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This study examines the integration of CliftonStrengths, within the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. In previous semesters, CliftonStrengths was introduced to freshmen, but no further application of the assessment took place. Fall 2023 incoming students completed more intensive application following completion of the assessment. The objective of this study aims to determine if students’ soft skills are enhanced through awareness and application of their own strengths. This study surveyed new and current students, analyzing their perceptions towards CliftonStrengths and their experiences in group settings. Three surveys were administered at different time points during the fall 2023 semester, one current student survey (CSS) at the start of the semester, and two new student surveys for the beginning (pre-NSS) and end (post-NSS) of the semester. Surveys captured demographic data and responses on a 0 to 10 scale. Response rates were 42% from pre-NSS, 22% CSS, and 24% from post-NSS. The pre-NSS and CSS contained 46 and 37 first-generation students, respectively. The pre-NSS consisted of 120 freshmen and 17 transfer students, and the CSS consisted of 43 sophomores, 44 juniors, and 59 seniors. Survey questions were structured around the primary domains within CliftonStrengths; strategic thinking, relationship building, influencing, and executing. Analysis of the pre-NSS responses showed 61% of new students were not familiar with CliftonStrengths and 78% have not taken the assessment. The CSS showed that 66% of current students have taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment. New students that completed intensive application of CliftonStrengths reported a 2.8-point increase from pre-NSS (4.9 ± 2.96) to post-NSS (7.7 ± 2.51) in response to identifying the value of CliftonStrengths in everyday life. New students reported being more comfortable with strengths at the conclusion of this semester with an average response of 9 ± 1.4 on a 10-point scale. The responses to “I believe someone in my career path should know their strengths” had higher average response rates from post-NSS (7.7 ± 0.26) compared with CSS (6.9 ± 0.20). Student responses to “I believe knowing my Strengths helps me at my best” also had higher average response rates from post-NSS (8.3 ± 0.24) compared with CSS (7.4 ± 0.18). Students responded to “I feel confident that I can recognize strengths in others” with higher response rates in the post-NSS (7.1 ± 0.30) compared with CSS (6.1 ± 0.18). All questions asking about the ability to identify domain types of other individuals were higher in post- NSS responses compared with CSS. The post-NSS responses to understanding how to use different domains in a group were greater for strategic thinkers, relationship builders, and influencers. In conclusion, the intensive application of Clifton Strengths in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University has increased familiarity, confidence, and comfort with their strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal managers in zoological facilities are faced with unique challenges when feeding large collections of species. Few nutrient requirements of exotic species are known or established; therefore, diet formulation is a series of scientific extrapolations, mingled with an understanding of natural history of individual species. Goals of nutrition programs in zoos also include supporting behavioral diversity. This leads to the use of a wide variety of animal-based ingredients within zoo nutrition programs to support species across multiple taxa inclusive of amphibians, reptiles, avians, mammals and fish. Commonly used rendered protein ingredients such as fish meal and other meat meals are commonly used in extruded and processed diets developed for exotic species. For example, a commercially marketed extruded diet designed for cranes includes fish meal, porcine meat and bone meal and dried whey. An extruded diet for small exotic felids includes chicken meal, poultry by-product meal and fish meal. While these are commonly accepted animalbased ingredients across different animal industries, other animal protein ingredients are well-accepted in zoos and yet fail to reach general acceptance in other industries including pet food. Some of these common animal-based ingredients used in various zoo diets include insects, whole prey (rodents), raw meat (inclusive of horse and pork) and raw organ meats. These ingredients are often met with reluctance, misunderstanding, or dated information when applied to other animal industries. One example of dated information is the fear of using raw pork in relation to the risk of trichinella. The zoo nutrition industry may provide benefit to other animal industries when exploring opportunities to safely utilize and include novel animal-based ingredients in diet formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in preparing pet foods at home has continued to build momentum over the last decade. Websites, blogs, and social media groups praise the benefits of feeding raw and home-prepared diets. Consistent research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of raw diets on macronutrient digestibility (primarily fat and protein); however, research is lacking on overall health impacts. While it is important to acknowledge the lack of substantial research, owner choice and compliance also should be considered. With well-established nutrient requirements for dogs and cats available through AAFCO and the National Research Council (NRC), it is relatively uncomplicated to meet requirements when typical processing methods are not required (extrusion or canning). Although it is not complicated to meet the requirements with home-based fresh or lightly cooked ingredients, care must be taken to properly ensure that vitamin and mineral requirements are met. In review of over 100 homemade diets submitted for evaluation, 0% met all vitamin and mineral requirements for dogs or cats. All diets were supplemented with some form of calcium. Approximately 25% of submitted diets utilized bones as the source of calcium. Bones can be problematic depending on type, particularly for digestion, broken pieces that can cause intestinal blockages, and broken teeth. None of the diets were properly balanced for copper, zinc and iron. It is likely, this triad of minerals has been overlooked in diet formulations. It is critical to note that improper balance of these minerals could play a significant role in oxidative stress and aging. Iodine is typically met through additions of kelp; however, variations in quality can result in over or under-supplementation having detrimental effects on the thyroid. Vitamins E and D also are often undersupplemented in these diets. Educating owners on nutrient requirements and ratios, and providing proper supplementation, can assure a quality and balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]