Proposal Number: 9702760
Grant Number: 97-38814-4167
Project Director: Dr. Alfred Parks
Award Amount: $199,259
Institution: Prairie View A&M University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: NRCS
Mr. Charles Adams 817-334-5401 (ext. 3225)
Ms. Beverly Minica 817-298-1392
Advanced Networks: Advancing Agricultural Science via the Superhighway. This project will establish an advanced Network Infrastructure System for information access and delivery within the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). The goal is to enhance the distance education and outreach capabilities in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. The overall objectives of the project are: (1) to enhance the computer network infrastructure within the college; (2) to provide for faculty/staff training in the use of multimedia equipment, (3) to engage the faculty/staff in information building for instructional delivery (home pages, spread sheets, etc.); and, (4) to provide technical support. Each faculty/scientist will be linked to the network and will have a multimedia computer, and will be provided training in how to use the equipment for e-mail, building home pages, putting class materials on the internet, and building specific information delivery packages for distance education transmittal. The project will involve collaborative efforts between Prairie View A&M University; NASA; Texas A&M University; the Texas Department of Agriculture; and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Proposal Number: 9702763
Grant Number: 97-38814-4161
Project Director: Dr. Charles Magee
Award Amount: $200,000
Institution: Florida A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: NRCS
Mrs. Maxine Barron 202-720-1829
Nurturing African Americans for Graduate School in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The project will increase the pool of African Americans pursuing graduate study in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Florida A&M University. This group is being targeted because there are presently only eight African Americans (males only) with Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The specific objectives are: (1) to select and recruit two groups of four students in Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering to participate in internships and serve as mentors; and (2) to establish a model for preparing and recruiting African Americans for graduate school in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Over a span of three years, 1997 2000, two groups of four students will be selected to participate in this project. Each group will be introduced and exposed to activities and experiences that will motivate them to attend graduate school in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Full scholarships will be awarded to each group of students during the life of the project. Using nurturing methods, eight well qualified African American students will be produced for graduate school in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. This project will strengthen the ability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to recruit highly qualified engineering graduates, who are also primarily African-American men and women, in biological and agricultural systems engineering.

Proposal Number: 9702798
Grant Number: 97-38814-4177
Project Director: Dr. Wesseh Wollo
Award Amount: $197,970
Institution: Lincoln University - MO
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: APHIS
Dr. Russell Reidinger 573-681-5134
Agribusiness Curriculum Development and Enrichment. This project will strengthen the agribusiness program within the Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Home Economics at Lincoln University. The project will add several new agribusiness courses while revising others. The proposed enhancements are based on discussions with agribusiness industry leaders, university advisory group and students. The overall project objectives The project will enable Lincoln University to produce better prepared agribusiness students for current and future work force requirements. The results of this project will be shared with other 1890 and 1862 institutions that are concerned with human capital issues in the food and agricultural sciences. Results will be presented at professional meetings and in professional journals. The project will enhance the University's strategic goals to increase enrollment and improve student retention, and to provide quality education to all students. The Animal, Plant, and Health Inspection Services (APHIS), the USDA cooperating agency, will benefit by enhancing its effort to meet its work force diversity.

Proposal Number: 9702818
Grant Number: 97-38814-4182
Project Director: Dr. Jannie Carter
Award Amount: $199,573
Institution: Alabama A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Anna Mae Kobbe 202-720-3262
A Proposed Model for Training Urban Educators in the Agricultural Sciences. Existing curricular within the specific areas will be restructured under this project to meet the needs of a changing environment. Using the Adult Degree Technical Studies program that is currently offered at Alabama A&M University, the curriculum will be designed to prepare educators who can more adequately address the needs of an emerging urban population within the State of Alabama. This program allows for credit to be given for experiential learning and work experience. The project will lend support to University outreach programs in Extension and will produce a more diverse population of professionals for employment in the agricultural sciences. Three primary objectives are: (1) to design and implement nontraditional curricular models that accommodate nontraditional students at three levels of preparation- paraprofessional (Associate), professional (Baccalaureate), and graduate (Master's); (2) to design and integrate several instructional delivery odes for the implementation of the nontraditional curricula; and (3) to recruit and graduate a total of 150 graduate and undergraduate students. The activities proposed in this grant application will benefit the USDA, CSREES by preparing a competent pool of paraprofessionals and professionals to support the nation's increasing need for diverse personnel trained to respond to urban issues. Additionally, the project will lend support to under served, hard to reach audiences (a targeted group of Extension Service USDA), by recruiting and training students from this audience to function as peer teachers within their own communities.

Proposal Number: 9702857
Grant Number: 97-38814-4158
Project Director: Dr. Claude McGowan
Award Amount: $199,880
Institution: Florida A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: NRCS
Ms. Sarah Marshall 202-720-5855
A Model for Enhancing the Career Opportunities of Minority Youth in the Agricultural Sciences. The objectives of this project are: 1) to recruit and train minority youth to become proficient in theoretical and practical (hands on) skills in sustainable agricultural practices that are economically and environmentally sound, and are socially acceptable. This agri-based curriculum will be consistent with future agriculture demand and needs. 2) develop a specific curriculum in order to equip students with the theoretical and practical (hands on) skills and knowledge necessary to function in a changing agricultural world and 3) award scholarships/ fellowships such as tuition, room and board etc. In order to accomplish these objectives, Florida A&M University will collaborate with selected state and federal agencies, secondary centers of Agricultural emphasis, other 1890 and 1862 institutions and small farmers in conducting several planned activities. This will include innovative recruitment and training efforts, such as in addition to theoretical training, youth will spend 20hours per week throughout the two year period designing, developing, and managing sustainable agriculture production models on the University's 260 acre research and extension farm.

Proposal Number: 9702863
Grant Number: 97-38814-4197
Project Director: Dr. Chintamani Sahoo
Award Amount: $199,636
Institution: South Carolina State University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Barbara White 202-720-4651
Development of LAN-based Instructional Systems for Agricultural Sciences. In order to provide computer access to students, South Carolina State University plans to use computer applications as an integral part of student education. As such, this LAN-based instructional system is being proposed to enhance the computer laboratories and provide opportunities for faculty development in the computer-based instructions. Specifically, funds will be used to install high-speed Local Area Network (LAN) and powerful workstations at the departmental level. The LAN will be configured to provide access for various instructional software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, analytical software, and GIS applications. The packages will be used in various courses and training programs offered in the Schools of Business, and Applied Professional Sciences and in the Division of 1890 Research and Extension. This facility will be used to provide hands-on braining to the faculty in the use of various CAI modules and other instructional software, thus encouraging them to provide extensive opportunities within their individual courses for students experiential learning and skill development. The LAN-based instructional system will be configured to provide connectivity with the Campus Wide Area Network which will facilitate external linkages to other federal agencies and land-grant universities for the development of CAI courseware.

Proposal Number: 9702865
Grant Number: 97-38814-4170
Project Director: Dr. Edith Neal
Award Amount: $176,436
Institution: University of Arkansas - PB
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: FCS
Dr. Patricia Daniels 703-305-2558
Developing Scientific and Technical Expertise in Nutrition and Human Sciences. The goal of this project is to strengthen the teaching capacity of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and strengthen students' technical and analytical skills. This proposal seeks funds to purchase 10 computer work stations, to upgrade existing equipment and acquire state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The specific objectives are to: 1) strengthen students' scientific, technical and analytical skills through state-of-the art instructional technology, 2) strengthen faculty instructional skills using alternative teaching methods, and 3) increase theory application experiences and experiential learning opportunities. The plan of operation includes the development of a multi-media instructional laboratory, upgrading equipment in the food service management laboratory, expanding internship opportunities and providing opportunities for faculty to strengthen instructional skills. In addition, faculty will modify courses in nutrition to integrate advanced technology to increase active learning in a collaborative environment. A multi-media specialist will train faculty in the use of multi- media for instruction through on-site workshops and short courses. Expanded opportunities for faculty and student development will be provided through partnership collaborations with USDA, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of California-Los Angeles.

Proposal Number: 9702870
Grant Number: 97-38820-4183
Project Director: Dr. Andrew Manu
Award Amount: $133,407
Institution: Alabama A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: NRCS
Dr. J. Cameron Loerch 334-887-4517
Enhancing Undergraduate Instruction in Soil and Water Sciences by Multimedia Technologies. The objective of this project is to enhance student learning in soil and water sciences using multimedia resources. This will be achieved by the establishment of a Multimedia Instructional Center at the Plant, Soil and Animal Sciences Department at Alabama A&M University. This center will promote a student-controlled learning environment in which students will carry out individualized, self-paced and participatory learning. This center will also challenge faculty to keep pace with new advancements in instructional delivery. Three pilot courses will be evaluated and restructured to accommodate multimedia-mediated instruction in areas of Soil Science, Soil Physics, and Plant, Soil and Water Analysis. Courseware will be developed in collaboration with personnel at USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, information specialists of Alabama A&M University, and faculties of Iowa State University and University of Florida. Fifteen work centers will be established for students to utilize the courseware developed and to use the accompanying hypermedia browsing tools (e.g. Netscape and Mosaic) to access databases especially those that are relevant to soil and water sciences.

Proposal Number: 9702871
Grant Number: 97-38820-4187
Project Director: Dr. Arthur Allen
Award Amount: $198,200
University of Maryland-ES
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: NRCS
Mrs. Maxine Barron 202-720-1829
Natural Resources and Urban Management: A Collaborative Degree Program. This project will enhance the teaching capacity of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) by the development of a collaborative degree option in the area of Natural Resources and Urban Management (NR&UM) for new career opportunities for the twenty-first century. The objectives of this project are to utilize existing faculty and university resources to: (1) design and implement a collaborative curriculum in NR&UM with an emphasis on geo-spatial information technologies, such as remote sensing, and global positioning systems; (2) provide faculty development activities that incorporate these skills into applications within individual courses and disciplines; and (3) provide support for internships with linkages to state, federal and academic collaborators to provide experiential reaming and training in critical thinking skills for implementation of policy in management situations that position students for advanced placement with various federal agencies and the private sector. This project will also provide partial support for six (6) summer internships each year in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, World Agricultural Outlook Board, that expands on existing agreements. Further, two 1890 land-grant institutions (Lincoln University, and Alabama A&M University) who have centers of excellence in GIS will also be involved in faculty development training activities of students. The expected outcomes of the project are the initiation of a collaborative degree option in NR&UM.

Proposal Number: 9703107
Grant Number: 97-38820-4171
Project Director: Dr. Jacquelyn McCray
Award Amount: $198,639
University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Jon Irby 202-720-5345
Peer-Group Mentoring for Instructional Effectiveness. This project will engage faculty and staff in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in a peer-mentoring project designed to encourage collegial support and to expand the development of innovative teaching resources. This model extends the peer-mentoring concept to include peer groups of three to four co- participants as opposed to the typical mentor-mentoree structure, and is designed to enhance the instructional effectiveness ofacademic programs in the SAFHS. Accomplishment of the objectives will facilitate faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching, the use of proven pedagogical modules for motivating students, and the development of innovative instructional models for engaging students in the learning process.. Peer groups will collaborate in designing self-Paced instructional modules for selected courses in the curriculum. The process Is expected to broaden the instructional skills of all faculty by having peers engage in deliberations that focus on student-learning outcomes. This co-participatory model builds on the strengths of each peer-group participant rather than focusing on individual challenges.

Proposal Number: 9703108
Grant Number: 97-38820-4172
Project Director: Dr. Jacquelyn McCray
Award Amount: $194,339
University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Virginia Gobeli 202-720-2297
Bridging the Gap - A Comprehensive Academic Support Program. The overall goal of the project is to develop a Comprehensive Academic Support Program (CASP) Center at the University of Arkansas-PB that provides for students the necessary academic and personal support needed to make successful transitions from high school to college and to progress through technical courses in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences. The project also seeks to inspire qualified students to enter M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs by exposing them to a graduate school environment during their college experiences. The primary objectives of the project are to enhance the recruitment and retention of students majoring in Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and to encourage academically prepared students currently enrolled in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) programs to pursue graduate and professional degrees upon completion of their bachelor's degree program. The realization of these objectives will require (1) the development of structured recruitment and transition programs that remediate academic deficiencies in entering students and (2) ensure that the sequencing of students' educational experiences minimize time to completion of degree programs while reducing emotional and psychological barriers to student aspirations.

Proposal Number: 9703109
Grant Number: 97-38820-4159
Project Director: Dr. Pamela Hunter
Award Amount: $198,576
Florida A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Robert Wall 301-504-8362
Strengthening Biotechnology in the field of Animal Science. This project's objective is to strengthen the Animal Science and Biotechnology program at Florida A&M University by the inclusion of Animal Biotechnology. This will be accomplished through (1) support faculty development and training in biotechnology, (2) enhancing the core biotechnology laboratory, (3) expanding the Animal Science curriculum, and (4) enhancing ongoing research in problems important to small farmers by having students perform projects using techniques in Animal Biotechnology. A core biotechnology laboratory will be expanded to include equipment applicable to techniques in molecular biology and related courses in the animal sciences. Student participation in Animal Science will be increased by providing financial assistance with internships, scholarships, and work study programs.

Proposal Number: 9703119
Grant Number: 97-38820-4198
Project Director: Dr. Ambrose Anoruo
Award Amount: $198,758
South Carolina State University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: FS
Mr. John Blake 803-725-8721
Learning Agricultural Science Through Interagency Field Station. Students at South Carolina State University (SCSU) will be involved in hands on learning of nursery, silviculture, forest management, and laboratory studies of physiological and anatomical structures of agricultural, and forestry species at the Savannah River Environmental Sciences Field Station, which was started by a collaboration between SCSU and the USDA Forest Service, Savannah River Forest Station. Faculty from the regional HBCU's, Clemson University, University of South Carolina in Columbia, University of South Carolina in Aiken, and the University of Georgia will be invited every week to teach, interact and mentor the students in the summer. Also, the Weyerhaeuser Company has made its nursery facility available to the Field Station through this project for minority experiential training in food and agricultural sciences. In addition, the project will provide the USDA Forest Service an opportunity to meet its educational policy by reaching not only the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, but also the regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The project will also address faculty preparation for teaching food and agricultural sciences through conferences and workshops. These conferences and workshops will train faculty from 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in hand-on experience for teaching food and agricultural sciences as well as help them explore ways to form interagency field stations as model to attract experts from the public, private and university in student experiential training in food and agricultural sciences.

Proposal Number: 9703127
Grant Number: 97-38820-4164
Project Director: Dr. Gloria Young
Award Amount: $200,000
Virginia State University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Jon Irby 202-720-5345
Establish and Electronic Classroom to Enhance Nutrition Instruction. The overall goal of this project is to establish an electronic classroom to enhance nutrition instruction at Virginia Stat University. The specific objectives are to: (1) strengthen the instructional delivery system in the Nutrition/Dietetics Program by conducting a workshop to train dietetics faculty members on the use of nutrition software systems, electronic instructional media, nutrition CD-ROM's, the Internet, and electronic resources at the USDA/ARS National Agriculture Library (NAL), (2) strengthen the Nutrition/Dietetics Program by trading faculty to incorporate computer technology and computer-based learning activities into courses and the curriculum, and (3) to train students to use software systems' the Internet and nutrition CD-ROM's in the Introduction to Nutrition course. With the actual experience of using the electronic classroom, the Department of Human Ecology will - conduct a workshop for the other Dietetics faculty and Director's at the 1890 Institutions.

Proposal Number: 9703131
Grant Number: 97-38820-4196
Project Director: Dr. Shirley Hymon-Parker
Award Amount: $196,080
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: RBS
Ms. Carolyn Parker 202-690-0353
Rural Entrepreneurship: A Student Experiential Learning Program. This project is aimed at providing an innovative approach to student experiential learning at the University of Maryland-ES. Its purpose is to establish a university business that will also serve as a network of organizations/individuals that provide minorities with skills and knowledge about business operations and opportunities. The objectives of this project are to: (1) provide opportunities for professional development of students, (2) increase research and creative activities for students, and (3) provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Project funds will be used for renovating a facility to house the business, purchasing equipment for its operation, and offering student workers pay and/or stipends. This project will strengthen the university's ability to attract and retain high quality students to enter a competitive world market or graduate/ professional education. It will also stimulate economic development in Somerset County through new business starts, improve economic status of minorities in the county through job creation, and fill product and service voids for the community. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Rural Business and Cooperation Development Service. Additional assistance will be provided by UMES's Rural Development Center, Delmarva Business League, and the Small Business Development Center at Salisbury State University. These agencies will provide assistance with loans for business prospects, workshop/seminar presenters, and career oriented information and resources.

Proposal Number: 9703132
Grant Number: 97-38820-4166
Project Director: Dr. Anthony Yeboah
Award Amount: $190,090
North Carolina A&T State University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: NRCS
Dr. Frank Clearfield 202-720-1511
Enhancing the Information Technology Capabilities of the School of Agriculture. The School of Agriculture at North Carolina A&T State University and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will collaborate to improve effectiveness and quality of instruction by: (1) upgrading the School's computer equipment to include access to the Internet; (2) training faculty to use the Internet and integrate it into teaching curricula; and, (3) training faculty to develop courses for the Internet. The project aims to correct two limitations of the present instructional delivery system: (1) lack of access to the Internet for School of Agriculture students; and (2) lack of Internet integration in current curricula or course offerings.

Proposal Number: 9703137
Grant Number: 97-38820-4160
Project Director: Dr. Michael Hubbard
Award Amount: $196,689
Florida A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Charles Cooper 601-232-2935
GIS / Remote Sensing Technology for Students in Agricultural Sciences. This project will strengthen the classroom instruction of courses in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at Florida A&M University. Specifically, this project is designed to expose students to basic geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and image processing courses. Also the GIS teaching laboratory will be used to enhance teaching of other courses in agriculture, forestry, soils and environmental sciences. These facilities will enable students to acquire a working knowledge of tools and techniques being used in today's workplace. Specialized instructional materials in these fields will be developed and incorporated into new and existing courses. Emphasis will be placed on developing the following areas: Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS); Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (RS); Geographic Information Systems Applications; and Photo Interpretation and Map Reading. A five workstation laboratory in GIS/RS technology will be established. Students will receive training through special courses, workshops, seminars, and hands-on experiences. The USDA cooperating agency (ARS) will provide assistance in setting up the laboratory and in the development and implementation of courses related to remote sensing. Special guest lectures will be planned in collaboration with ARS and other collaborators including TRW, a large commercial company involved in GIS work, NASA's Stennis Space Center, the Center for Marine and Environmental Analysis (University of Miami), and the Alabama Center for Applications of Remote Sensing Laboratory at Alabama A&M University.

Proposal Number: 9703153
Grant Number: 97-38820-4165
Project Director: Dr. Conrad Gilliam
Award Amount: $197,427
Virginia State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Perry Cregan 301-504-5070
Enhancing Plant Breeding and Statistics Training of Agriculture Majors. This project will enhance the training of students, enrolled in the baccalaureate degree program in the Department of Agriculture at Virginia State University and other 1890 institutions, in the subject areas of Plant Breeding and Statistics. Analysis of enrollment and graduation in 1862 and 1890 institutions in the United States has indicated a continuing decline in number of students graduating with baccalaureate degrees in Plant Breeding. The science of statistics plays a major role in all scientific disciplines including agriculture. Students will participate in a three-week summer plant breeding internship during each of three years. This internship will consist of classroom instruction and hands-on experience with crop production, crossing, selection techniques, etc. A three-week summer course in Applied Statistics and Field Crop Experimentation will also be taught to the twenty plant breeding interns. This course will also include classroom instruction and hands-on experience with data analysis using SAS. This project will not only produce well trained college graduates but will also lay the foundation for continuous strengthening of academic programs at VSU by serving as a blueprint.

Proposal Number: 9703157
Grant Number: 97-38820-4169
Project Director: Dr. Kirkland Mellad
Award Amount: $193,673
Southern University & A&M College
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: AMS
Mr. Barry Carpenter 202-720-5705
Quantitative and Qualitative Enhancement of Undergraduate Education in the Agricultural Sciences. This project with strengthen the teaching capacity of Southern University & A&M College. The objectives of this project are to: (a) establish a Summer Bridge Institute (SBI) to assist students in making the transition from high school to college, and (b) enhance the learning environment for students through effective mentoring and improved instructional delivery systems. To achieve this, students will be recruited through the SBI to enhance their skills in science, mathematics, computer science, and oral and written communications through specially designed courses. Further, merit-based financial support will be provided to incoming freshmen; and a mentoring program will be established which will include advisement on study habits, course sequencing and critical skills enhancement. Personnel from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will participate to increase students' exposure to all facets of agriculture. The project is very important to AMS as they expect to increase the number of qualified graduates that will be available for employment with the agency. Training sessions in the use and application of multimedia technology will be provided on an ongoing basis for all faculty within the college. This grant will further enhance the ability of theDivision of Agricultural Sciences to improve its instructional delivery system, create more learning opportunities for its students, broaden awareness of students to career opportunities in the agricultural sciences, increase student enrollment and reduce attrition.

Proposal Number: 9703158
Grant Number: 97-38820-4168
Project Director: Dr. Liang C. Huam
Award Amount: $200,000
Alcorn State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ERS
Mr. James Duffield 202-501-6255
Strengthening Undergraduate and Graduate Instruction in Agricultural Economics. The primary objective of this project is to strengthen the graduate and undergraduate agricultural economics programs at Alcorn State University. Specifically, the project seeks to (1) develop or use new and innovative instructional technologies or strategies for the teaching of agricultural economics courses in order to raise students' level of understanding of abstract or difficult economic concepts; stimulate their creative, analytical, and cognitive skills; and increase their motivational, retention, application, and transfer knowledge skills and competencies; (2) develop and provide opportunities for student participation in agricultural economics conferences, workshops, or meetings in order to enhance students' scientific and professional competencies, and to extend learning beyond the classroom; and (3) recruit outstanding and academically qualified students for the agricultural economics program through the award of competitive financial assistantships so as to augment the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of agricultural economics students at ASU and increase the number of qualified minority agricultural economists and professionals. These objectives are related directly to the mission of Alcorn State University and the long range goals of both the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences, and the USDA, Economic Research Service.

Proposal Number: 9703159
Grant Number: 97-38820-4176
Project Director: Dr. Ivis Forrester
Award Amount: $199,758
Alcorn State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: FCS
Dr. Patricia Daniels 703-305-2554
Enhancing Minority Preparation In Nutrition/Dietetics Through Planning and Implementation of a Dietetic Internship Program. This project aims to enhance the academic preparation of nutrition/dietetics students by the provision of a Dietetic Internship Program. The two-fold purpose of this program is to increase the number of Alcorn State University graduates who: 1) enter into supervised practice and, 2) achieve Registered Dietitian status. The Plan of Action includes the development and implementation of a Dietetic Internship Program, which will be conducted in two phases. The first involves the writing of a self-study to be submitted to the American Dietetic Association for approval, and secondly the implementation of the approved study for the recruitment and admissions and the provision of the supervised practice experience. Included in the plan is the establishment of a collaborative partnership with the USDA, Food and Consumer Service, and with various health care facilities targeted to provide the supervised practice experience. The results of the program are expected to increase diversity in the work force at the state and national levels by increasing the number of minority professionals with Registered Dietitian status.

Proposal Number: 9703161
Grant Number: 97-38820-4163
Project Director: Dr. Roscoe W. Byrd
Award Amount: $170,120
Virginia State University
Project Duration: 2 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: CSREES
Dr. Gregory Parham 202-401-6357
Enhancing Animal Science Teaching using Computer-based Instruction and a Live Animal Model. This project will incorporate the information superhighway (Internet) as a integral component of the animal science courses at Virginia State University. It will teach the students Internet literacy while allowing them the opportunity to have a hands-on experience and to transfer classroom knowledge to the practical realm of the farm. The specific objectives are to 1) develop a computer-based instruction delivery system for animal science courses utilizing the Internet, multi-media, computer simulation and other instructional software and 2) develop student experiential learning in animal science courses employing a single species (goat) animal model. The syllabus for the introductory course, ANSC 140 "Principle of Animal Science", will be developed so that Internet instruction will complement the classroom instruction. A pilot course on reproductive physiology will be linked with an active research program on enhancing reproductive efficiency of goats. Computer lab session will expand on the experience by students while handling live goats and relate them to other livestock species via multi-media exercises.The evaluation of work carried out under this project will be both qualitative and quantitative, using an evaluation schedule based on benchmarks rather than rigid chronological time frames. Results derived in this project will be disseminated through workshops at the Academy for Faculty Development recently open on the VSU campus. This project will be a cooperative effort between Virginia State University, North Carolina State University and the USDA-CSREES.

Proposal Number: 9703204
Grant Number: 97-38820-4167
Project Director: Dr. Geraldine Ray
Award Amount: $200,000
North Carolina A&T State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: FCS
Dr. Patricia Daniels 703-305-2554
Instructional Interactive Laboratories: Food and Nutrition, Textile Science and Multimedia. This proposal involves expanding the capacity of North Carolina A&T State University to provide students in science oriented courses the necessary experience with suitable, up-to-date equipment in order to involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress. More specifically, the proposal will enhance the teaching capacity of the University in four important ways: 1) create a food and nutrition sensory testing laboratory, a textile science testing laboratory and a multimedia computer laboratory, 2) train faculty to use various scientific equipment and multimedia- distance learning technology to enhance classroom instruction, 3) train students for technical employment in their respective fields, and 4) expand library holdings and provide electronic access to Bluford Library (on campus) and the National Agriculture Library. The broad objective of this proposal is to provide an opportunity to strengthen the department's scientific instrumentation for teaching food and nutrition, textile science and multimedia computer technology. Employers are requiring applicants to have scientific equipment and computer skills related to the technology associated with the job for which they are applying. Consequently, food and nutrition and textile science programs need scientific laboratory equipment and computer technology to effectively prepare students for employment in these competitive areas. Evaluation will consist of formal and informal methods. Methods to be utilized, but not necessarily limited to, include surveys, recorded observations, and narrative accounts from all levels of participation.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTIONS

Proposal Number: 9702765
Grant Number: 97-38814-4157
Project Director: Dr. Gary R. Newton
Award Amount: $278,718
Institution: Prairie View A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency /Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Jeffrey L. Vallet 402-762-4187
Regulation of Uterine Function During Early Pregnancy in Swine. This project will enhance the research capacity at Prairie View A&M University in the area of Animal Science. The long-term goal of this project is to identify component regulators of pregnancy maintenance in swine. Researchers will use in vivo and in vitro models to study regulation of key proteins necessary for successful fetal development. They will also test the hypothesis that specific carbohydrate epitope markers of uterine receptivity are inserted into the apical membrane of uterine epithelial (UE) cells in response to ovarian steroids. The apical surface of UE cells, cultured over stromal fibroblast cells, will be examined using immunohistochemical methods and compared to changes observed in staged endometrial explants. The in vitro system will also be used to determine gonadal steroid, substrate and endometrial stromal factors which influence secretion of proteins by endometrial epithelial cells in culture. Endometrial proteins to be studied are uteroferrin and retinal binding protein. A core facility for basic microscopic image analysis will be established at Prairie View A&M University. This facility will be used to enhance the research training of graduate students and strengthen the University's research base. Library holdings in animal physiology, biochemistry, and cell biology will be expanded. Collaborating institution include USDA's Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, and the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston,TX.

Proposal Number: 9702766
Grant Number: 97-38814-4153
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jackson M. Dzakuma
Award Amount: $270,000
Institution: Prairie View A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Harvey Blackburn, (208) 374-5306
Decision Support System For Meat Goat Production II. This project will strengthen the current meat goat capacity of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) by: a) developing improved goat management strategies; b) determining carcass merit and chemical composition of carcass; and c) using the results to validate and refine the Texas A&M University (TAMU) goat simulation model and to develop a Decision Support System for meat goat production. The program has several components including experimental breeding of goats of Spanish, Nubian and Tennessee Stiff-legged origin;value added goat product development; and, computer modeling of goat production systems. Current research results indicate that both Boer and Tennessee Stiff-legged goats could be used as terminal sires in order to increase meat production output. Growth curve analyses relating the effects of different nutritional regimen on different goat genotypes will be performed. Equations that would relate lean and fat growth to the physiological mature size of goats will be developed and used to refine the TAMU model. The PVAMU goat program will serve as a "natural laboratory" for data to be generated. A multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research team of scientists from PVAMU, TAMU, Alabama A&M University and USDA's Agricultural Research Service's Sheep Experimental Station, Dubois, Idaho, will bring the project to fruition. This project is aligned with the mission of ARS in enhancing the efficiency of animal production.

Proposal Number: 9702781
Grant Number: 97-38814-4181
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jianbang Gan
Award Amount: $269,962
Institution: Tuskegee University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: FS
Dr. Aurelia Harris (505) 842-3410
Impact Assessment of Free Trade Policies on U.S. Forestry Sector and Southern Timber Dependent Rural Communities. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Tuskegee University in the area of Forestry and Conservation. The North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) were designed to reduce or eliminate trade barriers among the treaty countries. The U.S. forestry sector is an integrated part of the global market, and most of the U.S. forest resources are located in the rural communities whose comparative advantages often overlap with those in many other NAFTA and GATT treaty countries. How the free trade policies will affect the U.S. forest products industries and forest-based income and employment is an important and emerging issue which needs addressing. This project will study the impacts of GATT and NAFTA on the U.S. forestry sector in general and the southern timber-dependent rural communities in particular. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for the U.S. economy with a focus on the forestry sector will be developed. The model will then be used to assess the impacts of GATT and NAFTA on the U.S. forest products industries and forest-based income and employment. The result from the national-level CGE model will further be used to analyze the impacts of the trade policies on the timber dependent rural communities in the U.S. south by using regional input-output model, analysis. Implementation of this project will be in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and Iowa State University.

Proposal Number: 9702793
Grant Number: 97-38814-4180
Principal Investigator: Dr. K. Kpomblekou-A
Award Amount: $270,000
Institution: Tuskegee University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: NRCS
Dr. Lee Norfleet & Ms. Shannon Kown
Mineralization of C, N, P, and S in Poultry Litter and Their Long-Term Effects on P Movement in Soils. This project will enhance the research capacity of Tuskegee University in the areas of environmental and soil sciences. There is currently no research program at Tuskegee University that addresses issues dealing with disposal of poultry litter on farm lands, yet poultry production is one of the top industries in the state and in other parts of the Southeast. This study will provide better and more environmentally-sound information on nutrient mineralization in poultry litter added to selected soils of Alabama. The objectives of the proposal are to assess concentrations and variability of trace metals in Alabama poultry litter, to assess mineralization of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) in littered soils, to study phytoavailability of N, P, and S from poultry litter added to soils, and to use the study as a significant training opportunity for students of environmental sciences at Tuskegee University. Tuskegee University will collaborate with USDA/ Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which is charged with the responsibility of promoting ecosystem sustainability throughout the nation. The new Soil Quality Institute within NRCS, at Auburn University, and researchers from Iowa State University and Oklahoma State University will be significant collaborators. The Alabama Poultry and Egg Association is integral to the research as essential players in achieving cooperatively agricultural sustainability and litter disposal.

Proposal Number: 9702815
Grant Number: 97-38814-4156
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Barney
Award Amount: $298,615
Institution: Kentucky State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator:
FS - Dr. Thomas L. Kubisiak (601) 832-2747)
ARS - Dr. Edward Garvey (301) 504-7511
Molecular Genetic Characterization, Evaluation, and Enhancement of Pawpaw Germplasm. This project will further enhance the research capacity of Kentucky State University (KSU) in the area of plant sciences. KSU is actively conducting research on the development of pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] as a new, commercial crop for limited-resource farmers. KSU is the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw. Research conducted in a previous Capacity Building grant utilized the technique of isozyme polymorphisms to evaluate KSU's germplasm collection. Researchers found that there was a significant lack of genetic variation since very little of the wild, native population was represented. This indicated the need to assess both the genetic diversity and population structures of the entire native range of pawpaw in the United States. Specific objectives are: (1) to develop a genetically rich pawpaw germplasm collection for conservation and cultivar improvement; and (2) to produce a recombinational linkage map of the pawpaw genome. Objective 1 includes: a) evaluating the genetic diversity and geographic variation of wild populations in pawpaw's native range using allozyme analysis and the state-of the-art techniques of molecular biology including RAPD analysis; b) developing sampling strategies and collecting genetically diverse pawpaw germplasm from the wild to enhance the gene pool of KSU's repository; and c) establishing a core collection to reduce unnecessary duplication for cost-efficient management of KSU's pawpaw germplasm. This proposal establishes a partnership between KSU, USDA/ARS National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, USDA/FS Southern Institute of Forest Genetics, and the non-profit PawPaw Foundation.

Proposal Number: 9702820
Grant Number: 97-38814-4149
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tilahun Sahlu
Award Amount: $294,336
Institution: Langston University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Sam. W. Coleman (405) 262-5291
Exogenous Hormone and Nutritional Manipulation to Increase Fiber Production. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Langston University in the area of Animal Science. The Angora goat industry plays a key role in the economic diversification of agricultural systems in rural America. Angora goats produce two products, namely meat and the luxury fiber, mohair. Due to recent public awareness of the atmospheric pollution caused by the production of synthetic fibers, the demand for animal fibers is increasing, thereby insuring a bright future for mohair. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the interactions between exogenous growth hormone, insulin-like growth factors, IGF-I, insulin and thyroid hormones for mohair growth and skin metabolism. Skin will be perfused directly with varying concentrations of these endocrine regulators and metabolite uptake, skin protein synthesis rate and follicle dimensions will be measured. This project involves a collaborative multi-disciplinary research effort between Langston University, USDA's Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Forage and Livestock Research Laboratory, and Oklahoma State University. The research will utilize the newly established amino acid laboratory funded by a previous Capacity Building Grant and new mohair laboratory funded by the State.

Proposal Number 972866
Grant Number: 97-38814-4179
Principal Investigator: To be Named
Award Amount: $251,777
Institution: Alabama A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. O. Lloyd May (803) 669-5203 ext. 2255
Marker Facilitated Introgression of Gossypium barbadense Fiber Properties into G. hirsutum. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Alabama A&M University (AAMU) in the area of plant sciences. The project will complement AAMU's ongoing cotton genome research project which was supported from a previous Capacity Building grant. The objectives are: (1) to develop suitable methods and detect polymorphisms in protein, isozyme and differential display patterns of mRNA of developing fiber cells of the long staple G. barbadense (Pima 3-79) and the high yielding G. hirsutum, Upland cotton (TM1); (2) to locate fiber specific protein, isozyme and amplified cDNA fragments to a chromosome and chromosome arm using chromosome substitution lines; and (3) to use identified chromosome substitution lines (with fiber specific molecular markers of Pima 3- 79) in a molecular marker facilitated backcrossing program with elite cultivars of Upland cotton for introgressing fiber specific quality genes. Benefits of this project to USDA's Agricultural Research Service's Pee Dee Research and Educational Center, Florence, SC, are to ameliorate a shortage of minority research scientists by providing training opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to advance the agency's research goals in the development and application of molecular markers to crop improvement. The markers elucidated can also be used in map-based cloning strategies and ultimately for transformation.

Proposal Number: 9702877
Grant Number: 97-38814-4154
Principal Investigator: Dr. Cyril Broderick, Sr.,
Award Amount: $227,773
Institution: Delaware State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Drs. Donna Gibson/James McFerson (315) 787-2244
In Vitro Culture for Germplasm Preservation and Virus Elimination in Grapes. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Delaware State University in the area of Plant Sciences. This project focuses on the application of in vitro techniques in germplasm preservation and the use of antiviral chemicals to produce virus-free grape cultivars. Tissue culture methods will involve the use of apical meristems, buds from canes, shoot materials, and similar explant sources. Experiments will determine the best combinations of auxin and cytokinin plant growth regulators for in vitro growth and development of grapes. Agar based media and suspension culture media will be used. Designs of experiments will be statistically sound with adequately replicated treatments. Extracted and purified hypericin and other viricidal compounds will be evaluated and used in media at Ithaca and Dover in the development of disease-free grape cultivars. The Plant Genetic Resources Unit (USDA/ARS) at Geneva, NY will focus on cryopreservation methods for materials derived in vitro. Water potential in tissues, tissue mass, and differention will be measured. Effects on growth and development in vitro, tissue hardiness, and tissue potential for cryopreservation will be monitored. The Plant Protection Unit, (USDA/ARS) at Ithaca, NY, will also collaborate with work on in vitro chemotherapy for virus eradication from grape germplasm. This research will involve graduate and undergraduate students.

Proposal Number: 9702762
Grant Number: 97-38814-4155
Principal Investigator: Dr. Duncan Chembezi
Award Amount: $295,243
Institution: Alabama A&M University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ERS
Dr. Gerald Schluter (202) 219-0758
Development and Operation of Alabama State Model of Agriculture. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Alabama A&M University in the area of Agribusiness. The primary objective of this project is to develop, operate, and maintain an integrated state agricultural policy model to evaluate the competitiveness and responsiveness of Alabama's agriculture to changing economic and policy environments. This research addresses the critical need for state-level models and provides an opportunity for vigorous participation by HBCUs in agricultural policy modeling. Expected changes in U.S. agricultural policy as a result of the 1996 farm legislation will likely affect state and local economies for years to come. Sectors or communities that experience undue advantages or hardships will become apparent early in the project's policy design. The project will introduce a state model which will be linked to a national agricultural policy model, and to a regional input-output impact analysis model. This linkage provides an effective means of evaluating national policy impacts on the state's agricultural sector, general economy, and rural communities. Through this research project, a cadre of analysts will be trained to effectively contribute to policy assessment, particularly as it affects small farmers and rural communities. The results will also significantly benefit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as U.S. agriculture transitions from a system of substantial government support to a market-oriented environment with significantly lower income protection. This transition has significant regional, state, and community-level implications which is of interest to state and national policy makers. The ollaboration will be with USDA's Economic Research Service.

Proposal Number: 9703110
Grant Number: 97-38814-4152
Principal Investigator: Dr. Aubrey F. Mendonca
Award Amount: $247,177
Institution: North Carolina A&T State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Vijay K. Juneja (215) 233-6500
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Thermal Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens. This project will strengthen the research capacity of North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&TSU) in the area of Food Safety. The overall objective of this project is to enhance research in the proposed Institute for Food Safety, Nutrition and Health at NCA&TSU. Specific objectives are: (1) to determine the impact of multiple food barriers on thermal destruction of foodborne pathogens; (2) to elucidate the biochemical basis of heat resistance of foodborne pathogens; and (3) to develop sensitive detection methods for heat-injured foodborne pathogens. To determine the relationship between environmental stresses and enhanced thermal tolerance, cells will be subjected to stress (e.g. pH, salt, or heat shock) prior to heating. Where increased thermal tolerance is noted, further studies will be done to elucidate the potential mechanism(s) of resistance. Appropriate analytical techniques will be used to determine whether nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes, or membranes are targetsof heat induced cell damage. This project will be conducted by researchers at NCA&TSU in collaboration with the USDA/ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, PA.

Proposal Number: 9703125
Grant Number: 97-38814-4175
Principal Investigator: Dr. Myung S. Chi
Award Amount: $221,230
Institution: Lincoln University-Missouri
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Joseph Judd 301-504-9014
Diet-induced Obesity and Hypertension. This project will enhance the research capacity of Lincoln University in the area of Human Nutrition through acquisition of new analytical and physiological techniques. The objective of the study is to determine changes in renal and cardiovascular functions associated with hypertension in diet-induced obesity and the role of dietary sodium and potassium intake in control of blood pressure inobesity-associated hypertension. To achieve this goal, researchers will: ( 1) induce obesity by feeding New Zealand White Rabbits with a high fat diet; (2) obtain indirect and direct arterial blood pressure measurements during the experimental period in obese and lean animals; (3) determine electrolytes and lipid metabolism; (4) measure renal blood flow and cardiac angiotensin receptor density; and (5) determine urinary catecholamine excretion. This study will advance the expertise and ability of the faculty to initiate a long-term research project to study the role of nutrients in regulation of blood pressure in obesity-associated hypertension. Successful completion of this study will establish an experimental obesity model for study of obesity-associated hypertension problems. This project will enhance collaborative efforts with the USDA/ARS' Human Performance Laboratory, Beltsville, MD and with other universities.

Proposal Number: 9703133
Grant Number: 97-38814-4173
Principal Investigator: Dr. Seyoum Gelaye
Award Amount: $291,101
Institution: Fort Valley State University - GA
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Drs. W. Ralph Nave 510-339-6063 and W. W. Windham
Preference, Intake, and Utilization of Native and Improved Forages by
Goats. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Fort ValleyState University in the area of Animal Science. Demand for goat meat (chevon) far exceeds the supply in the USA, particularly in major metropolitan areas and in the Southeastern states. This is mainly due to population growth of ethnic groups with a preference for chevon over red meats. Despite increased demand and renewed interest in chevon production in the Southeast, growth of the meat goat industry in this region has been very slow. A major stumbling block has been lack of information on goats' preference, selectivity, and intake of improved forages. This study is designed to investigate selection, intake, and utilization of forage and browse plant species by meat goats, and production of does and kids under year-round, intensive grazing systems with improved forage and browse species. Results from these studies will be analyzed using appropriate statistical procedures. This research program will expand the University's pasture and forage research capabilities through development of a permanent grazing systems field research facility and the addition of state-of-the-art Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Technology to the forage quality and chevon technology laboratories. This project will expand the USDA collaborators' grazing system and meat quality research programs to include new forage species, and low-fat meat products (chevon), and will also increase awareness of the significance of goats as meat-producing animals in the scientific community.

Proposal Number: 9703134
Grant Number: 97-38814-4174
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eugene Amoah
Award Amount: $291,132
Institution: Fort Valley State University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Claude R. Barb 706-546-3854
Neuroendocrine Correlates of Seasonal Reproduction in the Goat. This project will enhance the research capacity of Fort Valley State University in the area of Animal Science. Since supply of goats is limited by the inability of does to breed out of season, the crucial factor in increasing supply therefore would be the designing of technologies to overcome this constraint. The objectives of this project are: (1) to describe how changes in plasma concentration of excitatory amino acids and gamma-amino butyric acid are related to the pattern of luteinizing hormone secretion during different reproductive seasons in the goat, and (2) to determine whether the photoperiodic-induced seasonal anestrus in the goat is a consequence of these plasma changes. The ability to directly measure these changes holds the potential to stimulate further the research into regulating the reproductive activity of the goat. Fort Valley State University will be uniquely positioned to lead goat reproductive research. This project will provide minority scientists and scholars opportunities to improve their skills, contribute to national development, and to expand the expertise base. The collaborating institutions are USDA/ARS Russell Laboratory in Athens, GA, the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, and Iowa State University-Ames.

Proposal Number: 9703145
Grant Number: 97-38814-4151
Principal Investigator: Dr. Nissim Silanikove
Award Amount: $255,921
Institution: Langston University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Sam Coleman 405-262-5291
Enhancing Browse Utilization by Goats. The overall objective of this research is to develop a method to dramatically enhance the capacity of goats to neutralize the antinutritional and toxic effect of tannins under natural grazing conditions. This technology will open new and exciting possibilities for: (i) increasing livestock production on shrub and woodlands, (ii) reduce shrub encroachment and therefore increase land productivity and amenity, and reduce the incidence of wildfires, and (iii) increase the ability of goats to control noxious weeds and their proliferation into existing pastoral systems. The study will determine the content of tannins in browse sources typical of the Southwest (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas). These objectives will be achieved through a collaborative research effort between Langston University, USDA E1 Reno (Oklahoma) and USDA Booneville (Arkansas). This research will utilize grazing lands with trees and shrubs at facilities of Langston University, USDA Research Centers at E1 Reno, OK and Booneville, AR and private collaborators. This research seeks alternative and inexpensive feed sources for meat and fiber production from goats and addresses the national need to increase land productivity and utilization. This research will also compliment ongoing and proposed investigations at Langston University in goat production and at the two USDA centers in red meat production. This project will greatly enhance the institutional information delivery system and strengthen graduate and undergraduate student training at Langston University. The developed technology may be transferrable to the sheep and cattle industry as well to increased overall animal productivity.

Proposal Number: 9703206
Grant Number: 97-38814-4150
Principal Investigator: Dr. Annette Litherland
Award Amount: $263,548
Institution: Langston University
Project Duration: 3 Years
USDA Agency/Collaborator: ARS
Dr. Sam Coleman 405-262-5291
Seasonal Manipulations to Improve Cashmere and Meat Returns in Goats. This project will enhance the research capacity of Langston University in the area of Animal Science. The overall objective of this proposal is to formulate management plans that can be implemented on the farm to increase producers income. This program will manipulate aspects of seasonal fiber growth and reproduction and develop systems for the profitable production of out-of-season kid meat for the lucrative Christmas market. Specific experiments will be designed to examine the use of melatonin in spring to promote both out-of-season breeding and enhance cashmere production by Spanish does. Increases in cashmere production will be achieved by preventing shedding following the cessation of spring melatonin treatment, thereby extending the period of active cashmere growth. The successful development of the technology in this study will greatly enhance the profitability of Spanish goat farming and develop a competitive advantage for the U.S. goat industry. Increased production also will enable existing domestic markets for goat meat and cashmere to be filled with additional overseas spinoff markets for cashmere harvesting technology. The objectives will be achieved through a collaborative multi-disciplinary research effort between Langston University, Oklahoma State University, and USDA/ARS laboratories in El Reno, OK and Booneville, AR, and the goat industry. The proposed research will utilize existing laboratory equipment (histology and fiber measurement) funded by the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grant and the State of Oklahoma.