Promise for the New Century Proceedings of a Symposium

Committee on Animal Nutrition Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Division on Earth and Life Studies National Research Council

NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Washington, D.C.

Copyright © 2003 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

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NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Research Council. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Research Council.

ISBN 0-309-08276-5

Copyright 2001 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

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The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy’s purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts and Dr. Wm. A. Wulf are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.

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Preface

The science of animal nutrition has made significant advances in the past century. In looking back at the discoveries of the 20^th century, we can appreciate the tremendous impact that animal nutrition has had on our lives. From the discovery of vitamins and the sweeping shift in the use of oilseeds to replace animal products as dietary protein sources for animals during the war times of the 1900s—to our integral understanding of nutrients as regulators of gene expression today—animal nutrition has been the cornerstone for scientific advances in many areas.

At the milestone of our 70^th year of service to the nation, the National Research Council’s (NRC) Committee on Animal Nutrition (CAN) sought to gain a better understanding of the magnitude of recent discoveries and directions in animal nutrition for the new century we are embarking upon. With financial support from the NRC, we were able to organize and host a symposium that featured scientists from many backgrounds who were asked to share their ideas with us about the potential of animal nutrition to address current problems and future challenges.

From this gathering, it became overwhelmingly evident that the answers to many of the important issues facing agriculture and the global population lie in animal nutrition. With few exceptions, animal nutrition accomplishments and opportunities impact almost every aspect of our universe.

We structured the symposium and prepared this proceedings for a diverse audience, from nonscientists and policymakers, to scientists in nutrition and related areas. We hope to reach decision-makers in government, academic
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institutions, foundations, and private industry, who are in positions to understand, direct, and support continued positive impacts and growth in animal nutrition.

It is our hope that this proceedings will also guide students who are considering professions in animal nutrition, to consider the vast array of potential careers. By compiling this wide-ranging mix of nutrition topics as they impact various world-wide endeavors, we hope to convey our excitement about future opportunities and provide young scientists with an appreciation for the diversity of problems that can be addressed through animal nutrition.

The symposium was organized under the guidance of former chair of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dale E. Bauman, Cornell University; former chair of the Committee on Animal Nutrition, Donald C. Beitz, Iowa State University; and members of the Committee on Animal Nutrition. This volume is comprised of individually authored papers that follow, and they fall into five broad categories:

· Conservation aspects of animal nutrition;

· Recent developments in animal nutrition, health, and well-being;

· Animal nutrition’s role in endeavors throughout our universe;

· International and economic aspects of animal nutrition; and

· Meeting challenges of the new century.

The papers presented here provide a cohesive view of not only the scientific aspects of animal nutrition, but also speak to the practical application of science in day-to-day living. Many of the papers describe an inherent reliance on the work of the NRC’s CAN, which is understandable, given the fundamental role CAN plays in the work of individual scientists, regulators, consultants, professionals, and students. While the information in the proceedings is attributed to the individual perspectives of the authors who shared their expertise, it reflects the collective contributions of hundreds of individuals and groups who have devoted their lives to animal nutrition for the good of the public and the animals for which we are responsible. As a committee, we have benefitted greatly from the ideas presented here and hope that, as a result, this report represents a valuable compilation that puts our thinking for the future into its broadest perspective.

Gary L. Cromwell, Chair Committee on Animal Nutrition

Acknowledgments

The members of the Committee on Animal Nutrition express our thanks to the individuals who participated in this symposium by providing stimulating presentations and who provided us with thoughtful text to support their discussion. We are grateful to the symposium session moderators: Donald C. Beitz, Iowa State University; Mary E. Allen, Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoological Park; and Michael Galyean, Texas Tech University. We also wish to thank the session rapporteurs: John Halver, University of Washington; Joseph Fontentot, Virginia Polytechnic and State University; and Karin Wittenberg, University of Manitoba.

The committee appreciates the assistance of science writer, Julie Berry, and National Research Council (NRC) policy intern, Gretchen Opper, in the preparation of this volume. In addition, we thank the many scientists who have provided input and ideas for this symposium and publication.

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation are extended to our NRC program director, Charlotte Kirk Baer, who enthusiastically championed this commemorative event and worked diligently to bring this work to a successful conclusion. Staff members who also supported us in this endeavor include Stephanie Padgham and Melinda Simons. For their work, we are grateful.

This report has been reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise, in accordance with procedures approved by the NRC’s Report Review Committee. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the institution in making its published report as sound as possible and to ensure that the report meets institutional standards for objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the process. We wish to thank the following individuals for their review of this report: Donald Beitz, Iowa State University; Susan Crissey, Brookfield Zoo; Austin Lewis, University of Nebraska; and Robert Wilson, Mississippi State University.

Although the reviewers listed above have provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they did not see the final draft of the report before its release. The review of this report was overseen by Delbert Gatlin, Texas A & M University. Appointed by the National Research Council, he was responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with institutional procedures and that all review comments were

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http://books.nap.edu/catalog/10299.html carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content of this report rests entirely with the authoring committee and the institution.

Contents