Shortly after receiving his graduate degree from UW-Madison, Emeritus Professor Dr. George E. Shook MS ‘65, PhD ’67 joined the faculty of the Dairy Science department. A passionate mentor, Dr. Shook provided guidance to other faculty and staff, and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He served as the chair of the Department of Dairy Science for six years. Dr. Shook revolutionized the field of dairy genetics with his research on somatic cell testing which led to a national genetic evaluation system for dairy herds, based on a standardized somatic cell score. Throughout his career, Dr. Shook served on many boards and received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Service Award from National DHIA, the Research Award from NAAB, the Lush Animal Breeding Research Award, Purina Mills Teaching Award and Fellow Award from ADSA. Dr. Shook retired in 2006 after 39 years of service in the Dairy Science Department. Established with gifts from friends and colleagues, the George E. Shook International/Study Abroad Scholarship honors Dr. Shook’s many accomplishments, and assists undergraduate students participating in international study abroad experiences.
1967-1972 Assistant Professor, Dairy Science Dept., UW-Madison
1972-1980 Associate Professor, Dairy Science Dept., UW-Madison
1973 Short Term Consultant (March to May), USAID Project at Federal University, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
1980-2006 Professor, Dairy Science Dept., UW-Madison
1980-1981 Senior Research Fellow, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
1990-1996 Chair, Dairy Science Department, UW-Madison
2006 Emeritus Professor
Book Chapters
Weigel, K. A., and G. E. Shook. 2018. Genetic Selection for Mastitis Resistance. In Mastitis; ed. Pamela L. Ruegg and Christina S. Petersson-Wolfe; Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 34:457-472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.07.001.
Kirkpatrick, B. W., and G. E. Shook. 2011. Genetic Susceptibility to Paratuberculosis. Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 27: 559-571. Doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2011.07.003.
Radke, B., and G. Shook. 2001. Culling and genetic improvement programs for dairy herds. pages 291–331 in Herd Health, 3rd edition. O. M. Radostits editor; W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. [I wrote the second half of this two-part chapter, pages 309–331]
Shook, G. E. 1993. Genetic improvement of mastitis through selection on somatic cell count. In Update on Bovine Mastitis; ed. Kevin L. Anderson; Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 9:563-581.
Journal Articles (selected)
Somatic Cell Score and Mastitis
Shook, G. E., R. L. Bamber Kirk, F. L. Welcome, Y. H. Schukken, and P. L. Ruegg. 2017. Relationship between intramammary infection prevalence and somatic cell score in commercial dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 100:9691-9701. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-12810.
Caraviello, D. Z., K. A. Weigel, G. E. Shook, and P. L. Ruegg. 2005. Assessment of the impact of somatic cell count on functional longevity in Holstein and Jersey cattle using survival analysis methodology. J. Dairy Sci. 88:804-811.
Shook, G. E., and M. M. Schutz. 1994. Selection on somatic cell score to improve resistance to mastitis in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 77:648-658.
Berning, L. M., and G. E. Shook. 1992. Prediction of mastitis using milk somatic cell count, N-acetyl--D-glucosaminidase, and lactose. J. Dairy Sci. 75:1840-1848.
Banos, G., and G. E. Shook. 1990. Genotype by environment interaction and genetic correlations among parities for somatic cell count and milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 73:2563-2573.
Strandberg, E., and G. E. Shook. 1989. Genetic and economic responses to breeding programs that consider mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 72:2136-2142.
Wiggans, G. R., and G. E. Shook. 1987. A lactation measure of somatic cell count. J. Dairy Sci. 70:2666-2672.
Raubertas, R. F., and G.E. Shook. 1982. Relationships between lactation measures of somatic cell concentration and milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 65:419-425.
Ali, A.K.A., and G.E. Shook. 1980. An optimum transformation for somatic cell concentration in milk. J. Dairy Sci. 63:487-490.
Paratuberculosis (Johne’s Disease)
Alpay, F., Y. Zare, M. H. Kamalludin, X. Huang, X. W. Shi, G. E. Shook, M. T. Collins, and B. W. Kirkpatrick. 2014. Genome-wide association study of susceptibility to infection by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Holstein cattle. PLoS ONE 9(12):e111704. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111704.
Zare, Y., G. E. Shook, M. T. Collins, and B. W. Kirkpatrick. 2014. Genome-wide association analysis and genomic prediction of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in US Jersey cattle. PLoS One 9(2): e88380. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088380.
Kirkpatrick, B. W., X. Shi, G. E. Shook, and M. T. Collins. 2011. Whole-genome association analysis of susceptibility to paratuberculosis in Holstein cattle. Animal Genetics 42:149-160. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02097.x.
Gonda, M. G., B. W. Kirkpatrick, G. E. Shook, and M. T. Collins. 2007. Identification of a QTL on BTA 20 affecting susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in US Holsteins. Anim. Genet. 38:389-396. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01627.x.
Gonda, M. G., Y. M. Chang, G. E. Shook, M. T. Collins, and B. W. Kirkpatrick. 2007. Effect of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infection on production, reproduction, and health traits in US Holsteins. Prev. Vet. Med. 80:103-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2007.01.011.
Gonda, M. G., Y. M. Chang, G. E. Shook, M. T. Collins, and B. W. Kirkpatrick. 2006. Genetic variation of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in U. S. Holsteins. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1804-1812.
Reproduction
Bamber, R. L., G. E. Shook, M. C. Wiltbank, J. E. P. Santos, and P. M. Fricke. 2009. Genetic parameters for anovulation and pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 92:5739-5753.
Goodling, R. C., G. E. Shook, K. A. Weigel, and N. R. Zwald. 2005. Effect of synchronization on genetic parameters of reproductive traits in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2217-2225.
Hageman, W. H. II, G. E. Shook, and W. J. Tyler. 1991. Reproductive performance in genetic lines selected for high or average milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 74:4366-4376.
Invited Publications and Proceedings (selected)
Shook, G. E. 2006. [Invited review] Major advances in determining appropriate selection goals. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1349-1361.
Shook, G. E. 1989. Selection for disease resistance. J. Dairy Sci. 72:1349-1362.
Shook, G. E. 2007. How sire selection can improve mastitis control in North America. Proc. 46th NMC Annual Meeting, p. 49-67, San Antonio, TX. NMC, Verona, WI.
Shook, G. E. 2006. Make sire selection part of your mastitis prevention strategy. NMC 2006 Regional Meeting Proc., p. 25-37, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. NMC, Verona, WI.
Shook, G. E. 2001. Breeding, selection, and somatic cell counts: Where are we today? Proc. 40th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Reno, NV, p. 113-127. National Mastitis Council, Madison, WI.
Shook, G. E. and P. L. Ruegg. 1999. Geometric means: What they are and what they do. Proc. National Mastitis Council, Madison, Wisconsin. pp 93-100.
Shook, G. E. 1992. Why genetic improvement of SCC score? Proc. National Mastitis Council, Arlington, VA. p. 108-113.
Shook, G. E. 1986. Genetic aspects of mastitis. Proc. Nat’l. Mastitis Council, Arlington, VA. P. 68-77.
Shook, G. E. 1985. Genetic improvement in mastitis resistance through selection against somatic cell count. Kieler Milchwirtschaftliche Forschungsberichte 37:501-505. International Dairy Federation Conference on Bovine Mastitis, Kiel, Germany.
Shook, G. E. 1982. Approaches to summarizing somatic cell count which improve interpretability. Proc. 21st Annual Meeting, Nat’l. Mastitis Council, Louisville, KY. p. 150-166.
Faculty Academic Advisor – 1967-2006; 10-20 undergraduate majors annually.
Dairy Science/ Animal Sciences 361 – Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Genetics. 2 cr lecture and lab; Meets for 8 weeks; New course in 2004; taught 2004-2006 (inclusive). Enrollment 45-55 students. Team-taught with Profs. Thomas, Khatib, and Kirkpatrick.
Dairy Science/ Animal Sciences 363 – Principles of Animal Breeding. 2 cr lecture and lab; Meets for 7 weeks; New course in 2004; taught 2004-2006 (inclusive). Enrollment 30 students. Team-taught with Prof. D. L. Thomas.
Dairy Science 535 – Practicum in Dairy Herd Management; 3 cr; 1998 to 2006; Enrollment 12 to 20 students. Team-taught course led by Dr. David Combs. Presented 4 or 5 hours on assessment of genetic improvement programs.
Dairy Science 466 – Dairy Cattle Breeding; 3 cr; 1972-73, 1976-1989, and 1999 to 2003; Deleted from catalog in 2004 as part of curriculum revision. Enrollment 6-20 students.
Dairy Science/ Animal Sciences 360 – Principles of Animal Breeding. 3 cr; 1997 to 2003; Enrollment 45 to 65 students. Team-taught with Prof. D. L. Thomas. Course was dropped from the catalog in 2004 and replaced with 361, 362, and 363.
Dairy Science 737 – Data Processing in Agricultural Research; 3 cr; 1967-1979; Team-taught with E. L. Jensen; FORTRAN programming language; Enrollment 25-35 students.
Farm and Industry Short Course, Genetic Improvement of Dairy Cattle, 1967-1971;
22 periods of instruction; Enrollment 75-90 students; 1985-1990 and 1998, 30 periods of instruction; Enrollment 45-60.
Curriculum and Instruction
2004-2006 CALS Instructional Improvement Committee; co-chair in 2005-06
2002-2005 ADSA Teaching Award Committee in Dairy Production
2001-2005 CALS Scholastic Policies and Actions Committee
2001-2003 Interdepartmental Ad Hoc Committee for Curriculum Revision in Animal Genetics, Chair
1998-2006 Dairy Science Department Instruction Committee, Chair
1997-2000 UW-Madison Biological Sciences Curriculum Planning Committee
- UW-Madison Faculty Committee on Admissions, Recruiting, and Financial Aid; Chair in 98-99
1985-1990 CALS Scholastic Policies and Actions Committee
Research and Outreach
American Dairy Science Association
2002-2005 Journal Management Committee
Award Committees:
2001-2004 Animal Breeding Award
1988-1991 Hoyt Award
1982-1985 Agway Young Scientist Award
1976-1979 National Association of Animal Breeders Award
Program Committees:
1998-2001 Breeding and Genetics ADSA-ASAS Joint Meeting
1987-1990 Dairy Cattle Improvement
1974-1977 Dairy Cattle Improvement
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
2001-2004 Honorary Recognition
1992-1993 Marshfield Agricultural Research Station Review
1992-1994 Master Plan
1984-1987 International Agricultural Programs
1984-1991 Research Review Panel
Dairy Science Department
1997-1999 Search and Screen Committees: Milk Quality Extension Specialist; Genetics Extension Specialist; Molecular Genetics Research & Instruction
1996-2006 Awards Committee, Chair
1994-1995 Departmental Review and Strategic Plan Committee
National Mastitis Council
1991-1995 Genetics and Mastitis Task Force
1985-1995 Somatic Cell Monitoring Committee
1983-1995 Research Committee
National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program:
1988-1990 Standards Task Force
1980-1988 Research Committee
1975-1980 Committee on Standards for Estimating Yield and Other Performance Traits
1973-1975 Committee on Standards of Accuracy
Other Organizations:
2006-2009 National Dairy Shrine, Board of Directors
- Virginia Tech University, Dairy Science Department, Review team
1997-1999 National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments, Geometric Mean Study Committee
1986-1990 American Jersey Cattle Association, Research Committee
1982-1985 Midwest Breeders Cooperative, Genetic Advisory Committee
Administration
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences:
2004-2005 Academic Planning Council
1998-2000 Biometry Committee
1998-2001 Facilities Planning Committee
1990-1993 Academic Planning Council.
1976-1980 Biometry Committee
1990-1996 UW Center for Dairy Profitability, Steering Committee
1976-1980 UW-Madison, Faculty Senator, Dairy Science
2023 Distinguished Service Award, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, UW-Madison
2016 Pioneer Award, National Dairy Shrine
2005 Fellow Award, American Dairy Science Association
2005 Spitzer Award for Teaching Excellence, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
2002 Purina Mills Teaching Award in Dairy Production, American Dairy Science Assoc.
2001 J. L. Lush Research Award in Animal Breeding, American Dairy Science Association
1999 Research Award, National Association of Animal Breeders
1996 Outstanding Service Award, National Dairy Herd Improvement Association
1995 Friend of Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative Award