Niki Whitley (nwhitley@scsrpc.org)                   

CURRICULUM VITAE -Niki C. Whitley

Home Address:
11811 Tom Nichols Rd                                   
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 651-1066 or (443)-614-1968

Office Address:
UMES Dept of Agriculture
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 651-6194

Email:
nwhitley@umes.edu
whitleyniki@yahoo.com

EDUCATION
Ph.D.  8/98  Animal Physiology  Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Minor: Biochemistry
M.S.  8/95  Animal Science  University of Georgia, Athens, GA
B.S.  6/93  Animal Science  University of Georgia, Athens, GA
A.S.  6/91  Business  Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton, GA

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY (University of Maryland Eastern Shore)
Responsibilities include duties in extension (49%), research (26%), teaching (25%) and service as well as managing the livestock farm (swine, sheep, goats, horses, cattle) at UMES.

Results and products
External grant funding in excess of $1 million within 5 years of employment at UMES; currently in excess of $1.4 million.

16 manuscripts in nationally recognized journals (8 at UMES) and 46 abstracts (31 at UMES) (author and co-author) plus 5 others in preparation.

Two new courses (Biotechnology and Livestock Production; undergraduate) developed and taught along with 2 existing courses (one undergraduate, one graduate).

Web page/web sites developed (link from): www.umes.edu/livestock.

Over 30 popular press articles including Delmarva Farmer (over 10,000 subscribers) and Maryland Sheep and Goat Newsletter articles (over 300 viewers).

Nationally recognized small ruminant research program developed at UMES.

Over 12 Regional and local goat, sheep and swine Extension programs/workshop presentations  - Modern biotechnology equipment added to laboratories; mammalian cell culture laboratory developed in the Department of Agriculture.

International collaborative research (Jamaica).

Impact
Undergraduate research students (5) continued for graduate/professional school; 3 Masters-level students continuing on for PhD; 4 high school internship students attending UMES; 3 Extension faculty conducting on-farm research; 7 producers wrote SARE grants to conduct on-farm research; several new producers in business successfully raising sheep/goats; 3+ sheep farmers indicated increased profits after participating in on-farm research collaborations; swine artificial insemination now used by 4 small producers and being taught by 1 Extension Educator, faculty (3) using new biotechnology laboratory and 1 other using automated sequencer and quantitative RT-PCR equipment in second laboratory; 6+ students using new biotechnology facilities/equipment each semester; 15 new undergraduate students exposed to biotechnology.

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2003 B.D. Mayberry Young Scientist Award
2001 Outstanding New Faculty Award, School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, UMES
2001 Maryland 4-H Professional Extension Partner, Specialist Award
1995 ASAS Southern Section Graduate Student Awards Competition, Second place

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Society of Animal Science
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society (UMD Chapter)
National Pork Producers Council, Maryland Pork Producers Association
Lower Shore Goat and Sheep Producers Association

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Associate Professor, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (P&T 7/2004)
2004 – present.  Appointment = 51% Department of Agriculture (25% Teaching, 26% Research; 49% Maryland Cooperative Extension (Livestock Specialist); Manage Livestock Farm
Research:  Nutrition; reproduction; sustainable agriculture; biotechnology

Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2000 – 2004.  Appointment = 51% Department of Agriculture (25% Teaching, 26% Research); 49% Maryland Cooperative Extension (Livestock Specialist); Manage Livestock Farm
Research:  Reproduction-nutrition interactions; sustainable agriculture

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Missouri1998 - 2000
Research:  The influence of satiety factors and metabolic modifiers on female reproduction in swine, sheep and horses

Research Assistant, Mississippi State University 1995 - 1998
Dissertation:  The influence of insulin on reproductive performance in the primiparous sow

Research Assistant, University of Georgia 1993 - 1995
Thesis:  Insulin-like growth factor-I modulation of luteinizing hormone secretion in the gilt

Animal Caretaker, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 1991 - 1993

Specific Research Procedures Performed
Ribonuclease protection assay
Reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Cloning partial cDNA sequences for creation of riboprobe templates
In vitro transcription of riboprobes
Ribonucleic acid extraction from various tissues
In situ hybridization (using non-radioactive riboprobes)
In situ immunohistochemistry
Western ligand- and immunoblotting
Cell dispersion and primary cell culture
Experimental surgery (ovariectomy, laparotomy, and intra-cerebral ventricular cannulation in swine and sheep)
Collection and processing of tissue samples (fixing and/or freezing)
Non-surgical vena cava cannulation - pigs, sheep and horses
Radioimmunoassay
Blood/serum collection and processing (pigs, sheep, goats and horses)
Estrus detection in swine, sheep, goats and horses
Semen collection and extension, artificial insemination in swine
Management of gilts/sows, sheep, goats and cattle during gestation, parturition, lactation
Ration balancing for goats, sheep and cattle
General animal care

CURRENT RESEARCH
Sustainable pasture lamb production/food safety –farm to fork
Impact of wild birds on food safety/farm hygiene (goats/sheep) – farm to fork
Urocortin effects on porcine pituitary LH production; cloning urocortin in the pig
Use of probiotics in horses (weanlings, yearlings) and goats (feedlot)
Metabolic/insulin status of horses fattened on high fat/fiber vs high carbohydrate diets

GRANT WRITING EXPERIENCE
Awarded ($1,436,970 total):

Expanding the focus for sustainable agriculture training and education –current and future efforts to insure the viability of rural Maryland.  NE SARE PDP Awarded Fall 2006/2007, $15,000/yr.

Internal parasite loads, diversity and anthelmintic resistance in three herds of horses in Maryland.  Evans-Allen. Fall 2006-Spring 2008. Jackson and Whitley

Influence of probiotics on gut health and immune function in weanling and yearling horses.  Conklin Co., Summer 2006 $1000 plus $100 worth of product.

Managing the impact of wild birds on food safety and farm hygiene.  USDA Capacity Building.  Submitted Jan 2006.  $500,000; Awarded Fall 2006; $300,000.  Collaborator/Co-PI (Steven Pao, VSU primary institution)

Expanding the focus for sustainable agriculture training and education –current and future efforts to insure the viability of rural Maryland.  NE SARE PDP Awarded Fall 2005, $15,000.

High tannin grain sorghum as a possible natural anthelmintic for sheep and goats.  NE SARE R&E.  $90,110 requested, Awarded Spring 2005 $100,000.

The effects of refeeding on endocrine responses in the chronically undernourished horse MAES.  Awarded Spring 2004 $20,000 Co-PI/Collaborator

Expanding the focus for sustainable agriculture training and education –current and future efforts to insure the viability of rural Maryland.  NE SARE PDP/NE-SARE Special Initiative. Awarded Fall 2004  $15,000.

Comparison of a new variety of Orchardgrass with Benchmark Plus Orchardgrass under grazing conditions.  NRCS GLCI (Grazing Land Conservation Initiative), Fall 2004; approximately $400 worth of seed.

Mid-Atlantic Sheep & Goat Marketing Project.  NE SARE Research and Education.  Awarded Spring 2004.  $31,000. Collaborator

Influence of probiotics on growth, fecal microbes and IgG/IgA in feedlot goats.  Conklin Co., 2003-2006, $2000 worth of product.

Probiotics and food safety in goats and hair sheep.  Evans Allen.  Fall 2003-Fall 2006. Whitley and Parveen.

Expanding the focus for sustainable agriculture training and education for continued viability of rural Maryland and Seed Grant for developing a farmer/grower grant publication.  NE SARE PDP/ Special Initiative. Awarded Fall 2003,  $14,000.

Meat and Livestock Marketing Co-op Feasibility study.  USDA Rural Development Office. Awarded Fall 2003,  $5000.

Sustainable pasture lamb production. NE SARE Research and Education Grant.  Awarded Spring 2003, $147,495.

Effects of refeeding diet on endocrine responses in chronically undernourished horses.  Maryland Horse Industry Grant.  $24,000. Awarded Spring 2003.  $5,000 Collaborator/Co-PI

Small Ruminant IPM (integrated parasite management) Project.  Collaboration with MCE, West Virginia University, and Garrett County Community College (MD).NE SARE R&E (Pre-proposal was accepted and interview was granted).  Awarded Spring 2003, $45,000. Co-PI

Nutritional regulation of amino acid utilization by the gastrointestinal tract of sheep fed a forage diet.  Fall 2002. MD Ag. Exp. Station grant. $38,215.   Awarded Spring 2003, $30,000.  Co-PI

Expanding the focus for sustainable agriculture training and education for continued viability of rural Maryland and Seed Grant for developing an on-farm research support program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for extension professionals.  NE-SARE Special Initiative.  NE SARE PDP.  Awarded 8/2002, $16,000.

Alternative livestock enterprise for sustainable lamb production: demonstration project comparing pasture-raised hair sheep market lambs and traditional wool crossbred lambs in portable shelters versus traditional housing.  A demonstration project. SARE-UMES PDP Grant. Awarded Spring 2002, $9900.

Development of an introductory Animal Science workshop/seminar for Extension Educators who want to teach sustainable livestock production practices to youth (such as 4-H agents) but do not have an agricultural background.  SARE-UMES PDP Grant with Somerset/Worcester County Extension.  Awarded Spring 2002, $2800.

Multi-species grazing and Max Q fescue demonstration project/Field Day, NRCS Grazing Land Conservation Initiative, Awarded 4/2002, $2495.

Cloning of a novel satiety factor in swine and its effects on pituitary hormones.  Evans Allen. Fall 2001-Spring 2005.  Whitley and Morant.

Possible use of pelleted poultry litter as a protein source in goat and fish feeds.  Maryland Dept of Agriculture, Animal Waste Fund.  Awarded 2/01, $97,220.

Poultry litter as an economical feed source for Maryland’s growing goat production industry.  MCE Small Extension Enhancement Awards. Awarded 11/2000, $1000.

Is Leptin Related to Reproductive Parameters?  Submitted to PIC (f.k.a. Pig Improvement Company).  Awarded Spring 2000 ($10,800 through collaborator), but declined.

The influence of urocortin on growth and reproduction in swine.  Evans-Allen Grant, $46,476.  Awarded Spring 2001, $10,000.

Comparison of growth rate and feed efficiency of meat goats fed a poultry litter supplement versus a traditional premixed supplement.  Submitted to Perdue AgriRecycle.  Total $8135, company donated feed supplies, AWARDED Spring 2000 (amount of donated feed/supplements, $656).

Internet Learning in Animal Science Courses Offered at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Submitted to Mid-Atlantic Consortium. AWARDED June 21, 2000, $500.

Designed projects/helped sheep producers Nancy Case and David Coplen write an North Central SARE Farmer/Grower grant AWARDED July 14, 1999, $7310. 

Biotechnology related:
Utilization of functional genomics to identify novel approaches for control of internal parasites in goats.  $95,527 UMES- $5,420 Awarded Fall 2004.  USDA NRI Bridge Grant. Co-PI/Collaborator.

Cloning of a novel satiety factor in swine and its effects on pituitary hormones. USDA Capacity Building Grant, Awarded 9/2001, $269,972.

Enhanced Biotechnology Education.  Subcontract, joint proposal with Univ. of Missouri as lead institution and UMES and UCLA as subcontractors.  USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant. Awarded 8/2001; UMES subcontract $41,160; Total $185,561.

Submitted, in review:
Development and field testing of natural (non-chemical) systems for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats in the southern USA.  Capacity Building; $500,000 Co-PI (UMES $50,000); FVSU primary Submitted Spring 2007.

Diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance in small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in the MidAtlantic U.S.; $340,000 Co-PI (UMES $42,000); DSU primary Submitted Spring 2007.

Obesity-associated metabolic syndrome in the horse. Morris Animal Foundation.  Consortium.  Multi-institutional grant (UMCP, UMES, Rutgers, Univ. PA) Submitted Spring 2006.  $102,530 Co-PI.

Submitted, not funded:
Utilization of functional genomics to identify novel approaches for control of internal parasites in goats NRI Integrated Grant program: Functional Genomics of Agricultural Important Animals.  Submitted Fall 2003.  $999,112. Collaborator.

Goat Genomics Workshop/Planning Conference.  USDA/NRI Special project.  Awarded Fall 2004. $10,000 Co-PI/Collaborator.

Food safety biotechnology to combat antibiotic resistance.  USDA Research Capacity Building.  $299,978.  Spring 2003.

Developing a cooperative extension program in the Democratic Republic of Congo: UM and UNIKIN Partnership-updated/resubmitted from last year.  USAID.  $125,000.  Collaborator only, Stephan Tubene, PI.

Growth and physiology of thin horses re-fed diets containing probiotics.  CHR Hansen Company Explore 2004.  Submitted Fall 2003.  $25,000.  The effects of diet on endocrine and metabolic responses in the starved horse.  MD. Ag. Exp. Station.  Submitted Fall 2003.  $40,000.  Collaborator only.

Metabolic responses to diet in refed starved horses.  Grayson Jockey Club.  Submitted Fall 2003,  $63,091.  Collaborator only.

Epidemiology of salmonella in Maryland swine herds.  MD Ag. Exp. Station grant.  $40,000.  Fall 2002. Collaborator only, Yvette Johnson, PI.

Recruiting future scientists to protect the safety and quality of our food supply.  USDA Teaching Capacity Building.  $200,000.  Spring 2003.  Co-PI.

Risk assessment validation for HACCP plans and industry impact.  USDA-CSREES Integrated Research, Teaching and Extension Grant, Food Safety program.  $600,000.  Spring 2003.  Co-PI.

The effects of refeeding on endocrine responses in the chronically undernourished horse.  MD Ag. Exp. Station grant. Fall 2002. $40,000.   Collaborator only, Tom Hartsock, PI.

Integrating condensed tannins into grazing programs for sustainable parasite control in goats. Co-PI; Collaboration with Mississippi State University Vet School and Animal and Dairy Sciences Department. Southern region SARE-UMES PDP Grant, $149,249.  Summer 2002.  Pre-proposal was accepted for full proposal - due Winter 2002.  Collaborator, Lora Ballweber and Brian Rude, PIs.

Developing a cooperative extension program in the Democratic Republic of Congo: UM and UNIKIN Partnership.  USAID.  $125,000.  Preproposal accepted, full proposal due Fall 2002. Collaborator only, Stephan Tubene, PI.

Alternative small farm livestock producer survey to identify on-farm research needs and assist in resource allocation.  NESARE Partnership grant.  $6897.  Fall 2002.

Effects of dexamethasone treatment on HPA axis development and growth of piglets delivered naturally or via Cesarean section and either suckled or unsuckled. Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station Competitive Grant, $39,945.  Collaborator only, Tom Hartsock, PI  Fall 2001.

A cooperative effort to increase 4-H market goat and market hog project participation by youth on the Eastern Shore – Swine program component. MCE, Extension Program Development Grants, $4990. Fall 2000.

Early weaning of Cesarean section versus naturally born piglets.  Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station Competitive Grant, $39,940.  Collaborator only, Tom Hartsock, PI Fall 2000.

Equipment to measure carcass characteristics in goats fed poultry litter. USDA-CREES, NRI Equipment Grant, $24,900.  Fall 2000.

EXTENSION/OUTREACH EXPERIENCE
Extension programs and presentations:
Lambing and Kidding workshop, helping organize/present, Dec., 2007
Women in Ag workshop, planning for May, 2007
Small Farms Conference, Small Ruminant Mgt, November 2006
Small Farms/Sheep & Goat Workshop; organizer and presenter; March 2006
Lambing and Kidding School (180 attendees); presenter and organizer, Dec. 10, 2005
Invited speaker, Small Farms Conference, Nov. 4, 2005
Invited presenter to help with Sheep 101 at the Katahdin Hair Sheep International 2005 meeting, Lexington, KY September 2005
Invited speaker, VSU hair sheep conference, June 2005
Keynote speaker, New Jersey Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium, March 2005
Invited speaker, Missouri Boer Goat Producers Association, January 2005
Invited presenter, Western MD Sheep/Goat Genetics Conf., Oct. 2004
Invited speaker, Small Farms Conference – UMES.  Nov. 20, 2004
Coordinated/hosted Integrated Parasite Management workshop for small ruminants, June 2004
Trained 20+ 4-H Youth in Livestock Quality Assurance, Apr-July, 2004
Invited presenter at Delaware State University Meat Goat Conference, Jan. 2004
Invited presenter at the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Meat Goat Symposium, Suffolk, VA, Aug, 2003
Invited presenter at Caroline County Lower Shore Meat Coat Workshop, April 19, 2003
Invited speaker/presenter for PA Meat Goat Conference.  Over 100 attended. 2003
Presenter, Regional MD-VA-NC Goat and Sheep Nutrition Workshop, 2002-2003
Somerset County 4-H Livestock Ethics Committee Member, 2003, 2004
Research and outreach efforts involving meat goat production, JAMAICA, 2002
Demonstration project – pasture lamb and goat production, 2002
Maryland Sheep and Goat Producer Newsletter, author of bimonthly column 2002
Somerset County Fair, 4-H collaborator, Secretary/Treasurer, 2002
Workshop to explain and sign up producers for the Scrapie Mandatory ID program, 2002
Invited speaker, Garrett County Community College Goat Conference, 2002
Invited Speaker/afternoon moderator Maryland Meat Goat Workshops, 2001, 2002
Swine 4-H Project to increase number of youth in 4-H livestock projects, 2001
Swine artificial insemination workshop (organized and conducted), 2000, 2001
Demonstration project:  Possible use of poultry litter pellets in goat diets, 2001, 2002
Lower Shore Goat Producer’s Association, host and presenter, 2000-present
State of Maryland NPPC PQA Level III Certification Leader, 2000-present
Maryland State Fair Asst Swine Superintendent, 2000-04, present, Superintendent 05,06
National Extension Swine Advisory/ Extension Educators Group, Maryland representative (NPPC) 2000-present
1 of 4 authors of swine-related newspaper articles “Pig Tales” in the weekly Delmarva Farmer
Invited speaker/presenter at Somerset/Worcester County Livestock Club meetings (3)MCE - UMES Goat Field Day host and assisted in development, 2000

Committees and Offices
Chair, UMES Dept of Agriculture Scholarship Committee and member of Curriculum
Committee and Recruiting/Retention Committee, 2004-present
Member, Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Carcass Contest committee, 2005, 06, 07
Member, School of Ag and Nat Sciences (SANS) curriculum committee, 2004-2005
Member, 4-H Livestock Ethics Committee, Somerset County, 2003
Maryland representative, Coop Extension Curriculum Project Taskforce (CECP), 2001-2002.
Maryland representative, Board of directors for SE Katahdin Hair Sheep Association 2002.
Maryland representative, 1890-Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program (NE SARE, PDP), February 2002-present
Member, 2002, 2003 National ASAS Omega Protein Innovative Research Award Committee
Member, Recruitment, Retention and Scholarship committee, 2001-2002, UMES
Member, Promotion and Tenure Guideline revision committee, 2001-2002, UMES
Member, UMES-MCE small farm stakeholder committee, 2001
Northeast Section ASAS graduate student competition committee member and judge, 2000
Search Committee Member (1 MSU, 3 UMES); Chair search committee (1 UMES)Recruitment liaison for Department of Agriculture, 2000-2001 UMES
Chair, Recruitment, Retention and Scholarship committee, 2000-2001 UMES
Member, School of Agriculture/Natural Sciences Awards and Recognition Committee, 2000-2001, 2002 UMES
Member, MCE - UMES Goat Field Day committee (speaker/presenter/organizer), 2000
Ex-officio board member for Maryland Pork Producer’s Association 2000-present
UMES Radiation Safety Committee Member 2000-2001

Other Outreach and Service
Journal of Extension 3-year manuscript review board, 2007-
Scientific Journal International (SJI) manuscript review board, 2007-
USDA-CSREES SBIR grant review panelist, Feb. 2007
Southern Sect Animal Science meetings, Small Ruminant Production Session Chair, Feb. 2007
Association of Research Directors meeting, 2006 – Presentation contest judge and
session moderator (replacement for moderator who could not be there)
USDA-CSREES SARE grant review panelist, 2005 (Farmer/Grower), 2006 (PDP)
USAID (Israel) ad hoc grant/panel reviewer, 2005
Invited speaker/panelist for 2003 National ASAS meeting (Goat Session; Symposia on Reproduction in Goats); Summer 2003
Invited speaker for USDA-ARS AALAC accreditation group (Small Ruminant Management); developed presentation and handouts for graduate students to deliver, Fall 2002
Association of Research Directors meeting, 2002 – Poster contest judge (Small Farms)American Society of Animal Science, National meeting 2002, Goat Species session moderator and Internal parasite control symposium co-moderator, Quebec, Canada
Somerset County Fair Board; 2003, 2005, 2006
Co-advisor of Animal and Poultry Science Club, UMES 2000-present
NRI Grant Ad-Hoc reviewer, 2000
4-H volunteer/collaborator, 2001 - present

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
ANPT 228A, Biotechnology in Today’s World, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 1 credit hour.  Spring 2002.  Experimental course, developed by Dr. Whitley via a funded USDA Challenge (Teaching) Grant.  Lab assignments and discussion sessions.

ANPT 304/304H, Reproductive Physiology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 4 credit hours. Taught Spring semester only.  Developed a web site and a CD of reference materials for students taking the course.  Re-named the course (was ..in domestic animals) and included information about companion animals and wildlife.

ANPT 433 Livestock Production, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 3 credit hours.  Developed Fall 2001 and offered Fall every other year.  Developed a website for the course and a CD of reference materials for students taking the course.  Course covers sheep and goat production as well as beef cattle production.

ANPT 473, Swine Production, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 3 credit hours.  Taught Fall semester every other year.

ANPT 499 Special Topics in Animal and Poultry Technology 1-5 credit hours.  Taught as needed.

AGSC 600  Agricultural Sciences Seminar (graduate seminar) 1 credit hour.  Taught every semester since Fall 2000.

ANPT 688A Advanced Comparative Reproductive Physiology.  4 credit hours.  Experimental Course, Fall 2001.

ANPT 799  Masters Thesis Research 1-6 credit hours.  Taught as needed.

FDST 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research 1-6 credit hours.  Taught as needed.

Teaching Assistant for:
ADS 1114, Animal Science, Laboratory (MSU). 3 semesters

ADS 3312, Livestock Management Practices, AI laboratory, Pig processing laboratory (MSU) 2 Semesters.

ADS 4213/6213, Livestock Nutrient Requirements and Formulation of Rations (MSU) 1 Semester.

PHY 8133, Endocrinology (MSU) 1 Semester.  Organized and scheduled all lectures; organized and presented lecture on fuel homeostasis; supervised term paper assignment; developed and graded tests.

ADS 201, Introduction to Animal Science, laboratory (UGA).  1 Quarter.

ADS 340, Physiology of Reproduction, laboratory (UGA).  2 Quarters.

ADS 361, Swine Production and Management, laboratory (UGA).  1 Quarter.

GRADUATE STUDENTS AND UNDERGRADUTE RESEARCH
Mark C. Gooden, Ph.D., Spring 2007 –
Dissertation:  Influence of small ruminant feed additives on product acceptance by consumers.
Other research:  Parasite issues in small ruminant production.

J. Willard Lemaster, Ph.D., Summer 2005 –
Dissertation:  Use of ultrasound to determine carcass/meat quality in livestock.

Damian Cazac, Ph.D., Summer 2005 – Fall 2006
Dissertation: Use of probiotics in meat goats.
Other research:  Probiotics in horses; sustainable lamb production.

Dahlia Jackson, Ph.D.  Fall 2002-Fall 2005
Dissertation:  Meat and carcass quality in crossbred lambs raised on pasture.
Other research: The influence of a novel stress hormone on reproductive and growth hormones in pigs; on-farm food safety; sustainable lamb production.

Radha Subburanthinum, M.S.  Fall 2005-
Thesis: Effect of urocortin on pituitary cells in culture; cloning of urocortin gene in pigs.

Laura Fawley Caruso, M.S.   Summer 2003 –  Spring 2005
Non-thesis creative project/research project: Probiotics in goats.
Went to work in Extension

Christa Fletcher, M.S.  Spring 2002- Spring 2004
Thesis:  Goat/sheep parasite resistance to anthelmentics/UMES Farm.
Other Research:  Post-partum rebreeding in meat does; development of the Mandatory Scrapie (Identification) Program at UMES. Teaching K-12.

Kenneth Karanja, Ph.D. (primary co-advisor) Spring 2002-Spring 2003
Research:Cloning a novel gene involved in stress response. Transferred to Univ.
Minnesota to study Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics

Dahlia Jackson, M.S.  Fall 2000-Spring 2002
Thesis:  Economically viable reproductive management strategies for meat goats.
*Also conducted research involving urocortin in swine and feeding poultry litter to goats.  Continued for PhD.

Dawn Ferara, M.S.  Spring 2000-Fall 2001
Thesis:  Poultry litter as a feed ingredient in goat rations.  Graduated Vet School.

Undergraduate Research
Marquita Dill, Tristan Wilhelm, Patrice Jackson – Spring 2004
Basics of biotechnology; Isolation of DNA from blood, PCR

Eric Collier/Christa Fletcher, Fall 2001
Project:  Temporary kid removal to decrease the post-partum interval in goats.
Both continued for graduate study

Stacey Harley, Spring 2001
Project:  Correlation between milk and serum leptin in does and their offspring.
*Included kid growth performance and leptin correlations.
Continued for graduate study in Fisheries

Stacey Harley, Fall 2001
Project:  Milk leptin in does and their offspring; feeding poultry litter to sheep

Summer research internship students:
2001  Cameron Adams – Student from London Royal College of Vet Medicine
Shelley Armour – UMCP student doing research at UMES swine facility
2002    Michelle Johnson – AMP (Alliance for Minority Participation)
Shan’a Fisher – AMP, recruited into Agriculture
Alisha Dewitt – AMP
2003  Cheryl Morris – GIS/Animal Science
Qundeel Rafiq – GIS/Animal Science
Nadia Rafiq - GIS/Animal Science
2004  Jennifer Raffetto – Student from London Royal College of Vet Medicine
Kristen Walker  - AMP (Alliance for Minority Participation)
Brandon Flowers – AMP
Amanda Bohler – volunteer from Delaware Valley College
2005  Jana Goetz  - AMP (Alliance for Minority Participation)
Ricky Johnson  - AMP
Andrew Hankerson  - AMP
Karl Binns - AMP

Graduate Committee Member, not primary advisor:
Bridgett Hagens, M.S. Mississippi State University, 2005-2006
Christa Fletcher, Ph.D., 2004-2006
Rachael (Weaver) Quinn, M.S., 2001-2002; Ph.D., 2002-present
Brett Wood, Ph.D./MEES, 2002-present
Kenneth Karanja, M.S., 2001-2002

REFERENCES
Nancy M. Cox, Associate Dean for Research
University of Kentucky
Phone: 859/257-3333
E-mail: Nancy.Cox@uky.edu

Mervalin A. Morant, Program Leader - Soils and Soil Ecology
USDA-CSREES-Washington, DC
Phone:  202/401-6602
E-mail: mmorant@csrees.usda.gov

C. Richard Barb, Research Leader, Animal Physiology
USDA-ARS, Athens, GA
Phone:  706/583-8276
E-mail: rbarb@ars.usda.gov

Duane H. Keisler, Professor Animal Science
University of Missouri
Phone: 573/882-6497
E-mail: keislerd@missouri.edu

Henry M. Brooks, Administrator and Assoc. Director
Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Phone: 410-651-6206
E-mail: hmbrooks@umes.edu

MANUSCRIPT PUBLICATIONS (* = UMES on the publication)
*Whitley, N.C, E. L. McFadin-Walker, S. A. Harley and D. H. Keisler.  2005.  Correlation between blood and milk serum leptin in goats and growth of their offspring.  J. Anim. Sci. 83:1854-1859.

*Jackson D. J., C.M. Fletcher, D.H. Keisler, and N. C. Whitley.  2005.  The use of melengestrol acetate (MGA) or kid removal during the non-breeding season or postpartum period in meat goats.  Sm. Rum. Res. 66:253-257.

*Jackson, D.J.,  B.J. Rude,  K. K. Karanja, and N.C. Whitley.  2005.  Poultry litter pellets in meat goat diets.  Sm. Rum. Res. 66:278-281.

*Whitley, N.C. and D. J. Jackson.  2004.  An update on estrus synchronization in goats: a minor species.  J. Anim. Sci.  82: E270-276E (Proceedings).

* Ealy AD, Wagner SK, Sheils AE, Whitley NC, Kiesling DO, Johnson SE and Barbato GF.  2004. Identification of interferon-tau isoforms expressed by the peri-implantation goat (Capra circus) conceptus. Dom. Anim. Endocrinol. 27(1):39-49.

*Buff, P. R., A. C. Dodds, C. D. Morrison, N. C. Whitley, E. L. McFadin-Buff, J. A. Daniel, J. Djiane, and D. H. Keisler.  2002.  Leptin in horses: Tissue localization and relationship between peripheral concentrations and body condition.  J. Anim. Sci. 80:2942-2948.

*E.L. McFadin, C. D. Morrison, P.R. Buff, N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler. 2002. Leptin levels in peri-parturient ewes and their subsequent offspring.  J. Anim. Sci. 80:738-743.

*C. D. Morrison, R. Wood, E.L. McFadin-Buff, N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler. 2002. Effect of intravenous infusion of recombinant ovine leptin on feed intake and serum concentrations of GH, LH, Insuling, IGF-1, cortisol, and thyroxine in growing prepubertal ewe lambs.  Dom. Anim. Endocrinol. 22:103-112.

Whitley, N. C., M. N. Quirk-Thomas, J. L. Ramirez, A. B. Moore and N. M. Cox.  2002.  Interactions between postweaning feed intake and responsiveness to insulin on reproductive performance in sows. J. Anim. Sci. 80:1038-1043.

Whitley N. C., C. R. Barb, R. R. Kraeling, J. B. Barrett, G.B. Rampacek, J. A. Carroll, and D. H. Keisler.  2000. Feed intake and serum GH, LH, and cortisol in gilts after intracerebroventricular or  intravenous injection of urocortin.  Dom. Anim. Endo. 19:209-221.

Whitley, N. C., E. L. McFadin-Buff and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Effect of insulin on feed intake and reproductive performance of well-nourished nulliparous ewes. Theriogeneology 54:1049-1054.

Whitley, N. C., M. N. Quirk, J. O. Skelton, A. B. Moore, J. Purvis, Y. Qiu, and N. M. Cox.      1998. Influence of insulin on follicular development and the intrafollicular IGF-I system in      sows. J. Reprod. Fertil. 112:175-184.

Whitley, N. C., A. B. Moore, and N. M. Cox.  1998. Comparative effects of insulin and porcine somatotropin (pST) on post-weaning follicular development in sows. J. Anim. Sci. 76:1455-1462.

Whitley, N.C., D. P. Payne, H. Zhang, and N. M. Cox. 1998. Influence of insulin administration after weaning the first litter on ovulation rate and embryo survival in sows. Theriogeneology 50:479-485.

Popwell, J. M., M. J. Estienne, R. R. Kraeling, C. R. Barb, N. C. Whitley, R. V. Utley, and       G. B. Rampacek. 1996. The role of excitatory amino acids in pulsatile secretion of      luteinizing hormone in gilts and barrows. J. Anim. Sci. 74:1067-1073.

Whitley, N. C., C. R. Barb, R. V. Utley, J. M. Popwell, R. R. Kraeling, and G. B. Rampacek.1995. Influence of stage of the estrous cycle on insulin-like growth factor-I modulation of luteinizing hormone secretion in the gilt. Biol. Reprod. 53:1359-1364.

Manuscripts in preparation:
*Quinn, R. W., N.C. Whitley, D. J. Jackson and T. G. Hartsock.  Milk leptin in sows and serum leptin and growth of their offspring.

* Quinn, R. W., T. G. Hartsock, N. C. Whitley and L. W. Douglass. Novel birth-weaning feeder reduces time spent learning to drink from an open vessel.

*D.J. Jackson, J. W. Lemaster, S. Schoenian and N.C. Whitley.  Comparison of growth, parasite resistance and meat quality of crossbred Katahdin lambs on pasture.

*N.C. Whitley, D. J. Jackson R. Subburathinam and J. Pitula.  Cloning of urocortin in the pig and LH secretion from porcine pituitary cells in primary culture treated with urocortin.

*D. Cazac, L.D. Fawley-Caruso, D. J. Jackson and N.C. Whitley.  Use of probiotics in feedlot goats – growth, feed efficiency, digestibility and meat quality.

ABSTRACTS (* = UMES on the publication)
*D. J. Jackson, N. C. Whitley, V. Suvanich and J. G. Schwarz.  2007.  Feeding regime and breed effects on nutritional and sensory characteristics of meat from Katahdin crossbred lambs. J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):36.

*D. J. Jackson, R. Subburathinam, C. R. Barb, and  N. C. Whitley.  2007.  Influence of urocortin on luteinizing hormone (LH) release from porcine pituitary cells. J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):20.

*N. C. Whitley, P.R. Ryan, B. J. Rude, D. Cazac, K. W. Necaise, S. J. Barber and A. N. Musslewhite.  2007.  Short term probiotic supplmentation of weaned foals.  J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):23.

*P.L. Ryan, B.J. Rude, K. Moulton, K.W. Necaise, S.J. Barber, D.L. Christiansen, F. K. Walters, S. D. Bowers, and N. C. Whitley.  2007.  Effects of an endotoxin challenge test on physiological responses in weaned foals supplemented with probiotics. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl 2): 23.

*N. C. Whitley, J.E. Miller, J. M. Burke, D. Cazac, R. Subburathinam and L. Dykes.  2007.  Influence of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal nematode infectin (GIN) in goats. J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):33.

*D. J. Jackson, N. C. Whitley, J. W. Lemaster, and S. Schoenian.  2007.  Nutritional and breed effects on carcass traits of Katahdin crossbred lambs. J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):35.

*D. Cazac, N. C. Whitley, D. J. Jackson and B. J. Rude.  2007.  Feedlot performance and digestibility of diets in meat goats supplemented with probiotics. J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):35.

*N. C. Whitley, D. J. Jackson, D. Cazac, J. E. Miller, J. M. Burke and S. Schoenian.  2007.  Pasture-raised Katahdin and Katahdin crossbred lambs:  growth and parasite resistance.  J. Anim. Sci.  85(Suppl 2):34.

*B. Hagens, N. Whitley and B. Rude.  2006.  The effects of whole cottonseed on apparent nutrient digestabilities and N retention when fed to goats.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 84(Suppl. 2):12.

*B.L. Sayre, G. Harris, J. Dzakuma, S. Samake, N. Whitley, and Z. Wang.  2006.  Generation and annotation of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for the goat. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):390.

*D. Cazac and N.C. Whitley.  2006.  Use of Probiotics in Meat Goats:  Growth and Carcass Traits.  ARD. 14th Biannual research symposium proceedings, p. 233. First place graduate student poster competition.

*D. J. Jackson and N.C. Whitley.  2006.  The Influence of Sire Breed on Nutritional and Fatty Acid Composition of Lamb Loin Chops. ARD. 14th Biannual research symposium proceedings, p. 233-234.

*D. J. Jackson, N.C. Whitley, J.W. Lemaster and S. Schoenian.  2005. Growth and parasite resistance of pasture-raised purebred Katahdin and Katahdin crossbred lambs.  J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 1):64.

*D.J. Jackson, N.C. Whitley, J.W. Lemaster and S. Schoenian.  2005.  Carcass traits and meat quality of pasture-raised Dorper-, Texel-, and Suffolk-sired Katahdin crossbred lambs.  J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 1):16.

*D. J. Jackson, N. C. Whitley, J. W. Lemaster, C. M. Fletcher and S. Schoenian.  2004.  Growth and parasite resistance of pasture-raised Dorper-, Texel-, and Suffolk-sired Katahdin crossbred lambs.  J. Anim. Sci.  82 (Suppl. 2):27.

*S.K. Wagner, A.E. Sheils, N.C. Whitley, D.O. Kiesling, G.F. Barbato and A.D. Ealy.  2003.  Identification and analysis of interferon-t isoforms expressed by the peri-implantation goat (Capra hircus) conceptus.  Biol. Reprod. 68:(Suppl 1):336.

*D.J. Jackson and N.C. Whitley.  2003.  Influence of urocortin on appetite in pigs.  ARD. 13th Biannual research symposium; 138.

*D.J. Jackson, C.M. Fletcher, and N. C. Whitley. 2003.  Attempt to induce estrus in goats during the non-breeding season (Summer).  ARD 13th Biannual research symposium; 159.  First place graduate student poster competition.

*Schoenian, S., N. C. Whitley and E. Johnson.  2003.  Economical feedstuffs for on-farm meat goat diets.  J Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl 1):329.

*Whitley, N.C.  2003.  Update on estrus synchronization in a minor species.  (INVITED SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATION)  J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl 1):126.

*Fletcher, C.M., D. J. Jackson and N. C. Whitley.  2003.  Anthelmintic efficacy in a Maryland small ruminant flock.  J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl 1):249.

*Whitley, N.C., D. J. Jackson and S. Schoenian.  2003.  Out-of-season breeding in hair sheep using Melengestrol Acetate (MGA).  J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl 1):123.

*Fletcher, C. M., D. J. Jackson and N. C. Whitley. 2002.  Use of 48-hour kid removal to decrease the post-partum rebreeding interval in meat does.  J. Anim. Sci. 80:(Suppl 1): 1159.

*Quinn, R. W., T. G. Hartsock, N. C. Whitley and L. W. Douglass. 2002.  Novel birth-weaning feeder reduces time spent learning to drink from an open vessel  J. Anim. Sci. 80:(Suppl. 1): 85.

*Jackson, D. J., B. J. Rude, K. K. Karanja, D. M. Ferara and N. C. Whitley.  2002.  Poultry litter pellets in meat goat diets.  J. Anim. Sci. 80:(Suppl 1):294.

*Whitley, N.C., S. A. Harley, D. J. Jackson, E. L. McFadin and D. H. Keisler.  2002. Serum and milk leptin in does and growth of their offspring.  J. Anim. Sci. 80: (Suppl 1):291.

*Jackson, D. J. and N.C. Whitley.  2002. Effectiveness of melengestrol acetate in inducing out-of-season breeding in goats.  J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2): 29.

*Harley, S. A., D. M. Ferara, B. J. Rude, D.H. Keisler and N.C. Whitley.  2002. Short term use of poultry litter in sheep diets.  J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2): 32.

*N.C. Whitley, E.L. McFadin-Buff, P.R. Buff and D.H. Keisler.  2001. Leptin in neonatal pigs: effects of oral versus intramuscular administration.  J. Anim. Sci. 79 (Suppl. 1):429.

*Ferara, D., B. Rude, J. Harter-Dennis and N. Whitley.  2001.  Using poultry litter as a protein source in meat goat diets.  J. Anim. Sci. 79 (Suppl. 2):29.

*Buff, P. R., N. C. Whitley, E. L. McFadin-Buff and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Dose dependent decrease in feed intake following intravenous injection of urocortin into pony mares.  J. Anim. Sci. 78 (Suppl 1):149.

Morrison, C. D., R. Wood, E. McFadin-Buff, N. Whitley, A. Gertler, J. Dijiane, G. Kann and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Peripheral infusion of leptin transiently suppresses feed intake in ewe lambs.  Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 26(2):1530.

McFadin-Buff, E. L., N. C. Whitley and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Effect of insulin on breeding performance of ewes bred during long day lengths.  J. Anim. Sci. 78 (Suppl. 2): 23.

Buff, P. R., A. C. Dodds, C. D. Morrison, N. C. Whitley, E. L. McFadin-Buff, J. A. Daniel and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Leptin in horses:  Tissue localization and relation between peripheral concentrations and body condition.  J. Anim. Sci. 78 (Suppl. 2):2.

Whitley, N.C., C. R. Barb, R. R. Kraeling, G. B. Ramapcek, J. B. Barrett and D. H. Keisler.  2000.  Feed intake and serum GH, LH and cortisol in ovariectomized (OVX) gilts after intravenous (IV) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of urocortin (UCN).  J. Anim. Sci.  78 (Suppl. 1):18.

Buff, P.R., N. C. Whitley, E. L. McFadin-Buff, W. E. Loch and D. H. Keisler. 1999.  Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide stimulates prolactin secretion in pony mares.  J. Anim. Sci. 77 (Suppl. 1):216.

McFadin-Buff, E. L., N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler. 1999.  Effect of insulin administration on feed intake and conception rate in ewe lambs.  J. Anim. Sci. 77 (Suppl. 1):216.

Whitley, N. C., C. R. Barb, R. R. Kraeling, G. B. Rampacek, J. A. Carroll and D. H. Keisler.  1999.  Urocortin (UCN) decreased feed intake and altered serum LH and GH concentrations in pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 78 (Suppl. 2):14.

Whitley, N. C., D. B. Payne, H. Zhang, and N. M. Cox. 1998. Influence of insulin administration after weaning on ovulation rate and embryo survival in sows. J. Anim. Sci. 76 (Suppl. 2):18.

Purvis, J., N. C. Whitley, A. B. Moore, and N. M. Cox.  1998.  Effects of insulin and insulin-   like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on cultured ovarian follicles.  J. Anim. Sci.  76 (Suppl. 2):16.

Whitley, N. C., and N. M. Cox.  1998. Influence of insulin administration and feeding level after weaning on follicular development, ovulation rate and embryo survival in primiparous sows.  J. Anim. Sci. 76 (Suppl. 1):228.

Purvis, J., J. O. Skelton, M. N. Quirk, A. B. Moore, N. C. Whitley, and N. M. Cox. 1997. Influence of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on the function of porcine ovarian follicles in culture. J. Anim. Sci. 75 (Suppl. 1):1.

Whitley, N. C., A. B. Moore, and N. M. Cox. 1997. Comparison of insulin and pST on post-weaning follicular development in the primiparous sow. J. Anim. Sci. 75 (Suppl. 1): 222.

Whitley, N. C., J. Purvis, A. B. Moore, M. Q. Thomas, J. O. Skelton, and N. M. Cox. 1996. Influence of insulin administration to sows after weaning on the insulin-like growth  factor-I (IGF-I) system in ovarian follicles. J. Anim. Sci. 74 (Suppl. 1):239.

Whitley, N. C., C. R. Barb, R. V. Utley, J. M. Popwell, R. R. Kraeling, and G. B. Rampacek.  1995. Influence of stage of the estrous cycle on IGF-I modulation of LH secretion in the gilt. J. Anim. Sci. 73 (Suppl. 1):2.

Popwell, J. M., R. R. Kraeling, M. J. Estienne, C. R. Barb, N. C. Whitley, R. V. Utley, and G. B. Rampacek. 1995. The role of excitatory amino acids (EAA) on pulsatile secretion of LH in gilts and barrows. J. Anim. Sci. 73 (Suppl. 1):1.

POPULAR PRESS (*UMES)
*S. Schoenian, J. Semler, S. Wildeus and N. Whitley. 2006.  Using the FAMACHA© system to control internal parasite in grazing lambs.    National Assoc. of County Ag. Agents (NACAA) meeting and Professional Improvement Conference.  First place poster in the Applied Research category.

*Cazac, D. and N.C. Whitley.  2006.  Use of  probiotics in meat goats.  14th annual Mid-Atlantic HBCU Science Conference hosted by UMES.

*Jackson, D. J.,  J. W. Lemaster, S. Schoenian and N.C. Whitley.  2004.  Comparison of Dorper-, Texel-, and Suffolk-sired Katahdin Crossbred Lambs Raised on Pasture. Poster presentation at: Setting the Table: Tools and Techniques for a Sustainable Food System, NE SARE conference, Burlington, VT.

*Fletcher, C. M., D. J. Jackson and N. C. Whitley. 2002.  Use of 48-hour kid removal to decrease the post-partum rebreeding interval in meat does.  First place graduate student poster competition, 11th annual Mid-Atlantic HBCU Science Conference hosted by UMES.

*Jackson, D. J., B. J. Rude, K. K. Karanja, D. M. Ferara and N. C. Whitley.  2002.  Poultry litter pellets in meat goat diets.  Second place graduate student poster competition, 11th annual Mid-Atlantic HBCU Science Conference hosted by UMES.

*Whitley, N.C., S. A. Harley, D. J. Jackson, E. L. McFadin and D. H. Keisler.  2002. Serum and milk leptin in does and growth of their offspring.  Presented at 2002 HBCU Science Conference hosted by UMES as undergraduate poster.

*Harley, S., N. Whitley, P. Buff, E. McFadin-Buff and D. Keisler.  2001.  Correlation between blood and milk serum leptin in goats and their offspring.  First Place poster competition at the 2th annual Undergraduate Research Science Symposium, University of Missouri-Columbia as part of NSF funded program, Minority Access to Graduate Education.

*Whitley, N. C. and D. M. Ferara.  2001.  Poultry litter as alternative feedstuffs for goats. (and) Swine Research, Teaching and Extension at UMES.  Posters and tours at the 2001 UMES Farm and Family Field Day.

Dodds, A. C., J. A. Daniel, N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler.  1999.  Leptin and leptin receptor mRNA expression in horses.  Presented in poster format at 1999 University of Missouri-Columbia Animal Science Graduate Student Forum.

Buff, P.R., N. C. Whitley, E. L. McFadin-Buff, W. E. Loch and D. H. Keisler.  1999.  Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide influences prolactin secretion in pony mares. University of Missouri-Columbia Animal Science Departmental Report. p. 183-184.

McFadin-Buff, E. L., N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler.  1999.  Effect of insulin on feed intake and conception rate in ewe lambs.  University of Missouri-Columbia Animal Science Departmental Report.  p.162-165.

Whitley, N. C., C. R. Barb, R. R. Kraeling, G. B. Rampacek, J. A. Carroll and D. H. Keisler.  1999.  Intra-cerebralventricular urocortin administration decreases feed intake in pigs.  Presented at University of Missouri-CAFNR Research Expo IX in poster form.

Cox, N. and N. C. Whitley.  1998.  Insulin can have positive effects on swine reproduction.  Miss. Agri. For. Exp. St. Highlights, Winter 1998. p. 19.

Whitley, N. C., C. R. Barb, R. V. Utley, J. M. Popwell, R. R. Kraeling and G. B. Rampacek. 1995. Influence of stage of the estrous cycle on insulin-like growth factor-I modulation of luteinizing hormone secretion in the gilt. UGA College Agr. Environ. Sci., Anim. Dairy Sci. Dept. 1995 Annual Report. p. 287-290.

Popwell, J. M., R. R. Kraeling, M. J. Estienne, C. R. Barb, N. C. Whitley, R. V. Utley, and     G. B. Rampacek. 1995. The role of excitatory amino acids in pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone in gilts and barrows.  UGA College Agr. Environ. Sci., Anim. Dairy Sci. Dept. 1995 Annual Report p. 291-296.

GENBANK SUBMISSIONS
Capra hircus interferon-tau mRNA, complete cds. (10 sequences) Ealy A.D., Wagner S.K., Sheils A.E., Whitley N.C., Kiesling D.O., Johnson S.E. and Barbato G.F.  Submitted July 31, 2003.  Accession numbers AY357327 to AY357336.

Equus Caballus leptin receptor mRNA, partial cds.  Dodds, A.C., N. C. Whitley, and D. H. Keisler.  Submitted March 31, 1999.  Accession number AF139663.

Equus Caballus leptin mRNA, partial cds.  Dodds, A. C., J. A. Daniel, N. C. Whitley and D. H. Keisler.  Submitted August 20, 1999.  Accession number AF179275.

MISCELLANEOUS PRESENTATIONS /DISCUSSION FORUMS (* = UMES)
*Small Ruminant Genetics Conference.  Recording keeping – what we use at UMES; ultrasound assistance.  October 2004

*Feeding throughout the life cycle.  Regional Sheep and Goat Nutrition Conference.  Two meetings held in VA and MD.  Nov/Dec 2002.

*Efforts to increase the reproductive efficiency of meat goats.  Garrett County Community College Goat Conference, Show and Sale.  May 31, 2002.

*“Breed all about it: Popular goat breeds”.  Maryland Meat Goat Symposium.  March, 2002.

*“Character counts especially when showing animals. Learn to be a blue ribbon showman.”  Winterfare teaching/extension program for 4-H.  February, 2002.

*“Conducting Field Research on Farms, Nurseries and Greenhouses”.  3-Day workshop hosted by Maryland Cooperative Extension as part of a SARE funded Professional Development grant.  Invited presentation: “Conducting Animal Research on Commercial Farms, Getting all the Pieces in Place”.  August, 2001.

*University of Maryland Eastern Shore Meat Goat Research Program.  Small Ruminant Research Coordination/Exchange meeting.  Southern Section ASAS.  January, 2001. Also invited to participate in the discussion forum, 2002.

*University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Maryland Cooperative Extension Meat Goat Program.  Presented at Lower Shore Goat Producer’s Association meeting. January, 2001.

*University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Maryland Cooperative Extension Meat Goat Program.  Presented at the 2001 Maryland (MCE) Goat Symposium.  Spring, 2001.

*Swine Production, Past and Present.  Tidewater Farm Club meeting, April, 2000.  Appetite regulators, growth and reproduction.  Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS. August, 1999.