Jennifer Applebaum, University of Florida; Cynthia Otto, University of Pennsylvania; Roger Haston, The Institute of Animals; Heather Fowler, National Pork Board; Jayson Lusk, Purdue University
New
Progress is Required; Consensus is Not
Shared by the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University
Author:Dr. Nicole Olynk Widmar, Associate Head and Professor, Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics
This work is the product of the collaboration on Against the Odds: A Path Forward for Rural America by Bruce Vincent, Nicole Olynk Widmar and Jessica Eise.
During emotionally, politically and socially troubled times, it seems that individuals’ social graces fall away and people become entrenched in ‘what’s right’ with a growing sense of honor attributed to an unwillingness to bend to ‘the other side’. Language like, “You know those crazies” somehow becomes more acceptable than careful, politically correct verbiage, as if attempting to remain civil is conceding before the ‘real fight’ begins. In reality, which is plainly obvious at this point, name calling and the unending pursuit of ‘winning’ leaves everyone a loser in the sense that no one experiences any measurable progress. This acknowledgement requiring societal progress in spite of disagreement is not new, and it was a point of many months of conversation with my friends Bruce Vincent and Jessica Eise while writing Against the Odds: A Path Forward for Rural America. I offer the beginning of our Chapter 16: You Don’t Need Consensus for Progress, which I find ever-applicable in agricultural and natural resource industries, but also increasingly applicable in our society as a whole. I believe we could all stand a reminder at this time – you don’t need consensus for progress, but with all that people have been through in 2020, a path to progress is absolutely necessary at this point, agreement or not.
Dr. Nicole Widmar (CAWS steering committee and Professor, Agricultural Economics) has a new series of weekly letters and articles, entitled Consumer Corner. In addition to being socially relevant, many of her posts offer insights on animal welfare that may be of interest. See a few highlights from her blog and visit https://agribusiness.purdue.edu/consumer_corner/ corner/ to read more.
New
Post-doctoral research associate position
The following post-doctoral position is available in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. Feel free to share, apply, or encourage anyone you believe is qualified to apply.
Position Description:
A post-doctoral research associate position in the Canine Genetics Laboratory at Purdue University is available on November 15, 2020. Funding for this position comes from three projects investigating genetic causes for: 1) the ophthalmic condition pigmentary uveitis in Golden Retrievers, 2) spinal conditions in several breeds of dog, and 3) genetic loci associated with canine welfare metrics. These projects utilize genome-wide approaches, such as genome-wide association, whole-genome sequencing (with interrogation of this data for variant identification and association), and fine mapping to identify associated loci. Responsibilities will be oriented toward computational analysis methodologies, but may also include biological sample processing for genomic analysis and long-term storage, PCR, and other molecular techniques. Additional duties include assisting in the mentorship and training of graduate students, summer students, and undergraduates within the lab and communication of research methodology and results in both oral and written formats for scientific publications and presentations There is the possibility to assist in other laboratory projects in canine and feline genetics.
This is a one-year, full-time appointment with possible extension for a second or more years, depending on funding and satisfactory performance.
Qualifications:
A PhD in quantitative genetics, quantitative genomics, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, plant or animal breeding, or a related field, with the degree completed before employment begins, is required. Candidates with a proficiency in conducting large-scale computations are preferred, including the ability to analyze SNV and whole genome sequence data for association studies and variant detection. Expertise in computer software applications for word processing, reference management, spreadsheets, database management, and statistical analyses is needed. Excellent skills in oral and written communication in English are essential. Preferred qualifications: Laboratory experience in DNA extraction from multiple tissue types, amplification, imaging, and sequencing are desired.
To apply: Applications will be reviewed starting November 15th and on a rolling basis until a qualified applicant is hired. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and qualifications, curriculum vitae including prior research publications, and contact information for three references directly to kje0003@purdue.edu. Any questions can be directed to kje0003@purdue.edu.
New
Considering Consumers' Changing Needs
Shared by the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University
Author: Dr. Courtney Bir, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University
Fact or Fiction?
Consumer and client needs are forever evolving and changing; today’s fact is tomorrow’s fiction. Business is not cut and dry. For example, lobster used to be known as the “cockroaches of the sea” and were used as fertilizer and food for prisoners (Willett, 2013). Yet, you would be an unsuccessful fishmonger today if you didn’t charge a premium for lobster. Keeping the pulse on changing client and consumer needs and being willing to pivot or change the offerings of your business are both important components of staying relevant and successful in today’s marketplace.
An Unexpected Case Study: The Whole Kitten-Kaboodle
Cats and dogs are ubiquitously seen as opposites; phrases like “fighting like cats and dogs” are common. As of 2018, 25% of households owned cats, while 38% owned dogs (AVMA, 2018). Given this number, it would be expected that veterinarians would see their fair share of cat clients. Unfortunately, both for the health of cats and veterinary businesses, cats less frequently visit the veterinarian, and cat owners spend less money at the veterinarian on average (AVMA, 2018).
In order to determine potential differences between veterinarian and cat owner perspectives on cats that may explain this behavior, Bir et al. (2016) compared survey responses of veterinarians and a nationally representative population of the U.S. Cats were primarily characterized by members of the public and veterinarians as a member of the family (56% of veterinarians, 41% of the public) or a pet (41% of veterinarians, 39% of the public) (Bir, 2016), which challenges conventional wisdom that cats are aloof. But why was this member of the family not going to the veterinarian? A series of statements regarding cat behavior was presented to both veterinarians and the general population to help understand differences in perspective.
Veterinarians disagreed more with the statements, “It is easy to see when cats are in pain,” and “It is more important to address cats’ physical needs than their behavioral needs” compared to the general population (Bir, 2016) (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Veterinarian and general population level of agreement on cat needs. Mean response on a scale from 1 (agree) to 7 (disagree).
It is possible that this perceived or actual lack of confidence from both groups impacts clients’ willingness to go to the veterinarian. Communication between veterinarians and cat-owning clients regarding behavior and health resources, as well as service expectations and needs may help increase cat veterinary visits. Without meeting the needs and expectations of evolving cat clients, veterinary clinics may be missing out on a source of revenue.
This case study is just one example from one type of business. Are you considering the evolving needs of your clients and consumers? Or are you treating cats the same as dogs and failing to see the marketplace as it really is? Are you using lobster as fertilizer? That’s leaving a lot of money on the table (or in the case of fertilizing with lobsters…sadly, they are off the table!). Routinely evaluating consumer and client needs, wants and demands is a good way to make sure you are considering all of your options. Are you making investments to ensure that you understand your market as it really is rather than how you assume it is?
Bir, Courtney, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar, and Candace C. Croney. 2016. “The Whole “Kitten”-Caboodle: Perceived Differences in Veterinary and General Population Opinions Regarding Cat Behavior and Health.” Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine 6 (12): 177-192.
"Exploring demand for attributes of processed turkey products:
turkey bacon and lunchmeat"
Courtney L. Bir*1, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar†, Melissa K. Davis ‡, Marisa A. Erasmus ‡, and Stacy M.S. Zuelly ‡
* Oklahoma State University, Department of Agricultural Economics
† Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics
‡Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences
Abstract
Health consciousness and changing tastes/preferences have driven consumers’ interests in poultry-based meat products, such as turkey bacon. Simultaneously, turkey producers and processors are facing changing consumer preferences for credence attributes of turkey rearing, including whether turkeys were raised free range or on a vegetarian diet. Consumption of turkey bacon and turkey lunchmeat, were studied using a national sample of 1,130 U.S. respondents. Ninety-five percent of respondents consumed poultry; 40% indicated they consumed it 2 – 3 times per week. Forty-eight percent of respondents indicated that they ate lunch outside the home once or twice a week. Respondents were randomly assigned to participate in the choice experiment for either turkey bacon or turkey lunchmeat. Consumer WTP for attributes of turkey bacon (n=559) and turkey lunchmeat (n=571) were assessed using discrete choice experiments. The mean estimated willingness to pay was positive for all verified attributes of turkey bacon, for all but retailer-certified free range and retailer-certified fed a vegetarian diet for turkey lunchmeat. There were some statistical differences in willingness to pay for verified attributes between the two processed turkey products, suggesting demand for production attributes varies between processed turkey products. Turkey producers and processors should consider the particular products consumers are interested in and/or buying, as there is at least some evidence that demand for attributes of production systems varied between the products studied. Further analysis is necessary to determine if tastes and preferences of consumers vary across other key turkey or poultry products.
New Award
NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES AND TEACHERS OF AGRICULTURE (NACTA) TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Congratulations to Chloe Wires on her NACTA Teaching and Leadership award received at the June 16-18, 2020 NACTA Virtual Conference. Chloe is a doctoral candidate and teaching assistant at Purdue University pursuing her degree in Comparative Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her dissertation explores interpretation and understanding of horse behavior, as well as Learning Theory, amongst individuals within the horse industry.
New CAWS Publication
OneWelfare.2020-01
"Public awareness of the roles and welfare of veterinarians"
John Lai, Courtney Bir, Nicole Olynk Widmar and Christopher A. Wolf
The well-being of those in the veterinary medicine profession is vitally important to supporting the health and wellness of animals, ensuring safe food supply, and human health via One Health efforts. However, recent years have revealed significant challenges facing veterinary health professionals, including student debt loads and mental health challenges. Results of a national-scale data collection effort reveal a lack of knowledge about the challenges faced by the veterinary health profession. The lack of concern or recognition of challenges facing the veterinary health profession may point toward the need to broaden public knowledge of the connections between human and animal health. In particular, recognition of the role of One Health, or interconnectedness of human and animal health may strengthen understanding and appreciation for the roles of veterinarians in society. This article includes discussion of suicide and mental health issues. If you are experiencing feelings of depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK; 800-273-8255; suicedpreventionlifeline.org).CAWS/files/documents/OneWelfare.2020-01
The Welfare Challenges Associated with Cage-Free Egg Production
Dr. Darrin Karcher, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences
Location/time - CRTN 1042, 4-5:00pm
January 28th, 2020
Human Factors Impacting Welfare in Working Equids
Dr. Colleen M. Brady, Agricultural Sciences, Education, & Communication
Location/time - CRTN 1042, 4-5:00pm
CAWS Spring Seminar Series 2019
October 29, 2019 - CAWS Seminar
"Challenges and Advances in Poultry Welfare"
Speaker – Dr. Marisa Erasmus
Location – CRTN 1042
Time – 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Worldwide, the production and industrialization of poultry meat and eggs are increasing to meet the continually growing global demand for food. Concurrently, there is increased focus on agricultural sustainability and increasing public interest in animal welfare. Public interest has, in part, lead to changes in poultry housing and management, which impact agricultural sustainability and animal welfare. The resulting changes in housing and management lead to both poultry welfare challenges and opportunities. Some of these challenges, such as heat stress and disease are not new, but are becoming increasingly problematic as world production and climate change, while other challenges related to evolving housing systems, such as parasites and abnormal behavior, present new management challenges. Recent advances in technology and animal welfare science show great promise for monitoring and identifying poultry welfare challenges. In this presentation, the main welfare issues of poultry will be discussed as well as examples of how current research is addressing these issues using various technological approaches. Implications for the future of poultry welfare will also be discussed.
May 15-16, 2019 - CAWS Symposium
"Unlocking the Difference: Increasing Access and Building Capacity to Ensure Innovative Solutions to Emerging Animal Well-Being Challenges"
Location – The Courtyard Marriott in Lafayette, IN
The CAWS Symposium was held May 17-18, 2017 in Stewart Center and was attended by 140 people. Day 1 featured two workshops: "Integrating Animal Welfare into the Animal Science and Veterinary Curriculum," moderated by Dr. Janice Kritchevsky and "Food Safety, Economics, and the Humane Food Movement," moderated by Dr. Marisa Erasmus. On Day 2, the Symposium "Advancing Animal Welfare Science: Overcoming Obstacles to Implementation" featured experts in animal welfare from academia, industry and public health.
The second annual CAWS Symposium was held May 19, 2016, and focused on current welfare challenges and strategies to address them in pets, food animals and laboratory animals. Speakers from academia and industry were featured, including talks by Dr. Ed Pajor, University of Calgary, who gave the keynote address on improving animal welfare and Dr. Andrew Luescher, Purdue Professor Emeritus, who spoke on the psychological suffering of dogs in a human environment.
There were 135 in attendance for the day long symposium which included, in addition to the talks, graduate student poster presentations and a Q and A session by an Animal Welfare panel comprised of specialists from Cargill, AbbVie Research and Development, and the Humane Society of the United States.
Graduate students and CAWS members Megan LaFollette (center) and Amy Robinson-Junker (left) discuss their posters with Symposium attendees.
CPB Graduate student Shankar (left) with Symposium attendees during poster session.
Symposium attendees during the Q and A session with the panel of representatives from Cargill, AbbVie Research and Development, and the Humane Society of the United States.
Symposium attendees during the Q and A session with the panel of representatives from Cargill, AbbVie Research and Development, and the Humane Society of the United States.
Andrew Rowan, President and CEO of Humane Society International, speaks at the Symposium.
Fall 2017 Member Updates
Dr. Alan Beck addressed the 2nd Annual National Employee Well-Being Conference and Exhibition in Alexandria, VA, June 2017. His presentation was titled "Boost Wellness with the Human-Animal Bond: Exploring the Value of Developing a Pet-Friendly Workplace." Dr. Beck is the Dorothy N. Mccallister Professor of Animal Ecology and Director of the Center of the Human-Animal Bond.
Dr. Alan Schinckel, Animal Science, and Dr. Robert Stwalley, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, are continuing their work, along with animal scientists, graduate students, undergrads and ag. engineers, on sow cooling pads. These pads remove excess heat from sows which improves their well-being and productivity. Extensive work was also done by graduate students Francisco Cabezon. The team has applied for a patent.
Dr. Bill Muir was featured in the Summer 2017 issue of Purdue Alumnus (pgs. 48-53) for his research entitled "Down with the Pecking Order--Geneticist's 'Superchicken' Research Takes Flight as Metaphor for Effective Team Management." Click here to view the entire article.
Fall 2016 Member Updates
The annual Purdue Veterinary Conference, held September 30-October 1, once again featured a special lecture by CAWS Director, Dr. Candace Croney. Her talk, "Friends, Family, or Food? Factors Shaping Perceptions of Animals and their Welfare Implications" was the Elanco Human Animal Bond Lecture, held September 27.
Dr. Maggie O'Haire received the first Early Career Scholar Award from the International Society for Anthrozoology at their conference in Barcelona. The award is for outstanding scholarly achievement in the field of human-animal interaction.
Dr. Bill Muir was quoted in a variety of news outlets, including NBC news, NBC Today Show, BBC news, and the New York Times for his comments on the implications of the FDA's controversial decision to approve AquaBounty's genetically modified salmon for human consumption.
Purdue University will host the Centers for the Human Animal Bond conference on November 3-4, 2016. The conference features both public and invited sessions and included presentations on horses, dogs and autism spectrum disorder, behavior coding, and animal assisted interventions. Director of the Center is Dr. Alan Beck.
CAWS Director Candace Croney announced the launch of the Canine Care Certification program at the World Pet Association's SuperZoo trade show on August 2, 2016, in Las Vegas. This voluntary national certification program for the care and dogs and puppies by professional breeders, was the result of the collaboration between animal welfare experts, animal scientists, veterinary medicine, animal welfare organizations and the pet industry and is being pilot tested by Purdue University animal scientists. According to Dr. Croney "This is a program with expansive reach, deep substance, and pilot testing to ensure it works. For professional breeders, there should be no more important business practice than ensuring the health and well-being of their dogs. We took a hard, thorough look at public expectations, the relationship of breeders with their dogs and what those mean for dogs' long-term physical and behavioral health. Then we framed that relationship in the context of a comprehensive and truly unprecedented program that can be continuously improved and strengthened. The fact that participation is voluntary indicates the level to which participating breeders are committed to doing right by their dogs and the public."
CAWS Members To Give Lectures at 2015 Purdue Veterinary Conference
Purdue Veterinary Conference (previously known as Fall Conference) will again host a variety of lectures on veterinary topics from September 8th to 11th, 2015. This year, two of the special lectures will be given by CAWS Members. On Tuesday, September 8th, Dr. Maggie O'Haire will give the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture titled The Science Behind the Human-Animal Bond. On Thursday, September 10th, Dr. Candace Croney will give the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton Lecture titled Food Fight! Factors Shaping Public Debates and Policy on Farm Animal Welfare. Visit the conference website for more information about these talks and lectures by other CAWS members!
On May 21, CAWS welcomed 140 attendees from seven different universities, as well as industry personnel affiliated with the companion, laboratory and food animal industries, along with private practice veterinarians, legislative aides, and media representatives. Topics included public perceptions of agricultural animal welfare, ethics, the role of animal welfare in biomedical research, and current issues in companion animal welfare science. A major highlight of the program was the corporate panel on animal welfare which included representatives from McDonald's, Cargill and Merck. Academic speakers included Bernie Rollin, Colorado State University, Joe Garner, Stanford University, James Serpell, University of Pennsylvania, Chris Wolf and Janice Swanson, Michigan State University, Alan Beck and Bill Muir. The program was sponsored by AgSeed, Merck, Elanco and Dean Foods. Winners of the CAWS poster competition judged by representatives from MARS Petcare and Cargill included Elizabeth Byrd, Agricultural Economics, Carissa McCray, Agricultural Economics and Shankar Yadav, Comparative Pathobiology.
In the News
Caws members find that animals such as guinea pigs can help children with autism. Read more through the following sources:
Dr. William Muir, Professor of Animal Sciences, discussed his work with Dr. Richard Howard, Professor Emeritus of Biology, on genetic traits and mate competition in goldfish and this influence on natural selection in a May 7th article with Purdue Agricultural News. - May 7, 2015
Purdue University was awarded a $42,000 grant from the Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation to study how service dogs affect 9-11 war veterans with mental health issues, in particular Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The focus of this work, with Dr. Maggie O'Haire as a Principal Investigator, is to advance specific research focusing on therapy dog health benefits for soldiers, a niche that the U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs feels is lacking given the multitude of studies supporting the efficacy of decreasing issues of stress and depression through companion animals. Working with the K9s for Warriors program along with support from Bayer HealthCare Animal Health and HABRI, Purdue's Center for the Human-Animal Bond will lead the start of these studies this year. - April, 2015
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