Controversy in Agricultural Engineering: Biotechnology (Prompt 7)

By: Tyler Lahusky

Every field, no matter what it may be, contains a subject or argument that poses some controversy within the field. Many times these can be little things that come up as research is conducted, but other times they are major innovations that could have a lasting impact. The most common controversial topic in agricultural engineering is biotechnology. Many people may know biotechnology as genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMO's) that they may or may not find at the store. It is clear what biotechnology is and what it does, but there are two main arguments within the agricultural engineering world and in the public eye about biotechnology - do the benefits outweigh the risks, or do the risks outweigh the benefits? (Frompovicz)

History

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits for yourselves, you must understand the history of biotechnology and what it is at the present time. Biotechnology was first invented back in the 1500's. Different that what is expected to be considered biotechnology and genetic engineering today, cross-breeding plants and animals was the first version of biotechnology. Cross breeding, or selective breeding, is the selection of 2 organisms of the same species and breeding them to produce an offspring that contains both of the desired traits from the 2 parent organisms. To this day, almost all major crops that we know have been selectively bred to the state that they are now. (Frompovicz)

Present Day

In modern times, biotechnology has evolved to something quite different than what was used in the 1500's and the 1800's. Although the main idea is much of the same, the process is very different. Today, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is taken from an organism with a desired trait and inserted into the DNA of another, completely different, organism. This allows scientists today to take DNA from many different organisms and stack desired traits and characteristics into one single organism, such as corn for example. The goal of biotechnology is to create an overall better product in a number of different aspects. It is estimated that about 70% of food on the shelf at the grocery store today has genetically modified organisms contained in it. (Frompovicz) So why all the controversy? To answer that, we must know the benefits, and the risks alike.

Source: http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/infogram-particles-700/blankenshipnp1361301304.jpg

The Benefits

There are endless possibilities for benefits in biotechnology with the number of different traits you can mix in organisms. Highlighted here are just some of the main benefits scientists are working on and are within the grasp of genetic engineering today. Already in place all over the world, biotechnology has created crops that are resistant to pesticides and herbicides. This allows for cheaper products used on fields for weed control and higher yield with less irrigation, as all the water goes directly to the crops and not the weeds. Many foods can be engineered to have increased nutritional value and grow vitamins and nutrients that they never before have grown. Yes, this means you get a better 'bang for your buck' when you eat a GMO banana and can pass up on the orange. Not to mention, when you buy that banana, biotechnology can increase the shelf life of the food you buy. Just these few, simple things biotechnology can do may go a long way. With increased shelf life and an increase in nutritional value, biotechnology can be put on the front line for fighting world hunger and malnutrition. (Frompovicz) So what are we waiting for?

The Risks

So what are the risks to all this agricultural engineers ask? There's one problem - we don't know. Currently, there is no direct evidence of GMO's being harmful to humans or the environment. However, as a fairly new technology, the public remains very weary of it which holds back many agricultural engineers and researchers. Most of the GMO's today are used as a food source for animals or in processed food for people. But the thing is, the long term effects of using biotechnology are simply unknown. Many scientists and agricultural engineers are concerned about the effects it may have on the environment. It may be possible for a genetically modified organism to transfer its traits (through pollination or breeding) to a wild organism and spreading it throughout the environment. The effects on the wild plant that obtained the genetically modified trait would be unknown. These effects could range from harmless, to catastrophic to the environment and ecosystem, throwing everything out of balance. (Frompovicz)

You Decide

Now that you know what biotechnology is and the risks and benefits behind it, it's your turn to decide. This is a very familiar issue to agricultural engineers all over the globe. Everyone must wrestle with controversial issues such as these in order to improve the world and keep it safe. So what do you think? Place yourself into the shoes of an agricultural engineer and comment below on your stance on biotechnology.

Source: Frompovicz, H. (2006). A Growing Controversy: Genetic Engineering in Agriculture. Retrieved November 10, 2015, from http://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1081&context=elj&sei-redir=1&referer=http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=controversy%20in%20agricultural%20engineering&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFj

Why Should You Care?

It is a simple question and it can rock an arguments foundation to the core. Why should I/You care?

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish caught will we realise we cannot eat money"

This is such a powerful quote from the Cree Indians. It is a straight forward quote but the meaning is still incredibly and sadly relevant today. As industry continues to grow more ecological problems arise. Rain forest are being cut down to make more room for fields that can grow cash crops. In the United States forest are cut for paper and for building houses. When you build a house you have to clear land for lumber and so you can develop the area. When you clear an area of trees or if you clear an area of anything that is key to survival for animals, the populations there will be drastically effected. If a prairie is destroyed so you can build you are destroying a dwindling biome which are incredibly hard to restore.

The fishing and the poison can be roughly put into the same group. People dump so much waste into water sources and it isn't funny. I pulled a t.v out of the Red Cedar behind the Library for one of my labs. What is the point of dumping in the river when you can find better ways to take care of garbage?
Over fishing is a major problem as well. In order to keep up on the growing demands for more food sources commercial fishing boats have to pull more and more fish out of the water. Eventually enough will be enough and there will be nothing left. You can't eat money and we need to do something to slow down and invest in our environment.


The second quote won't be explained as much because I want you to reflect and see how you feel about it. Your parents brought you into this world so you could do your part to try and change it for the better. We want our children to live a better life than we have lived. How can we do this if we leave the world a giant mess? This is why I care. I want my future children to enjoy nature, this could be reading under a tree in the back yard or hiking through Yellowstone.

You should care because without nature we have nothing, it is as simple as that and you can't argue it. Well you can but I will refuse to respond to you. Without nature we wouldn't have the nutrients we need to live and that is a pretty important thing.

So next time you are standing next to a recycling bin with your Mountain Dew and you throw it into the trash or if you just toss something on the side of the road think about what that will do to the world. It could hurt an animal and recycling doesn't take that long to do anyways.

If that hasn't opened your eyes think about are squirrels. Here at MSU we love our squirrels. We wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt them. Throw out your garbage and recycle.

Go Green
Jake B.

Research in Animal Science

       In the field of animal science, research can be done in many different ways. According to the Michigan State University website, many different animals are used such as farm animals, companion animals, and even more. There are animal handling facilities located on and near campus, and this is how it typically is on most college campuses. Most research that is done in this field is focused on "key areas of animal agriculture that are of priority to producers, sustainable agriculture and basic biology, some of which interface with areas of biomedical and environmental relevance. These include Animal Breeding, Statistical Genetics and Molecular Genetics, Animal Health, Animal Production Systems and Management, Behavior and Welfare, Exercise Physiology, Functional Genomics and Bioinfomatics, Growth Biology and Meat Science, Lactation Biology, Non-ruminant Nutrition, Nutritional and Digestive Physiology, Microbiology, Reproduction and Endocrinology, Ruminant Nutrition, Skeletal Physiology, Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer, and Toxicology" (MSU, Research). When it comes to research, one can be in a laboratory, or could choose to research out in the field physically with animals. There are many options for research in almost every field out there.

 - Jamie R.

 Source:
"Department of Animal Science." Research. Michigan State University, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.                         

How Is research conducted?

There are two types of research for fisheries and wildlife, field research and lab research.

Field Research:

Field research is conducted outside of a laboratory and the areas could vary. For example, field research could take place in the middle of the woods or in a residence hall within a University. With field research the researcher gets a better understanding of the environment and the interactions that are taking place within. This type of research "offers contextual data on settings, interactions, or individuals". Because you are observing the behavior of animals your data could be misrepresented because of atypical behavior within a group of animals. This could be a single goose flying 50 yards to the right of the standard V formation. The way you gather information is with your field notes on your observations. You can also use videos or pictures to capture the behaviors of animals. We use both of these in my Fisheries and Wildlife lab class. Field research isn't always the best option because it takes up a ton of time and money. It takes time for a person to become familiarized with an area and the populations within said area.

If you enjoy hands on experience and learn through doing the field is where you should be. I personally enjoy field research better than the lab because you get to experience nature while doing it. Id love to be the person who sticks their face into the water to look for snails or doing a pebble count or whatever they are doing in the picture above.
"Field Research." Field Research. Child Care and Early Education Research Connections. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.

Lab Research:

The definition of lab research is research that is done in a room that is fit for scientific experiments. A benefit of lab research is the fact that it is conducted in a controlled environment. A person can manipulate variables and observe the reactions. This is beneficial because you don't have to spend a lot of time trying to familiarize yourself with a place. In my LB 144 class my group is working with pond snails. If we were to do field research we would have to spend most of our time in a body of water looking for snails the size of a pea. If you are crunched for time lab research is the way to go in my opinion. It takes out environmental variation and makes your experiment more accurate.


Jake B.

How to Research in Agricultural Engineering

By: Tyler Lahusky

Many different forms of research exist in the modern world of science, technology and engineering. Different fields have unique processes for conducting research that relate specifically to that field and suit their needs. Agricultural engineering is no different! Analyzing a number of published articles of research in agricultural engineering, I was able to determine three distinct ways that research is conducted within the field. This includes the method that most learned back in elementary school - the scientific method, along with real world analysis and engineering design processes. Real world analysis should be slightly familiar to us, as everyone does a simplified version of it in their everyday lives. However, engineering design processes may not be familiar to many of us. Here is how research is conducted in each of these ways in agricultural engineering.

Experimental Studies

Experimental studies in agricultural engineering generally relate to the scientific method. There is typically a dependent and independent variable present in a designed experiment. Using the scientific method, engineers are able to draw conclusions based on the preceding steps. For those unaware, the scientific method is a multiple step process, that typically follows steps similar to those such as these:

1. Identify the problem/question
2. Perform research on the subject
3. Construct a hypothesis
4. Test hypothesis by experimentation
5. Communicate results and draw a conclusion

(Source: "Steps of the Scientific Method." Steps of the Scientific Method. Science Buddies, 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.)

The example I located of experimental research in agricultural engineering was from a study done on the impact of evaporative cooling preservation on the shelf life of fruits and vegetables in Southwestern Nigeria. Like most experimental studies, this was performed in a laboratory setting. Different fruits and vegetables were placed in a controlled environment while other fruits and vegetables of the same type were left out in simulated conditions of Southwestern Nigerian climate. Using the control and experimental species, along with following the scientific method, these agricultural engineers were able to complete their research and create solutions to a historical problem. (Ndukwu)

Real World Analysis

On a day to day basis, most of us use real world analysis simply by observing and drawing conclusions. This is much like one of the ways that agricultural engineers conduct research, only in much greater detail. Real world analysis involves observation of events that have occurred, are occurring or are planned to occur. In many instances, a specific sampling of what is being measured is selected and statistics are used to draw a specific conclusion. An example of this is researching the change in agricultural transportation in relation with it's effect on the environment in Sweden. This study happened in 1999 when an specific area in Sweden was undergoing recent negative environmental influences. To study the cause, agricultural engineers used GPS systems to monitor trucks and transportation vehicles used in agricultural transport throughout the area. They used this data to draw a conclusion on the transportation changes and its effect on the environment and attempted to condense travel and improve the environment. (Gebresenbet) This is a great example where real world analysis is at work, using observations of current agricultural events to create solutions to a problem.

(Source: http://www.northernlanduse.com/wp-content/uploads/Trunk_Road_WellHouseMap.jpg)

Engineering Design Process

Unless you are an engineer, you probably have never heard of the engineering design process. This is one of the most common methods of research used among agricultural engineers and engineers of all disciplines. Also referred to as the engineering algorithm, this process is an extremely thorough solution and testing process. This typically consists of a number of steps such as these:

1. Define the problem
2. Perform background research
3. Specify design and solution requirements
4. Brainstorm possible solutions
5. Choose the best solution
6. Perform development work
7. Build a prototype
8. Test and redesign

(Source: "The Engineering Design Process." Steps of the Scientific Method. Science Buddies, 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.)

An example I found where the engineering design process was used is research completed for reducing pollution of ammonia and odor from spreading animal slurry. A new method to fertilize crops without releasing ammonia and odor to the environment was needed due to government regulation. This provided a problem for agricultural engineers to come up with a solution for. These engineers went through each step of the process, performing background research and coming up with the best solution of injecting the plants with slurry instead of spreading it. This new design was implemented and tested with successful findings. The new process is now in the testing and redesign phase as agricultural engineers work to further improve the design. (Pahl) Using the engineering design process, agricultural engineers were able to work toward a solution to an identified problem, implement that solution, and improve it for everyday use.

Sources:

 Ndukwu, M. C., and S. I. Manuwa. "Impact of Evaporative Cooling Preservation on the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetable in South Western Nigeria." Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

 Gebresenbet, G., and D. Ljungberg. "IT—Information Technology and the Human Interface: Coordination and Route Optimization of Agricultural Goods Transport to Attenuate Environmental Impact." IT-Information Technology and the Human Interface: Coordination and Route Optimization of Agricultural Goods Transport to Attenuate Environmental Impact. Elsevier Ltd., 3 May 2002. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

 Pahl, O., R. J. Godwin, M. J. Hann, and T. W. Waine. "SW—Soil and Water: Cost-Effective Pollution Control by Shallow Injection of Pig Slurry into Growing Crops." SW-Soil and Water: Cost-Effective Pollution Control by Shallow Injection of Pig Slurry into Growing Crops. Elsevier Ltd., 3 May 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. 

Prompt #6: Evaluating the book "Life at the Zoo" by Phillip T. Robinson

       The source that I chose to evaluate was a book written by Phillip T. Robinson called "Life at the Zoo". The author talks about his own experiences from when he was working at the San Diego Zoo. He shares some of his own interesting stories, along with talking about what it is like to work in a zoo. He talks about the rewards of working in this type of environment, along with the dangers.
       One of the many career paths in the field of animal science is an animal trainer. That can be classified very broadly as many different things. Someone could be working in an environment such as sea world, training the dolphins or whales. Someone could also be in an environment like a zoo, such as the author of this book. Because of that, I will be reading what he has said about zookeepers and what kind of work they have to do.
       According to Robinson, "the new kids (new zookeepers) were often delegated the more mundane tasks, such as hosing, raking, cleaning, and chopping veggies, in the manner of a progressive apprenticeship" (Robinson page 44). From the research I have done and from the information that I already know about zookeeping and animal science, this statement is very true. When one is first starting out in a zoo, he or she will have little to almost no contact or interaction with animals. They have to do tasks that aren't as interesting, but eventually they will make their way up to being a keeper and working with the animals. That also goes with the amount of money that the worker will be making yearly. Throughout the first year, one might not make much money at all, but as time goes on and experience is gained, the salary will become bigger.
       Robinson also said, "Some keeper assignments are, unquestionably, more desirable than others. Taking goat droppings off of a steep hillside or cleaning carnivore stools out of a drainpipe just might not be your cup of tea--more of a "reward" for political transgressions" (Robinson page 45). According to what I have learned about this career, this is also a very true statement. Most of the jobs that a keeper does are not very appealing. Cleaning the animal exhibits is probably the dirtiest task, and it also requires the most time. If one wants to work in a zoo, they need to be prepared to do a lot of cleaning.
       Zookeepers "must be mentally alert and be able to pay attention to all daily duties. Must have quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations. Must be able to walk and run quickly as needed. Will require close contact with large, wild animals" (Robinson page 45). All of this is also very true. Being a keeper is a very demanding job, requiring a lot of strength and the ability to think quickly, but it is also very rewarding. Being able to be around animals every day as a career would be so gratifying.

Phillip T. Robinson's "Life at the Zoo"

- Jamie R.

Source:
Robinson, Phillip T. Life at the Zoo. Chichester: Columbia University Press, 2004. Print.

Prompt 5

My major is Fisheries and Wildlife, on campus we have many clubs that could be associated with this. Squirrel watching and Fishing club and even the Outdoors club are a few examples of this. The Fisheries and Wildlife club is the club/organization that best fits with my major (shocker).

If you follow the hyper link in the first small paragraph it will take you to the MSU FW Club home page. From there you can go on the about us page or the prezi at the bottom.The Club meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm in room 221 in the Natural Resource building. If you want to join the club they do ask for 10 dollars a semester.They are a great group of people and are welcoming to new comers.

The club likes to email you every week and tell you what their plans are for that week. You can also go onto the website and see what they are doing for that week. Recently they did a river cleanup. They went into the Red Cedar and pulled garbage out of it. These fine men and women are truly dedicated to the environment. As a result they pulled three bike racks out of the river.

If you are interested in the club I suggest you go to the meeting on Thursdays or go to the website and add your email to the email list or go to the contact page and email the officers directly.

Jake




Sources:

"MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club." MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.