will
be held also in connection with the EAAP meeting in Information: Antonella Baldi, Animal Nutrition Insti-The Hague in 2000, at the Netherlands Congress tute, University of Milan, Trentacoste, 2 20133 Centre on Saturday 19 August from 08.30 to 17.30 Milan, Italy. Fax: 139-2-2140745. E-mail:
hours. [email protected] Local organizer: Kerst Stelwagen,
The Workshop is aimed at young scientists and Research Station for Cattle, Sheep and Horse Hus-others interested in the quality of their scientific bandry, PO Box 2176, Runderweg 6, 8203 AD communications. It will be led by Dr Michael Lelystad, The Netherlands. Fax: 131-320-241-584. Grossman (USA), Dr Birgitta Malmfors (Sweden) E-mail: [email protected]
and Dr Phil Garnsworthy (UK) and includes lectures, discussions and group activities on:
The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching and Learning in
• Techniques for scientific writing
Animal Sciences
• Oral presentation
• Poster presentation This Satellite Symposium will be held on Sunday
• Scientific communication in a university cur- 20 August 2000 at the Netherlands Congress Centre,
riculum The Hague. The aim is to:
Registration for participation in the Workshop is • Examine the potential of ICT to support open and made on the EAAP-2000 registration form. The distance learning environments in animal science; number of participants will be restricted to 30. Please • Disseminate good practice in the use of ICT in note that only the first 30 applicants will be accepted student learning;
and will receive a confirmation notice, which will be • Initiate a Network of lecturers for co-operation in needed to attend the workshop. The workshop fee is ICT based learning materials in animal science. 100 EURO when registration is done before 31 May
Participants will be involved in Case Studies. Regis-2000 (150 EURO after 31 May). For further
in-tration before (after) 31 May Euro 100 (150). formation please contact Dr Phil Garnsworthy,
Uni-Information: Dr. Simon Heath, Centre for CBL in versity of Nottingham. Fax: 144 115 951 6060.
Land Use and Environmental Sciences (CLUES), E-mail: [email protected]
University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, UK. Tel.: 144-1224-273-755. Fax: 144-1224-273-752. E-mail: [email protected]. Web: http: / Biology of Lactation in Farm Animals: Fifth Joint
/ www.clues.abdn.ac.uk:8080 / EAAP/ASAS Workshop
This Workshop will be held on 19 and 20 August Cumulative Gas Production in Feed Evaluation 2000 in The Hague in advance of the EAAP for Ruminants and in Studying the Behaviour of Meeting. The aim is to bring together animal sci- the GIT Microflora
entists from around the world and provide them with
2000 at Wageningen Agricultural University, The FAO-ICAR Buffalo Workshop, 17 May 2000 Netherlands. The aim is to discuss the role the gas
production technique can play in current feed evalua- In association with the May 2000 ICAR Confer-tion, in future dynamic systems of feed evaluation ence in Slovenia, a Joint FAO-ICAR Buffalo Work-and in elucidating the role of the GIT microflora Work-and shop will be held on 17 May 2000 in the location of other applications. The Registration fee is Euro 150 the ICAR Meeting entitled ‘‘Animal Recording for and includes coffee / tea, a dinner on Friday night, Improved Breeding and Management Strategies of lunch on Saturday and a copy of the Proceedings. Buffaloes’’. During this session, the major problems Information: Eddie Deaville. E-mail: concerning the improved use of recording data and [email protected] or Barbara Williams E- the breeding practices will be depicted and analyzed. mail: [email protected] or John Cone Specialist input from INTERBULL will also be E-mail: [email protected] or from: BSAS, PO Box available to make recommendations and an action 3, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0RZ, UK. Tel.: 144- plan for improvement of the buffalo. Information 131-445-4508. Fax: 144-131-535-3120. E-mail: from the organizers of the ICAR Meeting: [email protected]. http: / / www.bsas.org.uk Groblje 3, 1230 Domzale, Slovenia. Tel.: 1 386-61-711701. Fax: 1386-61-721-005. E-mail: [email protected]
FUTURE EAAP ANNUAL MEETINGS
FAO Buffalo Research Network & ICAR Buffalo 2001. The 52nd EAAP Annual Meeting will be
Recording Group held in Budapest, Hungary from 26 to 29 August
2001. The new format of the EAAP Annual Meeting
Those people not able to take part in the Buffalo will be introduced for the first time. The Study
Workshop mentioned above in Slovenia in May Commission Programme is given in EAAP News
2000, may gain further information on the ICAR No. 36, page 60 in LPS 62 (December 1999).
Working Group on Buffalo Recording and on the 2002. The 53rd EAAP Annual Meeting will be
FAO Buffalo Research Network and its Newsletter held in Cairo, Egypt. Precise dates will follow but it
from the Co-ordinating Centre: Dr. Bianca Moioli, will be in the second half of September 2002.
Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia, Via Salaria 31, 1-00016 Monterotondo, Scalo (RM), Italy. Fax:
1390-6-9061541. E-mail: [email protected]. Further FORTHCOMING EAAP AND ASSOCIATED
current details on the FAO Buffalo Research Net-SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
work will follow in later issues of the EAAP News.
ICAR and INTERBULL Conferences, 2000
EAAP Protein 2000 Workshop: Animal Protein The 32nd Session of ICAR (International Commit- Feed Supply Problems and the Special Case of tee for Animal Recording) and the 2000 meeting of Central and Eastern Europe, 30 June and 1 July INTERBULL will be held in Bled, Slovenia in May 2000
2000. The ICAR Session will be held from 16–20
organized by INRA of France with the support of the with goats; technology transfer; transgenesis; North-EAAP Contact Group on CEE Countries, the FAO South relationships; nutrition and feeding strategies; office for Central and Eastern Europe and the French genetics and selection; pathology; systems of pro-Association of Animal Production (AFZ). duction; reproduction; economics and social issues; Participants are invited from Central and Eastern quality for milk and dairy products; meat, hair and European countries and from Western European skin products.
countries. A limited number of selected participants There will be Technical Tours, Round Table from Central and Eastern European Countries will Discussions and Satellite Symposia. Information: Dr. receive financial support available from the French Lucas Gruner, INRA, Pathologie Avaire et Government Ministry of Education and from FAO. Parasitologie, F-37380 Nouzilly, France. Fax: 1 33-Participants wishing to apply for this support must 2-47-42-77-74. E-mail: [email protected] Or from present a communication and send their curriculum- Dr. Yves Chabert, Institut de l’Elevage, 149 rue de
vitae. Bercy, F-75595 Paris Cedex 12, France. Fax: 1
33-Papers are invited. The organizers already have a 1-40-04-52-80. E-mail: [email protected] few topics and further contributions are urgently
invited. Please send the title and abstract as quickly 9th Animal Science Congress of the
Asian–Aus-as possible. tralasian Association of Animal Production
Registration is invited as soon as possible. Regis- Societies in conjunction with the Twenty-third tration will be free for participants from Central and Biennial Conference of the Australian Society of Eastern Europe who are approved in advance for Animal Production, University of New South financial support; travel expenses will be reimbursed Wales, Sydney, Australia, from 2–7 July 2000 to them immediately at the Workshop. If you were
already registered for the former dates in 1999, EAAP scientists are given a warm welcome at this please confirm your intention to participate for the Congress. In addition to the main papers covering new dates in 2000. Participants from Western coun- the whole range of animal science, the satellite tries will come at their own expenses. But the cost meetings offer additional opportunities to catch up will be minimum with no registration fees and on latest developments in a range of areas.
reasonable accommodation at $100 per day.
Satellite Meetings Information from the following e-mail addresses:
[email protected] and aumaitre@st-gil- Emerging Animal Industries: Gatton, SE les.rennes.inra.fr Addresses: Professor Claude Queensland, 30 June 2000. This one day meeting at
´ ´
Fevrier and Professor Aime Aumaitre, INRA– the Gatton campus of the University of Queensland ´
UMRVP, Unite Mixte de Recherches sur le Veau et le will cover the newer Australian animal industries Porc, Domaine de la Prise, 35590 Saint-Gilles, including goats, deer and llama, and emu, ostriches France. Tel.: 1 133 (0)2 23 48 50 61 (CF) and 50 and crocodiles. Many of these species are now
´
61 (AA). Fax: 1 133 (0)2 23 48 50 80 adel: assuming greater importance in the economies of [email protected] both Asia and Australasia. The scope for the de-velopment of industries utilising the wildlife re-sources of Australia, for example, has barely been 7th International Conference of the International investigated.
Poultry Science Symposium: Gatton, SE addition to the invited participants, a restricted Queensland, 29 June 2000. This is a one day number of other contributors may take part into the meeting covering the latest developments and issues Symposium.
for poultry production in both the Asian and Au- The Symposium will be organised by the Royal stralasian environments. However the poultry indus- Veterinary and Agricultural University at try faces more challenges than other industries given Copenhagen and the Danish Institute of Agricultural the pressures brought to bear from adverse public Science, Research Centre Foulum by Professor Dr.
´
perception associated with the welfare of birds. Andre Chwalibog and Dr. Kirsten Jakobsen, respec-2nd National Pig Environmental Conference – tively. The final scientific programme will primarily ‘Practical Applications’: Gatton, SE Queensland, depend on the papers received, but topics will be: 1. 29 to 30 June 2000. Practical uses of piggery Organ and tissue metabolism, 2. Regulation of effluent will be the focus of the 2nd National Pig metabolism, 3. Maintenance and Growth, 4. Re-Environment Conference to be held on 29 and 30 production and Lactation, 5 Environmental and June 2000 at The University of Queensland Gatton Dietary Aspects and 6. Methodologies and Tech-Campus. The conference is organised by the Au- niques.
stralasian Pig Institute. The Director of the API, Brief preliminary abstracts of completed work Associate Professor Alan King said the conference can be sent for consideration to the Secretary of aims to address what he described as the industry’s the International Scientific Committee, Dr. Y. van greatest challenges in any environment: namely the der Honing, preferably by E-mail: impact of pig production on the environment. [email protected] or fax: 131 320 237320. Satellite Tour: Australian sheep industry on show Registration can be done through Dr. K. Jakobsen, organised by the Southern Tablelands Branch of E-mail: [email protected] or fax: 145 89 ASAP: July 7–8. This will be an opportunity to visit 99 11 66.
three of Australia’s foremost sheep-breeding and wool producing enterprises in the world renowned
Goulburn area, just three hours to the south west of European and local livestock breeds: Fair 2000 at
Sydney. Rambouillet, France, 23 September to 3 October
Social program includes: Welcome Function – 2000 Sunday 2 July; Australian Taste Adventure –
Tues-day 4 July; Harbour Cruise – WednesTues-day 5 July; The Festival of Rambouillet, France will be held Congress Dinner – Thursday 6 July; Golf afternoon from 23 September to 3 October 2000. A Sym-– Sunday 2 July. posium will be held on 27 September 2000 organized Accompanying Persons Program is arranged for jointly by the local administration and the national sightseeing in and around Sydney. Education and Research Network on Biodiversity of Information on all events: Dr Peter Wynn, Local Breeds. EAAP has been invited to take part in Secretariat, AAAP/ASAP Congress, Department of this Symposium. Information: Mme. S.
Lecheves-ˆ
Animal Science, University of Sydney, NSW Aus- trier, Pole animal, Etablissement Public National de tralia 2006. Tel.: 161 2 9351 2464; Fax: 161 2 Rambouillet, Centre d’Enseignement Zootechnique,
ˆ
9351 3957. E-mail: [email protected]. La Bergerie Nationale, Parc du Chateau, 78120 Web site: HYPERLINK http: / / www.asap.asn.au Rambouillet, France. Tel.: 133-01-34-83-08-00.
www.asap.asn.au Fax: 133-01-34-83-07-54.
15th Symposium on Energy Metabolism in Ani- EAAP Mediterranean Symposium: Prospects for mals, 10–16 September 2000, Denmark a Sustainable Dairy Sector in the Mediterranean,
26–29 October 2000 The 15th Symposium will be held in Denmark in
from 26–29 October 2000. The species to be in- Registration Form to M. Mustapha Guellouz at the cluded are: cows, buffalo, small ruminants, camelids. address below BEFORE 4 JUNE 2000.
The farming systems of the Mediterranean are Registration fees for participants (accompanying historically established and vary from country to persons) before 4 June 2000 are US$210 (US$90) country. The options for intensification using intro- and after 4 June 2000 are US$230 (US$110). duced methods from more northern parts of Europe Information, Programme, Forms and Registration: need careful evaluation. Milk consumption is in- Symposium Secretariat, c / o Mr. Mustapha Guellouz,
ˆ
creasing in the Mediterranean and co-operation Office de l’Elevage et des Paturages, 30 Rue Alain between countries is vital from the point of view of Savary, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia. Tel.: 1216-1-793-603 / producers, consumers, governments, trade, econom- 782-960. Fax: 1216-1-790-795 / 787-813. E-mail: ics, environment, and rural development. All these [email protected] or maybe: [email protected] issues will be considered at the Symposium. The
Symposium is organized by l’Office de l’Elevage et
4th African Conference on Animal Production ˆ
des Paturages (OEP) in collaboration with l’Institut
and the 11th Conference of the Egyptian Society National Agronomique de Tunisie (INAT), EAAP,
of Animal Production (ESAP), 6 to 9 November CIHEAM and FAO.
2000 Participants are welcome from areas outside the
Mediterranean so that maximum input can be gained
The 4th African Conference of Animal Production as the countries of the Mediterranean Basin share
will be held jointly with the 11th Conference of the their wealth of experience, learn to co-operate in new
Egyptian Society of Animal Production (ESAP) ways and carefully consider the options for change.
from 6 to 9 November 2000 in Alexandria, one of The programme covers:
the most beautiful cities on the southern coast of the Mediterranean.
• Milk – a food, a raw material and a means of
The theme of the Scientific programme is ‘‘Op-economic development, World and Mediterranean
timizing the Utilization of African Animal Product-scale, history and development, markets;
ion Resources’’. The programme includes recent
• Milk marketing channels and production systems,
trends in scientific, technical and economic aspects farming systems, processing, integration and case
of three main topics: studies;
• Alternatives for improving the sustainability of •
Evaluation of Animal Production Resources systems, environment, animal welfare, intensive •
Utilization of Resources systems, dual purpose, semi-extensive for small •
Livestock Environment Interaction ruminants and others;
• Future perspectives: consumption, life-style,
The post-conference tours and the accompanying health, competition and new products,
internation-persons program will include famous places around al market, regulations, unique Mediterranean milk
Alexandria and elsewhere in Egypt. Information at products;
the ESAP Web-site, esap.org.eg or from the
organiz-• Round Table and Discussion on all aspects and
ing committee at: Prof. A. H. Barkawi, Egyptian especially on co-operation in the Mediterranean
Society of Animal Production, Department of Ani-sector for sustainable milk development.
mal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo
Uni-• Field visits will take place on Saturday 28
Oc-versity, Giza 12614, Egypt. Tel. / Fax: 002-02-tober 2000.
5683188.
The sponsoring institutions can offer a number of
financial grants to nationals from Albania, Algeria, 5th RBI GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, CONSERVATION OF DOMESTIC ANIMAL Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Tur- GENETIC RESOURCES, 20–24 November 2000 key. Applications for financial assistance should
Brasilia, Brazil from 20–24 November 2000. The Airport per person: One way US$15; return Theme of the Conference is Conservation and US$20.
Biotechnology: a Balanced Approach for the New
Millennium. The Conference is sponsored by Rare Papers: Breeds International (RBI) and by the local
orga-nizers, EMBRAPA / CENARGEN, Brazil. Short Papers: Two pages extended abstract: Dead-line: 31 July 2000
Programme. Invited Papers: Eight pages full paper; Deadline: 31 August 2000
• Monday 20 November: Arrival and Registration; Papers will be accepted only in English, but may Opening Ceremony and Welcome. be orally presented in English, Spanish or
Por-• Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 morning: Techni- tuguese. Simultaneous translation will be
pro-cal Sessions. vided.
• Wednesday afternoon: Mid Conference Tour to Papers will only be accepted for publication on the National Research Centre for Genetic Re- payment of Conference fees.
sources and Biotechnology – CENARGEN
• Thursday 23 and Friday 24: Technical Sessions Conference Venue:
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• Annual Meeting of Rare Breeds International and EMBRAPA Headquarters, Brasılia, DF, Brazil. Closing Ceremony.
Pre Conference Tours:
Main Topics Delegates may choose to visit Marajo Island (in the Amazon region) or the Pantanal (a flooded area
• In situ conservation, including National Reports with lots of wild species), located in the border of and Inventories, Regional Reports, Case studies; Bolivia. In both places, EMBRAPA maintains
con-• FAO Global Strategy servation nuclei of domestic animals.
• Biotechnology for Animal Conservation,
includ-ing ex situ conservation Post Conference Tour:
• New technologies as tools for animal conserva- For participants interested in herds of Zebu (Bos
tion indicus) cattle, a visit to Uberaba, the city where the
• Genetic Characterization, including: Genetic Dis- strong Brazilian Zebu Breeders Association (ABCZ) tances and Molecular Markers, Breed Identifica- is located (500 km East of Brasilia) can be arranged. ˜ tion, Quantitative and Qualitative Parameters. From Uberaba, participants can go straight to Sao
• Utilization of Animal Genetic Resources, includ- Paulo, the biggest Brazilian city, that is a hub for ing: Breeding Plans, The Role of Native Breeds most of the intercontinental flights.
on Sustainable Agriculture Systems.
CENARGEN has an advanced infrastructure and a complete lactation records on covariance function team of 120 scientists and has been recognized estimates in test day models’. EAAP takes this internationally as a Centre of Reference for training opportunity to thank the H Wilhelm Schaumann personnel in genetic resources biotechnology and Stiftung for its generous support of our activities. biological control.
Elsevier / EAAP Workshop on Preparing and Pre-About Brasilia
senting Scientific Papers Brasilia, the new capital of the Federal Republic
of Brazil, was inaugurated in 1960 and acts as a
Elsevier, the publisher of Livestock Production magnet for the development of the interior of the
Science has kindly donated financial support for the country. Its urban plan and the boldness of its main
Workshop which is to be held at the EAAP Annual public building have made it internationally
re-Meetings this year in The Hague and also in nowned and it has been declared a cultural heritage
Budapest in 2001. The Workshop, which was first site for humanity by UNESCO. It is the only modern
held in 1998, is proving to be an event of great value city in the world included among these heritage sites.
to participants. EAAP greatly appreciates the support of Elsevier.
Information & Registration:
Dr. Arturo Mariante da Silva, National Centre for
Genetic Resources, EMBRAPA-CENARGEN, Sain New EAAP Working Groups Parque Rural, PO Box 02372, BR 70849-970,
Bra-silia, Brazil. Tel.: 155-61-340-3507. Fax: 155- The Council of EAAP recommended and the 50th 61-340-3624. General Assembly of EAAP decided to establish two E-mail: [email protected] new Council Working Groups.
The Working Group on Alternative Product-ions will become involved in the important sec-EAAP NOTICES
ondary and complimentary sector of European lives-tock concerned with minor species such as game H. Wilhelm Schaumann Stiftung EAAP
Scholar-farming, rabbits, camelidea, ostriches etc. Professor ship
J.-L. Tisserand is Co-ordinator.
The Schaumann Foundation (Hamburg, Germany) The Working Group on Aquaculture will be-is sponsoring research projects in Germany, Austria come involved in the growing and important and Switzerland, mostly in animal and veterinary specialization of Aquaculture as an aspect of animal sciences. The Foundation is also organizing inter- production. Dr. W. Enright is Co-ordinator.
disciplinary meetings with invited scientists every In both cases the Working Groups will report to other year, and it gives awards to young scientists in the Council and will aim to be involved in the animal nutrition on three levels for: research, academic training and development of these emerging sectors both in continental Europe
• Outstanding students, and the Mediterranean Basin. Chairmen of the two
• Best Doctoral thesis and new Working Groups will be announced as early as
• Best Ph.D. work. possible.
Since 1999 the Foundation has sponsored an
annual scholarship for attendance and presentation of REPORTS ON EAAP AND OTHER research results to the Annual Meeting of EAAP. SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
The EAAP Council proposed to present this
scholarship to the most meritorious of the young International Workshop On Advisory Services scientists requesting a scholarship. In 1999 at the For Animal Production, Tallinn, Estonia, 26–27 Zurich 50th Anniversary Meeting of EAAP this November 1999
award was given to Mr. M.H. Pool of ID-DLO
extension services for animal production that have they are less public and more short term oriented. emerged in Central and Eastern European Countries Usually they have difficulties in co-operation with (CEEC) in the process of privatisation and transition governments.
to the market oriented system. The Workshop was Governmental institutions were considered as held in Tallinn, Estonia in November 1999 and was cheaper for users, stable, available to farmers, public organised by the FAO Sub-Regional Office, Buda- oriented and with long term targets. Compared with pest and the EAAP Contact Group for CEE coun- private and farmers owned institutions, they are less tries. Case studies on situations in the three Baltic flexible, expensive for the society, less efficient, not states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) served as a special sufficiently market oriented and bureaucratic. reference together with country papers prepared by With regard to the role of governments, farmers 49 participants from 19 countries. A variety of associations and the private sector in funding and situations was identified even in countries with carrying out extension activities, participants at the similar historical background and farm structures. Workshop, taking note of the variety of situations However, the need for adjustments in the organisa- existing in CEE countries, were of the view that the tion, methods of work and approaches in sectors role of the private sector and farmers’ associations servicing agricultural production, such as agricultural would increase in providing advice in fields of research, technology development and transfer of management and production, while extension in technology, was recognised in all CEE countries. subjects of particular social or political importance Within the framework of new agricultural policies, (e.g. environmental protection, adjustment to EU new structures have been established in order to norms, animal welfare, rural development, on-farm provide both small and large production units with employment) – regardless of operational respon-advice in technology and, in particular, in the field of sibility – would be funded by governments. farm management. In some countries, advisory ser- Various forms of in-job training and education of vices has been established as a private operation paid extension workers established in all CEE countries by users (for example Estonia), while in other were also discussed. In general, programmes cover countries they function as a part of the state adminis- new developments in the animal production tech-tration (for example Croatia & Slovenia). In a nologies and advisory skills. Training in technology number of countries, advisory services play an is carried out by respective national academic and important role in implementing policy objectives research institutions and specialized training centres. relevant to rural development and protection of the Training in advisory skills was initially financed by environment. The workshop discussed types (exten- international technical assistance and World Bank sion services, consulting firms, technical agencies, loans. However, it is gradually becoming an integral governments, producers associations) and the actual part of academic curricula although the main part of and the possible future sources of funding (private training activities is still carried out by specialized sector, farmers associations, government) of institu- centres and private companies. Costs of training are tions involved in providing advice to farmers. covered by governments and partly by private com-Participants agreed that institutions owned and panies and extension agents themselves. Govern-financed by the private sector were market oriented, ments stimulate continuous in-job training of exten-flexible and quick in reaction, providing high quality, sion workers by providing financial support and by complex and comprehensive services. However, they establishing criteria for licensing and / or employing are not public oriented, not sufficiently stable, expen- extension agents.
sive for farmers and profit oriented. They lack good Participants emphasized the need for the continued contacts with governments and are prone to the involvement of governments in supporting extension external influence by other commercial organisa- activities through establishing adequate legal
tions. frameworks in all countries and through provision of
The programme of the Workshop included a field personnel. Recipient countries wanted to increase trip and visit to dairy farms established with a help productivity through modern production units and of the Estonian advisors. Proceedings of the Work- transfer of know-how to create more jobs and to shop will be put on the WEB site of the FAO / SEUR. provide consumers with a broader and improved
This brief note should be concluded with an supply of goods and services.
anecdotal remark: The organisation of such a work- The success of these investments has depended shop was put on the agenda of the former EAAP largely on conditions in each individual country. Task Force on CEEC several years ago, but the idea This was clearly demonstrated in the case of Russia could not be implemented simply because, at that where after the financial crisis in August 1998, time, there were no agricultural advisory services in foreign investment declined by 14 per cent. How-CEE Countries. In some way, this Workshop has ever, as mentioned by representatives of the Russian shown progress in restructuring of the animal pro- delegation at the Forum, this crisis has demonstrated duction sector in CEEC. It has also proved that that investments in the production sector were more advisory services for animal production in CEE secure and less risky then those in service and countries exist and function, and that many of them financial sectors. On the other hand, the experience operate in highly competitive market environments. of German businesses which have been the largest national investors in the CIS and Central Europe Dr. Milan Zjalic, Croatia demonstrate that opportunities are clearly prevailing. In this respect, it was underlined that foreign invest-ments could be attracted only if there is the neces-Investing In Eastern Europe – Opportunity Or sary entrepreneurial scope of action and the reliable Risk? Report of a Workshop in Berlin, January legal and institutional framework in recipient
coun-2000 tries.
Although the major part of Western investments in A Workshop was held in Berlin, Germany on 16 the CEEC agro-food industry was oriented towards January 2000 on the topic of ‘‘Attracting foreign the distribution and processing sectors, German investment to animal breeding industries of Central investors were also active in the field of basic and Eastern Europe’’. The Workshop was under the agricultural production, including fodder plants, feed sponsorship of the EAAP Contact Group on Central industry, animal breeding, animal production tech-and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) tech-and FAO nologies and reproduction. Their experience was and was organised by the German Animal Breeders’ presented and analysed at the Workshop
Federation (ADT), Humboldt University, the German The Workshop focused on the experience of Ministry of Agriculture and the Berlin Trade Fair. German-Russian and German-Ukrainian co-opera-The Workshop was attended by 70 representatives tion. It demonstrated that the import of superior from Germany, eleven CIS and CEE countries and genetic material and breeding technologies contribu-two international organisations (FAO and EAAP). ted to the revival of the livestock sector in some key The Workshop took place during the traditional regions in these two countries. The success was also East–West Agricultural Forum held in Berlin in due to the careful selection of local partners, and January 2000, coinciding with the tenth anniversary location of investment in the geographic area with of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Workshop was the high demand and consumption potential for milk oriented towards the future: how to entail advantages and milk products.
East Germany, training of 100 trainers and 600 local investment packages covering all phases of pro-experts, establishment of the new system of animal duction, and that some ‘‘light’’ forms of economic identification, milk recording (‘‘B’’ control) and the co-operation such as joint ventures in breeding new milk control laboratory. It is interesting to note operations, supply of technologies and material for that animal shows and cattle exhibitions played an identification and recording, could pave the way for important role in this process. larger investments in future. Co-operation between In the St. Petersburg region the import of im- animal producers, professionals and scientific organi-proved genetic material and changes in production sations from Western and CEE countries should be technologies, including nutrition, resulted in milk further improved so as to provide for the better production increases (4,000 kg / per cow average knowledge of norms, requirements and practices of yield in the Region; 35,000 cows with over 6,400 kg Western investors as well as for familiarity with local per lactation; and 1,000 cows with over 8,000 kg). conditions and expectations of CEE partners. In this The Region is now selling semen and breeding respect, the role of non-governmental organisations, material to other parts of the Russian Federation. such as EAAP and ICAR, was highlighted.
Co-operation with German partners continues in The contribution of ADT and its German partners parallel breeding value estimation, progeny testing in supporting the East / West co-operation in the and conformation recording. animal farming sector, which has already become a Experiences from co-operation with German part- ‘‘success story’’ in the post cold war Europe, was ners were reported by representatives of The Ukraine unanimously praised. This Workshop was an addi-(import of 1,000 bulls; establishment of a training tional proof of the important role played by Non-and extension centre; introduction of beef breeds). Governmental Organisations in promoting interna-Also in Belarus activities include: establishment of tional co-operation, including co-operation in the the new system of identification, recording and field of economic revival and development of animal quality control and the re-introduction of the Sim- farming in CIS and CEE countries.
mental breed. In other countries also activities were
reported: Lithuania (identification and recording in Dr. Milan Zjalic, Croatia. small herds, genetic improvement); Poland
(privati-zation of AI); Croatia (import of breeding material);
Slovakia (introduction of new breeds and changes in IX. International Ruminant Physiology Sym-structures); and in the Czech Republic. posium, 17 to 22 October 1999
Participants from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus as
well as from some Central European countries The IX International Symposium on Ruminant emphasised that animal farming in their respective Physiology (ISRP) was held from 17 to 22 October countries operates in a difficult economic environ- 1999 at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The ment, in general without any profit, still suffering event was attended by 250 delegates from 28 coun-from side effects of restructuring and often making tries. The programme dealt with ten plenary sessions losses. In this situation, the foreign capital (loans, with a total of 242 short papers presented as posters. direct investments or joint ventures) represented the The plenary papers will be contained in the sym-key factor in future developments of the sector. posium proceedings, to be published by CABI and Noting the growing demand for quality animal should be out by June 2000. The first 179 poster products, the availability of capital for investment papers were refereed and published in a Special and the willingness of the Western business to invest Symposium Issue of the South African Journal of in the animal production sector in Central and Animal Science (S Afr J Anim Sci 1999 29 (ISRP)) Eastern Europe, participants pleaded for the estab- and the remaining poster papers will be in the South lishment of stable legal and institutional frameworks African Journal of Animal Science 29(4).
country again taking up its role in the international taking these principles into consideration, the hosting society. He also said ‘‘Apart from ruminant physi- of the X ISRP was awarded to Denmark.
ology being a fascinating field to study, by studying
the physiology of ruminants, we are participating in Professor Norman Casey, University of Pretoria, the challenges of Man on this Planet to produce food South Africa
with greater efficiency, with more care for our environment and greater sensitivity for the welfare of
our livestock. The population of the world is now at PERSONAL NEWS six billion. Though there is an unequal distribution of
people between countries and over geographical and Prof. Dr. Akke J. van der Zijpp climatic regions, six billion people is our collective
responsibility. The contributions being made towards Akke van der Zijpp has returned from Africa to the welfare of the people of the world by ruminant The Netherlands to a professorial post at the Uni-physiologists are important and must be recognised. versity of Wageningen. She spent several years We, in the animal industry, have to contend with serving in two international organizations in Nairobi, criticisms, but more often than not, criticisms by Kenya: the International Livestock Research Institute other interest groups spur us to dig deeper to find (ILRI) where she was Assistant Director-General for solutions for the problems.’’ Research and the International Centre for Insect An International Guiding Committee was consti- Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) where she was tuted to consider the future of the ISRP and the Assistant Director-General.
offers to host the Xth ISRP in 2003. The members of At Wageningen University she has joined the the committee are Dr. John Bass, Prof. Alan Bell, Animal Production Systems Group (APS) which Prof. Giuseppi Bertoni, Prof. Peter Buttery, Prof. studies animal production systems, ranging from low Norman Casey (convenor), Dr. Yves Chilliard, Prof. to high external input systems in order to explore
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Pierre Cronje, Prof. Jong Ha, Dr. Jan Hofmeyr sustainable development options. The Systems (WAAP Vice-President), Dr Heinz Meissner, Prof. Y. Group is one of eight similar groups, including Obara and Prof. Wolfgang von Engelhardt. Genetics and Nutrition, in the Department of Animal It was agreed that the ISRP is an established Sciences, Wageningen Agricultural University. The scientific meeting and that the publication of the APS Group was created in 1995 and the focus of its proceedings is an important reference text. The ISRP education and research activities is on the analysis should continue to be held every five years. The and design of animal production systems and on committee decided that in arranging future ISRP sustainability of animal agriculture in both Western meetings, a number of guiding principles should and tropical agriculture. APS is involved in develop-apply. These are that the meeting should retain the ment projects and consultancies. The teaching pro-ISRP experience and character; the focus remains on gramme and in research projects employ techniques the physiology of livestock, reviewing advances over and methods deriving from diverse backgrounds and the previous five years and setting directions for the which prove to be useful in different locations as next period; that comparative physiology and the agriculture changes and is driven more by demand. impact on products and sensitive consumer issues The APS Group seeks to develop a holistic approach would be important; the venue should be where there to the study of animal production systems. Staff and is a core of established ruminant physiologists who students study and design animal production systems could organise the symposium and, in particular, in the ecological, economic and social context of attend to the scientific programme and publish the Western and developing countries. In this systems proceedings; that the symposium should be easily context sustainability and criteria for sustainability accessible to young scientists and scientifically de- are key features.
the World Association for Animal Production the association and their annual meetings. He was (WAAP). Colleagues in EAAP wish her success in also actively engaged in the foundation of INTER-this new assignment. BULL, which first was a subgroup of IDF, EAAP
and FAO.
Gottfried Averdunk is still active in national and ´
Professor Dr. Janos Dohy, Hungary international committees and in some of the transi-tion states of Central and Eastern Europe. Gottfried The new President of the Agricultural Section of can be reached by e-mail at: Gottfried.Averdunk@t-the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is Professor Dr online.de.
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Janos Dohy. He was elected in June 1999. Professor Dohy became a corresponding member of the
Hun-garian Academy of Sciences in 1993 and was elected Dr. Louis Ollivier, France to full membership in 1998. Over the 50 years
history of the Agricultural Section, Professor Dohy is Dr. Louis Ollivier has been honoured by the the first President to represent Animal Science. German Society for Animal Science. At the Annual Previous Presidents have represented Veterinary Sci- Meeting of the Society Dr. Ollivier was named ence, Horticulture, Crop Production and Soil Sci- ‘‘Honorary Member’’ of the society. Dr. Ollivier’s ence. EAAP extends congratulations to Professor activities in the development of international
strate-Dohy. gies for genetic resources and endangered breeds and
his activities in the EAAP were especially men-tioned. As a member of the EAAP working group on AWARDS Central and Eastern European animal production and other positions he demonstrated his strong European Dr. Gottfried Averdunk, Germany thinking, which also is demonstrated through his involvement with visiting scientists from the whole Dr. Gottfried Averdunk has been honoured by the world at the INRA Institute at Jouy-en-Josas, France German Society for Animal Science. Dr. Averdunk where he works.
is a former Secretary and Vice-President of the EAAP Genetics Commission. He was honoured with
the ‘‘Hermann von Nathusius-medal’’ by the German Professor Dr. Martin Verstegen, The Netherlands Society for Animal Science. His contributions to
international co-operation in sire evaluation as a The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) member of the INTERBULL steering committee, the awarded the 1999 Nonruminant Nutrition Research introduction of population genetics in German cattle Award to Professor Dr. Martin Verstegen of The and swine breeding and his involvement in training Netherlands at their 91st Annual Meeting in July of Eastern European visiting scientists at the Grub 1999. The award is sponsored by the American Feed Research Institute were especially mentioned. Industry Association. The citation follows.
Gottfried Averdunk retired on June 30, 1999 after Professor Verstegen was born on a farm at Helden, 35 years of service with the Bavarian State Institute The Netherlands and took degrees at Wageningen for Animal Science at Grub near Munich and served University (WAU) in 1963, 1966 and 1971. He was the last nine years as Vice-President of this Institute. an Underwood Fellow at the ARC Institute of
¨
presented 208 papers, edited four books and authored 16 reviews. Martin Verstegen has made 144 presenta-tions at symposia round the world. He serves on several editorial boards of scientific journals in his professional field. He and his wife Mariet have two sons and three grandchildren.
Professor Jean Boyazoglu, Greece
The 1999 Bouffault Memorial Award in Interna-tional Animal Agriculture, sponsored by William A. Olsen, was awarded to Professor Jean Boyazoglu by the American Society for Animal Science (ASAS) at Prof. M.W.A. Verstegen.
their 91st Annual Meeting in July 1999. The citation follows.
monogastric nutrition and co-chair of the Nutrition Jean Boyazoglu is an outstanding and uniquely Group at WAU. He is widely known for research in qualified candidate for the International Animal nutritional-environmental energetics and the diges- Agriculture Award. He has been a member of ASAS tive physiology of pigs. He and his colleagues have, for more than fifteen years, but his primary work has in the past decade, published 111 referred papers, been in other countries. In his role as
General of the European Association for Animal Technology, Shinfield and was Director from 1957 Production (EAAP) from 1986 to 1993, he was to 1986. He has served many institutions and publi-instrumental in the encouragement and initial de- cations in the field of dairy informatics and has velopment of the unique relationship between ASAS undertaken numerous consultancies to international and EAAP. After serving in FAO until 1997, he was bodies. He is proficient in English, French, German, heavily recruited to return to return to EAAP as Dutch, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish. He is the Executive Vice President as well as Secretary-Gener- author of the Dairy Dictionary, the Dictionary of al of the International Committee for Animal Re- Dairy Terminology and many articles in his field. Dr. cording (ICAR) and the World Association for Mann has worked tirelessly to promote and encour-Animal Production (WAAP). His fluency in five age the development of electronic means of storage languages and working knowledge in four others and access to information and communication and have been key to his effectiveness in both developed has always been ahead in this field. He established and developing countries. He has visited profession- international databases for Food Science and Tech-ally on scientific or technical missions and meetings nology Abstracts. Dr. Mann is a Fellow of the Royal and has lectured in nearly 40 countries. His per- Society of Medicine and of several other notable sonality and his knowledge of the various cultural professional bodies. He was awarded an Honorary differences which affect the acceptance of decisions Doctor of Law by the University of Guelph, have made him particularly effective, and thus his Canada.
judgement is widely trusted. In particular, he has overseen the special emphasis given to Eastern European countries as they attempt to increase their
NEWS FROM MEMBER COUNTRIES involvement in EAAP. He originated the Task Force
on Animal Production in Central and Eastern Europe
The British Society for Animal Science in conjunction with FAO, a group that had a great
influence as these countries move towards private
The Proceedings of the 1999 BSAS Annual Meet-enterprises.
ing are now available on CD-ROM and may be ordered from the Society at: BSAS, PO Box 3, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0RZ, UK. Tel.: 1 44-Dr. Ernest J Mann, UK
131-445-4508. Fax: 144-131-535-3120. E-mail: [email protected]. http: / / www.bsas.org.uk
The International Dairy Federation Award (IDF) Award for 1999 was awarded to Dr. Ernest J Mann in appreciation of his long and distinguished career
The British Society for Animal Science of service to the international dairy community over
many decades. This award is granted in recognition
The Senior Editor of the Society Journal, Animal of remarkable contributions to progress in
interna-Production, Dr. Tony Lawrence, has resigned after tional dairying: in milk production, milk and dairy
many years service. The new Senior Editor is Dr. science, technology, education, economics,
market-Hilary Davies. The Editorial Board includes five ing, dairy policy, legislation, standards for products
Sub-section Editors each responsible for an area of and their examination, analysis and human nutrition.
professional expertise as follows: The award consists of a golden medallion and a
piece of art.
Dr. Mann was given this award for his creative • Physiology: Professor Maurice Boland
ideas and work in the field of dairy informatics, • Growth, metabolism and product quality: Dr Mike publishing and writing. Dr. Mann was born in Dodson
13th National Congress of the Italian Scientific was re-elected Director-General of FAO for a second Association for Animal Production (ASPA) six year term by the member countries of FAO. Dr. Diouf is the first African to hold this post. EAAP ´
This Congress was held at the Universita Catolica sends congratulations and good wishes for continued di Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy from 14–21 June excellent co-operation between FAO and EAAP both 1999. The main themes centred around problems of of whom have their headquarters in Rome, Italy. quality of animal products and human health. In
addition to this theme, eight main lectures and 189
refereed papers discussed recent developments in INTERBULL molecular genetics and new strategies for animal
selection, animal welfare, alternatives to the use of INTERBULL has appointed two new members at antibiotics in animal nutrition, new discoveries in the the INTERBULL Centre at the Swedish Agricultural field of bovine lactation, perspectives of intensive University. They are Dr. Ulf Emanuelson (Sep-and extensive livestock farming in Europe in the tember 1998) and Dr. Hossein Jordani (November light of the EU directives. Research reports covered 1998). Dr. Georgios Banos is taking sabbatical from the most important aspects of animal production, the summer of 1999 from the Swedish Agricultural including aquaculture. University. Dr. Banos will be at the Aristotle Uni-At a symposium on ethics in the biotechnology versity in Thessaloniki, Greece. During his sabbatical and its use in animal production and research which Dr. Banos is maintaining close contact with INTER-was organized during the Congress, views and BULL especially around the periods when bull position of various philosophical schools and religi- proofs are evaluated.
ous communities, including the one of the Catholic Church, were presented. Proceedings of the ASPA
XIII Congress have been edited by Gianfranco Piva International Service in National Agricultural and collaborators and published by Franco Angeli Research (ISNAR)
srl. Milan, Italy, under the title ‘‘Recent Progress in
Animal Production Science. 1’’, ISBN 88-464-1535-3. The ISNAR Biotechnology Service (IBS) an-nounces its periodic updates of activities, services and publications addressing developing country Milan Zjalic, Croatia needs with regard to research, policy and
manage-ment implications for national agricultural biotech-nology. This update includes the following items: German Society for Animal Science
The Annual Meetings of the German Society for A. ISNAR Biotechnology Service (IBS) website; Animal Science will be held from 19–21 September B. Subscriptions;
2000 at the University of Kiel. The Society meeting C. Announcement of a new publication. will be on 19 September with a public agenda, while
the meeting of young scientists from German
speak-A. ISNAR Biotechnology Service website ing countries with short communications will be held
on 20–21 September. Further details from the web
The ISNAR Biotechnology Service (IBS) website side of the University of Kiel:
www.tierzucht.uni-aims at supporting ISNAR’s activities in agricultural kiel.de
