WERA_OLD1: Beef Cattle Breeding in the Western Region

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/04/2002] [09/29/2003] [06/30/2004] [08/20/2005] [09/27/2006] [07/02/2008]

Date of Annual Report: 09/04/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/17/2002 - 06/18/2002
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2001 - 06/01/2002

Participants

Tess, Mike (mwtess@montana.edu) - Montana State University
MacNeil, Mike (mike@larrl.ars.usda.gov) - Miles City
Thomas, Milt (milthoma@nmsu.edu) - New Mexico State University
Herring, Andy (a-herring@mail.ansc.ad.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University
Gaskins, Charles (gaskins@wsu.edu) - Washington State University
Enns, Mark (mark.enns@colostate.edu - Colorado State University
Crews, Denny (dcrews@em.agr.ca) - Ag Canada in Lethbridge
Buckely, Brent (buckley@hawaii.edu) - University of Hawaii

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Western Region Coordinating Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WCC1) convened in Fort Collins on June 18, 2002. Sixteen people attended the meeting. Those in attendance were primary investigators of various state agricultural experiment stations, scientists from research facilities of national departments of agriculture in the U.S. and Canada, and graduate students from participating Land Grant Universities. The meeting was conducted in three sections: 1) a business meeting, 2) experiment station reports, and 3) a discussion of the topic of residual feed intake.

In the business meeting, the status of the new petition and the administrative advisor were discussed. Milt Thomas and Mark Enns reported that the new petition was submitted within the required deadlines and is pending approval at the July meeting of the directors of the western state agricultural experiment stations. Mark Enns reported that Don Kress of Montana State University is in the preliminary stages of being defined as the administrative advisor and Don volunteered to serve in that capacity for Daryl Tatum of Colorado State University for this year‘s meeting. The group then discussed, voted, and approved the location, date, chairperson, and the host for the 2003 meeting. The results of these decisions are listed below.



Location of 2003 Meeting: Montana State University Experiment Station at Havre and the R1 - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Center, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.



Date of 2003 Meeting: latter portion of May, 2003.



Chair of 2003 Meeting: Mike Tess, Montana State University



Host of 2003 Meeting: Denny Crews, Ag-Canada in Lethbridge Alberta





The objectives of the new petition are:



1. Maintain and disseminate educational resources on the genetics of beef cattle including WCC-1 publications.

2. Conduct research to contribute to the understanding of genetic association among economically important traits and their indicators.

3. Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies.

4. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding.



These objectives were discussed and the following decisions were made to facilitate accomplishment of the objectives. For objective 1, Dr. Milt Thomas will compile a list of WCC1 publications. He will then distribute the list to all members so that the group can add other publications to the list. The publications can then be compiled by Milt Thomas and staff at New Mexico State University. The publications can be scanned into PDF format and posted on the WCC1 web page. Other discussion occurred regarding writing a new WCC1 publication. Ideas were a historic review of the activities of WCC1 and (or) an extension publication to help beef cattle producers understand and utilize technologies available for use in beef cattle breeding decisions. This discussion was tabled until the conclusion of the meeting so everyone could have more time to brain- storm. It was also suggested that the web page be further developed with many more links to other sites relevant to beef cattle breeding. For objective 2, the group discussed the importance of collaborative research among the members. Mike MacNeil of the USDA-ARS unit located in Miles City, MT commented on the great resources of that station and welcomed additional collaboration of WCC1 members. He specified the current interactions of graduate students with the facility and welcomed more of these interactions in the future. For objective 3, Mark Enns volunteered himself and Dave Schaffer of the University of Arizona to develop a web-based record system so that the group could self-update information regarding their records of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. For objective 4, the committee suggested this will accomplished through annual reports of research from experiment stations and will quantified/noted by each station writing accomplishment and impacts of their projects relative to the objectives.

Committee then presented reports from the experiment stations that attended. Presentations came from the primary investigators, and when possible, graduate students presented their work. The presentations were of various topics that ranged from uniqueness of genes to performance data collected within beef cattle herds with pedigree records; however, a central theme was upheld regarding the area of feed efficiency/feed intake. The reason for this theme was to facilitate discussion with guest speaker Dr. Bob Herd, Senior Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture Beef Industry Centre, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Dr. Herd‘s presentation described the concept of residual feed intake and presented results of selection for this procedure. One generation of selection using this technology produced differences in Angus Cattle in their level of feed intake and gain.

The meeting was summarized before dismissal. One topic that was left for further discussion of the committee for the 2003 meeting was the task of developing a new WCC1 publication. It appears that most of the committee was in favor of developing an extension publication to educate beef cattle producers of the technologies available to assist in selection. The mechanisms to produce this publication will be discussed throughout the year by email and then further developed at the 2003 meeting.

The committee would also like to note that on the afternoon of June 17 preceding the WCC1 meeting, members of the committee and graduate students met to discuss large scale genetic evaluation of beef cattle. This discussion served to finalize a graduate course in prediction technologies that was conducted by distance education technologies between New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, and Colorado State University. Topics that were discussed in this session were challenges of sifting large data bases for errors, identifying primary sources of variation in large data bases, and the software that has been developed for conducting genetic evaluation.



Accomplishments

Objective 1. A web page has been established http://web.nmsu.edu/~milthoma/WCC-1 as a mechanism for the WCC-1 to distribute information to both scientific- and producer-based audiences. This web site contains functions, which include the petition function of the WCC-1, locations for posting of educational materials developed by WCC-1, a listing of all WCC-1 members, and a location to be developed for major links regarding Beef Cattle Breeding. Now that this web site has been established, it is being expanded to become a functional service to people interested in beef cattle breeding in the western United States.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 2. Develop and establish education materials to assist producers in implementing crossbreeding systems. Members of WCC-1 have given presentations and/or written articles for producer-oriented publications on various aspects of crossbreeding and crossbreeding systems, such as optimizing the balance between maternal characteristics and carcass traits. The group started to plan a new publication regarding the tools that beef producers can use in selecting beef cattle. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 3. Maintain a record of tissue stored on pedigreed populations for potential DNA extraction and analysis. The committee assigned Mark Enns to Chair a committee to develop a web-based system to enter this information. Access to this information will then be provided with contact information via the website.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 4. Conduct training for seedstock producers on basic genetic concepts and methods for genetic improvement of beef cattle. This objective was achieved through the WCC-1&lsquo;s efforts at the National Cattlemen&lsquo;s Beef Association Annual Meeting in Charolotte, NC in the Producer Education Seminars. Additionally, members individually and cooperatively held numerous education seminars in the states they represent. Below is a list of those presentations: <br /> <br><br /> <br>Gaskins, C.T. 2000 Recent Advances In The Genetic Improvement Of Livestock<br /> <br>Animal Science 500 Seminar (10/11)<br /> <br>WSU Cooperative Extension Conference (10/12)<br /> <br>WSU Block and Bridle Club (10/12)<br /> <br>Klickatat County Cattlemen&lsquo;s Association (12/6/00) <br /> <br>Gaskins, C.T. 2000. Wagyu Cattle Production in Australia.<br /> <br>American Wagyu Association Annual Meeting. Reno, NV (12/9/00).<br /> <br>Gaskins, C.T. 2000. Wagyu Cattle Production in Australia. <br /> <br>Canadian Wagyu Association Annual Meeting. Camrose, AB (1/19/01).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>2002 Making profitable selection decisions. Beckton-Buffalo Creek Education <br /> <br> seminar. Sheridan, WY.<br /> <br><br /> <br>2002 Workshop and Panel: Red Angus Braintrust. Presentation: Positioning Red Angus for the Future. Denver<br /> <br><br /> <br>2001 EPD interpretation. Producer short course, "Cow Camp". Fort Collins.<br /> <br><br /> <br>2001 Workshop: National Cattlemen&lsquo;s Beef Association Workshop for University Beef Production Instructors. Presentation: Future genetic evaluation: Economically relevant traits and the Decision Evaluator for the Beef Industry. Kansas City.<br /> <br><br /> <br>2001 Practical EPD use for commercial cattlemen. Colorado Cattlemen&lsquo;s Association <br /> <br> Convention, Copper Mountain <br /> <br> <br /> <br>2000 Economically relevant traits- A framework for the next generation of EPDs. Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting. Joint opening session presentation by Golden, B.L., D.J. Garrick, S. Newman, and R.M. Enns. Wichita. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Genetic Evaluation and EPD. 1/5/00. Canadian Salers Association, Calgary, AB.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Understanding and Marketing EPD. 2/5/00. Alta Genetics, Ltd., Calgary, AB.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Research in Livestock Sciences. 5/25-27/00. British Columbia Cattlemen&lsquo;s Assoc., Cranbrook, BC.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Parameters for Genetic Evaluation with Ultrasound. 3/22/01. Amer. Simmental Assoc., Havre, MT.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Genetic Evaluation and Improvement of Economic Merit Using EPD. 11/15/01. NBSS, Lethbridge, AB.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Genetic Evaluation and Improvement of Livestock. 02/07/02. Univ. of Lethbridge guest lecture.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Ultrasound in Beef Genetic Evaluation. 3/16/02. BC Hereford Association, Kelowna, BC.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Dynamics of EPD accuracies. NMSU Bull Test and Sale Symposium, Las Cruces, NM 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Adding value with Genetics. New Mexico Cattle Grower&lsquo;s Short Course. Clayton, NM 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Beef cattle performance in response to grazing systems and strategies on the Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center. New Mexico Cattle Grower&lsquo;s Short Course, Las Cruces, NM 2000. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 5. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. This objective was achieved through annual meetings.<br /> <br><br /> <br>

Publications

Boss, D.L., D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, D.W. Bailey, and K.C. Davis. 2001. Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires. I. Calf performance and heifer development. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:97.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Anderson, D.C., D.D. Kress, D.W. Bailey, D.L. Boss, and K.C. Davis. 2001. Evaluation Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires. II. Feedlot and carcass traits. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:100.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Davis, K.C., D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, D.L. Boss, and D.W. Bailey. 2001. Evaluation Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires. III. Cow traits of young dams. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:103.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Davis, K.C., D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, D.L. Boss, and D.W. Bailey. 2001. Evaluation Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires. IV. Calf traits from 2-yr-old and 3 and 4-yr-old dams. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:106.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Bailey, D.W., D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, D.L. Boss, and K.C. Davis. 2001. Evaluation Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires. V. Grazing distribution patterns. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:110.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Kirschten, D.P., D.D. Kress, M.W. Tess, and K.C. Davis. 2001. Estimating genetic parameters of a linear type scoring method in beef cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:114.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Kress, D.D., D.C. Anderson, J.D. Stevens, E.T. Miller, T.S. Hirsch, J.E. Sprinkle, K.C. Davis, D.L. Boss, D.W. Bailey, R.P. Ansotegui, and M.W. Tess. 2001. Calf weight/cow weight ratio at weaning as a predictor of beef cow efficiency. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:130.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Shanks, B.C., M.W. Tess, D.D. Kress, and B.E. Cunningham. 2001. Genetic evaluation of carcass traits in Simmental-sired cattle at different slaughter end points. J. Anim. Sci. 79:595.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Bailey, D.W., D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, D.L. Boss, and E.T. Miller. 2001. Relationship between terrain use and performance of beef cows grazing foothill rangeland. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1883.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Kuber, P.S., J.R. Busboom, S.K. Duckett, D.J. Marks, P.S. Mir, Z. Mir, R. J. McCormick, C. T. Gaskins, J. D. Cronrath, and M.V. Dodson. 2001. Comparison of breed and diet on factors associated with tenderness in two muscles. Proc. Recip. Meat Conf. 54: (In Press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>P. Kuber, J. Busboom, E. Lonergan, S. Duckett, P. Mir4, Z. Mir, R. McCormick, M. Dodson, C. Gaskins, J. Cronrath and D. Marks. 2001. Does Troponin-T Degradation, Collagen Percentage Or Collagen Crosslinking Explain Differences In Tenderness Between Wagyu And Limousin Cattle? Western Section Proceedings Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:17-20.<br /> <br><br /> <br>M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, C.D. Morrison, J.A. Hernandez, W.D. Bryant, R. Flores, R. Lopez, L. Narro. Relationships of metabolic hormones and serum glucose to growth and reproductive development in performance-tested Angus, Brangus, and Brahman bulls. Journal of Animal Science. Refereed. Accepted October 30, 2001.<br /> <br> <br /> <br>Rasor, C. C., M. G. Thomas, R. M. Enns, H.C. Salazar, H.M. Zhang, G.L. Williams, R.L. Stanko, R. D. Randel, and J. Rios. Allelic and Genotypic Frequencies of the Leptin Gene Sau3AI Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and Evaluation of its Association to Age-of-Puberty in Cattle in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Journal of Professional Animal Scientists Accepted January 24, 2002.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Herring, A. D., M. G. Thomas, and R. M. Enns. 2001. Development of a multi-institutional, web-based, graduate animal breeding course. NACTA Journal. 44:11-17. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Patterson, L. N., R. T. Ervin and A. D. Herring. 2001. Live cattle value based on phenotypic characteristics as related to hide quality. J. Amer. Leather Chem. Assoc. 96:214-221.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Ervin, R. T., L. N. Patterson, and A. D. Herring. 2002. Packer vs. feeder cattle live animal hide value based on phenotypic characteristics. J. Amer. Leather Chem. Assoc. Volume 97. (Accepted July 2001)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Grosz, M. D. and M. D. MacNeil. Putative quantitative trait locus affecting birth weight on bovine chromosome 2. J. Anim. Sci. 79:68-72. 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Grings, E. E., R. E. Short, M. D. MacNeil, R. A. Roeder, and M. J. Roeder. Interactions in postweaning production of F1 cattle from Hereford, Limousin, or Piedmontese sires. J. Anim. Sci. 79:317-324. 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M. D., R. E. Short, and E. E. Grings. Characterization of topcross progenies from Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese sires. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1751-1756. 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rule, D. C., J. M. Rule, R. E. Short, E. E. Grings, and M. D. MacNeil. Genotype effects on cholesterol and fatty acids in longissimus and semitendinosus muscles from Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese F2 crossbred cattle at slaughter. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:266-269. 2001. (Proceedings)<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M. D. Comparison of mass selection by independent culling levels for below average birth weight and greater yearling weight with single-trait mass selection for greater yearling weight in Line 1 Hereford cattle. Proc., Beef Improvement Federation. Pp. 125-128. 2001. (Proceedings)<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M. D., R. R. Frahm, L. F. Flora, and M. Mirando. Integrated research to strengthen global competitiveness of American animal agriculture. FAIR 2002. 2001. (Handout)<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M. D. and Grosz, M. D.. Genome-wide scans for QTL affecting carcass traits in Hereford x composite double backcross populations. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted 5/8/02). 2001.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Short, R. E., M. D. MacNeil, M. D. Grosz, D. E. Gerrard, and E. E. Grings. Pleiotropic effects in Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese F2 crossbred calves of genes controlling muscularity including the Piedmontese myostatin allele. J. Anim. Sci. 80:1-11. 2002.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. and R. A. Kemp. 2001. Genetic parameters for ultrasound and carcass measures of yield and quality among replacement and slaughter beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79:3008-3020.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. 2001. Alternative ultrasound predictors of beef carcass longissimus muscle area. Prof. Anim. Sci. 17:303-308.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. and R. A. Kemp. 2002. Genetic evaluation of carcass yield using real time ultrasound measures on young replacement beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. In press.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. and S. Cormican. 2002. Software for calculation of the inverse numerator relationship matrix. Prof. Anim. Sci. In press.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr., N. H. Shannon, R. E. Crews and R. A. Kemp. 2002. Weaning, yearling and pre-slaughter ultrasound measures of fat and muscle area in bulls, heifers and steers. J. Anim. Sci. Submitted.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Mwansa, P. B., D. H. Crews, Jr., J. W. Wilton and R. A. Kemp. 2002. Multiple trait selection for maternal productivity in the Hereford breed. J. Anim. Breed. Gen. Submitted.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. 2002. The relationship between beef sire carcass EPD and progeny phenotype. Can. J. Anim. Sci. In prep.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. 2001. Genetic evaluation and improvement of economic merit using EPD. In: Advances in Beef Cattle Science, Vol. 1. Pp. 197-214. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre.<br /> <br><br /> <br>C.C. Rasor, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, H.C. Salazar, H. M. Zhang, G.L. Williams, R.L. Stanko, R.D. Randel, and J. Rios. 2002. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of the leptin Sau3AI restriction fragment length polymorphism and evaluation of its association to age-of-puberty in cattle in the Southwesterb United States and Northern Mexico. Submitted: The Professional Animal Scientist 18: (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, C.D. Morrison, J.A. Hernandez, W.D. Bryant, R. Flores, R. Lopez, L. Narro. 2002. Differential relationships of metabolic hormones and serum glucose to growth and reproductive development of performance-tested Angus, Brangus, and Brahman bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 80:757-767. <br /> <br><br /> <br>R. Lopez, M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, C.D. Morrison, J.A. Hernandez, W.D. Bryant, R. Flores, M.D. Garcia. 2001. Differential relationships of metabolic hormones and serum glucose to growth and reproductive development of Angus, Brahman, and Brangus heifer. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:422-425. <br /> <br><br /> <br>B.S. Obeidat, M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, M.L. Petersen, W.D. Bryant, J.A. Hernandez, M.D. Garcia, R. Lopez. 2001. Performance and metabolic characteristics of multiparous Angus and Brahman cows grazing in the Chihuahuan Desert. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:145-147.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Shanks, B. C., M. W. Tess, D. D. Kress, and B. E. Cunningham. 2001. Genetic evaluation of carcass traits in Simmental-sired cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79:595-604.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Tess, M. W. 2002. Using genetic tools to meet market targets without sacrificing maternal performance. J. Anim. Sci. 80:(E. Suppl. 1)E94-E103. Available at: http://www.asas.org/vol80/jas1712.pdf.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Julien, D. J. and M. W. Tess. 2002. Effects of calving date, weaning date, and duration of fall grazing on profitability in range beef cattle enterprises. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Reisenauer, V. L., M. W. Tess, D. A. Griffith, and J. A. Paterson. 2001. Evaluation of calving seasons and marketing strategies in northern Great Plains cow-calf enterprises. Proc. WSASAS 52:50-53.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Kirschten, D. P., D. D. Kress, M. W. Tess, and K. C. Davis. 2001. Estimating genetic parameters of a linear type scoring method in beef cattle. Proc. WSASAS 52:114-117.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Tess, Mike. 2001. Using DNA markers, carcass EPD, and carcass value indices in meeting market targets without sacrificing maternal production traits. Beef Symposium - Annual Meeting of the Western Section, American Society of Animal Science. 36 p.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>

Impact Statements

  1. Provided more than 1000 beef producers with information pertaining to objective selection criteria.
  2. Assisted National Germ Plasm Repository with protocol for sampling breeds.
  3. Provided germ plasm resulting from research programs for use in the industry.
  4. Developed and provided educational materials to assist producers in implementing crossbreeding systems.
  5. Carcass EPD's of beef sires are closely related to progeny phenotypes.
  6. Characterized the effect of the myostatin locus in Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese populations.
  7. Published scientific information at both basic and applied levels that can be used to further knowledge of genetic improvement of beef cattle.
  8. Served as source of expertise in advising beef cattle breed associations.
  9. Served as source of expertise for distance education programs for dissemination of knowledge in the area of beef cattle breeding.
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Date of Annual Report: 09/29/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/04/2003 - 06/06/2003
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2002 - 06/01/2003

Participants

Anderson, Don (donalda@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Bailey, Derek (dbailey@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Crews, Denny (dcrews@agr.gc.ca) - AAFC-LRC;
Davis, KC (kcdavis@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Enns, Mark (mark.enns@colostate.edu) - Colorado State Univ.;
Gaskins, Charlie (gaskins@wsu.edu) - Washington State Univ.;
Kealey, Courtney (ckealey@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Kress, Don (dkress@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Rogers, Phoenix Rogers (Phoenix2875@aol.com) - Washington State Univ.;
Rumph, Janice (janice@montana.edu) - Montana State Univ.;
Thomas, Milt (milthoma@nmsu.edu) - New Mexico State Univ.

Brief Summary of Minutes

MINUTES



The Western Region Coordinating Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WCC-1) convened in Havre on June 4, 2003 and Lethbridge on June 6, 2003. Ten people were in attendance at Havre (all but Denny Crews) and ten (all but Don Kress) at Lethbridge.



Committee Renewal

The committee was approved for 5 more years and was allowed to keep the WCC-1 designation that it has always had. During the approval process, it was suggested that more extension faculty be involved with the group. It was noted that many of the members that were unable to attend this year had extension appointments.



2004 Meeting

The location, date, and chairperson for the 2004 WCC-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows:



Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (in conjunction with 2004 Beef Improvement Federation annual meeting)



Date: May 23-24, 2004 (Sunday and Monday)



Chair: Denny Crews, Ag-Canada





Residual Feed Intake

Denny Crews presented some results of research being conducted at the Lethbridge Research Center involving residual feed intake and feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.





Website

Milt Thomas presented the status of the WCC-1 website. Currently, the website is offline, but will be reactivated with the new Animal and Range Science department server at New Mexico State University.



Any publications of interest that are relative to WCC-1 should be emailed to Milt to be added to the reference list of the website.



It was also discussed that any links of interest should be added to the website. These include links to all of the departments represented by WCC-1, Ag-Canada, and Fort Keogh. Also, the webmaster at New Mexico State University will contact other organizations to add the WCC-1 webpage as a link. These include BIF, breed associations, each members department, Oklahoma State Universitys Virtual Livestock page, Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, National Cattlemens Beef Association, and Canadian Cattlemens Association.



A suggestion was also made to make class notes available on the website for graduate student education.



Graduate Education

The idea of combining resources in order to allow for more available coursework for graduate students was suggested. This would help fill holes in graduate education in each of the WCC-1 universities which have no more than two faculty members in animal breeding. Ideas suggested were a course to be conducted during national Animal Science meetings or to conduct an online class similar to what New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona have done in the past. Mark Enns volunteered to find out what would need to be done to have a shortcourse before or during 2004 national Animal Science meetings.



Contact and Resource Information

Mark Enns presented the online form that was developed to address Objective 3 of the current petition which was to maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. The form would allow members of WCC-1 to list the resources available at each institution. Suggested additions to the form included a Comments section, general categories of data type (growth, carcass, etc.), and years that the data includes. A suggestion was also made to change Number of DNA Samples to Number of Tissue Samples.



Station Reports

Station reports were given by members in attendance.



Survival Analysis

The meeting concluded with a presentation by Phoenix Rogers of her thesis project on survival analysis which will also be presented at national Animal Science meetings in Phoenix, AZ.

Accomplishments

Currently, the WCC-1 website is offline, but will be reactivated with the new Animal and Range Science department server at New Mexico State University. Any publications of interest that are relative to WCC-1 should be emailed to Milt to be added to the reference list of the website. It was also discussed that any links of interest should be added to the website. These include links to all of the departments represented by WCC-1, Ag-Canada, and Fort Keogh. Also, the webmaster at New Mexico State University will contact other organizations to add the WCC-1 webpage as a link. These include BIF, breed associations, each members department, Oklahoma State Universitys Virtual Livestock page, Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, National Cattlemens Beef Association, and Canadian Cattlemens Association.<br /> <br>A suggestion was also made to make class notes available on the website for graduate student education.<br /> <br><br /> <br>The idea of combining resources in order to allow for more available coursework for graduate students was suggested. This would help fill holes in graduate education in each of the WCC-1 universities which have no more than two faculty members in animal breeding. Ideas suggested were a course to be conducted during national Animal Science meetings or to conduct an online class similar to what New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona have done in the past. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Mark Enns presented the online form that was developed to address Objective 3 of the current petition which was to maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. The form would allow members of WCC-1 to list the resources available at each institution.

Publications

Ahola, J.K., T.E. Engle, D.S. Baker, L.R. Sharpe, P.D. Burns, R.M. Enns and R.G. Mortimer. 2003. Impact of trace mineral supplementation and source on grazing beef cattle over a two-year period. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Baker D.A., C.R. Shumway, and C.T. Gaskins. 2003. Selecting Artificial Insemination Beef Sires for Maximum Profit. WSU Electronic Extension Bulletin.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Benkel, B.F., E. Valle, D.H. Crews, Jr., C. Li, and S. S. Moore. 2003. Evaluation of apoptosis-related genes as candidates for growth in beef cattle. Plant and Animal Genome Conf. XI. San Diego, CA, January, 2003.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Booth, M.E., K.S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein, T.A. McAllister, G.J. Mears, A.L. Schaefer, N. Cook, J.S. Church, and D.H. Crews, Jr. 2002. Effects of pre-haul management and transport distance on beef cattle performance and welfare. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):106 (abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Burns, P.D., T.E. Engle, E.R. Downing, J.C. Whittier, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on plasma n-3 fatty acid composition and reproductive performance of young beef cows grazing native rangeland. Journal of Animal Science. In Review.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Burns, P.D., T.E. Engle, M.A. Harris, R.M. Enns, and J.C. Whittier. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on plasma and endometrial fatty acid composition in non-lactating beef cows. Journal of Animal Science. In press.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cleveland, M.A., R.M. Enns, W.J. Umberger, and B.L. Golden. 2003. Simulation of net return using days to finish estimated breeding values in beef production. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 89. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Coppola, C.L., T. Grandin, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of temperament on stress response of stray adult dogs in a shelter environment. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 69. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. 2002. Comparison of component EPD between Herefords with high versus low values for a maternal productivity index. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:121-125.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. 2002. Evaluation of Beef Carcass Merit with Ultrasound. The Simmental Register, December, 2002.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. 2002. The relationship between beef sire carcass EPD and progeny phenotype. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 82:503-506.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. 2003. A repeatability model for Warner-Bratzler shear force in beef cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:44-46.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. 2003. Using Ultrasound in Genetic Evaluation of Carcass Merit. Simmental Country, February, 2003.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. and D.J. Porteous. 2003. Age of dam and age at measurement adjustments and genetic parameters for scrotal circumference of Canadian Hereford bulls. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 83:183-188.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. and R.A. Kemp. 2002. Genetic evaluation of carcass yield using ultrasound measures on young replacement beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 80:1809-1818.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr. and S. Cormican. 2002. Software for calculation of the inverse numerator relationship matrix. Prof. Anim. Sci. 18:147-150.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr., E.J. Pollak, R.L. Weaber, R.L. Quaas, and R.J. Lipsey. 2003. Genetic parameters for carcass traits and their live animal indicators in Simmental cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1427-1433.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr., N.H. Shannon, B.M.A. Genswein, R.E. Crews, C.M. Johnson, and B.A. Kendrick. 2003. Genetic parameters for net feed efficiency of beef cattle measured during postweaning growing versus finishing periods. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54. Accepted.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D.H., Jr., N.H. Shannon, R.E. Crews, and R.A. Kemp. 2002. Weaning, yearling, and preharvest ultrasound measures of fat and muscle area in steers, bulls, and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2817-2824.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cronin, M.A., J.C. Patton, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Genetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou Rangifer tarandus). J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):106. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cronin, M.A., J.C. Patton, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Genetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:138-141. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Cronin, M.A., J.C. Patton, N. Balmysheva, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Genetic variation in caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Animal Genetics. (in press)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Denniston, D.J., M.G. Thomas, K.K. Kane, C.N. Roybal, L. Canales, D.M. Hallford, M.D. Remmenga, and D.E. Hawkins. 2003. Effect of Neuropeptide Y on GnRH-induced LH release from bovine anterior pituitary cell cultures derived from heifers in a follicular, luteal, and ovariectomized state. Anim. Reprod. Sci. (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Dorton, K.L., T.E. Engle, C.V. Kimberling, G. Parsons, D.R. Ames, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effects of trace mineral source and growth implants on performance, immunity, and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing steers. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L. 2003. Bull Selection 101. January/February 2003. Illinois Beef <br /> <br>Magazine (Reprint request).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L. and D. Davies. 2002. Cow-calf production record software. WCR-3279. Revised.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L., B.L. Golden, and R.L. Hough. 2002. A new genetic prediction for cow maintenance energy requirements. Proc. Beef Improvement Federation 34th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE<br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L., B.L. Golden, and R.L. Hough. 2003. A new genetic prediction for cow maintenance energy requirements. March 2003. Oklahoma Cowman.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Garcia, M.D., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, D.M. Hallford, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Relationships of the growth hormone (GH) Msp-I RFLP pituitary responsiveness to GHRH and growth traits in Angus and Brangus bulls. Plant Anim. Genome XI:P277. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Garcia, M.D., M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, and W.R. Parker. 2002. 40-year trends in the Tucumcari New Mexico performance bull test. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):116. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Garcia, M.D., M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, and W.R. Parker. 2002. 40-year trends in the Tucumcari New Mexico performance bull test. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:19-22.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Geary, T.W., E.E . Grings, M.D. MacNeil, and D.H. Keisler. 2002. Effects of feeding high linoleate Safflower seeds prepartum on leptin concentration, weaning, and re-breeding performance of beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):131. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Geary, T.W., E.E. Grings, M.D. MacNeil, and D.H. Keisler. 2002. Effects of feeding high linoleate safflower seeds prepartum on leptin concentration, weaning, and re-breeding performance of beef heifers. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:425-427. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Geary, T.W., E.L. McFadin, M.D. MacNeil, E.E. Grings, R.E. Short, R.N. Funston, and D.H. Keisler. 2003. Leptin as a predictor of carcass composition in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1-8. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Grings, E.E., R.E. Short, T.W. Geary, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Heifer development within three seasons of calving. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:261-264. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Grings, E.E., R.E. Short, T.W. Geary, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Heifer development within three seasons of calving. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):120. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R. and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Grazing effects on carbon dynamics in the northern mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Management. (Submitted 12/11/02)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R., E.E. Grings, R.K. Heitschmidt, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Quality and persistence of forages in the Northern Great Plains. J. Range Manage. 55:482-487. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R., M.D. MacNeil, E. E. Grings, R. K. Heitschmidt, and K. D. Klement. 2003. Heifer production on cool-season forages in the Northern Great Plains. Soc. Range. Manage. Abstr. #93. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R., R.K. Heitschmidt, and M.D. MacNeil. 2002. Measuring CO2 flux over Northern Great Plains Rangelands. USDA Symposium on Natural Resource Management to Offset Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Abstr. p. 70. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R., R.K. Heitschmidt, and M.D. MacNeil. 2003. Measuring CO2 flux over Northern Great Plains Rangelands. Soc. Range. Manage. Abstr. #94. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haferkamp, M.R., R.K. Heitschmidt, E.E. Grings, and M.D. MacNeil. 2003. Japanese brome in the Northern Great Plains. Wyoming Cheatgrass Awareness Conference. p. 14. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Hickman, D.D., K.S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein, R. Silasi, D.H. Crews, Jr., C.R. Krehbiel, and T.A. McAllister. 2002. Relationship between feeding behavior and performance in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1):59 (abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Hough R.L., B.L. Golden, and J.L. Evans. 2002. Update on Maintenance Energy EPD. November 2002. American Red Angus Journal.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Jubileu, N. Maiwashe, M. Cleveland, B. Tseveenjav, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters of carcass traits in limousine cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 318. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Kealey, C.G., M.D. MacNeil, and B.L. Golden. 2002. Genetic distance between a multi-breed composite and two inbred lines of Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:127-131. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Kealey, C.G., M.D. MacNeil, and B.L. Golden. 2002. Genetic distance between a multi-breed composite and two inbred lines of Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):106. <br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. 2002. Relationship between milk production and milk EPD. Hereford America. Vol. 7(2):25. <br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. 2003. Genetic evaluation of an index of birth weight and yearling weight to improve efficiency of beef production. J. Anim. Sci. (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. 2003. Genetic trends resulting from selection based on an index of birth weight and yearling weight. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 86. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. and M.D. Grosz. 2002. A genome-wide scan for QTL affecting carcass traits at constant fat depth in a Hereford x composite double backcross population. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):106. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. and M.D. Grosz. 2002. A genome-wide scan for QTL affecting carcass traits at constant fat depth in a Hereford x composite double backcross population. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:132-134. <br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D. and M.D. Grosz. 2002. Genome-wide scans for QTL affecting carcass traits in Hereford x composite double backcross populations. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2316-2324. <br /> <br><br /> <br>MacNeil, M.D., R.K. Miller, and M.D. Grosz. 2003. Genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci affecting palatability of beef. Plant & Animal Genome XI Conference. p. 218. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>McAllister, T.A., K.S. Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K.A. Beauchemin, D.J. Gibb, M.N. Streeter, D.D. Hickman, and D.H. Crews, Jr. 2002. Metabolic consequences of feeding behavior and intake in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1):447 (abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br>McFadin, E.L., T.W. Geary, M.D. MacNeil, D.H. Keisler, and E.P. Berg. 2002. Relationship between serum concentrations of leptin and carcass composition and quality in beef cattle and swine. Reciprocal Meat Conference (Submitted 3/02). (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Miller, K.E., K.R. Peel, R.M. Enns, and G. Niswender. 2003. Western Center for integrated resource managements masters degree program at Colorado State University. Jo. Of NACTA. In Press.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Miller, K.E., W. S. Mackay, J.C. Whittier, R.M. Enns, and R.K. Peel. 2003 Comparison of synchronization protocols for beef heifers using melengestrol acetate, prostaglandin, GnRH, and timed artificial insemination. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. vol 54. 3 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Morrison, C.D., J.A. Daniel, J.H. Hampton, P.R. Buff, T.M. McShane, M.G. Thomas, and D.H. Keisler. Regulation of luteinizing hormone and growth hormone in ewes treated with Neuropeptide Y. 2003. Domestic Anim. Endocrinol. 24:69-80.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Mwansa, P.B., D.H. Crews, Jr., J.W. Wilton, and R.A. Kemp. 2002. Multiple trait selection for maternal productivity in beef cattle. J. Anim. Breed. Gen. 119(6):391-399.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.J. Rozeboom, and D.H. Keisler. 2002. Ontogeny of adiposity, serum leptin, and hypothalamic-pituitary expression of leptin receptors in wethers treated with zeranol. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):129-130. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.J. Rozeboom, and D.H. Keisler. 2002. Ontogeny of adiposity, serum leptin, and hypothalamic-pituitary expression of leptin receptors in wethers treated with zeranol. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Sco. Anim. Sci. 53:432-435.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.J. Rozeboom, and D.H. Keisler. 2003. Body composition, leptin, and the leptin receptor and their relationship to the growth hormane (GH) axis in wethers treated with zeranol. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 24:243-255.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, M.D. Garcia, D.H. Keisler, M. Amstalden, G.L. Williams, and D.M. Hallford. 2003. Intracerebroventricular infusion of Neuropeptide Y and leptin differentially influence the episodic secretion patters of GH in well-fed ovariectomized cows. J.Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1):(in press). (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Obeidat, B.S., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, M.K. Petersen, W.D. Bryant, M.D. Garcia, L. Narro, and R. Lopez. 2002. Metabolic characteristics of multiparous Angus and Brahman cows grazing in the Chihuahuan Desert. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2222-2233.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Perry, G.A., M.F. Smith, A.J. Roberts, M.D. MacNeil, and T.W. Geary. 2003. Effect of ovulatory follicle size at time of GnRH injection on preovulatory serum concentrations of estradiol in beef cows. Soc. for the Study of Reprod. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Perry, G.A., M.F. Smith, M.C. Lucy, A.J. Roberts, M.D. MacNeil, and T.W. Geary. 2003. Effect of ovulatory follicle size at time of GnRH injection or standing estrus on pregnancy rates and embryonic/fetal mortality in beef cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:281-284. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Perry, G.A., M.F. Smith, M.C. Lucy, A.J. Roberts, M.D. MacNeil, and T.W. Geary. 2003. Effect of ovulatory follicle size at time of GnRH injection or standing estrus on pregnancy rates and embryonic/fetal mortality in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 52. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rasor, C.C., M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, H.C. Salazar, H.M. Zhang, G.L. Williams, R.L. Stanko, R.D. Randel, and J. Rios. 2002. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of the leptin Sau3AI restriction fragment length polymorphism and evaluation of its association to age of puberty in cattle in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Prof. Anim. Sci. 18:141-146.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rogers, P.L., C.T. Gaskins, K.A. Johnson, and M.D. MacNeil. 2003. Risk factors associated with culling females in a composite beef herd. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:68-71. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Rogers, P.L., C.T. Gaskins, K.A. Johnson, and M.D. MacNeil. 2003. Risk factors associated with culling females in a composite beef herd. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 34. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M. 2003. Use of crossbreeding to make production gains. Beef Questions and Answers. Volume 8, Number 4, pp. 6-8. Montana State University Extension Service.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., L.S. Gould, R.L. Hough, and L.D. Van Vleck. 2003. Factors to adjust birth and weaning weights of Red Angus calves for age of dam. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:146-151.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., L.S. Gould, R.L. Hough, and L.D. Van Vleck. 2003. Factors to adjust birth and weaning weights of Red Angus calves for age of dam. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl.1):86. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., R.M. Koch, K.E. Gregory, L.V. Cundiff, and L.D. Van Vleck. 2002. Genetic parameters for weights of Hereford cows. In: Editors. Proc. 7th World Cong. on Genetics Appl. to Livestock Prod. CD-ROM communication n0 02-31. Montpellier, France, Aug. 19-23, 2002. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, and L.A. Narro. 2003. Feed intake, serum leptin, and puberty in Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differeing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):(in press). (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, R.M. Enns, L.A. Narro, M.D. Garcia, and J.A. Winder. 2002. Evaluation of pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and GHRH as a predictor of first observed estrus in developing heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):129. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, R.M. Enns, L.A. Narro, M.D. Garcia, and J.A. Winder. 2002. Evaluation of pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and GHRH as predictors of reproductive performance in heifers. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 53:407-410.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Short, R.E., M.D. MacNeil, M.D. Grosz, D.E. Gerrard, and E.E. Grings. 2002. Pleiotropic effects in Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese F2 crossbred calves of genes controlling muscularity including the Piedmontese myostatin allele. J. Anim. Sci. 80:1-11. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E., R. M. Enns, D. J. Garrick, C. S. Welsh, and B. L. Golden. 2003. Current approaches to performing large scale beef cattle genetic evaluations, Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 7 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Stalker, L.A., J.E. Sawyer, M.G. Thomas, C., Bailey, D. Wood, and M.K. Petersen. 2002. Effectiveness of undegradable intake protein mixed with mineralized salt as a protein supplement for wintering range cows. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl.2):119. (abstr.)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G. Cattle fit for the desert. Las Cruces Sun News, Albuquergue Journal, Associated Press, Washington Post, 2002-2003.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G. Chihuahuan Desert Brangus Research Makes News. Commercial Brangus Edition. 10:12 and 24, 2003.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, D.M. Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, C.D. Morrison, J.A. Hernandez, W.D. Bryant, R. Flores, R. Lopez, and L. Narro. 2002. Differential relationships of metabolic hormones and serum glucose to growth and reproductive development of performance-tested Angus, Brangus, and Brahman bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 80:757-767.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Tseveenjav, B., H.D. Blackburn, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Heritability estimates for semen characteristics of inbred and non-inbred Hereford bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 318. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Valle, E., J. de Jager, S. S. Moore, D. H. Crews, Jr., and B. F. Benkel. 2003. Single nucleotide polymorphism discovery in pro-apopstosis genes. Proc. 2003 Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Meet. Saskatoon, SK. p. 97. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Walburger, A.M., and D.H. Crews, Jr. 2003. The value of real-time ultrasound (RTU) in beef marketing. Can. Ag. Econ. Soc. Ann. Conf. July 27-30, 2003, Montreal, PQ.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on endometrial sensitivity to oxytocin in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Welsh, C.S., B.L. Golden, R.M. Enns, D.J. Garrick, and G.B. Nicoll. 2003. Influence of birth weight and birth rank on lamb survivability. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 68. Supplement 1.

Impact Statements

  1. Update website and bring it back online
  2. Develop shared graduate courses
  3. Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies
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Date of Annual Report: 06/30/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/24/2004 - 05/25/2004
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2003 - 06/01/2004

Participants

Buckley, Brent (buckley@hawaii.edu) - University of Hawaii;
Burfening, Pete (pburfening@csrees.usda.gov) - USDA/CSREES;
Crews, Denny (dcrews@agr.gc.ca) - AAFC-LRC;
Cundiff, Larry (cundiff@email.marc.usda.gov) - ARS-USMARC;
Enns, R.Mark (mark.enns@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Evans, John (jle@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University;
Gaskins, Charles (gaskins@wsu.edu) - Washington State University;
Gould, Lowell (lowell@lxcattle.com) - Red Angus Association of America;
Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Hyde, Lauren (lauren@nalf.org) - North American Limousin Foundation;
Kress, Don (dkress@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Rumph, Janice (janice@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Thomas, Milt (milthoma@nmsu.edu) - New Mexico State University;
Van Vleck, L.Dale (dvan-vleck1@unl.edu) - ARS-USMARC/University of Nebraska

Brief Summary of Minutes

REPORT OF THE 2004 MEETING OF THE WESTERN REGION COORDINATING COMMITTEE IN BEEF CATTLE BREEDING RESEARCH (WCC-1)



Location of Meeting: Sioux Falls, SD



Date of Meeting: May 24-25, 2004



Host: In conjunction with 2004 Beef Improvement Federation Meeting hosted by South Dakota State University and South Dakota Cattlemen?s Association



Chair: Denny Crews, Ag-Canada



Administrative Advisor: Don Kress, Montana State University



MINUTES



The Western Region Coordinating Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WCC-1) convened in Sioux Falls, SD May 24-25, 2004. Twelve people were in attendance.



Website

Milt Thomas said that the website?s active and the current address is:



http://www.nmsu.edu/~wcc1



There have been some problems with hosting it at New Mexico State, so Brent Buckley offered to host the site and suggested that WCC-1 have its own website, not associated with any particular university. Brent determined several possible choices for domain names and will look further into obtaining one of the possible domains.



It was reiterated that breed associations, land grant universities, NCBA, etc. need to be made aware of our website so that they can put links on their sites to the WCC-1 site.



Resource Database

Mark Enns said that the database developed to address Objective 3 of the current petition is still progressing and that a group of MBA students at Colorado State are working on the development of it.



CSREES Report

Pete Burfening updated the group on CSREES issues.



Kress Report

Don Kress passed around the official participant list to make sure that information is correct and reiterated that there is a need for more of an extension presence on the WCC-1 committee. John Evans needs to update his extension ratios and Buckley will check again if he can become an official member which would increase the extension percentage.



Graduate Education

Janice Rumph presented the letter that Mike Tess (Animal & Range Sciences department head, Montana State) sent to the western region department heads requesting a meeting at the 2004 Western Section meetings to discuss possible partnerships across universities for graduate student education.



Courses that were taught at each university were compiled in a list to determine strengths/weaknesses in each department. A list of courses/topics that WCC-1 thought should be included in all graduate breeding programs was compiled as follows:



1. Computer programming/logic skills

Data management skills



2. Genetic prediction (set up and solve MME)



3. Understanding of simulation and its utility in an animal improvement and

production systems setting



4. Understanding of methods to combine quantitative and molecular data

quantitative genomics) including pedigree analysis and determining

probability of carrying certain genes (e.g. Founder effects)



5. Understanding of breeding systems/Crossbreeding systems/GxE

interactions/matching animal genotype to environment



6. Understanding of parameter estimation and pros/cons of different methods



Additional concepts to be integrated into above courses:

History of the discipline

Decision analysis (as it applies to quantitative and economic improvement)



The committee decided to draft a supporting letter to be sent to the various department heads by Mike Tess prior to the meeting at Western Sections. In the letter, 5-6 three credit courses need to be identified that would be included in a PhD program. Enns and Rumph will meet after the WCC-1 meeting to the draft the letter.



The National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) should also be informed about the plans for any WCC-1 organized courses because NBCEC is planning on developing their own national online course, most likely seminar in nature.





DNA Validation

Enns requested a list of animal/data resources from each station that included number of animals that DNA could be collected from, phenotypes collected, etc. This list would be presented to the NBCEC as a possible source of populations to be used for validation of commercially available gene tests.



Station Reports

Station reports were presented by members in attendance.



Van Vleck

Dale Van Vleck (University of Nebraska ? Lincoln and ARS) presented a workshop entitled ?Genetic Evaluation with Molecular Information?.



2005 Meeting

The location, host, and chairperson for the 2005 WCC-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows:



Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico, in conjunction with Western Section ASAS meetings



Host: Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University



Chair: Andy Herring, Texas A&M



2006 & 2007 Meetings

No location has been selected for the 2006 meeting. Hawaii was originally suggested, but due to the 8th World Congress for Genetics Applied to Livestock Production being in Brazil and many members traveling to that in 2006, the suggestion of Hawaii has been pushed off to the 2007 meeting.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Maintain and disseminate educational resources on the genetics of beef cattle including WCC-1 publications. The website is active and the current address is: http://www.nmsu.edu/~wcc1. Some arrangements have been made to possibly change the hosting of the website from New Mexico State to the University of Hawaii. The website contains most WCC-1 publications in pdf form for easy download.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 2: Conduct research to contribute to the understanding of genetic association among economically important traits and their indicators. A member of the committee organized a session at the Beef Improvement Federation on applications of multiple trait selection technology in the beef industry. A second member of the committee made an invited presentation at the Beef Meeting envisioning the future implementations of multiple trait section technologies. Current users of multiple trait selection technologies developed by members of the committee include: Circle A Angus Sire Alliance, American International Charolais Association, and Beefbooster Alberta Ltd (Canada). Related developmental efforts are underway for American Hereford Association, American Simmental Association, Agricultural Research Council ? Animal Improvement Institute (South Africa), and Circle A Angus Sire Alliance. ABS Global Inc. has derived revenues in excess of $1.5 million from semen of Angus bulls identified as high value terminal sires. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 3: Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. The database is still progressing and that a group of MBA students at Colorado State are working on the development of it.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Objective 4: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. The annual WCC-1 meeting is the forum in which all of these are addressed.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Upcoming plans: Development of graduate level breeding courses is underway. These courses would be taught across the universities involved in WCC-1 in order to better utilize professor resources at each university.

Publications

Ahola, J.K., T.E. Engle, D.S. Baker, L.R. Sharpe, P.D. Burns, R.M. Enns and R.G. Mortimer. 2003. Impact of trace mineral supplementation and source on grazing beef cattle over a two-year period. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Ahola, J.K., T.E. Engle, D.S. Baker, L.R. Sharpe, P.D. Burns, R.M. Enns and R.G. Mortimer. 2003. Impact of trace mineral supplementation and source on grazing beef cattle over a two-year period. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Amen, T. S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders and C. A. Gill. 2004. Investigation of birth weight in Bos indicus-Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1). <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Anderson, D.C., D.D. Kress, T.M.M. Bernardini, K.C. Davis, D.L. Boss and D.E. Doornbos. 2003. The effect of scours on calf weaning weight. The Prof. Anim. Scientist 19:399<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>B.W. Brigham and R.M. Enns. Review of Recent Literature for Maternal effects on Real Time Ultrasound and Carcass Measures. Technical Report to the Red Angus Association of America. 6 pages. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Barham, B. L., J. C. Brooks, J. R. Blanton, Jr., A. D. Herring, M. A. Carr, C. R. Kerth and M. F. Miller. 2003. Effects of growth implants on the consumer perceptions of meat tenderness in beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 81:3052-3056<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, and G.A. Silver. 2004. Early weaning and cow/calf performance: Recent observations in desert Brangus. Commercial Brangus Edition 11:15-17.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Brigham, B.W., S. E. Speidel and R. M. Enns. Report to the American Braunvieh Association: Accuracy Changes <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Bullock, K.D., E. J. Pollak, J.K. Bertrand, D. Garrick, R.M. Enns, B. Weaber, and D.E. Wilson. 2003. International beef cattle genetic evaluation in the United States and the role of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. Proceedings of the 2003 Interbull meeting. Rome, Italy.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Burns, P.D., T.E. Engle, M.A. Harris, R.M. Enns, and J.C. Whittier. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on plasma and endometrial fatty acid composition in non-lactating beef cows. Journal of Animal Science. 81:2840-2846.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Cleere, J. J., A. D. Herring, J. W. Holloway, C. R. Long, H. Lippke, M. F. Miller, W. E. Pinchak, F. M. Rouquette, and B. G. Warrington. 2003. Effect of grazing growth rate on subsequent feedlot and carcass traits in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):167(Abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Cleere, J. J., A. D. Herring, J. W. Holloway, H. Lippke, C. R. Long, F. M. Rouquette Jr., B. G. Warrington, K. R. Pond, and M. F. Miller. 2003. Winter pasture grazing performance effects on feedlot and carcass traits in cattle. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Annual Meeting. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Cleveland, M.A., R.M. Enns, W.J. Umberger, and B.L. Golden. 2003. Simulation of net return using days to finish estimated breeding values in beef production. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 89. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Coppola, C.L., T. Grandin, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of temperament on stress response of stray adult dogs in a shelter environment. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 69. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Corro, M.D., D.L. Lalman, K. Barnes, and J.L. Evans. 2004. Selected management practices of beef cows on cow-calf operations in Oklahoma. J. Anim. Sci. (Abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. 2004. Genetic evaluation of efficient feed utilization in beef cattle. Breeding and Genetics Invited Symposium, ?Genetics of Efficient Feed Utilization? Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Conf., St. Louis, MO. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1):(Abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr. and S. S. Moore. Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine obese (Leptin) gene with feedlot and carcass characteristics of crossbred steers. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. 2004. Genetic correlations of growth with carcass traits from Charolais field data. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:74-77.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. Genetic parameters among growth and carcass traits of Canadian Charolais cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, D. H., Jr., N. H. Shannon, B. M. A. Genswein, R. E. Crews, C. M. Johnson, and B. A. Kendrick. Residual feed intake during postweaning growing versus finishing periods and carcass composition of beef steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. Accepted.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Crews, Jr., D. H., E. J. Pollak, and R. L. Quaas. 2004. Evaluation of Simmental carcass EPD estimated using live and carcass data. J. Anim. Sci. 82:661-667.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:70-73.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Dean, D. T., and A. D. Herring. 2004. Evaluation of ultrasound body composition traits among long yearling Brahman bulls. ASAS Southern Section Annual Meeting. February 14-18, 2004, Tulsa, OK.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Dean, D.T. and A. D. Herring. 2003. Evaluation of yearling bull sale prices at six regional locations. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):111(Abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Denniston, D.J., M.G. Thomas, K.K. Kane, C.N. Roybal, L. Canales, D.M. Hallford, M.D. Remmenga, and D.E. Hawkins. 2003. Effect of Neuropeptide Y on GnRH-induced LH release from bovine anterior pituitary cell cultures derived from heifers in a follicular, luteal, or ovariectomized state. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 78:25-31.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Dorton, K.L., T.E. Engle, C.V. Kimberling, G. Parsons, D.R. Ames, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effects of trace mineral source and growth implants on performance, immunity, and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing steers. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Dorton, K.L., T.E. Engle, C.V. Kimberling, G. Parsons, D.R. Ames, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effects of trace mineral source and growth implants on performance, immunity, and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing steers. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Eler, J.P., J. A. II V. Silva, J. L. Evans, J. B. S. Ferraz, F. Dias, B. L. Golden. Additive genetic relationships between heifer pregnancy and scrotal circumference in Nellore Cattle. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Enns, R.M, and D.J. Garrick. 2003. The Economic benefits and potential when using current and future EPD?Economically Relevant Traits. Proceedings, The Range Beef Cow Symposium XVIII. Scottsbluff. Pp. 46-53.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Enns, R.M., S. Speidel and B. Brigham. GEARING UP FOR EPD. International Texas Longhorn Association Journal?Longhorn Drover. Pp. 10-11. Center for Genetic Evaluation of Livestock. Colorado State University<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L. 2004. Appropriate genetic packages: where should selection pressure be placed? Midwest ASAS Meeting. Extension Symposium-management of the Two-Year-Old Cow. NCR-087 Regional Research Committee. March. Des Moines, IA.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, J.L. 2004. Appropriate genetic packages: where should selection pressure be placed? J. Anim. Sci. (Abstr.).<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, John L. 2004. Bull Selection 101. January 2004. American Red Angus Journal. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, John L. 2004. Do Your Beef Cattle Fit? March 2004. Oklahoma Cowman. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, John L.. 2004. Review of Breed Association Selection Indexes. Beef Improvement Federation 36th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, May, Sioux Falls, SD<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Evans, John, David Buchanan, and Sally Dolezal. 2003. OSU Beef Cattle Manual?Revised Ch 20. Beef Cattle Breeding.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Flores, R., M.L. Looper, M.G. Thomas, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Influence of bovine somatotropin on characteristics of estrus and reproduction of Holstein cows during summer months. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:191-197.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Garcia, M.D., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, D.M. Hallford, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Relationships of the growth hormone (GH) Msp-I RFLP pituitary responsiveness to GHRH and growth traits in Angus and Brangus bulls. Plant Anim. Genome XI:P277.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Garcia, M.D., M.G. Thomas, R. Parker, and R.M. Enns. Evaluation of performance trends in the Tucumcari Bull Test, 1961 to 2000. Accepted NM-AES, spring 2004.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Harborth, K. W., A. D. Herring and J. C. Paschal. 2004. Investigation of factors influencing feedlot performance and profitability in the 2001-2002 Texas A&M Ranch to Rail program-South. ASAS Southern Section Annual Meeting. February 14-18, 2004, Tulsa, OK.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004 Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:67-69.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004. Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Jubileu, N. Maiwashe, M. Cleveland, B. Tseveenjav, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters of carcass traits in limousine cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 318. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Kane, K.K., D. E. Hawkins, G. D. Pulsipher, D. J. Denniston, C. R. Krehbiel, M. G. Thomas, M. K. Petersen, D. M. Hallford, M. D. Remmenga, A. J. Roberts, and D. H. Keisler. 2004. Effect of increasing levels of undegradable intake protein on metabolic and endocrine factors in estrous cycling beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 82: 283-291.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Lopez, R., M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2004. Growth, reproduction, and metabolic hormone characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers developed in a Chihuahuan Desert Beef Production system. Submitted J. Anim. Sci. 12/2/2003. Review and request for revisions returned 4/13/2004. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>MacLeay, J.M., Lehmer, E., Enns, R.M., Mallinckrodt, C., Bryant, H.U., Turner A.S.Central and peripheral Temperature Changes in Sheep Following Ovariectomy. Maturitas. Vol 6. pp 231-238.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Miller, K.E., K.R. Peel, R.M. Enns, and G. Niswender. 2003. Western Center for integrated resource management?s master?s degree program at Colorado State University. Jo. Of National Association of Colleges and Teachers in Agriculture (NACTA). September: pp. 2-5.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Miller, K.E., W. S. Mackay, J.C. Whittier, R.M. Enns, and R.K. Peel. 2003 Comparison of synchronization protocols for beef heifers using melengestrol acetate, prostaglandin, GnRH, and timed artificial insemination. Proc. West Sec. Am. Soc. An. Sci. vol 54. 3 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Miller, K.E., W. S. Mackay, J.C. Whittier, R.M. Enns, and R.K. Peel. 2003 Comparison of synchronization protocols for beef heifers using melengestrol acetate, prostaglandin, GnRH, and timed artificial insemination. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Morrison, C.D., J.A. Daniel, J.H. Hampton, P.R. Buff, T.M. McShane, M.G. Thomas, and D.H. Keisler. Regulation of luteinizing hormone and growth hormone in ewes treated with Neuropeptide Y. 2003. Domestic Anim. Endocrinol. 24:69-80.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, M.D. Garcia, D.H. Keisler, M. Amstalden, G.L. Williams, and D.M. Hallford. 2003. Intracerebroventricular infusion of neuropeptide Y and leptin differentially influence the episodic secretion patterns of GH in well-fed ovariectomized cows. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:274-276.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, M.D. Garcia, D.H. Keisler, M. Amstalden, G.L. Williams, and D.M. Hallford. 2003. Intracerebroventricular infusion of neuropeptide Y and leptin differentially influence the episodic secretion patterns of GH in well-fed ovariectomized cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):237.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Narro, L.A., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.J. Rozeboom, and D.H. Keisler. 2003. Body composition, leptin, and the leptin receptor and their relationship to the growth hormone (GH) axis in wethers treated with zeranol. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 24:243-255.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M. and L.D. Van Vleck. 2004. Age-of-dam adjustment factors for birth and weaning weight records of beef cattle: A review. Genet. Mol. Res. 3:1-17.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:78-81.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Rumph, J.M., K.C. Davis, and P.J. Burfening. 2004. Genetic trends for litter weight weaned per ewe lambing for two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for litter size. Accepted and to be presented at Midwest ASAS meetings, Des Moines, IA ? March 15-17, 2004 <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, and L.A. Narro. Feed intake, serum leptin, and puberty in Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:291-293.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, and L.A. Narro. 2003. Feed intake, serum leptin, and puberty in Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):236-237.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E. and R. M. Enns. Report to the North American Limousin Foundation: Results of Analysis for Carcass EPD. Technical Report to the North American Limousin Foundation. 7 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E. and R. M. Enns. Report to the North American Limousin Foundation. Carcass analysis prototype results. 5 Pgs.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E. and R.M. Enns. 2004 Braford Sire Summary. Colorado State University Center for Genetic Evaluation of Livestock.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E., D. J. Garrick and R. M. Enns. Report to the Red Angus Association of America: Results of Prototype Development for Mature Cow Maintenance Energy EPD and Accuracy. 14 pgs.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E., R. M. Enns, D. J. Garrick, C. S. Welsh, and B. L. Golden. 2003. Current approaches to performing large scale beef cattle genetic evaluations, Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 7 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Speidel, S.E., R. M. Enns, D. J. Garrick, C. S. Welsh, and B. L. Golden. 2003. Current approaches to performing large scale beef cattle genetic evaluations, Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 7 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Thallman, R.M., D.W. Moser, E.W. Dressler, L.R. Totir, R.L. Fernando, S.D. Kachman, J.M. Rumph, M.E. Dikeman, and E.J. Pollak. 2004. Carcass Merit Project: DNA Marker Validation. Proceedings, Beef Improvement Federation 36th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting. Sioux Falls, SD.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G. 2003.Review of research on Brangus equals superior environmental compatibility, competitive growth and carcass characteristics, and very tender beef. Commercial Brangus Edition 10(1):12 and 24.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G. and L.N. Burcham. 2003. Chihuahuan Desert Brangus make news. How did maintaining body condition turn into new super desert cows. Commercial Brangus Edition 10(2):9, 22, 23, 24, 26.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsivenesss to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Plant and Anim. Genome XII, 229.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsiveness to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Int. Plant Anim. Genome XII:229.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Tseveenjav, B., H.D. Blackburn, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Heritability estimates for semen characteristics of inbred and non-inbred Hereford bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 81:318. Supplement 1.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Valle, E., F. A. Habermann, S. S. Moore, D. H. Crews, Jr. and B. F. Benkel. Genomic localization and SNP discovery in the bovine melanocortin receptor 4 gene (MC4R). Animal Genetics. Accepted..<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Valle, E., F. A. Habermann, S. S. Moore, D. H. Crews, Jr. and B. F. Benkel. Genomic localization and SNP discovery in the bovine melanocortin receptor 4 gene (MC4R). Animal Genetics. Accepted..<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Valle, E., S. S. Moore, Crews, D. H., Jr., and B. F. Benkel. The bovine <br /> <br>cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) locus: gene characterization and SNP discovery. Animal Genetics. Submitted.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Valle, E., S. S. Moore, Crews, D. H., Jr., and B. F. Benkel. The bovine cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) locus: gene characterization and SNP discovery. Animal Genetics. Submitted.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Walburger, A. M. and D. H. Crews, Jr. 2004. Improving market selection for fed beef cattle: The value of real-time ultrasound (RTU) and relations? data. Can. J. Ag. Econ. Accepted.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Walker, R.S., E. R. Downing, R. M. Enns, and D. D. Zalesky . Improving fertility in beef heifers with GnRH at timed AI using a modified Co-Synch plus CIDR protocol. 2003 Beef Program Report.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Buns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on endometrial sensitivity to oxytocin in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1)<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Buns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2003. Effect of fish meal supplementation on endometrial sensitivity to oxytocin in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. Vol 54. 4 pages.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Welsh, C.S., B.L. Golden, R.M. Enns, D.J. Garrick, and G.B. Nicoll. 2003. Influence of birth weight and birth rank on lamb survivability. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 68. Supplement 1.

Impact Statements

  1. Interactions and publications of WCC-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to collect fertility trait data and use of these data in genetic prediction.
  2. Interactions and publications of WCC-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to record genotype and evaluate the use of DNA polymorphisms in genetic prediction.
  3. WCC-1 members provide genetic evaluation services and expertise to numerous beef cattle breed associations throughout North America, calculating breeding values for more than 5 million cattle each year.
  4. WCC-1 members are active in development and promotion of genetic evaluations for economically relevant traits to be used for beef cattle selection decisions.
  5. WCC-1 members are a source of expertise regarding genetic technologies of the beef industry to our respective states and requesting breed associations.
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Date of Annual Report: 08/20/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/20/2005 - 06/21/2005
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2004 - 06/01/2005

Participants

" Burfening, Pete (pburfening@csrees.usda.gov) - USDA/CSREES, Washington, DC
" Crews, Denny (dcrews@agr.gc.ca) - AAFC-LRC, Lethbridge, AB
" Enns, R.Mark (mark.enns@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University
" Gaskins, Charles (gaskins@wsu.edu) - Washington State University
" Kress, Don (dkress@montana.edu) - Montana State University
" Rumph, Janice (janice@montana.edu) - Montana State University
" Thomas, Milt (milthoma@nmsu.edu) - New Mexico State University
" Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University
" Schafer, David (dschafer@ag.arizona.edu)  University of Arizona
" Gomez-Raya, Luis (lgomezraya@cabur.unr.edu)  University of Nevada, Reno
" Bailey, Derek (dwbailey@nmsu.edu)  New Mexico State University
" MacNeil, Michael (mike@larrl.ars.usda.gov)  USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT

Brief Summary of Minutes

Location of Meeting: Las Cruces, NM

Date of Meeting: June 20-21, 2005

Host: Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University

Chair: Andy Herring, Texas A&M University

Administrative Advisor: Don Kress, Montana State University

MINUTES

The Western Education/Extension and Research Activity Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WERA-1) convened in Las Cruces, New Mexico June 20-21, 2005. Twenty-four people were in attendance.

Bell Ranch/Commercial Ranch Project
Keith Long from the Bell Ranch gave an informative presentation about the Bell Ranch/Commercial Ranch project.

Station Reports
Station reports were presented by members in attendance.

NBCEC Update
John Pollak gave an update of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC). He discussed the efforts that NBCEC is making toward:

" Listing potential resource populations that are available for validation of gene tests
" Decision support tools, including the web based tool that is being developed at Colorado State University and the multibreed evaluation procedures being developed by Cornell
" Education activities including the upcoming Sire Evaluation Manual and efforts toward distance education

Graduate Education
Rumph and Enns had drafted a letter following last years meeting that went out to the department heads in the western region concerning distance education at the graduate level. No grants were submitted for this effort, but Rumph will be looking for grants that fit this effort over the next year. John Pollak would like the committee to keep NBCEC updated on their efforts because this is a goal of the NBCEC.

Kress Report
The WCC-1 committee is now WERA-1 which stands for Western Education/Extension and Research Activity. A new administrator is needed for the committee because Kress retired as associate dean March 31, 2005. As of the meeting, no new administrator had been named.
The current project is a 5-year project and expires September 30, 2007.

Kress reminded the group to provide Andy Herring with impact statements that can be included in the annual report.

Kress wanted to thank the group for their gift for his retirement. He also wanted to share with the younger members of the group that, in looking back, WCC-1 was a wonderful, productive, collaborative committee and he hoped that it would continue as such.

CSREES Report
Pete Burfening updated the group on CSREES issues.

Extension Members
One of the shortfalls of the current committee membership is the lack of an extension representation. Brent Buckley has been a participant in the meetings, but is not an official member. Benton Glaze (Idaho) was suggested as a potential member and has expressed interest in the group in the past. Rick Funston (Nebraska) was also mentioned as a potential member of the committee with an extension appointment. Herring will contact Glaze and Funston during the Western Section American Society of Animal Science (WSASAS) meeting to see if they are interested in becoming members and if so, will draft a formal invitation to their directors.

Publications/Symposia
Discussion concerning a new WERA-1 publication took place. Some ideas were a lab manual for use in undergraduate animal breeding courses and review publications for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

In following the model of the southern committees (S-1013) recent symposium, the committee discussed the possibility of holding symposia in conjunction with WSASAS meetings or the Beef Improvement Federation meetings. The advantage of WSASAS would be the possibility of peer reviewed symposia proceedings on the Journal of Animal Science (JAS) website. Thomas was going to check on the details necessary for having JAS electronic proceedings of the symposia. Gaskins, Thomas, and Rumph were appointed to the committee to further investigate the possibility of symposia and the most appropriate time/place to have them.

2006 Meeting
The location, host, and chairperson for the 2006 WERA-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows:

Location: Miles City, Montana (date to be determined)

Host: Mike MacNeil, USDA-ARS Miles City

Chair: Charley Gaskins, Washington State University

2007 Meeting
Hawaii is tentatively planned for the 2007 WERA-001 meeting with Brent Buckley, University of Hawaii serving as host.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Maintain and disseminate educational resources on the genetics of beef cattle including WCC-1 publications. The website is active and the current address is: http://www.nmsu.edu/~wcc1. Some arrangements have been made to possibly change the hosting of the website from New Mexico State to the University of Hawaii. The website contains most WERA-1 (previously WCC-1 and W-1) publications in pdf form for easy download. Additionally, numerous extension and service presentations are made by members of the group each year. The group is currently planning a symposium to highlight important research areas.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Conduct research to contribute to the understanding of genetic association among economically important traits and their indicators. A member of the committee organized a session at the Beef Improvement Federation on applications of multiple trait selection technology in the beef industry. A second member of the committee made an invited presentation at the Beef Meeting envisioning the future implementations of multiple trait section technologies. Current users of multiple trait selection technologies developed by members of the committee include: Circle A Angus Sire Alliance, American International Charolais Association, and Beefbooster Alberta Ltd (Canada). Related developmental efforts are underway for American Hereford Association, American Simmental Association, Agricultural Research Council , Animal Improvement Institute (South Africa), and Circle A Angus Sire Alliance. ABS Global Inc. has derived revenues in excess of $1.5 million from semen of Angus bulls identified as high value terminal sires. <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. The database is progressing and that a group of students at Colorado State are working on its development. <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. The annual WERA-1 meeting is the forum in which all of these are addressed.

Publications

A. Refereed Journal Articles<br /> <br /> Walburger, A.M. And D. H. Crews, Jr. 2004. Improving market selection for fed beef cattle: The value of real time ultrasound (RTU) and relations data. Can J. Ag. Econ. 51:1-16<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr., E. J. Pollak and R. L. Quaas. 2004. Evaluation of Simmental carcass EPD estimated using live and carcass data. J. Anim. Sci. 82:661-667<br /> <br /> Crews. D. H., Jr., N. H. Shannon, B.M.A. Genswein, R. E. Crews, C.M. Johnson, and B. A. Kendrick. 2004. Residual feed intake during postweaning growing versus finishing periods and carcass composition of been steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. Accepted.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. 2004. Genetic parameters among growth and carcass traits of Canadian Charolais cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 84:589-597.<br /> <br /> Valle. E., F. A. Habermann, S. S. Moore, D. H. Crews, Jr. and B.F. Benkel. 2004. Genomic localization and SNP discovery in the bovine melanocortin receptor 4 gene (MCR4). Anim. Genet. 35 (4) 351-352.<br /> <br /> Valle, E., D.H. Crews, Jr., and B.F. Benkel. 2005. The bovine cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) locus: gene characterization and SNP discovery. Anim. Genet. 36: 74-75.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. 2005. Genetics of efficient feed utilization and national cattle evaluation: A review. Genetics and Molecular Research 4 (2) 152-165. (www.funpecrp.com.br)<br /> <br /> Cleveland, M.A., H.D. Blackburn, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Changes in inbreeding of U.S. Herefords during the twentieth century. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 992-1001.<br /> <br /> MacLeay, J.M., J.D. Olson, R.M. Enns, C.M. Les, C.A. Toth, D.L. Wheeler, A.S. Turner. 2004. Dietary-Induced metabolic acidosis decreases bone mineral density in mature ovariectomized ewes. Calcif. Tissue Int. 75: 431-437.<br /> <br /> Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2± synthesis in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1832-1838. <br /> <br /> Ahola, J.K., D. S. Baker, P. D. Burns, R. G. Mortimer, R. M. Enns, J. C. Whittier, T. W. Geary, and T. E. Engle. 2004. Effect of copper, zinc, and manganese supplementation and source on reproduction, mineral status, and performance in grazing beef cattle over a two-year period. J. Anim. Sci. 82: 2375-2383.<br /> <br /> Miller, K.E., J.C. Whittier, R.K. Peel, R.M. Enns, J.E. Bruemmer, and W.J. Umberger. 2004. Case Study: Comparison of breeding and marketing systems for Red Angus cattle using an integrated computer-based spreadsheet. The Professional Animal Scientist 20: 429-436.<br /> <br /> Sanders, J.O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas.<br /> <br /> Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas.<br /> <br /> Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas.<br /> <br /> Henderson, D.A., M.G. Thomas, and Y. Da. 2005. Conference review: bovine genomics from academia to industry. Cattle and sheep workshop, International Plant and Animal Genomes Conference 2005. Comp. Funct. Genom. 6:174-180.<br /> <br /> Lopez, R., M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2005. Growth, reproduction, and metabolic hormone characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers of similar age and pen-fed managed. Accepted with revisions J. Anim. Sci. 10/25/2004. <br /> <br /> Kane, K.K., D.E. Hawkins, GD. Pulsipher, D.J. Denniston, C. R. Krehbiel, M.G. Thomas, M.K. Petersen, D.M. Hallford, M.D. Remmenga, A.J. Roberts, and D.H. Keisler. 2004. Effect of increasing levels of undegradable intake protein on metabolic and endocrine factors in estrous cycling beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 82:283-291.<br /> <br /> Flores, R., M.L. Looper, M.G. Thomas, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Influence of bovine somatotropin on characteristics of estrus and reproduction of Holstein cows during summer months. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:191-197.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. 2005. Invited synthesis paper: Identification and creation of optimal habitat conditions for livestock. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 58:109-118.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. and F.D. Provenza. 2005. Mechanisms determining herbivore distribution. In: H.T Prins and F. Van Langevelde (eds.), Large Herbivore Dynamics in Fragmented Landscapes. Frontis, Wageningen, Netherlands (in press).<br /> <br /> Haley, D.B., D.W. Bailey, J.M. Stookey. 2005. The effects of weaning calves in two stages on their behavior and growth rate. J. Anim. Sci. 83:2205-2214.<br /> <br /> VanWagoner, H.C., D.W. Bailey, D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, and K.C. Davis. 2005. Differences among beef sire breeds and relationships between terrain use and performance when daughters graze foothill rangelands as cows. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. (accepted 2/05).<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. 2004. Management strategies for optimal grazing distribution and use of arid rangelands. J. Anim. Sci. 82(E. Suppl.):E147-E153.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., M.R. Keil, and L.R. Rittenhouse. 2004. Research observation: Daily movement patterns of hill climbing and bottom dwelling cows. J. Range Manage. 57:20-28.<br /> <br /> Griffin, K. B., J. J. Michal, L. F. Fox, C.T. Gaskin sand Z Jiang. 2005. Fine mapping of the bovine chromosome 22q24 region that harbors the lactoferrin gene and a QTL linked marker for clinical mastitis. Animal Genetics (Accepted).<br /> <br /> Wu X-L, MacNeil MD, De S, Xiao QJ, Michal JJ, Gaskins CT, Reeves JJ, Busboom JR, Wright Jr, RW, Jiang Z. 2005. Evaluation of candidate gene effects for beef backfat via Bayesian model selection. Genetica. (Accepted).<br /> <br /> Zhihua Jiang, Xiao-Lin Wu, Matthew D. Garcia, Kirsten B. Griffin, Jennifer J. Michal, Troy L. Ott, Charley T. Gaskins, and Raymond W. Wright Jr. (2004) Comparative gene-based in silico analysis of transcriptomes in different bovine tissues/organs. Genome 47:1164-1172.<br /> <br /> <br /> B. Scientific Abstracts and Proceedings<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. 2004. Genetic correlations of growth with carcass traits from Charolais field data. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:74-77.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. Genetic evaluation of efficient feed utilization in beef cattle. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl.1): 119 (Abstr.)<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr., J. D. Nkrumah, J. Yu and S. S. Moore. 2004. Associations of single nucleotide polymorphism in the bovine leptin gene with feedlot and carcass characteristics of crossbred steers. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meet., Edmonton AB. P. 161.<br /> <br /> Li, C., E. Valle, B. Murdoch, D. H. Crews, Jr., S. S. Moore and B. F. Benkel. 2004. Evalustion of two genes affected by the mouse hg deletion as candidates for growth in exprimental commercial lines of beef cattle. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meet., Edmonton, AB. P. 98.<br /> <br /> McKay, S. D., M. Elisabete J. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. Hansen, C. Li, Y. Meng, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Wand, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2004. Towards a bovine chromosomal linkage disequilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meeti., Edmonton, AB. P. 101.<br /> <br /> McKay. S. D., M. E. Amaral. B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews. Jr., C. A. Gill, C. Hansen. C. Li, E. Marques, Y. Meng. B. Murdoch, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Wang, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womack and S. S. Moore. 2005. Towards a bovine chromosomal linkage diseuilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. 29th Conference of the International Society for Animal Genetics, Tokyo, Japan.<br /> <br /> McKay, S. D., M. E. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. A. Gill, C. Hansen. C. Li, E. Marques. Y. Meng. B. Murdoch, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Qang. J. L. Williams. J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2005. An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14: The foundation for a whole chromosomal linkage disequilibrium map. Proc. Can. Soc. Ani m. Sci. 2005 Ann. Meet., Cincinnati, OH.<br /> <br /> McKay, S. D., M. E. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. A. Gill. C. Hansen, C. Li, E. Marques, Y. Meng. B. Murdoch. B. G. D. Urguhard. Z. Wang, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2005. Towards a bovine choromosomal linkage disequilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. Plant, Animal And Microbe Genomes XIII Conference, San Diego, CA.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. G. E. Carstens, and P. A. Lancaster, 2005. Development of a multiple trait selection index for feedlot traits in beef cattle including feed efficiency. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:71-74.<br /> <br /> Lancaster. P. A., G. E. Carstens, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. A. Woods. 2005. Evalustion of feed efficiency traits in growing bulls and relationships with feeding behavior and ultrasound carcass estimates. Proc. West Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:461-464.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. 2005. Multiple Trait Selection for Maternal Productivity: The Hereford Maternal Productivity Index. Proc. Beef Improvement Federation 37th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting. In Press.<br /> <br /> Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Weaning weight heritability estimates in different environments. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:83-86.<br /> <br /> Brigham, B.W., R.M. Enns and D.J. Garric. 2005. Using additional phenotypic information in data poor analyses. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:105-108.<br /> <br /> Beckman, D., S.E. Speidel, B.W. Brigham, D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2005. Genetic parameter estimates for docility in Limousin cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:109-111.<br /> <br /> Brigham, B.W., D.J. Garrick, and R.M. Enns. 2004. Development of web-based cow-calf decision support software. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):391(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Cleveland, M.A. R.M. Enns, D.J. Garrick and H.D. Blackburn. 2004. Examining the genetic diversity of Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):451(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Maiwashe, A. D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Weighting of information when predicting breeding values using the standard or marker-based inverse of the numerator relationship matrix. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):243(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Olson, K.M., D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Predicting breeding values for feed intake from individual or pen-fed data. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):452(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Speidel, S.E., D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Genetic prediction for estimating mature cow maintenance energy requirements. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):450(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):379(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Thomas, M., M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsivenesss to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Plant and Anim. Genome XII, 229.<br /> <br /> Walker, R.S., R.M. Enns, T.W. Geary, N.W.Wamsley, E. R. Downing, R. G. Mortimer, B. A. LaShell, and D. D. Zalesky. 2004. Fertility in beef heifers synchronized using a modified Co-Synch plus CIDR protocol with or without GnRH at timed AI. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 117 (Abstr).<br /> <br /> Sprinkle, J.E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. B. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of a long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow and calf trace mineral profiles. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 132 (Abstr).<br /> <br /> Sprinkle, J.E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. B. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of a long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow productivity. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 132 (Abstr).<br /> <br /> Garrick, D.J. and R.M. Enns. 2004. Selecting for economically relevant traits. Proceedings of the Beef Seedstock Conference on Genetic Innovations for Breeding Programs held by the Iowa Beef Center in Ames Iowa, 2 December 2004.<br /> <br /> Amen, T.S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders and C. A. Gill. 2004. Investigation of birth weight in Bos indicus-Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1): 449(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Amen, T.S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders and C. A. Gill. 2004. Investigation of gestation length in Bos indicus-Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1): 449(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Sanders, J..O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Herring, A.D., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, M. A. Wegenhoft, and C. A. Gill. 2005. Segregation of disposition scores among families of Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:91-94.<br /> <br /> Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:70-73.<br /> <br /> Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):108.<br /> Davis, K.C., M.W. Tess, J.M. Rumph, R.P. Ansotegui, and H.C. VanWagoner. 2005. Reproduction traits and calf performance of first calf heifers sired by bulls with high marbling or high retail product EPD. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2<br /> <br /> Davis, K.C., M.W. Tess, J.M. Rumph, R.P. Ansotegui, and H.C. VanWagoner. 2005. Reproduction traits and calf performance of first calf heifers sired by bulls with high marbling or high retail product EPD. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:102-104.<br /> <br /> Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004 Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:67-69.<br /> <br /> Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004 Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):108.<br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:78-81.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):109.<br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Influence of incorrect estimates of inbreeding on the genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Characterization of the Montana Line 4 inbred Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Age-of-dam adjustment factors for scrotal circumference in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Influence of incorrect estimates of inbreeding on the genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:121-124.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Characterization of the Montana Line 4 inbred Hereford herd. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:116-120.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Age-of-dam adjustment factors for scrotal circumference in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:125-127.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, and R.W. Kott. 2005. Estimation of genetic parameters for body weight in Rambouillet and Targhee lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 1.<br /> <br /> Beck, R., R. McNeely, M. Thomas, and C. Bailey. 2004. Seasonal and yearlong grazing in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert: Impacts on forage and cow-calf production. N.M. Ag. Exp. Stat. Res. Rep. (in press).<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D.J. Garrick, M.G. Thomas, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Sire and dam effects on distribution patterns of cows grazing mountainous rangeland. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56: (in press)<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. 2004. Integrating management practices to improve uniformity and sustainability of grazing, Proc., 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands, Nashville, TN, p 628-636.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:75-78.<br /> <br /> Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, L.J. Slay, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow productivity. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. West. Sec. 54:362-366.<br /> <br /> Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, L.J. Slay, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow and calf trace mineral profiles. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. West. Sec. 54:357-361.<br /> <br /> Marsh, S.E., B.J. Orr, W.J.D. van Leeuwen, C.F. Hutchinson, A-M White, W. Grunberg, L. Baker, G. Casady, Y. Yang, C. Kuo, E. vander Leeuw, D. Tuttle, A. Thwaits, B.S. Hutchinson, L.D. Howery, M. Pepper, G.B. Ruyle, P.R. Krausman, J. Cain, D. Schafer, K. Jain, and C. Baker. 2004. Final report: Synergy IV: Extending and operationalizing rangeview for natural resource management. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R. and M.G. Thomas. 2005. Associative relationships of GH gene polymorphisms to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. NMSU  Grad. Arts and Res. Symp. 31.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):(in press).<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.L. Shirley, and D.E. Franke. 2005. Variance of growth and carcass measures in Bos indicus steers appears to be attributed to sire rather than polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) gene or its transcriptional regulators. Int. Plant Anim. Genome XIII:205.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):379.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., and K.L. Shirley. 2004. Mechanisms regulating feed intake: role of appetite-regulating peptides. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):118.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. 2004. Residual feed intake and serum concentrations of insulin in developing Brangus heifers from sires with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):62.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsiveness to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Int. Plant Anim. Genome XII:229.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. 2005. Using nutritional supplementation to improve grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D. Jensen, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Effects of low-moisture blocks and liquid molasses supplement on cattle grazing patterns. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX.<br /> <br /> DelCurto, T. and D.W. Bailey. 2005. Effects of season of use and herding to improve grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. 2004. Management of cattle distribution patterns through strategic supplement placement and herding to protect riparian areas and increase uniformity of grazing on rugged rangeland. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., D. Jensen, and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Effects of self-fed and hand-fed protein supplements on cattle grazing patterns: low-moisture blocks vs. range cake. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., D. Jensen, and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Effects of self-fed and hand-fed protein supplements on cattle grazing patterns: low-moisture blocks vs. range cake. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., K. Long, and B. Long. 2004. Evaluation of low-moisture blocks and pressed blocks for manipulating cattle grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W. and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Can we improve livestock grazing distribution through selection? Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.<br /> <br /> De, M. D. MacNeil, X. L. Wu, J. J. Michal, Q. Xiao, M. D. Garcia, K. B. Griffin, C. T. Gaskins, J. J. Reeves, J. R. Busboom, R. W. Wright Jr. and Z. Jiang. 2004. Detection Of Quantitative Trait Loci For Marbling And Backfat In Wagyu X Limousin F2 Crosses Using A Candidate Gene Approach. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):55 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> C. Electronic publications<br /> <br /> Walker, R.S., E.R. Downing, R.M. Enns, and D.D. Zalesky. 2004. Improving fertility in beef heifers with GnRH at timed AI using a modified Co-Synch plus CIDR protocol. 2004 Beef Program Report. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University<br /> <br /> Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2004. Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2 synthesis in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. 2004 Beef Program Report. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University<br /> <br /> <br /> D. Extension Presentations and Publications:<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G. New Advances in Genetic Tracking. New Mexico Joint Stockmens Convention, Cattlemens College, Albuquerque, NM. 2004.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G. Beef Industry Overview: become aware of new technologies that will affect our business. Presentation to the Board of Directors of the International Brangus Breeders Association, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, 2004. Also served as Chair of the Breed Improvement Committee 2004 to 2005.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G. Understanding the Current Status of Genetic Markers. Presentation to the Breed Improvement Committee of the International Brangus Breeders Association, Houston, TX , 2004.<br /> <br /> Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D.J. Garrick, M.G. Thomas, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Sire and dam effects on distribution patterns of cows grazing mountainous rangeland. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.94.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.84.<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.L. Shirley, and D.E. Franke. 2005. Variance of growth and carcass measures in Bos indicus steers appears to be attributed to sire rather than polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) gene or its transcriptional regulators. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.85.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., and M.G. Thomas. 2004. Case study in Brangus heifers suggests important consideration of the trait of residual feed intake (RFI). Commercial Brangus Edition 11:12-13.<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, and G.A. Silver. 2004. Early weaning and cow/calf performance: Recent observations in desert Brangus. Commercial Brangus Edition 11:15-17.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to be differentially influence pituitary responsiveness to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.78.<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, and G.A. Silver. 2004. Early weaning and cow/calf performance: Recent observations in desert Brangus. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.79.<br /> <br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. 2004. Evaluation of residual feed intake (RFI) and concentrations of metabolic hormones in developing heifers from sires with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference in a Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.80.<br /> <br /> Burcham, L.N. and M.G. Thomas. 2004. Selection for maternal performance in the New Mexico State University Purebred Angus herd yielded steer progeny with profitable feedlot performance. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p. 81.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls selected for semi-arid climates. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.82.<br /> <br /> Herring, A. D. Heifer development and cow culling criteria. Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Rosenberg, Texas, September 25, 2004.<br /> <br /> Herring, A. D. Use of ultrasound data for genetic improvement of carcass traits. American Brahman Breeders Association International Field Day. Santa Elena Ranch, Madisonville, Texas, October 15, 2004.<br /> <br /> Herring, A.D. Development of EPDs for Beefmaster cattle. Beefmaster Breeders United Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas October 23, 2004.<br /> <br /> Field, T., and A. D. Herring. Use of heterosis and structured crossbreeding systems. Cattlemans College, National Cattlemens Beef Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, February 2, 2005.<br /> <br /> Herring, A.D. Transition of beef industry to efficiency traits. International Brangus Breeders Association annual meeting, Houston, March 3, 2005.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

  1. 1. Interactions and publications of WERA-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to collect fertility trait data and use of these data in genetic prediction.
  2. 2. Interactions and publications of WERA-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to record genotypes and evaluate the use of DNA polymorphisms in genetic predictions and breeding decisions.
  3. 3. WERA-1 members provide genetic evaluation services and expertise to numerous beef cattle breed associations throughout North America, calculating breeding values for more than 5 million cattle each year.
  4. 4. WERA-1 members are active in development and promotion of genetic evaluations for economically relevant traits to be used for beef cattle selection decisions.
  5. 5. WERA-1 members are a source of expertise regarding genetic technologies of the beef industry to our respective states industry groups and producers as well as requesting breed associations.
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Date of Annual Report: 09/27/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/19/2006 - 06/20/2006
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2005 - 06/01/2006

Participants

Dr. Mark Enns, Colorado State University; Dr. C.T. Gaskins, Washington State Univ.; Dr. Janice Rumph, Montana State Univ.; Dr. Denny Crews, Agriculture Canada; Dr. Benton Glaze, University of Idaho; Dr. Luis Gomez-Raya, University of Nevada. Others attending included: Dr. Konni Shirley, Jamie Williams, Devri Beckman, Brian Brigham and Scott Speidel of Colorado State Univ. and Kelsey Rolfe of Montana State Univ.

Brief Summary of Minutes

On Monday the committee toured Deseret Land & Livestock at Woodruff, UT. Mr. James Sewell gave the committee an excellent tour of the ranch and educated us on how a very large commercial cattle and wildlife operation works. On Tuesday the committee had station reports. In addition to those listed as present, Dr. Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University and on a mini-sabbatical at the University of California, Davis gave his station report via telephone. There was much informative discussion of all of the station reports, which took a good part of the day.
The project is due for renewal in September of 2007 and there was discussion about future objectives. Assignments will be made to committee members to develop objectives for the new petition.
A business meeting was held late in the afternoon of June 20 and Dr. Mark Enns was named the chair for the coming year. The group is planning to meet in Hawaii in May or June of next year. Dr. Brent Buckley will be the host for the meeting. No administrative advisors were able to attend the meeting.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Maintain and disseminate educational resources on the genetics of beef cattle including WCC-1 publications. The committee maintains a website, which was constructed when the committee was titled WCC-1. The website is active and currently exist on a server in the Department of Animal Science at New Mexico State University. The current address is: http://www.nmsu.edu/~wcc1 . The website contains most WERA-1 (previously WCC-1 and W-1) publications in pdf form for easy download. In 2005, the committee planned to move the website to the University of Hawaii When the committee meets in Hawaii in 2007 the move of the website will be finalized. Additionally, members of the group make numerous extension and service presentations each year. The titles of these are listed in the publication section of the annual report. The committee is planning a symposium or a review publication to highlight important research areas influencing beef production in the western United States. The publication will be in a similar format to the publication produced by the S277 committee (http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/livestock/beef_cattle/breeding_genetics/tropical+breeds.htm .<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Conduct research to contribute to the understanding of genetic association among economically important traits and their indicators. A member of the committee organized a session at the Beef Improvement Federation meeting on cow herd efficiency. A second member of the committee has made invited presentations at the Beef Improvement Federation meeting regarding multiple trait maternal line beef cow indexes and feed efficiency in beef cattle. A third member of the committee made an invited presentation at the Beef Improvement Federation meeting regarding multiple terminal line sire indexes in beef cattle. Current users of multiple trait selection technologies developed by members of the committee include: Circle A Angus Sire Alliance, American International Charolais Association, and Beefbooster Alberta Ltd (Canada), American Hereford Association, American Simmental Association, Agricultural Research Council , and Animal Improvement Institute (South Africa). ABS Global Inc. has derived revenues in excess of $1.5 million from semen of Angus bulls identified as high value terminal sires.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. Given the rapid advancements in knowledge of the bovine genome, we continue to maintain records on pedigreed populations within individual participants institutions. At the annual meeting we share information on these populations to encourage further cooperation on basic DNA analysis and application in the genetic evaluation of beef cattle.<br /> <br /> Objective 4: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. The annual WERA-1 meeting is the forum in which all of these are addressed. <br />

Publications

Ahola, J., Enns, R.M., T. Holt. 2006. Exploring new methods to predict pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) score in yearling beef cattle. JAS. 84:1259-1264.<br /> Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, J.O. Sanders, and C.A. Gill. 2006. Evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus x Bos taurus backcross calves produced through embryo transfer: I. Birth and weaning traits. J. Anim. Sci. Volume 84 (Accepted). <br /> Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, J.O. Sanders, and C.A. Gill. 2006. Evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus x Bos taurus backcross calves produced through embryo transfer: II. Post weaning, carcass and meat traits. J. Anim. Sci. Volume 84 (Accepted).<br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, D.E. Franke, and G.A. Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Genet. Mol. Res. 5 (2): (Manuscript 207, in press). <br /> Beckman, D. W. 2006.Genetic Parameter Estimates for Docility in Limousin Cattle. M.S. Thesis. Colorado State University, Fort Collins.<br /> Beckman, D., S. Speidel, B. Brigham, D. Garrick, and R. Enns. 2005. Genetic parameter estimates for docility in Limousin cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 2): 115.<br /> Beckman, D.W., S.E. Speidel, B.W. Brigham, D.J. Garrick, and R.M. Enns. 2006. Heritability Estimates and Genetic Correlations for Stayability and Body Condition Score in Beef Females. An. Sci. Department Research Report.<br /> Beckman, D.W., S.E. Speidel, B.W. Brigham, D.J. Garrick, and R.M. Enns. 2006. Genetic parameters for Stayability and Body Condition Score in Beef Females. Proc West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 57:93-95.<br /> Bergen, R. D., S. P. Miller, J. W. Wilton, D. H. Crews, Jr., and I. B. Mandell. 2006. Genetic correlations between live yearling bull and steer carcass traits adjusted to different harvest end points. J. Anim. Sci. 84:546-577.<br /> Brigham, B.W., S.E. Speidel, D. W. Beckman, D. J. Garrick, W. Vanderwert, S. Willmon, and R. M. Enns. 2006. Parameter estimates and breeding values for days to a constant fat endpoint. Proc West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 57:79-81.<br /> Brito, L. F. C., A. D. Barth, N. C. Rawlings, R. E. Wilde, D. H. Crews, Jr., P. S. Mir, and J. P. Kastelic. Effect of feed supplmentation during calfhood on serum concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins and testosterone, and on sexual development, sperm production, and semen quality in bulls. Theriogenology. Submitted.<br /> Brito, L. F. C., A. D. Barth, N. C. Rawlings, R. E. Wilde, D. H. Crews, Jr., P. S. Mir, and J. P. Kastelic. Effect of nutrition during calfhood and peripubertal period on serum concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins and testosterone, and on sexual development in bulls. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. In Press.<br /> Brito, L. F. C., A. D. Barth, N. C. Rawlings, R. E. Wilde, D. H. Crews, Jr., P. S. Mir, and J. P. Kastelic. Circulating metabolic hormones during the peripubertal period and their association with sexual development, sperm production, and semen quality in bulls. Reproduction. Submitted.<br /> Brown, E. G., G. E. Carstens, J. T. Fox, S. A. Woods, D. T. Dean, A. D. Herring, S. Moore, and P. C. Genho. 2005. Relationships between feed efficiency and real-time ultrasound traits in growing and finishing steers. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):325(Abstr.).<br /> Burns, E.M., R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2006. The effect of simulated censored data on estimates of heritability of longevity in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Genet. Mol. Res. 5(1): 7-15. <br /> Cleveland, M.A., H.D. Blackburn, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Changes in inbreeding of U.S. Herefords during the twentieth century. J. Anim. Sci. 992-1001.<br /> Coppola, C.L., R.M. Enns, and T. Grandin. 2006. Noise in the animal shelter environment: building design and the effects of daily noise exposure. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 9(1):1-7.<br /> Coppola, C.L., T. Grandin, and R.M. Enns. 2006. Human interaction and cortisol: Can human contact reduce stress for shelter dogs. Physiology and Behavior. 87(3):537-541.<br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. 2006. Age of dam and sex of calf adjustments and genetic parameters for gestation length in Charolais. J. Anim. Sci. 84:25-31.<br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. 2006. The Genetics of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. Proc. 38th Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting. Choctaw, MS. pp. 22-31.<br /> Crews, D. H., Jr., R. M. Enns, J. M. Rumph, E. J. Pollak, and R. L. Quaas. 2006. Genetic correlations of component carcass traits with retail product percentage in Simmental cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57. In Press.<br /> Crews, D.H., Jr., R. M. Enns, J.M. Rumph, E. J. Pollak, and R. L. Quaas. 2006. Genetic correlations of component carcass traits with retail product percentage in Simmental cattle. Proc West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 57:75-78.<br /> Crews, D.H., R.M. Enns, J.M. Rumph, E.J. Pollak, and R.L. Quaas. 2006. Genetic correlations of component carcass traits with retail product percentage in Simmental cattle. Accepted and to be presented June 2006 at Western Section American Society of Animal Science meetings in Logan, Utah.<br /> Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil and J. C. Patton. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and relationships with wild caribou (R. t. granti, R. t. groenlandicus, R. t. caribou). J. Heredity (accepted 6/15/2006) 2006.<br /> Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil, and J. C. Patton. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Northern Alaska and Canada. J. Mammalogy 86:495-505. 2005.<br /> Cunningham, S. F., K. L. Key, A. E. Ducoing, J. O. Sanders, A. D. Herring and D. K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive and maternal performance and cow longevity. Beef Cattle Research in Texas.<br /> D.A. Henderson, M.G. Thomas, and Y. Da. 2005. Conference review: bovine genomics from academia to industry. Cattle and sheep workshop, International Plant and Animal Genome Conference 2005. Comp. Funct. Genom. 6:174-180.<br /> Dean, D. T., A. D. Herring, J. E. Sawyer, and D. S. Hale. 2006. Use of ultrasound in combination with calf background information to predict beef carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. Southern Section Abtracts:39.<br /> Dorton, K., T. Engl., and R.M. Enns. 2005. Effects of trace mineral source and growth implants on trace mineral status and immune response of steers. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci.. 88(Suppl. 1):55.<br /> Dorton, K.L., T.E. Engle, R.M. Enns. 2006. Effects of trace mineral supplementation on source, 30 days post-weaning and 28 days postreceiving, on performance and health of feeder cattle. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. vol 19.<br /> Enns, R.M. 2005. Using EPD to improve profitability (slides). The Bovine Connection. Sydney, MT.<br /> Enns, R.M. 2006. Selection Decisions: Tools for economic improvement beyond EPD. The NBCEC Sire Selection Manual.<br /> Enns, R.M. 2006. The Role of economically relevant and indicator traits. The NBCEC Sire Selection Manual.<br /> Enns, R.M. and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Using new selection tools. Proc. The Range Beef Cow Symposium XIX. Rapid City. Pp: 63-67.<br /> Enns, R.M., D.J. Garrick, and B.W. Brigham. 2005. Variability in economic value is dependent upon herd average stayability. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 2): 115.<br /> Enns, R.M., D.J. Garrick, and B.W. Brigham. Economic values of heifer pregnancy and stayability vary with average herd performance. Proc. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (peer reviewed) Paper: 31-03.<br /> Ervin, R. T., L. Patterson, and A. D. Herring. 2006. Packer versus feeder cattle live animal value based on phenotypic characteristics. Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. 69:67-73.<br /> Geary, T. W., A. J. Roberts, R. C. Waterman, M. D. MacNeil, E. E. Grings, R. P. Ansotegui, B. D. Thompson, and R. J. Lipsey. Does Flunixin Meglumine Improve Pregnancy Establishment in Beef Cattle? In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 20-21. 2005.<br /> Geary, T. W., E. E. Grings, M. D. MacNeil, D. M. de Avila, and J. J. Reeves. Use of recombinant gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antigens for immunosterilization of beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84:343:350. 2006.<br /> Geary, T. W., M. D. MacNeil, and R. P. Ansotegui. Effects of transportation stress, handling stress, and flunixin meglumine approximately 13 d after AI on pregnancy establishment. Proc. 7th Int. Symp. Repro. Dom. Ruminants. (accepted) 4/6/2006.<br /> Geary, T. W., R. P. Ansotegui, A. J. Roberts, R. C. Waterman, M. D. MacNeil, E. E. Grings, B. D. Thompson, and R. J. Lipsey. Effects of Flunixin Meglumine on pregnancy establishment in beef cattle. Proc. Western Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:309-311. 2005.<br /> Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405:83-88.<br /> Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):27(Abstr.).<br /> Gill, C. A., and A. D. Herring. 2005. Genetic Selection, Genetic Markers and Genomics. Presented at Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Kollege of Knowledge, May 13, 2005.<br /> Gomez-Raya L. 2004. Strategies for Marker Assisted Selection in Cattle. Proceeding of the Satellite symposium at the ISAG meeting in Tokyo (Japan). Invited Speaker. <br /> Gomez-Raya L. 2006. Inferring unknown sires genotype at co-dominant DNA markers in half-sib families. (In preparation).<br /> Gomez-Raya L., M. Okomo, K.Osborne, C. Beattie, W. M. Rauw. 2006 (In preparation). Modeling inheritance of human diseases in model animals: malignant melanoma in Sinclair Swine.<br /> Gomez-Raya L., W. M. Rauw, C. Beattie, Y. Da, D. Smith, O. Ash, and M.S. Amoss. 2006. A selection experiment in sinclair swine supports that a tumor initiator locus is involved in melanoma susceptibility (manuscript to be submitted). <br /> Gomez-Raya L., W.M. Rauw. QTL mapping strategies for adaptability of beef cattle to rangelands. 2006. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. <br /> Grings, E. E., R. E. Short, K. D. Klement, T. W. Geary, M. D. MacNeil, M. R. Haferkamp, and R. K. Heitschmidt. Calving system and weaning age effects on cow and preweaning calf performance in the Northern Great Plains. J. Anim Sci. 83: 2671-2683. 2005.<br /> Groschke, D. W., A. D. Herring, J. E. Sawyer, and J. C. Paschal. 2006. Evaluation of feeder calf grade, background information and health status on feedlot weight gain and carcass traits of calves fed in South Texas. J. Anim. Sci. Southern Section Abtracts:38<br /> Herring, A. D., D. T. Dean, J. E. Sawyer, D. S. Hale. 2006. Use of calf information to predict carcass traits. Beef Cattle Research in Texas.<br /> Herring, A. D., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, M. A. Wegenhoft, and C. A. Gill. 2005. Segregation of disposition scores among families of Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):114(Abstr.)<br /> Herring, A. D., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, M. A. Wegenhoft, and C. A. Gill. 2005. Segregation of disposition scores among families of Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:91-94.<br /> Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405:198-204.<br /> Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):30(Abstr.).<br /> Herring, Andy D. 2006. Gene Combinations Affecting Performance. Brahman Journal, May Issue.<br /> Herring, Andy D. 2006. Genetic Basis of Performance: Gene Content. Brahman Journal, April Issue.<br /> Herring, Andy D. 2006. Research involving Bos indicus cattle. Brahman Journal, March Issue.<br /> Herring, Andy D. 2006. Types of information to consider in purchasing beef bulls. Southern Livestock Standard 2005-2006 Special Edition. Volume XVII, No. 1. Southern Livestock Publishing, Inc., San Antonio.<br /> J. J. Michal, C. T. Gaskins and Z. Jiang. 2006. The bovine fatty acid binding protein 4 gene is significantly associated with marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in Wagyu x Limousin F2 crosses. Anim. Genet. 37:400-402.<br /> K.L. Shirley, M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. Case study: A Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program: feed efficiency, metabolic hormones, and puberty in developing Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differing EPD for growth and scrotal circumference. In press: Prof. Anim. Sci. Feb; 2006.<br /> Kealey, C. G., M. D. MacNeil, M. W. Tess, T. W. Geary and R. A. Bellows. Genetic parameters for scrotal circumference and semen characteristics of Line 1 Hereford bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 84:283-290. 2006.<br /> Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, and J.M. Rumph. 2006. Genetic parameters for mature weight and lifetime litter weight weaned in Rambouillet and Targhee ewes. Accepted and to be presented June 2006 at Western Section American Society of Animal Science meetings in Logan, Utah.<br /> Lancaster, P.A., G. E. Carstens, E. G. Brown, R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr, T. D. A. Forbes, D. T. Dean, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Relationships between residual feed intake, ultrasound, and temperament traits in Brangus heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):325(Abstr.).<br /> Li, C., J. D. Nkrumah, R. Bartusiak, A. Fu, B. M. Murdoch, E. L. Sherman, S. D. McKay, Z. Wang, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. S. Moore. A genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci affecting ultrasound and carcass backfat thickness in beef cattle. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. In Press.<br /> M. D. Garcia, J. J. Michal, C. T. Gaskins, J. J. Reeves, T. L. Ott,, Y. Liu and Z. Jiang. 2006. Significant association of the calpastatin gene with fertility and longevity in dairy cattle. Anim. Genet. 37:293-307.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. and E. Matjuda. Breeding objectives for Angus and Charolais specialized sire lines for use in the emerging sector of South African beef production (submitted to South African J. Anim. Sci.)<br /> MacNeil, M. D. and T. B. Mott. Genetic analysis of gain from birth to weaning, milk production and udder conformation in Line 1 Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1639-1645. 2006. <br /> MacNeil, M. D. and W. O. Herring. Economic evaluation of genetic differences among Angus bulls. Proc. Western Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:87-90. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. Breeding objectives for Angus cattle in South Africa and the United States. Proc. 9th World Angus Forum Tech. Mtg. Mar. 19, 2005 Cape Town, South Africa. Pages 17-23. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. Breeding objectives for Hereford cattle: Helping Hereford seedstock breeders improve profit for their commercial customers. Hereford World 95(8):10. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. Breeding objectives for terminal sires for use in U.S. beef production systems. Proc. Beef Improvement Fed. July 6-9, 2005, Billings, MT. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. Economic Evaluation of Terminal Sires for Use in Commercial Beef Production In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 7-9. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D. Genetic Evaluation of the Ratio of Calf Weaning Weight to Cow Weight In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 9-11. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships among breeds of beef cattle in the United States that originated from the British Isles, Iberian Peninsula, or West-Central Europe. Proc. 8th World Cong. Genet. Appl. Livestk. Prod. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 2006.<br /> MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, J. Kantanen and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships between feral cattle from Chirikof Island, Alaska and other breeds. (submitted to Anim. Genet.)<br /> MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, A. J. Roberts and L. J. Alexander. Genetic partitioning of variation in ovulatory follicle size and probability of pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1646-1650. 2006.<br /> MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, Z. Jiang, D. H. Keisler, A. J. Roberts, L. J. Alexander, and E. E. Grings. Toward Understanding Variation in Fatness of Beef Cattle. In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 6-7. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M. D., V. R. Leesburg, and T. B. Mott. Validating the breeding value for maternal preweaning gain in beef cattle with measured milk production. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted 1/9/2006) 2006.<br /> MacNeil, M.D. and M.A. Cronin. Mathematical models: population dynamics. In: Encyclopedia of Animal Science. Marcel Dekker, Inc. p. 609-311. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M.D. and R.K. Heitschmidt. Beef cattle management: extensive. In: Encyclopedia of Animal Science. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, New York p. 65-67. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M.D. Beef cattle management: crossbreeding. In: Encyclopedia of Animal Science. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, New York p. 61-64. 2005.<br /> MacNeil, M.D. Mathematical models: production systems. In: Encyclopedia of Animal Science. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, New York p. 612-614. 2005.<br /> MacNeil. M. D. Genetic evaluation of the ratio of calf weaning weight to cow weight. J. Anim. Sci. 83:794-802. 2005. <br /> Moore, S. S., D. H. Crews, Jr., and J. D. Nkrumah. 2006. Multiple and candidate gene approaches to genetic evaluation of feed efficiency in beef cattle. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. In Press.<br /> Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, A. J. Roberts, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. Relationship between size of ovulatory follicale and pregnancy success in beef heifers. (submitted to J. Anim. Sci.)<br /> Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, M. C. Lucy, J. A. Green, T. E. Parks, M. D. MacNeil, A. J. Roberts, and T. W. Geary. Relationship between follicle size at insemination and pregnancy success. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 102:5268-5273. 2005.<br /> R. Lopez, M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, G.A. Silver, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2006. Case study: metabolic hormone profiles and evaluation of associations of metabolic hormones with body fat and reproductive characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:273-282. <br /> R.M. Enns. 2005. Decision Support Beyond Selection Indexes. Journal of the International Brangus Breeders Association.<br /> Rauw W. M., H.A. Glimp, W. Jesko, M. Sandstrom, M. Okomo- Adhiambo, B. Perryman, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. New insights into grazing efficiency in range animals: examples from rafter 7 merino sheep. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil.<br /> Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. Feeding time and feeding rate and its relationship with feed intake, feed efficiency, growth rate and rate of fat deposition in growing Duroc barrows". Journal of Animal Science (in press).<br /> Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. The relationship between residual feed intake and feed intake behavior in group housed Duroc barrows. Journal of Animal Science 84: 956-962..<br /> Rhoades, R. D., J. E. Sawyer, A. D. Herring, D. T. Dean, D. K. Lunt, and D. G. Riley. 2006. Efficacy of growth based predictions of carcass fat thickness and marbling at harvest using ultrasound measurements. Beef Cattle Research in Texas.<br /> Roberts, A. J., S. I. Paisley, T. W. Geary, E. E. Grings, and M. D. MacNeil. Associations of Growth and Carcass Traits with Attainment of Puberty in Heifers Fed at Two Levels. In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 25-27. 2005.<br /> Roberts, A. J., S. I. Paisley, T. W. Geary, E. E. Grings, and M. D. MacNeil. Associations of growth and carcass traits with attainment of puberty in heifers fed at two levels. Proc. Western Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:333-335. 2005.<br /> Rumph, J.M. 2006. Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). Beef Sire Selection Manual, National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. <br /> Rumph, J.M. 2006. Intrepretation and Utilization of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). Beef Sire Selection Manual, National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. <br /> Rumph, J.M., and R.E. Williams. 2006. Analysis of scrotal circumference adjusted for age or weight in Charolais field data. Accepted and to be presented June 2006 at Western Section American Society of Animal Science meetings in Logan, Utah.<br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2006. Genetic parameters for calf vigor in the Montana Line 4 inbred Hereford herd. Accepted and to be presented July 2006 at National American Society of Animal Science meetings in Minneapolis, Minnesota.<br /> Rumph, J.M., ed. 2005. Proceedings for the 37th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting of the Beef Improvement Federation. Billings, Montana.<br /> Sanders, J..O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):28(Abstr.).<br /> Sanders, J.O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405:126-130.<br /> Sawyer, J. E., A. D. Herring, D. K. Lunt, D. T. Dean, R. D. Rhoades, and D. G. Riley. 2006. Growing Program, breed, and gender influence ultrasound-based prediction accuracy for carcass marbling and fat thickness in crossbred beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Southern Section Abtracts:39.<br /> Shafer, W.R., R.M. Enns, B.B. Baker, L.W. Van Tassell, B.L. Golden, W.M. Snelling, C.H. Mallinckrodt, K.J. Anderson, C.R. Comstock, J.S. brinks, D.E. Johnson, J.D. Hanson, and R.M. Bourdon. 2005. Bio-economic simulation of beef cattle production: The Colorado Beef Cattle Production Model. Agri. Exp. Station Bulletin. TB05-02. 102 pages (peer reviewed)<br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. 2006. Case Study: A Chihuahuan desert Brangus breeding program: Feed efficiency, metabolic hormones, and puberty in heifers sires by bulls with differing expected progeny differences for growth and scrotal circumference. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:48-58<br /> Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and translated product of the IGF-I gene. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 2): 113<br /> Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Weaning weight heritability estimates in different environments. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 2): 114.<br /> Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, D.J. Garrick. 2006. Insignificant Re-Ranking of Sires for Weaning Weight in Above- and Below- Average Environments. Proc West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 57:82-85.<br /> Sprinkle, J., P. Cuneo, H. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D. Schafer, G. Carstens, S. Daugherty, T. Noon, B. Rickert, C. Reggiardo. Effects of a long acting trace mineral reticulo-rumen bolus upon range cow productivity and trace mineral profiles. JAS. 84:1439-1453.<br /> Thomas, M.G. 2006. Update of advances in genetic markers for fertility. Large Herd Managers Symposium. Sponsored by NBCEC, December, 2005. <br /> Thomas, M.G. 2006. Genetic markers for carcass traits. New Mexico Cattle Growers Short Course, Clovis, NM, March 2006. <br /> Thomas, M.G. 2006. DNA polymorphisms and metabolic hormones; what have we learned from Bos indicusinfluenced cattle. Louisiana State University Department of Animal Science Seminar, 2005. <br /> Varona L., L. Gomez-Raya, W.M. Rauw and J.L. Noguera, 2005. A simulation study on the detection of causal mutations from F2 experiments. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 122:30-36.<br /> Varona L., L. Gomez-Raya, W.M. Rauw, C. Ovilo, A. Clop and J.L. Noguera, 2005. The value of prior information for detection of QTL affecting longitudinal traits: an example using Von Bertallanffy growth function. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 122:37-48<br /> Walker, R.S., R.M. Enns, T.W. Geary, R.G. Mortimer, B.A. Lashell, and D.D. Zalesky. 2005. Evaluation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone at fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers synchronized using a modified CO-synch plus controlled internal devise release protocol. ARPAS 21: 449-454.<br /> Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle., and R.M. Enns. 2005. Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2± synthesis in beef heifers with low luteal-phase progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1832-1838.<br /> Wang, Z., J. D. Nkrumah, C. Li, J. A. Basarab, L. A. Goonewardene, E. K. Okine, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. S. Moore. Test duration for growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency in beef cattle using the GrowSafe System. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted.<br /> Waterman, R. C., E. E. Grings, T. W. Geary, A. J. Roberts, L. J. Alexander, and M. D. MacNeil. Does Dietary Intake Influence Nutrient Utilization in Developing Heifers? In: L. T. Vermeire (ed). Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory 2005 Research Update. p. 29-30. 2005.<br /> Wegenhoft, M. A., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, A. D. Herring, and C. A. Gill.Evaluation of four component traits of disposition in Bos indicus X Bos taurus cross cattle. 2005. Beef Cattle Research in Texas.<br /> Williams, G.A., T.L. Ott, J.J. Michal, C.T. Gaskins, R.W. Wright Jr. and Z. Jiang. 2006 Development of a novel model for mapping the genetic complexity of cryptorchidism: a first test on association of INSL3 gene with the defect in sheep. Anim. Genet. (Submitted)<br /> Wu, X. L., M. D. MacNeil, S. De, Q. J. Xiao, J. J. Michal, C. T. Gaskins, J. J. Reeves, J. R. Busboom, R. W. Wright Jr. and Z. Jiang. Evaluation of candidate gene effects for beef backfat via Bayesian model selection. Genetica 125:103-113. 2005.<br /> Zhihua Jiang, Matthew D. Garcia, Jennifer J. Michal, Charles T. Gaskins, Jerry J. Reeves & Troy L. Ott. 2006. The bovine calpastatin is a strong positional candidate gene for a fertility QTL on BTA7. ISAG Meeting 2006.<br />

Impact Statements

  1. 1. Interactions and publications of WERA-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to collect fertility trait data and use of these data in genetic prediction.
  2. 2. Interactions and publications of WERA-1 provide leadership for the development of procedures to record genotypes and evaluate the use of DNA polymorphisms in genetic predictions and breeding decisions.
  3. 3. WERA-1 members provide genetic evaluation services and expertise to numerous beef cattle breed associations throughout North America, calculating breeding values for more than 5 million cattle each year.
  4. 4. WERA-1 members are active in development and promotion of genetic evaluations for economically relevant traits to be used for beef cattle selection decisions.
  5. 5. WERA-1 members are a source of expertise regarding genetic technologies of the beef industry to our respective states industry groups and producers as well as requesting breed associations.
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Date of Annual Report: 07/02/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/27/2007 - 06/29/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 09/01/2007

Participants

The Western Education/Extension and Research Activity Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WERA-1) convened in Honolulu, Hawaii on the campus of the University of Hawaii-Manoa June 27-29, 2007. Fifteen people were in attendance.
Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Advisor Reports
Pete Burfening, CSREES, provided an update on CSREES.

David Thawley, the committees new administrator, said that he thought the extension for the WERA-001 would be approved, which would mean that the committee will continue on the current petition through September, 2008. However, he encouraged the committee to submit the new petition as soon as possible  preferably by January 2008 so that it can be considered during the February/March review process.

Dr. Thawley stated that WERA-001 is an information sharing body which coordinates outreach efforts. He also reminded that the E in WERA stands for education.

Symposia
In previous years, the WERA-001 committee had expressed interest in putting together symposia, so Janice Rumph, Montana State University, suggested that the committee consider structuring a symposium similar to what the WCC-110 (grazing) committee is doing in 2010. This symposium would publish proceedings that would be peer reviewed and considered a supplement to WSASAS proceedings. The theory used by WCC-110 is that a supplement to WSASAS proceedings has more legitimacy than individual, stand alone proceedings.

There was discussion as to whether or not the resulting manuscripts would be available for e-publication on the Journal of Animal Science website. There was also discussion as to whether the peer reviewed publications would count towards promotion and tenure. The advisors did not think that these proceedings manuscripts would be considered true peer-reviewed manuscripts. David Thawley suggested that the committee focus on submitting a collaborative grant instead of focusing on symposia.

Website
The WERA-001 website has gone down within the last 30 days due to some changes in website administration at New Mexico State University. Mark Enns volunteered Colorado State University to serve as host and Janice Rumph volunteered to maintain the new website.

Station Reports
Station reports were presented for:

New Mexico State University
Montana State University
Red Angus Association of America
University of Alaska
University of Arizona
Texas A&M University
University of Nevada
University of Hawaii
AgCanada
University of Wyoming
Colorado State University


Graduate Education
Mark Enns and Janice Rumph announced that they had received an USDA Challenge Grant with Ron Lewis, Virginia Tech, for graduate education modules. As modules are released, Enns and Rumph, will update the WERA-001 members.

There was some discussion of contributions to the modules from other WERA-001 members. Enns and Rumph will keep this in mind.

Accomplishments

Graduate Education<br /> Mark Enns and Janice Rumph announced that they had received an USDA Challenge Grant with Ron Lewis, Virginia Tech, for graduate education modules. As modules are released, Enns and Rumph, will update the WERA-001 members.<br /> <br /> There was some discussion of contributions to the modules from other WERA-001 members. Enns and Rumph will keep this in mind.<br /> <br /> New Petition<br /> The committee determined the objectives for the new petition. These are:<br /> <br /> 1. Develop, disseminate and maintain resources on the genetics of beef cattle to support outreach, extension and education activities.<br /> a. Will expand educational activity description in the narrative (global competitiveness, etc)<br /> 2. Maintain animal populations, DNA repositories, and performance databases to support beef cattle phenomics research. <br /> a. (phenomics as the study of optimum phenotypes for animals to elucidate information from genomics research, and gene discovery, and for use with quantitative methodologies for the design and implementation of genetic improvement programs).<br /> 3. Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic associations among economically important traits, and their indicators.<br /> 4. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding.<br /> Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University, and Andy Herring, Texas A&M, will lead the effort in developing the new petition.<br /> <br /> <br /> 2007 WERA-001 Resolutions<br /> <br /> Whereas Dr. Mark Enns did a magnificent job as the 2007 organizer of the Beef Improvement Federation meeting and,<br /> Whereas Dr. Mark Enns did an outstanding job as the 2007 Chairperson of the WERA-1 committee and,<br /> Whereas Dr. Enns planned and conducted an informative and successful meeting,<br /> Therefore be it resolved that the WERA-1 committee congratulates Dr. Mark Enns for his efforts for both of these events.<br /> <br /> Whereas Dr. Brent Buckley served as the gracious host for the WERA-001 meeting in Honolulu; and the ranch tour on Maui,<br /> Therefore be it resolved that the WERA-001 committee thanks Brent for his services.<br /> <br /> Whereas Dr. Kristi Cammack, Dr. Broc Sandelin, and Larry Keenan are new members of the WERA-001 committee and Dr. David Thawley was able to attend his first WERA-001 committee as its administrative advisor,<br /> Therefore be it resolved that the committee welcomes Dr. Thawley and the new members.<br /> <br /> 2008 Meeting<br /> The location, host, and chairperson for the 2008 WERA-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows:<br /> <br /> Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (CSU campus) and/or Saratoga, Wyoming (CSU Rouse Ranch)<br /> <br /> Date: June 22-23, 2008 (Prior to WSASAS) <br /> <br /> Host: R. Mark Enns, Colorado State University<br /> <br /> Chair: Dave Schafer, University of Arizona<br /> <br /> 2009 Meeting<br /> Alaska is tentatively planned for the 2009 WERA-001 meeting with Matt Cronin, University of Alaska serving as host.<br /> <br /> Ranch Tours<br /> On Friday, June 29, the group flew to Maui and toured the Haleakala and Ulupalakua Ranches.<br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Publications<br /> <br /> Alexander, L. J., M. D. MacNeil, T. W. Geary, W. M. Snelling, D. C. Rule and J. A. Scanga. Quantitative trait loci with additive effect on palatability and fatty acid composition of meat in a Wagyu-Limousin F2 population. Anim. Genet. (accepted ) <br /> <br /> Alexander, L. J., T.W. Geary, W.M. Snelling, and M.D. MacNeil. Quantitative trait loci with additive effects on growth and carcass traits in a Wagyu-Limousin F2 population. Anim. Genet. (accepted April 21, 2007)<br /> <br /> Bailey, C.R., G. C. Duff, S. R. Sanders, S. P. Cuneo, C. P. McMurphy, S. W. Limesand, J. A. Marchello, D. W. Schafer, M. L. Rhoads, and D. M. Hallford. 2007. Effects of ovariectomy and anabolic steroid implantation on the somatotropic axis in feedlot heifers. J. Anim. Sci. in preparation.<br /> <br /> Baublits, R.T., A.H. Brown, Jr., F.W. Pohlman, D.C. Rule, Z.B. Johnson, D.O. Onks, C.M. Murrieta, C.J. Richards, H.D. Loveday, B.A. Sandelin, and R.B. Pugh. 2006. Fatty acid and sensory characteristics of beef from three biological types of cattle grazing cool-season forages supplemented with soyhulls. Meat Science; 72-1, pp. 100-107<br /> <br /> Baublits, R.T., F.W. Pohlman, A.H. Brown, Jr., D.C. Rule, Z.B. Johnson, D.O. Onks, C.M. Murrieta, B.A. Sandelin, C.J. Richards, H.D. Loveday, R.B. Pugh. 2006. Comparison of fatty acid and sensory profiles of beef from forage-fed cattle with retail United States Department of Agriculture Choice and Select beef. Journal of Muscle Foods 17 (3), 311329.<br /> <br /> Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, D.E. Franke, and G.A. Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Genet. Mol. Res. 5:438-447. <br /> <br /> Beckman, D. W., R. M. Enns, S. E. Speidel, B. W. Brigham, D. J. Garrick. 2007. Maternal effects on docility in Limousin cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 650-657.<br /> <br /> Brigham, B.W. S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2007. Stayability to alternate ages. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 58:27-30.<br /> <br /> Brown, A.H., P.K. Camfield, R.T. Baublits, F.W. Pohlman, Z.B. Johnson, C.J. Brown, G.T. Tabler, and B.A. Sandelin. 2006. Effects of size and rate of maturing on carcass composition of pasture- or feedlot- developed steers. Asian-australasian journal of animal sciences vol. 19, n5, pp. 661-671<br /> <br /> Brown, M.A., J.H. Brown, and B.A. Sandelin. 2006. Genotype x environment interactions in Brahman, Angus, and reciprocal-cross cows and their calves. In: A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds. Southern Section of American Society of Animal Science Meeting, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas. Southern Series Cooperative Bulletin 405. p. 166-181.<br /> <br /> Crews, D. H., Jr. and Z. Wang. 2007. Illustration of the maternal animal model used for genetic evaluation of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-705.<br /> <br /> Crews, D.H., Jr., R.M. Enns, J.M. Rumph, and E.J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic evaluation of retail product percentage in Simmental cattle. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. Accepted.<br /> <br /> Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil and J. C. Patton. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and relationships with wild caribou (R. t. granti, R. t. groenlandicus, R. t. caribou). J. Heredity 97:525-530. 2006.<br /> <br /> Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil, and J. C. Patton. 2006. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and relationships with wild caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti, Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus, and Rangifer tarandus caribou). Journal of Heredity 97:525-530. <br /> <br /> Cronin, M.A., L.A Renecker, W. Ward, and J.C. Patton. In preparation. Variation in microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA in domestic and wild elk (Cervus elaphus). To be submitted to the Journal of Animal Science. <br /> <br /> Dorton, K. L., T. E. Engle, R. M. Enns, and J. J. Wagner. 2007. Effects of trace mineral supplementation, source, and growth implants on immune response of growing and finishing feedlot steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23(1): 29-35.<br /> <br /> Enns, R.M., D.J. Garrick, and B.W. Brigham. Economic values of heifer pregnancy and stayability vary with average herd performance. 8WCGALP.<br /> <br /> Garrett, A.J., M. G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, K.L. Shirley, and G.A. Silver. 2007. Associations of sequence polymorphisms in growth hormone (gh) and its transcriptional regulators, Pit-1 and Prop-1, with growth and carcass traits in Brangus Bulls. P & An. Genomes XV Conference. P546. http://www.intl-pag.org/15/abstracts/PAG15_P05k_546.html<br /> <br /> Geary, T. W., E. E. Grings, M. D. MacNeil, D. M. de Avila, and J. J. Reeves. Use of recombinant gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antigens for immunosterilization of beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84:343:350. 2006.<br /> <br /> Geary, T. W., M. D. MacNeil, and R. P. Ansotegui. Effects of transportation stress, handling stress, and flunixin meglumine approximately 13 d after AI on pregnancy establishment. Proc. 7th Int. Symp. Repro. Dom. Ruminants. 2006.<br /> <br /> Gomez-Raya L., M. Okomo, K.Osborne, C. Beattie, W. M. Rauw. 2007. Modeling Inheritance of malignant melanoma with DNA markers in Sinclair swine. Genetics 176:585-597.<br /> <br /> Gomez-Raya L., W.M. Rauw. QTL mapping strategies for adaptability of beef cattle to rangelands. 2006. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. <br /> <br /> Grings, E. E., T. W. Geary, R. E. Short, and M. D. MacNeil. Beef heifer development within three calving systems. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted April 21, 2007)<br /> <br /> K.L. Shirley, M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. Case study: 2006. A Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program: feed efficiency, metabolic hormones, and puberty in developing Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differing EPD for growth and scrotal circumference. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:48-58.<br /> <br /> Kealey, C. G., M. D. MacNeil, M. W. Tess, T. W. Geary and R. A. Bellows. Genetic parameters for scrotal circumference and semen characteristics of Line 1 Hereford bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 84:283-290. 2006.<br /> <br /> Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, J.M. Dafoe, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. The effects of safflower and vitamin E on the feedlot performance of rams divergently selected for lambing rate. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:383-386.<br /> <br /> Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, J.M. Dafoe, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. The effects of safflower and vitamin E on the feedlot performance of rams divergently selected for lambing rate. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2).<br /> <br /> Lopez, R., M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, G.A. Silver, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2006. Case study: metabolic hormone profiles and evaluation of associations of metabolic hormones with body fat and reproductive characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:273-282. <br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D. and E. Matjuda. Breeding objectives for Angus and Charolais specialized sire lines for use in the emerging sector of South African beef production. South African J. Anim. Sci. 37(1):1-10. 2007.<br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D. and T. B. Mott. Genetic analysis of gain from birth to weaning, milk production and udder conformation in Line 1 Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1639-1645. 2006. <br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D. Retrospective analysis of selection applied to a ratio. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:85-88. 2007.<br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships between feral cattle from Chirikof Island, Alaska and other breeds. Anim. Genet. 38:193-197. 2007.<br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships among breeds of beef cattle in the United States that originated from the British Isles, Iberian Peninsula, or West-Central Europe. Proc. 8th World Cong. Genet. Appl. Livestk. Prod. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 2006. Paper no. 32-02. 2006.<br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, A. J. Roberts and L. J. Alexander. Genetic partitioning of variation in ovulatory follicle size and probability of pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1646-1650. 2006. <br /> <br /> MacNeil, M. D., V. R. Leesburg, and T. B. Mott. Validating the breeding value <br /> for maternal preweaning gain in beef cattle with measured milk production. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 36(5):1-4. 2006.<br /> <br /> MacNeil, M.D., M.A. Cronin, H.D. Blackburn, C.M. Richards, D. R. Lockwood, and L.J. Alexander. 2007. Genetic relationships between feral cattle from Chirikof Island, Alaska and other breeds. Animal Genetics 38:193-197.<br /> <br /> McAllister, C.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, D.L. Boss, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. Estimation of heterotic effects on heifer pregnancy in beef cattle. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:77-80.<br /> <br /> McAllister, C.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, D.L. Boss, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. Estimation of heterotic effects on heifer pregnancy in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2).<br /> <br /> Merrill, M. L., R. P. Ansotegui, P. D. Burns, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. Effects of flunixin meglumine and transportation on pregnancy establishment in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 85:1547-1554. 2007.<br /> <br /> Nkrumah, J. D., D. H. Keisler, D. H. Crews, Jr., J. A. Basarab, Z. Wang, C. Li, M. A. Price, E. K. Okine, and S. S. Moore. 2007. Genetic and phenotypic relationships of serum leptin concentration with performance, feed efficiency, and carcass merit of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-764.<br /> <br /> Nkrumah, J. D., E. L. Sherman, C. Li, E. Marques, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. Bartusiak, B. Murdoch, Z. Wang, J. A. Basarab, and S. S. Moore. Genome scan to identify putative QTL for feedlot growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Submitted.<br /> <br /> Nkrumah, J. D., J. A. Basarab, Z. Wang, C. Li, M A. Price, E. K. Okine, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. S. Moore. 2007. Genetic and phenotypic relationships of feed intake and different measures of feed efficiency with growth and carcass merit of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-767.<br /> <br /> Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, A. J. Roberts, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. Relationship between size of ovulatory follicle and pregnancy success in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85:684-689. 2007.<br /> <br /> Rauw W. M., H.A. Glimp, W. Jesko, M. Sandstrom, M. Okomo- Adhiambo, B. Perryman, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. New insights into grazing efficiency in range animals: examples from rafter 7 merino sheep. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil.<br /> <br /> Rauw W.M., H.A. Glimp, W. Jesko, L. Gómez-Raya. 2007. Weaning weights in a range purebred Merino and crossbred Merino Rambouillet flock. Sheep & Goat Research Journal.<br /> <br /> Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. Feeding time and feeding rate and its relationship with feed intake, feed efficiency, growth rate and rate of fat deposition in growing Duroc barrows". Journal of Animal Science 84: 3404-3409.<br /> <br /> Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. The relationship between residual feed intake and feed intake behavior in group housed Duroc barrows. Journal of Animal Science 84: 956-962..<br /> <br /> Rauw, W.M., O. Portolés, J. Soler, J. Reixach, J.M. Prat Cuffi, I. Diaz and L. Gomez-Raya, 2007. Behavior influences cholesterol serum levels in a pig model. Animal Journal (in press).<br /> <br /> Roberts, A. J., E. E. Grings, M. D. MacNeil, R. C. Waterman, L. Alexander and T. W. Geary. Reproductive performance of heifers offered ad libitum or restricted access to feed for a 140-d period after weaning. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:255-258. 2007.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J. M., W. R. Shafer, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. M. Enns, R. J. Lipsey, R. L. Quaas, and E. J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic evaluation of beef carcass data using different end point adjustments. J. Anim. Sci. 85:1120-1125.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J. M., W. R. Shafer, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. M. Enns, R. J. Lipsey, R. L. Quaas, and E. J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic Evaluation of Beef Carcass Data Using Different End Point Adjustments. Proc. 39th Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, Ft. Collins, CO. pp. 1-7.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., and M.A. Faust. 2006. Genetic analysis of calving ease in Holsteins in the U.K. based on data from heifers and cows. Proc. 8th World Cong. on Genetics Appl. to Livestock Prod.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:81-84.<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2).<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, C.M. McAllister, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1)<br /> <br /> Rumph, J.M., W.R. Shafer, and R.J. Lipsey. 2007. Evaluation of carcass EPD using single- vs. multi-trait analyses. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2). <br /> Shafer, W. R., R. M. Bourdon, and R. M. Enns. 2007. Simulation of cow-calf production with and without realistic levels of variability. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 332-340.<br /> <br /> Speidel, S. E., R. M. Enns, D. J. Garrick. 2007. Weaning weight inheritance in above and below average environments. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 610-617.<br /> <br /> Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, B.W. Brigham, L.D. Keenan. 2007. Genetic parameter estimates for ultrasound indicators of carcass. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 58:39-42.<br /> <br /> Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2006. Effects of a long-acting, trace mineral, reticulorumen bolus on range cow productivity and trace mineral profiles. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1439-1453.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, K.L. Shirley, M.D. Garcia, A.J. Garrett, and G.A. Silver. 2007. Associations of DNA polymorphisms in growth hormone and its transcriptional regulators with growth and carcass traits in two populations of Brangus bulls. Genet. Mol. Res. 6:222-237.<br /> <br /> Van Eenennaam, A.L., J. Li, R.M. Thallman, R.L. Quaas, M.E. Dikeman, C.A. Gill, D.E. Franke, and M.G. Thomas. 2007. Validation of commercial DNA tests for quantitative beef quality traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:891-900.<br /> <br /> Waterman, R. C., E. E. Grings, T. W. Geary, A. J. Roberts, L. J. Alexander, and <br /> M. D. MacNeil. 2007. Influence of seasonal forage quality on glucose kineticsof young beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted June 27, 2007)<br /> Whitman, K. J., T. E. Engle, P. D. Burns, K L. Dorton, J. K. Ahola, R. M. Enns, and T. L. Stanton. 2007. Effects of copper and zinc source on performance, carcass characteristics, and lipid metabolism in finishing steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23(1): 36-41.<br /> <br /> Whitney, T.R., G.C. Duff, J.K. Collins, D.W. Schafer, D.M. Hallford. 2006. Effects of diet for early-weaned crossbred beef steers on metabolic profiles and febrile response to an infectious bovine herpesvirus-1 challenge. Livestock Science 101, pp 1-9.<br /> <br /> Whitney, Travis, Glenn Duff, Peder Cuneo, David Henderson, David Schafer, Dennis Halford, Robert Collier and Paula Gentry. 2006. Effects of weaning programs on serum metabolites and hepatic IGF-1 mRNA of first-calf heifers or mature cows. J. Food, Agri. & Environ., Vol.4 (2), pp 84-88.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

  1. Committee interaction yielded a 100% increase in the number of performance recorded animals in key cooperating breed associations implementing total herd reporting. - Committee activities influenced the genetic evaluation and/or selection methods for over 95% of the registered beef animals in the U.S.
  2. Over 70% of the U.S. beef breed associations have adopted refined expected progeny difference technologies and incorporated those into national cattle evaluations to improve sustainability and profitability of U.S. beef producers.
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