Fund Detail

Fund Purpose:

This fund was formed to recognize the contribution of Dr. Billy Day to the field of reproductive physiology and to the American Society of Animal Science. Money from the club is used to support the Billy Day Symposium at the ASAS Midwest Meeting. 

We are actively fundraising for this Appreciation Club. To help honor Dr. Day, click here or you may send a donation by mail to: ASAS Foundation, PO Box 7410, IL 61826. If you prefer, please contact the ASAS office at 217-356-9050 and we will take your pledge and generate a pledge form for your donation.

Biographical Sketch:

Dr. Billy N. Day was born in Arthur, West Virginia. He received his B.S. degree (1952) and M.S. degree (1954) from West Virginia University and his Ph.D. degree (1958) from Iowa State University. He joined the University of Missouri (1958) as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor (1963) and professor (1968); at Missouri, he has been recognized as a top reproductive biologist. He has investigated the basic mechanisms involved in the control of reproductive processes in farm animals and has used the knowledge to develop management techniques for increasing reproductive efficiency in animals. Honors include Fred F. McKenzie Distinguished Professor of Animal Reproduction (1997-2000), Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award (1982), Fellow Award (1993), and Morrison Award (1999).

Past Symposia:

2022 Symposium: Reproductive Technologies

Chair: Timothy Safranski, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 15, 2022
Symposium Location: Omaha, Nebraska

  • Evaluation of measures to predict gilt longevity.
    B. E. Mote, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Tools used and needed in the gilt pool.
    R. V. Knox, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Technology to efficiently and effectively evaluate body condition.
    M. Knauer, North Carolina State University
  • Trials and tribulations of countering insufficient sperm quantity with sperm quality, fertility, synchrony and deeper site of insemination.
    B. A. Belstra, MB Swine Reproduction
  • Technologies for farrowing efficiency and piglet survival.
    K. R. Stewart, Purdue University
  • Semen evaluation technologies: Not as far-fetched as you think?
    K. Kerns, Iowa State University
  • In the boar stud and in the breeding barn, technology matters.
    A. Minton, Acuity Swine Genetics
  • Sow feeding technologies: Challenges and opportunities.
    H. Frobose, Gestal - JYGA Technologies

2019 Symposium

Chair: Chris Hostetler, National Pork Board
Symposium Date: March 12, 2019
Symposium Location: Omaha, Nebraska

  • Does crowding in the nursery affect future sow reproductive performance and longevity in the breeding herd?
    M. J. Estienne*1, S. Callahan 1, A. Cross 2, A. DeDecker 3, M. D. Lindemann 4, 1Virginia Tech-Tidewater AREC, 2DNA Genetics, 3Smithfield Hog Production, 4University of Kentucky
  • Nutritional strategies to manage gilt growth and optimize lifetime productivity.
    C. A. Lents*1, C. Supakorn 2, J. Vallet 1, R. D. Boyd 3, A. DeDecker 4, K. J. Stalder 2, 1USDA, ARS, 2Iowa State University, 3 The Hanor Company LLC., 4Smithfield Hog Production
  • Effects of birth traits, physical or fenceline boar exposure and group size on pubertal measures and lifetime fertility of replacement gilts.
    R. V. Knox* 1, A. Daniel 1, J. Patterson 2, L. S. Arend 1, G. Foxcroft 2, 1University of Illinois, 2University of Alberta
  • Overview of the National Pork Board replacement gilt feet and leg evaluation trial.
    J. D. Stock* 1, C. Supakorn 1, J. A. Calderon Diaz 2, M. F. Rothschild 1, K. J. Stalder 1, 1Iowa State University, 2Teagasc Moorepark Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
  • Issues of sow lifetime productivity from an international perspective: From research to production level.
    F. Bortolozzo*, R. Ulguim , A. P. Mellagi , A. L Mallmann , M. Bernardi , Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
  • Poor management of breeding herd replacements is a key factor in poor sow lifetime productivity: Gilty as charged.
    G. Foxcroft*, J. Patterson, University of Alberta

2017 Symposium: Batch Farrowing: Reasons, Limitations and Reproductive Management

Chair: Timothy Safranski, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 14, 2017
Symposium Location: Omaha, Nebraska

  • Batch farrowing as a health strategy in modern pork production systems. 
    D. A. Baumert, JBS Live Pork Production, Marshall, MO
  • Gilt management using matrix. 
    K. F. Greiner, Merck Animal Health, Carthage, IL
  • Using controlled ovulation to keep sow groups together. 
    S. L. Terlouw1, and M. E. Johnston2, 1JBS United Animal Health, Sheridan, IN, 2JBS United, Inc., Sheridan, IN
  • Batch farrowing: Labor, pig flow and other things to consider. 
    R. Schmitt, Seaboard Foods, Guymon, OK
  • The impact of batch farrowing systems on managing boar stud operations. 
    A. M. Minton, R. L. Bowman, and K. L. Van Dyke, The Maschhoffs, LLC., Carlyle, IL

2015 Symposium: History and current status of some milestones in swine reproduction research

Chair: Timothy Safranski, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 17, 2015
Symposium Location: Des Moines, Iowa

  • Control of the estrous cycle and time of ovulation.
    Dr. Steve Webel, JBS United Animal Health
  • In vitro maturation and fertilization.
    Dr. Hiroaki Funahashi, Okayama University, Japan
  • Evolution and adoption of artificial insemination in the U.S.
    Dr. Billy Flowers, North Carolina State University
  • Non-surgical embryo transfer.
    Drs. Emilio Martinez and Toni Gil, University of Murcia, Spain
  • Panel Discussion and comments from Dr. Billy Day.

2013 Symposium: Considering Sow Housing

Chair: Timothy Safranski, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 12, 2013
Symposium Location: Des Moines, Iowa

  • Sow housing from the perspective of Dutch producers.
    Hanneke Feitsma, TOPIGS Research Center IPG
  • Sow housing: Summary and perspectives from Australia.
    Paul Hemsworth, University of Melbourne
  • How U.S. sows are housed and why.
    Sherrie Niekamp, National Pork Board
  • Sow housing from the perspective of the pig.
    Ed Pajor, University of Calgary
  • Sow housing from the perspective of the consumer.
    Glynn Tonsor, Kansas State University

2011 Symposium: The Replacement Gilt

Chair: Timothy Safranski, University of Missouri
Sponsor: JBS United Inc.
Symposium Date: March 15, 2011
Symposium Location: Des Moines, Iowa

  • Genetics and development of replacement gilts.
    R. K. Johnson and P. Miller, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Induction of puberty and synchronizing estrus.
    M. J. Estienne, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
  • Preweaning management of replacement gilts and sow longevity.
    W. L. Flowers*, North Carolina State University, Raleigh. 22 Danbred North America. T. T. Stumpf*, T. A. Rathje, and J. P. Sonderman, Danbred North America, Columbus, NE
  • Changes in the productivity of the PIC gilt.
    A. M. Williams and N. H. Williams, PIC North America, Hendersonville, TN
  • Gilt productivity based on her mother’s experiences.
    M. J. Estienne, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg

2010 Symposium: A Climate of Change in Swine Reproduction Performance

Chair:v Rodney Geisert, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 16, 2010
Symposium Location: Des Moines, Iowa

  • Welcome. Rodney D. Geisert
  • The physiologic response to stress and its effects on swine reproduction.
    D. C. Lay Jr.*, ARS-USDA, West Lafayette, IN
  • Use of Artemisia sp. to alleviate heat stress induced male infertility.
    W. R. Lamberson*, H. Smith, K. M. Cammack, and T. J. Safranski, University of Missouri, Columbia, University of Wyoming, Laramie
  • Seasonal effects on sow herds: Industry experience and management strategies.
    D. S. Pollmann*, Murphy-Brown LLC, Ames, IA
  • Physiological and reproductive responses to periparturient heat stress in sows.
    T. J. Safranski*, A. M. Williams, and M. C. Lucy, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • How society shaped Danish pork production systems.
    N.-P. Nielsen, Landbrug & Fodevarer, Videncenter for Swine Production, Denmark
  • Industry perspective of housing and environmental effects on swine production (Introduction).
    T. Safranski, University of Missouri
  • Impact of nutrition on sow physiology.
    L. Greiner, Ltd/Innovative Swine Solutions, LLC
  • Managing the conversion from crate to pen gestation.
    R. Schmitt, Seaboard

2009 Symposium: Billy N. Day Symposium: Utilization of Technology to Enhance Pig Reproductive Performance

Chair: Rodney Geisert, University of Missouri
Symposium Date: March 17, 2009
Symposium Location: Des Moines, Iowa

  • Current practices for evaluating boar semen: Their usefulness and limitations.
    D. G. Levis, University of Nebraska, Concord
  • Fourier harmonics to determine the relationship between sperm nuclear shape and boar fertility.
    J. J. Parrish, University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Use of embryo transfer to preserve pig genetics.
    S. L. Terlouw, B. A. Didion, and J. R. Dobrinsky, Minitube of America, Verona, WI
  • Basic studies in reproduction laid the foundation for genetic modification of swine: Where do we go next?
    R. S. Prather, J. Zhao, J. J. Whyte, Y. Hao, and C. N. Murphy, Division of Animal Science, Columbia, MO, National Swine Resource and Research Center, Columbia, MO, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • Viral-mediated transduction of livestock physiology.
    R. V. Anthony, J. D. Cantlon, S. H. Purcell, and C. M. Clay, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Utilization of genomic chip technology for improvement of reproduction in swine.
    A. C. Clutter, Newsham Choice Genetics, St Louis, MO

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