The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences This issue, the 1998 Research and Reviews, reports the works of animal scientists principally from this department. Yet, significant work is done by members of other departments who share our appreciation for the food animal and the horse. These other scientists who have responded to the invitation to contribute to this report are coveted partners in this important area of animal agriculture. We find ourselves ever more frequently engaged in such inter-departmental collaborations these days. The dimensions of our research are so broad, it's vitally necessary, as well as satisfying, to engage more people in the pursuit of new knowledge and technology.
The works of our scientists have been particularly international this year. Our presence at international conferences seems greater than ever. Consulting and lecturing in foreign countries has taken about a third of our faculty abroad for meaningful work. The international sector of our graduate program is also important with 19 of the 71 students coming from other countries. An example of the value in this international student component is the development of a "meat floss" product from low-value pork shoulders. This discovery was based on the character of an Oriental meat product known to one of our meat science students from the Orient.
Another aspect of our interactive nature lies in the regional research projects supported by the USDA. The projects for the North Central Region and, in fact, several projects from outside our region have benefited from the participation of Ohio State University scientists. In most cases, one of our people is or was recently the chair of the project team on each regional project. Some of us are on two or more such teams. Other regional interactions of a less formal design also mark the base of talent from which we draw and to which we contribute scientific discoveries.
The department is seriously involved in strategic planning today. Our animal facilities need to be replaced and modernized. We need to anticipate the areas of science we should strengthen to best employ new methodology and equipment. The areas for which funding will be available must be ascertained. Our expectation for public support must be accurately gauged. The determination to do IMPACT research will be undaunted as we re-examine our mission and vision for animal sciences. We expect our industry and commodity group leaders to join us in this process of planning. A new department chair is being selected this year. The time for analysis is undeniably here. Many faculty retirements are expected in the next few years. The focus on students and delivery of an awesome curriculum remains a key driver in the process of depicting our future.
Please read this report with the idea of being a partner in the process of discovery. Look for the surprising ideas. Sense the hard work and hours of dedicated research behind those ideas and the projects designed to test the ideas. Imagine the frustration when an analytical machine breaks down or wears out in the midst of a task or when we experience the absence of a machine we know would greatly amplify our rate and quality of data generation, if only we had it. Thus arises our constant cry for support to keep our technical capability current.
In Partnership,
David L. Zartman, Chair