Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/26/2010] [07/25/2011] [07/20/2012] [06/10/2013] [09/30/2014]

Report Information

Participants

Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Brown, Mike (mike.brown@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS, GRL;
Garcia, Matthew (mgarcia@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter;
DeRouen, Sid (sderouen@agcenter.lsu.ed) - LSU AgCenter;
Wyatt, Wayne (wwyatt@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter;
Hansen, Gary (gary_hansen@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina St.Univ.;
Riley, David (d-riley8@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Muntean, Carl (cmuntean@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu)- University of the Virgin Islands;
Randel, Ron (r-randel@tamu.edu) - TAMU-Overton;
Smith, Trent (ts289@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University;
Vann, Rhonda (rcv2@ra.msstate.edu) - MAFES-Brown Loam;
Sanders, Jim (j-sanders1@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Thrift, F.A. (fthrift@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky;
Brown, A.H. (hbrown@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Barham, Brett (bbarham@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Powell, Jeremy (jerpow@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Holloway, Bill (jw-holloway@tamu.edu) - TAMU-Uvalde;
Hammack, Steve (s-hammack@tamu.edu) - Texas AgriLife Extension;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The first meeting of the new S-1045 regional project technical committee was held on June 2 - June 4, 2010 at the Texas A&M University McGregor Research Center, McGregor, TX. The meeting was officially called to order at 8:30 am on June 2 by Dr. Andy Herring. Dr. Jim Sanders welcomed everyone to the McGregor Research Center and gave a brief history and description of the station. He also described the stations past contributions to previous projects as well the current research being done.

After an introduction of the committee members Dr. Andy Herring announced the members of the Resolutions Committee (Drs. Sid DeRouen, Fred Thrift, and Rhonda Vann) and the Nominating Committee (Drs. Mike Brown, David Riley and Wayne Wyatt).

Dr. Fred Thrift gave the group an update on the joint analysis of objective 2 from the previous project S-1013. Data from S-243 and S-277 projects were also compiled and used in the joint paper titled Review: Preweaning, Postweaning and Carcass Trait Comparisons for Progeny Sired by Subtropical Adapted Beef Sire Breeds at Various U.S. Locations. Dr. Thrift indicated that a version had been sent to JAS for review and has received no response to date. The issue of cost for the publication was discussed and decided that assistance would be asked from the administrative advisor for the group, Dr. David Morrison. If the request was unsuccessful, the authors decided to contribute equally. Dr. Thrift was thanked by the group for his work in compiling the data and he indicated that the cow traits would be compiled in the next year.
Dr. Hayden Brown shared analysis and results on objective 3 of the previous S-1013 project. He indicated that a paper was being prepared for review and publication. Dr. Brown indicated that contributing stations with temperament data (exit velocity or flight speed) for the objective should put the data together for analysis and publication.

Station reports and discussion of data collection for the new S-1045 project began and Dr. Andy Herring asked that each station give their reports for each objective. Discussion was led by Dr. Fred Thrift on objective 1a. Dr. Thrift prepared number codes for each contributing station for this objective for ease in collation of data at the end of the project time period. He suggested that a common Angus sire (Bon View New Design 878) be used to tie populations together for genetic analysis. He still encouraged stations to collect the data even if the sire was not used or going to be used in the future. Data collected for the incidence of pinkeye should include a code of 0 through 2 with 0 = None, 1= Slight, and 2 = Severe for each eye. The group requested that Dr. Thrift provide all contributing stations with pictures of the different scores, specifically 1 and 2, so stations could be standardized in their assessments of the animals for this objective.

Dr. Andy Herring led the discussion on objective 1b. Dr. Herring indicated that because of the nature of this objective that funding sources are needed and that there are some companies that might be interested in giving support. Station reports for this object were heard from Dr. Andy Herring (Texas A&M) and Dr. Sid DeRouen representing the Hill Farm/Dean Lee and Iberia stations in Louisiana.

For objective 1c, Dr. Bob Godfrey provided a station report and also discussed data collection for this objective. He stated that several methods were being looked at for the counting of ticks and flies on animals involved in the objective. Digital pictures could be an option and this collection would be more refined this summer. He indicated that each contributing station would be contacted with the protocol once it was decided. After this discussion, the group broke for some time to view the cattle at the McGregor station before and after lunch which was provided at the meeting location.

After the break, Dr. Sid DeRouen gave a station report and facilitated discussion for objective 2. It was recommended that pregnancy status, body condition scores, and cow weights be added to the objective for cow traits. When to measure cow weights was discussed and the group decided that each station would decide on when to take those according to when cows are brought up for herd management. Dr. Gary Hansen suggested that reproductive tract scores on heifers be taken if stations have the ability to do so. Two measures were added to the calf traits that included a birth code of 1 through 3 with 1 = single birth, 2 = twins, and 3 = genetic abnormality and a calf survival code of 1 through 6 with 1 = normal, 2 = stillborn, 3 = death during delivery, 4 = death before 3 days of age, 5 = death between 3 and 14 days, and 6 = death after 14 days. Drs. Wayne Wyatt and Gary Hansen were asked to send contributing stations information on coat color codes to be used on the calves. Dr. Hayden Brown suggested that recording disposition of the cow at calving would be another important trait to assess. Station reports were given by Drs. Sid DeRouen and Mike Brown. Dr. David Riley recommended that a genetic tie should be considered for the stations that are milking cows for this objective. Dr. Jim Sanders added that maybe the group should consider molecular linkages through SNP data. Drs. Wayne Wyatt and Gary Hansen volunteered to create a spreadsheet for all traits to identify linkages among herds at different stations.

Collection procedures for objective 3 were discussed. Dr. Andy Herring asked that information on the animals collected and the type of samples used at each station be sent to him in order to compile a summary for each year. Dr. Matt Garcia suggested that ear notches should be taken at birth. The group asked that he provide information to each contributor on the type of materials needed to collect this type of sample.

Dr. Bob Godfrey led the discussion for objective 4 and provided a station report. Dr. Godfrey indicated that the protocol on the collection of hair samples will be refined this summer and the information sent to contributors. Dr. Wayne Wyatt gave station reports for Dean Lee, Iberia, and Central stations in Louisiana. During his presentation questions were brought up about the objectives ability to assess true measures of body heat with rectal thermometers and the amount of error that can occur from estimating respiration rate. In response to these questions, Dr. Sid DeRouen suggested dropping respiration rate and adding shedding scores to the protocol. Dr. Jim Sanders requested that Dr. Trent Smith send descriptions and pictures of the different shedding scores to all contributing stations. A debate on when to take shedding scores occurred but the topic was tabled until the next day. The group adjourned for the day at 4:00 p.m.

The group reconvened on June 3 at the McGregor Research Center facility. Dr. Andy Herring called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. He requested that each station send a copy of their station report to him within the next 30 days so that a combined document can be prepared and sent to the administrative advisor. A request was made that Drs. Wayne Wyatt and Sid DeRouen provide the group with pictures of the hair luster and lengths scores that will be used in objective 4. It was decided that collection of hair shedding scores would need to be done when it was meaningful for each station. At this time, discussion ended on the new project S-1045.
Business meeting was called by Dr. Andy Herring at 8:15. Dr. Herring requested reports from the nominating and resolution committees. The nominating committee (Drs. Mike Brown, David Riley and Wayne Wyatt) made the following nominations: Dr. Bob Godfrey (chair), Dr. Trent Smith (chair elect) and Dr. Gary Hansen (secretary). The nominated individuals were elected by unanimous vote.

The resolution committee (Drs. Sid DeRouen, Fred Thrift, and Rhonda Vann) submitted their report as follows:

Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States.

And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems.

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Drs. Jim Sanders, Andy Herring, David Riley and Jason Sawyer and Ms. Priscilla Dowell and Ms. Annie Clement at McGregor Research Center for planning and coordinating its 2010 annual meeting in McGregor, TX and for coordinating tours of the research cattle herds at the McGregor Research Center and privately owned cattle herds belonging to Mark Hannan (Happy Cattle Company), Mike Partin (Heart Bar Ranch), Tom McGrady (McGrady Ranch) and Bill and Yvonne Woods (Woodstone Angus Ranch).

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses appreciation to Drs. Fred Thrift, Bill Holloway, David Riley, Gary Hansen, Trent Smith, Bob Godfrey and Rhonda Vann for developing the text of the objectives, and to Dr. Andy Herring for serving as the overall writing coordinator of the new project and coordination of this meeting and meeting location.

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. David Morrison for his oversight, leadership, and friendship as administrative advisor of the project.

Respectively submitted 6/3/10 by Fred Thrift, Sid DeRouen, and Rhonda Vann.

The resolutions were approved by unanimous vote.

Dr. Andy Herring initiated discussion of the location for next years meeting. Dr. Gary Hansen invited the group to meet in North Carolina in 2011 at the Tidewater Research Center. The group accepted the offer.

The meeting was adjourned by Dr. Andy Herring at 8:45 a.m. and the group then traveled to Mark Hannans Happy Cattle Company near Athens, Texas followed by a trip to Mike Partins Heart Bar Ranch at Montalba, Texas. The tours ended with travel to Huntsville for the night.

On June 4th at 8:00 a.m., the group left Huntsville and traveled to Tom McGradys Polled Hereford and South Poll cattle operation. The group finished up the tours at Woodstone Angus Ranch in New Ulm and then departed.

Meeting minutes are respectfully submitted by Dr. Trent Smith, secretary.

Accomplishments

As this is the first year of the project, there have been limited analyses conducted on data. This section of the report is presented by objective, and primarily highlights data that have been collected to date. <br /> <br /> Objective 1, Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage, has three specific components of 1a- Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, 1b-Bovine Respiratory Disease vaccination response, and 1c-External Parasites .<br /> <br /> Objective 1a: Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) <br /> <br /> In Kentucky, cooperator-owned, spring-born purebred Angus calves are evaluated at weaning for evidence of IBK acquired during the preweaning period. The following subjective scoring system is utilized to evaluate each eye: 0=no evidence of IBK in eye, 1=slight case of IBK in eye, 2=severe case of IBK in eye. Incidence of IBK in right (RE) and left (LE) eyes has been collected on 490 calves at weaning during 2008 (n = 208) and 2009 (n = 282). Percent IBK incidence were: 5.8% in the right eye and 8.7% in the left eye in 2008 and 15.6% in the right eye and 12.0% in the left eye in 2009. <br /> <br /> In Arkansas, subjective eye scores for IBK were determined for purebred (n = 164) and commercial calves (n = 81) at three locations in northwest Arkansas. The purebred calves are in the registry of the American Angus Association. New Design 878 was the common sire used across these locations. The commercial Angus calves were sired by purebred Angus bulls.<br /> <br /> In Louisiana, a total of 373 calves (206 calves at the Hill Farm/Dean Lee Stations and 167 calves at the Iberia Research Station) were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes.<br /> <br /> In Mississippi, crossbred calves (n = 74) at the Brown Loam Experiment station were evaluated at weaning for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) using a subjective scoring system where 0=no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1=evidence of IBK in one eye and 2=evidence in IBK in both eyes. At Starkville, Angus (67), Hereford (21), and Charolais (23) calves were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis at weaning. Calves were born late August through mid November and were weaned the first week of May at about 205 days of age. A subjective scoring system was used where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye, and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes.<br /> <br /> Objective 1b: Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccination Response<br /> <br /> All locations in Objective 1b use the same vaccines.<br /> <br /> In Louisiana, 373 calves were also evaluated to access genetic variation for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex. All calves were vaccinated with either a killed or a modified-live vaccine (MLV) at weaning. Body weight, rectal temperature and blood serum were collected on calves at the time the booster vaccination of a killed vaccine was administered or the time a single MLV was administered (Day 0). Body weight, rectal temperature and blood serum were also collected 28 or 42 days later. Sera was frozen and banked for later antibody titer response assays and whole blood was collected and frozen (-80C) for future evaluation of genomic DNA as genetic markers for immune function and health status as funding allows. Calves were observed for visual signs of illness and scored on a 1 to 5 scale for gut fill (1 = normal to 5 = extremely gaunt), attitude (1 = normal to 5 = nonambulatory), ocular discharge (1 = none to 5 = extreme), and nasal discharge (1 = none to 5 = extreme). Animals suspected of having BRD had additional rectal temperatures collected and all health treatments administered were recorded.<br /> <br /> In Texas, 78 yearling steers (half Bos indicus-half Bos taurus) were were verified to be bovine viral diarrhea (BVD)-free through ear notch IHC and were not vaccinated for bovine respiratory disease before the vaccination trial began. Approximately 33.3% were assigned to killed vaccine treatment, 33.3% were assigned to modified-live vaccine treatment, and 33.3% were not vaccinated. Steers were stratified by sire and cow family across three treatments. Cattle in the killed vaccine group were injected with a commercially available killed BRD vaccine according to label directions 56 and 35 days before challenge. Cattle in the modified-live (MLV) group were injected with a commercially available MLV vaccine 35 days before challenge. Cattle were challenged (day 0) with a Type 1b, non-cytopathic BVD virus strain. Cattle had blood samples, rectal temperature, weights, feed intake and visual observations of health collected.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types.<br /> <br /> In Louisiana, reproductive and maternal information were collected on a total of 848 heifers and cows and 604 calves from 3 locations in 2009. Information obtained include breed of cow, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, cow birth year, mating information (natural or artificial insemination; single or multiple sires; number of cows per bull; season or insemination dates), predominant forage, sire/sire breed of calf, calving date, calf birth code (1 = single; 2 = twin; 3 = genetic abnormality), coat color, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes), calf survival (1 = normal; 2 = stillborn; 3 = died in delivery; 4 = died before 3 days; 5 = died after 3 days; 6 = died before weaning), birth weight, weaning date, weaning weight, date of death and reason/notes, date of culling and reason/notes, and date of occurrence and notes related to any health issue. <br /> <br /> In Mississippi, data were collected on 196 spring and fall calving Angus, Hereford, and Charolais cows. Cows were managed for two A.I. breedings and placed with clean-up bulls for approximately 30 days. Cows calved from late August to mid-November (fall 2009) and late January to late March (spring 2010). The following data were collected on the cows: breed, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, birth date, mating information, predominant forage in pastures and if females were culled or died during production, reasons were documented. The following information was taken during calving season on all cows: calving date, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), and calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes). Calf records included sire/sire breed of calf, birth weight within 24 hrs, weaning date, weaning weight, and documentation if calf died during the preweaning period or had health issues.<br /> <br /> In Texas (TAMU), a genomics project was initiated in 2002 with the primary objective of finding genes with major effects on cow productivity traits and secondary objectives of finding genes with major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. Embryo transfer families of F2 Nellore/Angus calves have been produced, with the goal of twenty heifers per family in ten families. The families are out of ten donor cows (some donors have been replaced because of poor embryo production) and by a total of four bulls. The first calves from this study were born in the spring 2003, with calves born in both the spring and fall, up through the spring of 2007. In addition to the embryo transfer full-sib families, four half-sib families were produced by mating F1 Angus-Nellore sires, by natural service, to F1 and F2 Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Angus dams. These calves are produced in multiple-sire breeding pastures and required DNA identification of their sires. The four sires of the embryo transfer families are included in the bulls that produce these natural service calves. The natural service calves identified as being sired by these four bulls are evaluated in the same way as the embryo transfer calves. Note that the calves within any one of these half sib families are also half sibs to the calves in at least two of the embryo transfer full-sib families. Two additional cycles of the genomics project have been started. Cycle 2 involves the production by natural service of all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2s, to continue our evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus - Bos taurus crosses. Cycle 3 involves the production of F3s from animals produced in Cycle 1.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations.<br /> <br /> At Starkville, Mississippi, DNA samples have been collected via whole blood and hair cards on spring calving cows (n=40) and fall 2009 weaned calves (n=111). Whole blood was collected and placed in 2ml cryotubes and stored in a -80°C freezer. Both blood samples and hair cards were cataloged for future reference. Hair samples were collected on spring 2010 calves and blood samples will be taken at weaning. Fall calving cows are to be sampled in the first week of June 2010. Information on each animal includes animal, sire and dam identification, breed, and location. DNA will be extracted in the future to find genetic markers associated with cow reproductive and maternal traits and calf traits.<br /> <br /> In Texas (TAMU), for the cattle in Cycle 1 of the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) was collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles were saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample was collected for each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objective 2 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types<br /> <br /> At Starkville, Mississippi Spring-calving cows and fall-weaned calves (Same calves as described in objective 1a) were evaluated prior to breeding season and at weaning, respectively. At each collection point, rectal and thermal surface temperatures were collected over the rump, rib, and shoulder. Hair samples (2 x 4) were collected for weighing before thermal images were taken. Respiration rate was collected after the animal entered the chute and before squeeze was applied. Hair coat scores were taken by using a 5-point scale for luster: 1 = glossy, healthy appearance; 2 = slightly glossy with patches of dull; 3 = intermediate between glossy and dull; 4 = mostly dull, some indication of unthriftiness; and 5 = dull and unthrifty and length: 1 = short; 2 = shows some winter growth; 3 = intermediate in length; 4 = long in places, but intermediate in others; and 5 = long.<br /> <br /> At Brown Loam Mississippi Station, crossbred calves (n=74) were evaluated at weaning for hair coat scores and surface temperature. Calves were weighed, restrained in the cattle squeeze chute and surface temp collected and then hair samples collected over the shoulder, ribs and hip region and then evaluated for hair coat length and luster. Hair coat luster was subjectively evaluated using the following 5-point scale: 1=glossy, healthy appearance; 2=slightly glossy with patches of dull; 3-intermediate between glossy and dull; 4=mostly dull, some indication of unthriftiness; and 5=dull and unthrifty. Hair length scores were subjectively evaluated using the following 6 point scale: 1=evidence of the slick phenotype; 2=short; 3=shows some winter growth; 4=intermediate in length; 5=long in places, but intermediate in others; and 6=long. In addition an ear notch was collected and stored for possible future DNA analysis. <br /> <br /> At Texas (TAMU), Based on protocols discussed at this years meeting, some of the cattle involved in Objective 2 of this regional project will be allocated for the scoring of hair coat characteristics.<br /> <br /> In the Virgin Islands, work has focused on Senepol cattle with slick hair phenotype. A single gene has been identified that is responsible for expression of a phenotype in cattle characterized by a short, sleek hair coat and increased heat tolerance as measured by lower rectal temperatures and respiration rates. This gene has been found in Senepol cattle and it has been determined that it has a simple dominance mode of inheritance. All cows in the UVI research herd have been identified as either homozygous (HH) or non-homozygous (NH) for the slick hair gene by testing for a closely linked marker. The objective of this trial was to compare the hair coat characteristics and body temperature measurements of the two genotypes. The NH genotype was detected in 19% of the cows and a subsample of NH (n = 5) and HH (n = 6) cows were used in this study. Cows were loosely restrained in a shaded squeeze chute between 1030 and 1230 hr for sample collection. Hair samples were collected from the shoulder, over the ribs and rump in a 40.6 cm2 area using electric clippers. Surface temperature (ST) of a non-clipped area over the ribs was measured using an infrared thermometer. Rectal temperature (RT) was collected using a digital veterinary thermometer. Respiration rate (RR) was measured by counting breaths for 15 s and adjusting to breaths per minute (bpm). Hair samples were weighed and individual hairs were counted to determine hair weight and density. Individual hair weight was estimated by dividing the sample weight by number of hairs.<br /> <br /> Plans for upcoming year<br /> <br /> There are no significant deviations to plans and methodology as laid out in the project proposal. Data collection will continue and analyses results will be presented next year. Some locations were not able to collect data in 2009-2010 to contribute to this years report but will contribute to the project beginning in 2010-2011. There was productive discussion at the 2010 meeting to standardize the eye score system for IBK (Objective 1a) with photos circulated to the committee. Additionally, productive discussions of the hair coat scoring system at the 2010 meeting also produced increased standardization of scoring. Individual states budget concerns may dictate access to animals and animal numbers for participants, but are not foreseen as a major threat to the success of the project. <br />

Publications

MacAuley, A.L., A.J. Weis and R.W. Godfrey. 2010. Hair coat traits and body temperature of Senepol cows based on phenotype and genotype for the slick hair gene. J. Anim. Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):21.<br /> <br /> Senepol Cattle in the US Virgin Islands: History and Current Research International Conference on the Senepol Breed and its Crosses, Medellín, Colombia, November 21- 22, 2009<br /> <br /> Runyan, C. A., A. D. Herring, J. F. Ridpath, M. S. Cabaniss, C. T. Muntean, J. E. Sawyer. 2010. Health measures in beef steers of known genetic background following BVDV challenge. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. X): 2(Abstr.) Southern Section ASAS Feb. 6-9, Orlando.<br /> <br /> Runyan, C. A., A. D. Herring, J. F. Ridpath, M. S. Cabaniss, C. T. Muntean, J. E. Sawyer. 2010. Feed intake and weight gain in beef steers of known genetic background following BVDV challenge. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. X): 2(Abstr.) Southern Section ASAS Feb. 6-9, Orlando.<br /> <br /> Rowe, C. W., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, Jr., R. T. Baublits, and Z. B. Johnson. 2009. Effects of Salt, BHA/BHT and Differing Phosphate Types on Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Beef Longissimus Muscles. J. Food Sci. 74:160-164.<br /> <br /> Quilo, S. A., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, P. G. Crandall, P. N. Dias-Morse, R. T. Baublits, and C. Bokina. 2009. Effects of potassium lactate, sodium metasilicate, peroxyacetic acid and acidified sodium chlorite on physical, chemical and sensory properties on ground beef patties. Meat Sci. 84:44-52.<br /> <br /> Rowe, C. W., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, S. H. Whiting, and D. L. Galloway. 2009. Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Salt and Sodium Tripolyphosphate on Physical, Sensory and Instrumental Color characteristics of Beef Striploins. J. Food Sci. 74:36-43.<br /> <br /> Quilo, S. A., F. W. Pohlman, P. N. Dias-Morse, A. H. Brown, Jr., P. G. Crandall, R. T. Baublits, J. L. Aparicio. 2009. The impact of single antimicrobial intervention treatment with potassium lactate, sodium metasilicate, peroxyacetic acid and acidified sodium chlorite on non-inoculated ground beef lipid, instrumental color and sensory characteristics. Meat Sci. 83:345-350.<br /> <br /> Oxford, E. L., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, G. T. Tabler, and B. R. Kutz. 2009. Preweaning Performance, Heterosis, and Direct and Maternal Breed Effects in Angus, Hereford, Red Poll, Santa Gertrudis, and Reciprocal-Cross Calves. The Professional Animal Scientist 25:529-535.<br /> <br /> Baublits, R. T., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, D. C. Rule, D. O. Onks, C. M. Murrieta, C. J. Richards, B. A. Sandelin, H. D. Loveday, and R. B. Pugh. 2009. Correlations and prediction equations for fatty acids and sensory characteristics of beef longissimus rib steaks from forage-fed cattle and retail USDA Choice and Select rib steaks. J. Muscle Foods 20:1-17.<br /> <br /> Pohlman, F. W., P. N. Dias-Morse, S. A. Quilo, A. H. Brown, Jr., P. G. Crandall, R. T. Baublits, R. P. Story, and G. Rajaratnam. 2009. Microbial, instrumental color and sensory characteristics of ground beef processed from beef trimmings treated with potassium lactate, sodium metasilicate, peroxyacetic acid or acidified sodium chlorite as single antimicrobial interventions. J. Muscle Foods 20:54-69.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., T. A. Yazwinski, C. A. Tucker, Z. B. Johnson, A. H. Brown, Jr., J. L. Reynolds, B. C. Clymer. 2009. Evaluation of Efficacy and Benefit of Ivermectin with Clorsulon and Long-acting Moxidectin in Replacement Beef Heifers. The Bovine Practitioner 43:2(97-105).<br /> <br /> Rayfield, A. B., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, S. T. Reiter, M. L. Looper, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Relationships between prolactin promoter polymorphisms and Angus calf temperament scores and fecal egg counts. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3):2-3.<br /> <br /> Brown, Jr., A. H., D. W. Kellogg, Z. B. Johnson, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., and K. S. Anschutz. 2009. A comparison of milk production and milk composition traits for three breed types of dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3):3-4.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., A. H. Brown, Jr., T. A. Yazwinski, Z. B. Johnson, E. B. Kegley, C. A. Tucker, J. L. Reynolds, J. A. Hornsby. 2009. Influence of ivermectin and long-acting moxidectin on the growth, reproductive efficiency, and offspring performance in replacement beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3):30.<br /> <br /> Pohlman, F. W., A. H. Brown, Jr., P. N. Dias-Morse, L. M. McKenzie, L. N. Mehall, and T. N. Rojas. 2009. Evaluation of instrumental color properties of beef steaks coated with Trisodium phosphate incorporated gelatin coating system prior to packaging. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference. June 2009. University of Arkansas, pg. 49-50.<br /> <br /> Pohlman, F. W., A. H. Brown, Jr., P. N. Dias-Morse, L. M. McKenzie, L. N. Mehall, and T. N. Rojas. 2009. Effect of Trisodium phosphate incorporated gelatin coating system as a single antimicrobial intervention on microbial properties of beef steaks. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference, June 2009. University of Arkansas, pg. 57.<br /> <br /> McKenzie, L. M., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, Jr., P. N. Dias-Morse, L. N. Mehall, and T. N. Rojas. 2009. Effects of strip loin beef steaks dipped into Trisodium Phosphate incorporated into gelatin coating systems for cook loss, sheer force, and lipid characteristics. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference, June 2009. University of Arkansas, pg. 68.<br /> <br /> McKenzie, L. M., F. W. Pohlman, A. H. Brown, Jr., P. N. Dias-Morse, L. N. Mehall, and Tim Rojas. 2009. Instrumental color characteristics and summary of trained sensory color panel evaluation color effects on strip loin beef steaks dipped into Trisodium Phosphate incorporated into gelatin coating systems. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference, June 2009. University of Arkansas, pg. 69.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Relationship of fecal egg counts and temperament scores to prolactin promoter polymorphisms in Angus calves. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3).<br /> <br /> Hatungimana, Eric, D. W. Kellogg, K. S. Anschutz, and A. H. Brown, Jr. 2009. Effect of Treatment of Selected Mature Forages with Sodium Hydroxide on In Vitro Dry Matter Degradability. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3).<br /> <br /> Murphy, Kathryn Y., Marites Sales, Sara Reiter, Hayden Brown, Jr., Mike Brown, Mike Looper, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Polymorphisms in the Regulatory Region of Bovine Cytochrome P450. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 574:14-17.<br /> <br /> Larson, Melinda J., Marites Sales, Sara Reiter, Hayden Brown, Jr., Mike Looper, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Effects of Forage Type and CYP3A28 Genotype on Beef Cow Milk Traits. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 574:18-21.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, S. T. Reiter, M. L. Looper, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Relationships Between Prolactin Promoter Polymorphisms and Angus Calf Temperament Scores and Fecal Egg Counts. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 574:22-24.<br /> <br /> Brown, Jr., A. H., S. T. Reiter, M. A. Brown, Z. B. Johnson, I. A. Nabhan, M. A. Lamb, A. R. Starnes, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Effects of Heat Shock Protein-70 Gene and Forage system on Milk Yield and Composition of Beef Cattle. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 574:25-28.<br /> <br /> Kellogg, D. W., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., and K. S. Anschutz. 2009. A Comparison of Milk Production and Milk Composition Traits for Three Breed Types of Dairy Cattle. Arkansas Anumal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Stat. Research Series 574:35-37.<br /> <br /> Pohlman, F. W., A. H. Brown, Jr., P. N. Dias-Morse, L. M. McKenzie, T. N. Rojas, and l. N. Mehall. 2009. Evaluation of Potassium Lactate Incorporated Gelatin Coating as an Antimicrobial Intervention on Microbial Properties of Beef Steaks. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 574:117-119.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Large-scale evaluation of genetic differences for health-related phenotypes in cattle has been rare. Documentation of family lines that respond differently to various diseases and stressors will provide information to allow producers to select for healthier animals, and subsequently reduce input costs.
2. Diversity of extent and/or source of tropically adapted breeds is represented in calves and breeding females of research herds throughout the southern region; this provides a unique resource to evaluate adaptability traits (e.g., rectal temperature, respiration rate, hair coat scores, etc.) that may be related to economically important production traits such as fertility, and provide producers with better information to design and sustain breeding systems.
3. The participants in this project have detailed pedigree and phenotypic information in conjunction with DNA on large numbers of animal. As genomics information and analyses progress, populations in this project will be available evaluate new genomics discovery as well as to validate molecular markers for many traits of economic importance, particularly traits related to adaptation and female reproduction in challenging production environments.
4. The evaluation of hair coat length/hair shedding patterns in conjunction with growth and reproductive performance should provide a great basis of information that identifies animals that are genetically adapted to production environments, thus providing producers additional information for improved breeding decisions.

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Report Information

Participants

Brown, A.H. (hbrown@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
DeRouen, Sid (sderouen@agcenter.lsu.ed) - LSU AgCenter;
Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands;
Hansen, Gary (gary_hansen@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina St.Univ.;
Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Kutz, Bryan (bkutz@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Powell, Jeremy (jerpow@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Riley, David (d - riley8@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Sanders, Jim (j - sanders1@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Smith, Trent (ts289@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University;
Morrison, David (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - Administrative Advisor, LSU AgCenter

Brief Summary of Minutes

The second meeting of the new S-1045 regional project technical committee was held on June 1 - June 2, 2011 at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, North Carolina. The meeting was officially called to order at 8:00 am by Dr. Bob Godfrey, S-1045 Project Chairman for 2011. Dr. Gary Hansen welcomed everyone to the Tidewater Research Station and gave a brief history and description of the station. He also described the stations diverse research projects and programs. He discussed the current cow herd and research projects along with past research that had been conducted at the station.

After an introduction of the committee members attending the meeting, Dr. Bob Godfrey asked for volunteers to be members of the Resolutions Committee and the Nominating Committee. The following members volunteered to be on the various committees:
Resolutions Committee: Drs. Andy Herring, Trent Smith and Jeremy Powell
Nominating Committee: Drs. Jim Sanders, Gary Hansen and Hayden Brown
Motion was made to accept the committees as presented and approved unanimously.

Dr Godfrey asked that each objective be discussed in whole before moving into discussion on the next objective. Discussion was initiated on Objective 1.

Objective 1 - Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage.
Objective 1a. Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis:
Fred Thrift has asked to be relieved of his role as coordinator of objective 1a. Hayden Brown has accepted the responsibility of coordination of this part of objective 1. Discussion was led by Dr. Hayden Brown. Dr. Brown informed the group that Dr. Fred Thrift (Kentucky) will no longer be participating in the group due to his retirement. Dr. Sanders indicated that the Uvalde station was being closed and that personnel from this research station would be moved to other stations within the State of Texas. This leaves the following 8 locations (Arkansas, Texas (McGregor), Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Homer, Iberia), Florida (USDA-ARS, STARS, Brooksville) and Mississippi (State College, Brown Loam Experiment Station) where calves will be evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis during the pre-weaning period.

Dr. Brown reminded stations participating in this objective to use the common Angus sire (Bon View New Design 878) to tie populations together for genetic analysis. He also reiterated that stations use the prepared number codes for each contributing station for this objective for ease in collation of data at the end of the project time period. He will e-mail the codes to each station. Data collected for the incidence of pinkeye should include a code of 0 through 2 with 0 = None, 1= Slight, and 2 = Severe for each eye. Station reports were presented for the Arkansas (Brown), Texas (Sanders), Louisiana (DeRouen) and Mississippi (Smith) stations. Reports were handed out to each participant and will be submitted with the final report.

Objective 1b-Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex:
Dr. Andy Herring led the discussion on objective 1b. Dr. Herring indicated that because of the nature of this objective that funding sources are needed and that there are pharmaceutical companies that have donated vaccine for this project. Questions were asked to why the values for reporting titers were based on log2. After some good discussion, it was determined that the log2 values would be used to report titer levels as this is what is used in the literature. Using standardized protocols across stations was discussed and will be addressed by the stations cooperating in this objective. Station reports for this objective were presented by Dr. Andy Herring (Texas A&M) Dr. Jeremy Powell (Arkansas), Dr Trent Smith (Mississippi) and Dr. Sid DeRouen representing the Hill Farm/Dean Lee and Iberia stations in Louisiana. Reports from each station were handed out, discussed and will be submitted in the final report.

Objective 1c-Specific External Parasites:
Dr. Bob Godfrey led the discussion on this objective. How, when and in what form the data would be collected for this objective was discussed. He stated that several methods were being looked at for the counting of ticks and flies on animals involved in the objective. Digital pictures could be an option and this collection would be more refined this summer. He indicated that each contributing station would be contacted with the protocol once it was decided. Station reports were presented by Dr Bob Godfrey (Virgin Island). Tick counts will be obtained from bull and heifer calves at weaning and at yearling age at participating locations (Virgin Islands, Mississippi-Brown Loam).

After a lunch break the group toured the Tidewater Research Station.

On Thursday June 2, 2011 the meeting was reconvened at 8:00 am by Dr. Bob Godfrey. Discussion continued with presentation of Objective 2, 3 and 4.

Objective 2 - Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types
Dr. Gary Hansen facilitated discussion for objective 2. He reported that after last years meeting, he had followed up with Dr. Wayne Wyatt to develop the spreadsheet for this objective. He e-mailed a preliminary Excel spreadsheet to Dr. Wyatt, but did not get a response. Several in the room said that Dr. Wyatt was extremely busy with business at the Iberia Station and concluded this to be the reason that he had not responded. Discussion on this objective was tabled until the next day to give Dr. Hansen the opportunity to get the spreadsheet in the final format to present to the group. Discussion on this objective was continued first thing on Thursday June 2nd. Recommendations from the previous year meeting that pregnancy status, body condition scores, and cow weights were added to the objective for cow traits. When to measure cow weights and body condition scores was discussed and the group decided that both measurements would be taken when calves are weaned, at calving, and prior to breeding. Calf birth code was discussed and it was concluded that the scores of 1 through 3 with 1 = single birth, 2 = twins, and 3 = genetic abnormality was sufficient for this trait. However, it was determined that calf survival code of 1 through 6 where 1 = normal, 2 = stillborn, 3 = death during delivery, 4 = death before 3 days of age, 5 = death between 3 and 14 days, and 6 = death after 14 days, that codes 2 and 3 where redundant. Consensus was reached that the two codes would be combined with calf survival code 2 = stillborn or death during delivery representing both classifications.

Dr. Jim Sanders commented that while pregnancy status informs us of how many cows are pregnant it doesnt represent how many cows actually give birth and wean a calf. Following discussion, two new traits where added to the spreadsheet, calving status and weaning status (0 = No, 1 = Yes).

Previously, Dr. Mauricio Elzo was asked to do the statistical analysis for this objective. Dr. Jim Sanders brought up the fact that Dr. Elzo had not attended any of our meetings and asked the group if they thought that this should be changed. Dr. David Riley commented that if Dr. Elzo was still willing to do the analysis, that he was probably the best individual to do it. Dr. Gary Hansen agreed with Dr. Riley and would approach Dr. Elzo as to his intentions with the project. It was agreed that if Dr. Elzo was still in agreement with the groups goals, he would remain in this position.

Calving assistance codes were defined as using the BIF Guidelines where 1 = No difficulty, no assistance, 2 = Minor difficulty, some assistance, 3 = Major difficulty, usually mechanical assistance, 4 = Caesarian section or other surgery, 5 = Abnormal presentation. Calf vigor codes were also defined where 1 = normal, vigorous calf; 2 = weak calf that nursed without assistance, 3 = weak calf that was assisted to nurse (Riley, et. al., 2004). Cow temperament at calving was also added as a trait, but codes were not assigned by the group but were later assigned by Dr. Hansen where 1 = Non-aggressive, 2 = Slightly aggressive, 3 = Aggressive, 4 = Moderately aggressive, 5 = Very aggressive.

Dr. Gary Hansen was asked to develop and send contributing stations information on coat color codes to be used on the calves. He will also send the updated spreadsheet to each contributing station.

Dr. David Riley recommended that a genetic tie should be considered for the stations that are milking cows for this objective. Dr. Jim Sanders added that maybe the group should consider molecular linkages through SNP data.
Station reports were given by Dr. Sid DeRouen.

Participating locations will include Arkansas (Fayetteville and Booneville), Florida (Brooksville and Gainesville), Louisiana (Hill Farm and Iberia), Mississippi (Brown Loam and Starkville), North Carolina (Tidewater, Reidsville, Goldsboro, and Butner), Oklahoma (El Reno), South Carolina, Texas (McGregor) and Virgin Islands.

Objective 3 - Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations.
Objective Coordinators: Drs. Andy Herring, Gary Hansen and Trent Smith
Collection procedures for objective 3 were discussed. It was decided that DNA samples will be collected and stored on site at each research station. Dr. Andy Herring asked that information on the animals collected and the type of samples used at each station be sent to him in order to compile a summary for each year. He presented a spreadsheet to accommodate the collection of the data.

All stations will participate in this objective.

Objective 4 - Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types.
Dr. Trent Smith and Dr. Dr. Godfrey led the discussion for objective 4. Dr Smith showed the group a slide presentation on hair coat shedding score. Cattle are scored in May to early June depending on location. Scores range from 1-5 with a score of 1 being cows that have shed all of their winter coat and a score of 5 being cows that have not shed their winter coat. The was a lot of discussion on what effect forage (fescue), whether a cow calved in the spring or fall and nutrient status of cow would have on hair coat shedding score. Dr. Jim Sanders requested that Dr. Trent Smith agreed to send descriptions and pictures of the different shedding scores to all contributing stations.

Drs. Smith, Godfrey and Sanders gave station reports.

Dr Bob Godfrey requested that each station send a copy of their station report to him within the next 30 days so that a combined document can be prepared and sent to the administrative advisor, Dr. David Morrison.

Dr. David Morrison represented USDA-NIFA as no representative was present from this organization. He presented the new goals and organization of NIFA and also what the funding levels were approximated to be for the coming year.

Business meeting was called by Dr. Bob Godfrey at 11:30 AM. Dr. Godfrey requested reports from the nominating and resolution committees. The nominating committee (Drs. James Sanders, Gary Hansen and Hayden Brown) made the following nominations: Dr. Trent Smith (chair), Dr. Gary Hansen (chair elect) and Dr. David Riley (secretary). The nominated individuals were elected by unanimous vote.

The resolution committee (Drs. Andy Herring, Trent Smith and Jeremy Powell) submitted their report as follows:

Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States.

And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems.

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Dr. Gary Hansen and the staff of the NC State Tidewater Research Station for hosting and Drs. Gary Hansen and Bob Godfrey for planning and coordinating its 2011 annual meeting in Plymouth, NC. We would also like to thank the Coastal Carolina Cattlemens Association (Perry Eure and LE Smith) and Stanley Oliver for preparing the noon meals.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Mark Clough, Dr. Ron Heiniger, Kent Gray, Brian Shannon and Eugene Won for their educational presentations on research programs at the Tidewater Research Station.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr Justin Holl of Smithfield Premium Genetics, Lane Angus Farm and Vandemark Angus for their hospitality and tours of their operations.

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. David Morrison for his continuing oversight, leadership, and friendship as administrative advisor of the project.

The resolutions were approved by unanimous vote.

Dr. Bob Godfrey initiated discussion for the date and location of next years meeting. Dr. Trent Smith invited the group to meet in Starkville, Mississippi in 2012 on May 29-31st with the 29th as a travel day. The group accepted the offer.

The meeting was adjourned by Dr Bob Godfrey at 12:00 PM. and lunch was served by Stanley Oliver. Following lunch Dr. Justin Holl gave an informative presentation on Smithfield Premium Genetics.

Accomplishments

This section of the report is presented by objective, and highlights new data that have been collected to date. <br /> <br /> Objective 1: Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage<br /> Objective 1a - Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis<br /> In Arkansas, Calves (n = 868) were evaluated in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) scars. Calves were all Angus sired. There were 119 sires represented including New Design 878. The 878 sire was represented at location 1 by 3 calves, location 2 by 4 calves, and location 3 by 19 calves. Scaring from IBK infections was 5% for fall born calves weaned in the spring while 30% of the spring born calves weaned in the fall had IBK scars. Scaring from IBK differed (P < 0.001) among year, season of birth, and location. Non-scared calves had greater (P < 0.05) adjusted mean weaning weight than scared calves (268 ± 2.1 vs. 250 ± 3.9 kg).<br /> <br /> In Louisiana, a total of 809 calves (398 calves at Dean Lee Research Station and 411 calves at the Iberia Research Station) in 2009 and 2010 were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period using a subjective scoring system where: 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye; 1 = evidence of IBK in one eye; and 2 = evidence of IBK in both eyes. Little to no evidence of IBK was observed during the preweaning period of 809 calves observed at two locations over two years. <br /> <br /> In Mississippi, Fall and spring born Angus (86), Hereford (35), and Charolais (28) calves were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis at weaning in May and September 2010. A subjective scoring system was used where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. To date records have been collected on 149 head of Angus, Hereford, and Charolais calves at weaning. These records represent one calf crop (Spring and fall 2010). All calves were given a score of zero at weaning which indicates no incidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis. <br /> <br /> Objective 1b: Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccination Response <br /> In Arkansas, Calves (n = 64) were allotted to one of two treatments (TRT1, n = 32); TRT2, n = 32). At 60 d of age (d 0) and at weaning, calves in TRT1 were vaccinated against BVDB (Pyramid 5). Calves in TRT2 were vaccinated against BVDV at 21 d prior to and again at weaning. Serum from half of the calves in each group (TRT1, n = 16); TRT2, n = 16) was harvested for determination of lg response from jugular blood samples taken on d 0, d 21, d 126 (21 d prior to weaning), and d 147 (at weaning). Serum was sent to Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for determination of lg response using viral neutralization. Prior to analysis BVDV Type 1 titers were transformed to log base 2 (log2). Data were analyzed using mixed model procedures. Fixed effects were treatment, sex and date. Random effect was calf. Mean log2 of BVDV Type 1 titers were different (P < 0.0001) for TRT1 compared to TRT2 (7.5±0.36 and 5.1±0.36, respectively). Mean log2 of BVDV Type 1 titers were higher on day 147 (P < 0.0001) compared to d 126, d 21 and d 0 (8.3±0.39, 5.1±0.40, 5.9±0.39 and 5.7±0.39, respectively). A treatment x date interaction (P < 0.0001) was also identified for the mean log1 of BVDV Type 1 titers. This study indicated that vaccinating beef calves against BVDV was effective in triggering an lg response.<br /> <br /> In Texas, 78 yearling F2 and F3 steers from the Texas A&M University McGregor Genomics Project were stratified by sire and cow family across BRD vaccine treatments of (1) killed, (2) modified live (MLV), or (3) no vaccine (NON), and administered an intranasal challenge with BVD virus Type 1b strain CA0401186a. Cattle in the killed group received a primary and booster vaccination with a commercial BRD vaccine on days -56 and -35, respectively; cattle in the modified live group received a single vaccination on day -35. All cattle were challenged on day 0. Blood and serum were evaluated for serum neutralizing antibody titers (days -56, -35, 0, 14, 28 and 42) and hematology profile (days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42), and animals were evaluated for rectal temperature (days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 28 and 42) and visual clinical signs (twice daily for 14 days following challenge). Individual feed intake and feeding behavior were recorded for 70 days (28 days prior to challenge and 42 days following challenge). Temperament based on subjective scoring after weaning and objective exit velocity coinciding with the challenge period was assessed. After the 42-day evaluation period, steers were fed at a commercial feedlot in South Texas, and harvested at a commercial beef plant; carcass data including liver abscess and lung color scores were collected. <br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types. <br /> <br /> In Louisiana, reproductive and maternal information were collected on a total of 1,757 replacement heifers and cows and 1,309 calves from 3 locations (Central, Dean Lee and Iberia Research Stations) in 2009 and 2010. Information obtained include breed of cow, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, cow birth year, mating information (natural or artificial insemination; single or multiple sires; season or insemination dates), predominant forage, sire/sire breed of calf, calving date, calf birth code (1 = single; 2 = twin; 3 = genetic abnormality), coat color, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note abnormal presentation, calf vigor (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes), calf survival (1 = normal; 2 = stillborn; 3 = died in delivery; 4 = died before 3 days; 5 = died before weaning), birth weight, weaning date, weaning weight, date of death and reason/notes, date of culling and reason/notes, and date of occurrence and notes related to any health issue. <br /> <br /> In Mississippi, data were collected on 203 spring and fall calving Angus, Hereford, and Charolais cows. Cows were managed for two A.I. breedings and placed with clean-up bulls for approximately 30 days. Cows calved from late August to mid-December (Fall 2010) and mid-January to mid-March (Spring 2011). The following data were collected on the cows: breed, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, birth date, mating information, predominant forage in pastures and if females were culled or died during production, reasons were documented. The following information was taken during calving season on all cows: calving date, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), and calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes). Calf records included sire/sire breed of calf, birth weight within 24 hrs, weaning date, weaning weight, and documentation if calf died during the preweaning period or had health issues.<br /> <br /> In Texas, Two additional cycles of the genomics project have been started. Cycle 2 involves the production by natural service of all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses, to continue our evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus - Bos taurus crosses. Cycle 3 involves the production of F3 crossbreds from animals produced in Cycle 1.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations. <br /> <br /> In Louisiana, all participating locations have stored DNA, tissue, or white blood cells on calves at birth or shortly before weaning. All adult breeding animals have also had tissue and DNA banked for future studies as well. All DNA samples collected to date will be available for future analysis of molecular markers that may be associated with economically important traits. It is also important to note that all animals incorporated into the DNA repository have also had any performance data collected stored in a data base for the identification of outlier individuals that will be utilized for initial marker association studies. Approximately 2,000 animals of varying breed types and composition have been incorporated into the DNA repository. In conjunction with genomic material, all animals have had performance data recorded as well.<br /> <br /> In Mississippi, DNA samples were collected via whole blood and hair cards on spring and fall cow herds (n=209) and weaned calves from those herds in 2010 (n=149). Whole blood was collected and placed in 2ml cryotubes and stored in a -80°C freezer. Both blood samples and hair cards were stored for future reference. Information on each animal includes animal, sire and dam identification, breed, and location. DNA will be extracted in the future to find genetic markers associated with phenotypic data collected in objectives 1, 2, and 4.<br /> <br /> In Texas, for the cattle in Cycle 1 of the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) was collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles were saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample was collected for each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objectives 1, 2, and 4 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. As discussed earlier, all cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; In 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, all calves at the station were bled prior to weaning; this includes all the cattle used in Objective 1b, 2, and 4 of this regional project. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets in College Station. For the cattle in Cycle 1 of the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for all nine calf crops (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, and spring of 2007) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning (5 and 200 cc collections, respectively). <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types <br /> <br /> In Mississippi, females from 2 yrs of age and older were evaluated for hair shedding scores by two trained independent observers at 28-day intervals beginning in March through July. Numerical hair shedding scores were assigned to cattle using the following scale: 1 - slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete (100% shed), 2 - hair coat not completely slick but more than halfway shed from the initial winter coat (75% shed), 3 - hair coat halfway shed from the initial winter coat (50% shed), 4 - hair coat shedding initiated but not halfway complete to a final slick coat (25% shed), 5 - winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding (0% shed). Weaning weights (d205) of Angus calves were affected by earlier shedding of winter coats by their dam. Angus cows that reached a shedding score of less than 3.5 by the first of May weaned calves 31.39 kg heavier than cows that shed later in the spring (P<0.01). As average visual score increased, percentage medium and long hair increased.<br /> <br /> In Texas, Angus yearling heifers (28 head), two year old heifers (26 head), and older cows (58 head, including 13 three year olds, 30 from 4 to 9 years of age, and 15 that were 10 years or older) at the McGregor station were scored in March, April and May by two separate evaluators using a numerical hair shedding scores (1 = Slick, shedding complete through 5 = Winter coat, no shedding). The average coat score in all groups except the two-year-olds decreased significantly from March to April; the decrease was significant in all age groups from April to May.<br /> <br /> In the Virgin Islands, hair coat characteristics of tropically adapted Senepol (n = 18) and crossbred (n = 11; Charolais X Angus X Senepol) calves at 118 d of age were evalauted. All calves were genotyped for the presence of the Slick Hair gene and hair coats were classified as smooth, rough or hairy. Hair was shaved in a 40.6 cm2 area over the left flank on each calf using electric clippers and collected into a preweighed sample bag. Hair samples were weighed and individual hairs were counted to determine hair weight and density. Individual hair weight was estimated by dividing the sample weight by number of hairs. All of the crossbred calves (11/11) and 22% (4/18) of Senepol calves were classified as heterozygous for the Slick Hair gene, and 78% (14/18) of Senepol calves were classified as being homozygous for the Slick Hair gene. The proportion of crossbred calves classified as having the hairy, rough or smooth phenotype was 36.4, 36.4 or 27.3 % respectively. The proportion of Senepol calves classified as having the hairy, rough or smooth phenotype was 5.6, 27.8 or 66.7 % respectively. Senepol calves had higher hair density than the crossbred calves. Calves that were homozygous for the Slick Hair gene had a greater hair density than heterozygous calves. Coat type influenced ADG from weaning to yearling in crossbred calves but not in Senepol calves. Differences in ADG may be more impacted by breed than by hair coat because of the low numbers of calves within each breed-hair coat category.<br /> <br /> Plans for upcoming year <br /> There are no significant deviations to plans and methodology as laid out in the project proposal. Data collection will continue and analyses results will be presented next year. Some locations were not able to collect data in 2010-2011 to contribute to this years report but will contribute to the project beginning in 2011 - 2012. There was productive discussion at the 2011 meeting to standardize the hair shedding scoring system with photos circulated to the committee. There was also discussion about using the same vaccine across locations for studies in Objective 1b. That format of data to be collected for Objective 2 was also discussed and will be distributed to each participating station. Individual state budget concerns may dictate access to animals and animal numbers for participants, but are not foreseen as a major threat to the success of the project. <br /> <br />

Publications

Boenig, L., D.G. Riley, J.O. Sanders, and J. E. Sawyer. 2011. Heterosis for calving and weaning rates in Brahman-Hereford cows. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Brown, A. H., S. T. Reiter, M. A. Brown, Z. B. Johnson, I. A. Nabhan, M. A. Lamb, A. R. Starnes, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Effects of Heat Shock Protein-70 Gene and Forage System on Milk Yield and Composition of Beef Cattle. The Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:398-403.<br /> <br /> Brown, Jr., A. H., Z. B. Johnson, S. W. Coleman, M. A. Elzo, F. A. Thrift, S. M. DeRouen, D. E. Franke, W. E. Wyatt, R. C. Vann, G. R. Hansen, D. G. Riley. 2011. Genetic parameter estimates from weaning chute behavior score as an indicator trait for temperament in purebred Angus calves. J. Anim. Sci., 89(E-Suppl. 3):In Press.<br /> <br /> Downum, W. J., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, E. B. Kegley, Z. B. Johnson, D. B. Galloway, J. A. Hornsby, B. R. Lindsey. 2011. Effects of pre-weaning traits on BVDV type 1 immunoglobulin response to vaccination in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci., 89(E-Suppl. 3):In Press.<br /> <br /> Hulsman, L.L., S.O. Peters, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and D.G. Riley. 2011. QTL mapping for overall temperament at weaning in Nellore-Angus cattle using Bayesian inference. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Muntean, C.T. 2011. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive and maternal performance traits and cow longevity. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station.<br /> <br /> Muntean, C.T., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D.G. Riley. 2011. Evaluation of F1 cows by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive, maternal and longevity traits. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Rojas, T. N., A. H. Brown, F. W. Pohlman, M. A. Brown, Z. B. Johnson, P. Dais-Morse, L. McKenzie, and L. Mehall. 2010. Effects of Breed and Diet on Beef Quality Characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):1.<br /> <br /> Rojas, T. N., A. H. Brown, F. W. Pohlman, M. A. Brown, P. Dias-Morse. 2010. Effects of sex and diet on beef quality sensory characteristics. Meat Sci. 84:554-555.<br /> <br /> Rubino, D.L., A.J. Weis, A.M. Hogg and R.W. Godfrey. 2011. Body temperature measurements of Senepol and crossbred calves in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. (Presented at Southern Section meetings, Feb 2011).<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A. 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance in steers of known genetic background vaccinated and challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University.<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A, A.D. Herring, J.F. Ridpath, and J.E. Sawyer 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance of steers challenged with BVD virus. Proc. 56th Annual TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course.<br /> <br /> Simmons, N. B., M. L. Marks, J. A. Parish, S. T. Willard and T. Smith. 2011. Effects of Hair Shedding on Weaning Performance and Association to Hair Characteristics in Beef Cattle Females. J. Anim. Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):15.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010.Relationship of Fecal Egg Counts and Temperament Scores to Prolactin Promoter Polymorphisms in Angus Calves. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):1-2.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Relationship of Fecal Egg Counts to Prolactin Promoter Polymorphisms in Angus Calves. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Stat. Research Series 584:45-46. <br /> <br /> <br /> Thrift, F. A., J. O. Sanders, M. A. Brown, A. H. Brown, Jr., A. D. Herring, D. G. Riley, S. M. DeRouen, J. W. Holloway, W. E. Wyatt, R. C. Vann, C. C. Chase, Jr., D. E. Franke, L. V. Cundiff, and J. F. Baker. 2010. Review: Preweaning, Postweaning and Carcass Trait Comparisons for Progeny Sired by Subtropical Adapted Sire Breeds at Various U. S. Locations, The Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:451-473.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Identification of animals found to be genetically resistant to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) could provide the basis for selection programs for cattle resistant to the disease. Typically 750,000 calves are weaned annually in Arkansas. Elimination of the price reduction ($30.00/hd) due to IBK could be worth $7,875,000 to Arkansas producers independent of the cost of treating the malady. Early vaccination of calves to BVDV could reduce the reported loss of $15.33 to $20.18/cow. If there was a 10% reduction in the incidence of BVDV, it could be worth $1,513,000 to Arkansas producers.
2. There appears to be little to no incidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in calves at two locations in Louisiana. As additional data are collected and analyzed, more information will be forwarded to cattle producers in the multi-state area and publications developed for scientific dissemination.
3. Genotyping of previously described QTL regions and candidate genes of known function offer the evaluation of potential marker associations with economically important traits in unique southern cattle populations. If the information on cow productivity leads to the identification of loci with major effects, this could lead to tests that would allow genotyping at these loci for use in marker assisted selection and/or genomic prediction. If mechanisms are identified that help explain reciprocal differences in Bos indicus  Bos taurus crosses this should allow for the development of more efficient crossbreeding programs.
4. The evaluation of hair coat length/hair shedding patterns in conjunction with growth and reproductive performance should provide a basis of information that identifies animals that are genetically adapted to production environments, thus providing producers additional information for improved breeding decisions.

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Report Information

Participants

Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands; Hansen, Gary (gary_hansen@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University;Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Kutz, Bryan (bkutz@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Powell, Jeremy (jerpow@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Riley, David (david-riley@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Sanders, Jim (j-sanders1@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Smith, Trent (ts289@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; West, Joe (joewest@uga.edu) - University of Georgia

Brief Summary of Minutes

The third meeting of the S-1045 regional project technical committee was held on May 30 - June 1, 2012 at the MAFES Conference Center in Starkville, Mississippi. The meeting was officially called to order at 8:00 am by Dr. Trent Smith, S1045 Project Chairman for 2012. He welcomed the group along with Drs. Greg Bohach, George Hopper, Rueben Moore and Mark Crenshaw. Information was presented to the group during the welcome on Mississippi State University, the Agriculture industry in Mississippi, and the history of the MAFES Conference Center where the meetings were being held. Following the welcome, Dr. Joe West at the University of Georgia, Tifton was introduced as the new S1045 Administrative Advisor to the group. Dr. West was welcomed by the group.

After an introduction of the committee members attending the meeting, Dr. Trent Smith asked for volunteers to be members of the Resolutions Committee and the Nominating Committee. The following members volunteered to be on the various committees:
Resolutions Committee: Drs. Andy Herring, Bob Godfrey and David Riley
Nominating Committee: Drs. Jim Sanders, Jeremy Powell and Brian Kutz
Motion was made to accept the committees as presented and approved unanimously.

Dr. Smith asked that each objective be discussed in whole before moving into discussion on the next objective. Discussion was initiated on Objective 1.

Objective 1 - Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage.
Objective 1a. Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, Coordinator Hayden Brown, UA
Dr. Brown was unable to attend the meeting. Station reports were given by Drs. Smith (MSU), Kutz (UA), and Vann (MSU, Brown Loam).

Objective 1b-Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, Coordinator Andy Herring, TAMU
Drs. Herring and Powell (UA) gave station reports.

Objective 1c-Specific External Parasites, Coordinator Bob Godfrey, UVI
A station report was presented by Dr. Bob Godfrey and Dr. Vann (MSU, Brown Loam) reported progress.

Objective 2 - Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types.
Coordinator Gary Hansen, NCST. Dr. Hansen was asked to resend the spreadsheet for data arrangement. It was stated that Dr. Mauricio Elzo will conduct the analyses. Drs. Godfrey (UVI), Sanders (TAMU) gave station reports.

Objective 3 - Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations.
Coordinators: Drs. Andy Herring, TAMU, Gary Hansen, NCST, and Trent Smith, MSU
General methodology was reviewed for objective 3. It was decided that DNA samples will be collected and stored on site at each research station or arrangements need to be made for storage. If whole blood, collect in purple-top tubes (EDTA) and transfer to cryovial tubes for freezing. Buffy coat, hairs, tissue samples, cards (GeneSeek, FTA, Whatman) all are acceptable storage methods. Dr. Matt Garcia (LSU) will be contacted about storage and/or participation in this objective. Dr. Herring will send out summary form of DNA stored in previous year to all members. Members are to complete and submit for annual report to Dr. Smith in next 30 days. It was decided to coordinate this information with data accumulation in Objective 2.

Objective 4 - Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types.
Coordinators Bob Godfrey, UVI and Trent Smith, MSU. Drs. Smith and Sanders (TAMU) gave station reports. Dr. Godfrey reported results on this objective in conjunction with results for Objective 1c because of pooled data as part of another project. Dr. Powell began scoring cattle at UA this spring. Dr. Smith will mail out pictures of shedding pattern scores and other relevant scores to committee members.

Administrative Advisor Report
Dr. Joe West gave his first report as the Administrative Advisor. He recommended that a copy of the resolutions be sent along with a letter to Dr. David Morrison in recognition of his long service to this technical committee. He verified names of current committee members and reminded the group that the annual report is due in 60 days as well as the minutes. Project termination is scheduled in 2014. If we request an extension, it must be done the year prior to termination, which is next year. It would be good to have scientists from multiple disciplines and extension as technical committee members. There is a new director at NIFA; changes in NIFA/AFRI funding opportunities are uncertain.

The committee discussed expansion of membership to other scientists. Potential contacts were discussed at multiple locations. The chair will send this list to Technical Committee members.
Business meeting was called by Dr. Trent Smith. Dr. Smith requested reports from the nominating and resolution committees. The nominating committee (Drs. Jim Sanders, Jeremy Powell, and Brian Kutz) made the following nominations: Dr. Gary Hansen (chair), Dr. David Riley (chair elect) and Dr. Rhonda Vann (secretary). The nominated individuals were elected by unanimous vote.

The resolution committee (Drs. Andy Herring, Bob Godfrey, and David Riley) submitted their report as follows:

Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States;

And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems;

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Dr. Trent Smith and the staff of Mississippi State University for hosting, planning, and coordinating its 2012 annual meeting in Starkville, MS. We would also like to thank these officials of Mississippi State University: Dr. Ruben Moore, Associate Director of Operations, Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), Dr. Mark Crenshaw, Interim Department Head, Animal and Dairy Sciences, Dr. Greg Bohach, Vice President of Division Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Dr. George Hopper, Director of MAFES, Dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences;

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Mr. Milton Sundbeck, Town Creek Farms, for providing lunch and hosting us at his ranch, and Mr. Ron Flake for providing a tour of Town Creek Farms;

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Mr. Phil McClellan, Prairie Livestock, LLC, Mr. Gary Tanner, Tanner Farms, and Mr. Robert Field, Calyx Star Ranch for the educational tours and discussion of operations and facilities;

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Mikell Davis, Little Creek Farms, for hosting supper and tour of his operation;

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Mr. Cody Massey and Mr. William White of the MSU South Farm for the tour of facilities;

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. David Morrison, LSU AgCenter, for his many years of leadership and commitment to committee activities and his friendship with Technical Committee members;

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia-Tifton, for his enthusiasm and willingness to serve as administrative advisor of this project, and we look forward to working with him.
Passed unanimously.

Dr. Trent Smith initiated discussion for the date and location of next years meeting. Drs. Hayden Brown, Jeremy Powell, and Brian Kutz invited the group to meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2013 on May 29-31st with the 29th as a travel day. The group unanimously accepted the invitation.

The meeting was adjourned by Dr. Trent Smith.

Accomplishments

This section of the report is presented by objective, and highlights new data that have been collected to date. <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 1: Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 1a - Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis<br /> <br /> Arkansas Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Calves (n = 1300) were evaluated in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) scars. At weaning, incidence of IBK was determined using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye, and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. Calves were all Angus sired.<br /> <br /> Results. These data show that 13.62% of all calves evaluated had IBK scarring. The incidence of IBK for spring born calves was 20.75%, and the incidence of IBK for fall born calves was 3.21%. Non-scarred calves had heavier mean unadjusted weaning weight than scarred calves 242.5 vs 233.5 Kg. <br /> <br /> Procedures. In a preliminary analysis of the first two years (2009 and 2010) of these data (n = 868) genetic parameter estimates were determined for resistance/susceptibility to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Calves were born in the spring and fall at three Arkansas locations in 2009 and 2010. All calves were sired by purebred Angus bulls registered with the American Angus Association, one of which was Bon View New Design 878, the in common sire among locations.<br /> <br /> Results. Scarring occurred in 19.6% of calves. Heritability, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic correlations were determined using variance component obtained with a single and two-trait animal model and MTDFREML. Fixed effects of contemporary group generated by birth year, season of birth, location and sex were included in the mixed model procedures. Age of dam and age of calf at weaning were included as covariates. Standard errors for the phenotypic correlations were estimated using residuals from the mixed model analysis. The single trait analysis, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variances for IBK were 0.0778, 0.09099, and 0.09877, respectively. Estimates of heritability and environmental variance were 0.08 ± 0.074 and 0.92 ± 0.074, respectively. From the two trait analysis, genetic, environmental and phenotypic variation of IBK with birth weight were 0.27 ± 0.39, -0.03 ± 0.10, and 0.02 ± 0.03, respectively. The environment and phenotypic correlations of IBK with weaning weight were -0.29 ± 0.10 and 0.05 ± 0.03, respectively. In these data, the heritability of IBK is low, however, because of the small sample size additional data may be required to further explain the inheritance of resistance/susceptibility in calves to IBK.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Calves were evaluated at weaning in the spring (n=220) and fall (n=80).<br /> <br /> Results. No incidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis was apparent in these calves.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Starkville) Report: <br /> <br /> Procedures. Angus (82), Hereford (10), and Charolais (37) calves were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis at weaning. Calves were born late August through mid November and were weaned the first week of May at about 205 days of age. A subjective scoring system was used where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes.<br /> <br /> Results. All calves were given a score of zero which indicates no incidence of pink eye. Data are being stored in electronic files for later analysis for pooling with other stations for an overall analysis.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 1b: Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccination Response<br /> <br /> Arkansas Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Our interest in objective 1b involves response to early vaccination of calves. Cattle at the Arkansas station were vaccinated for BVDV (Pyramid 5) to determine Type 1 immunoglobulin response to vaccination. All calves had known sires. Weight and age were recorded for each calf. Serum was sent to Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for determination of lg response using viral neutralization.<br /> <br /> Results. At no time during the experiment did body weight (Table 1) differ (P e 0.51) between vaccination timing treatments. Similarly, neither pre-weaning nor post-weaning average daily gain, nor the combined average daily gain for the entire 231 days of the study were impacted (P e 0.84) by the timing of vaccination. Therefore, growth performance of calves was not negatively or positively impacted by MLV vaccination at 62 days of age. No calves were treated for BRD at either location pre- or post-weaning. <br /> <br /> Both treatments have equivalent titers at the start of the study which can be attributed to maternal transfer. Then by study day 21, the EV calves already exhibit greater BVDV titers at 3 weeks post initial vaccination (calves are approx. 81days of age at this point). Furthermore, EV calves continued to show increased titers while maternal antibodies declined in TV group at study day 126 (3 weeks prior to weaning). At weaning (study day 147), EV calves had greater titers even though both groups have been vaccinated once. EV calves maintain high serum antibody titers (BVDV) throughout 84-day post-weaning period and were statistically equivalent to TV calves.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures and Results. Calves in 2011, Spring (n=204) and Fall (n=80) and calves in 2010, Spring (n=202) and Fall (n=97) were all tested to be free of BVD persistent infection.<br /> <br /> Texas Report: <br /> <br /> Procedures. In 2010 (n = 78), 2011 (n = 104), and 2012 (n = 106) yearling, half-blood Angus-Nellore (F2 and F3) steers have been evaluated for immune response to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). In all years, steers were tested to be free of BVD persistent infection and stratified by sire and composition type (F2 and F3) across three vaccine treatments of killed vaccine (KV), modified live vaccine (MLV), and non-vaccinated (NON). At d 0, all steers were challenged intranasally with BVDV Type 1b strain CA0401186a. Animals were monitored daily for clinical symptoms of BRD/BVD; weights and rectal temperatures were collected at d 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 28, and 42. A threshold rectal temperature over 40o C has been used to classify animals for temperature status during 14 d post-challenge and administering antibiotic treatment. Serum samples have been evaluated each year for antibody titer for IBR, BVD 1a, BVD 1b and BVD 2. Daily feed intake (DFI) and feeding behaviors such as total bunk visits and total bunk time were collected daily via a 4-pen Growsafe® system. Some specific analyses are discussed below.<br /> <br /> Steers (n = 104) born in the spring of 2010 were evaluated for rectal temperature, feed intake and weight gain in 2011. Mixed model, repeated measures procedures to analyze DFI included models with fixed effects of vaccine treatment (VAC), pen, day, sire, rectal temperature status (RTEMP), and two-factor interactions. ADG was calculated for the three-14 d periods following challenge with similar fixed effects plus d-0 weight as a covariate.<br /> <br /> Steers evaluated in 2010 and 2011 were investigated for relationships involving animal temperament (disposition) and immune response. Temperament scores of steers were evaluated shortly after weaning (8 mo age) on a 1-9 scale by four evaluators. Serum samples for antibody titer of BVDV (Types 1a, 1b and 2) were collected on vaccination days, BVDV challenge day (d 0), and 14, 28, and 42 d after challenge. Whole-blood samples for hematological counts were collected on d 0, 14, 28, and 42 post challenge. Pearson correlations of temperament score and titer and hematological measures were evaluated.<br /> <br /> A pooled analysis across both years was also conducted to evaluate effects of sire and composition (F2 and F3). Titers (reciprocal base two log of the highest neutralized dilution) were analyzed as repeated measures through mixed models utilizing an autoregressive covariance structure; fixed effects were vaccine treatment, day, vaccine treatment by day interaction, year, and sire nested within composition.<br /> <br /> Results. <br /> In regard to the 2011 challenge, no steers exhibited visual symptoms that would have led to a morbid classification; however, many had rectal temperature (RTEMP) over 40o C on evaluation d, including d 0 before challenge and on d 28 and 42; as a result RTEMP alone is likely not an ideal indicator of health status in these data. Also pen and several two-factor interactions involving pen were important (P < 0.05) sources of variation. There was an interaction of RTEMP status and d (P < 0.01) where in general, steers exhibiting over 40o C during d 3 to 14 had DFI depressed 0.2 to 0.6 kg/d from d 3 to 10 but appeared to compensate after d 14. A pattern existed in DFI where NON steers consistently ranked lower than KV and MLV steers for d 6-11. No differences in ADG were attributed to VAC or RTEMP status.<br /> <br /> Mean temperament scores were 4.2 in 2009-born steers and 5.9 in 2010-born steers. Several correlations (P < 0.05) between temperament score and the titer of BVDV (type 1a, b and 2), lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were found. On d 0 temperament had correlation from -0.20 to -0.24 with BVDV titers. On d 14, these values were reduced (r of -0.15 to -0.20), and became non-significant at d 28 and 42. Lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts at d 0 were not correlated to temperament. Correlation of temperament and lymphocyte count at d 14 (r = -0.21) appeared similar to correlation of temperament and BVDV titers). Neutrophil counts were not related to temperament except at d 28 and 42 (r of -0.19 and -0.20, respectively); platelet counts had similar magnitude of relationship with temperament (P < 0.05) for d 14, 28 and 42, but were positive (r of 0.17 to 0.20). When mixed model analyses of titer and hematological measures incorporated the regression on weaning temperament score, it became non-significant as the large individual variability in titers seemed to overshadow the temperament influence. <br /> <br /> No differences existed between F2 and F3 steers. Large ranges in titer values among individual steers were observed, particularly for BVDV1b on d 14 among killed (0 to 12) and MLV (0 to 10) and day 28 for NON steers (3 to 9). Sire nested within composition affected (P = 0.003) IBR and approached significance (P = 0.09) for BVDV1b. LS means for IBR titers ranged from -1.04 to 2.19 for F2 sires and 0.12 to 2.20 for F3 calf sires. There was a large (P < 0.001) vaccine treatment by day interaction for IBR, and BVDV types 1a, 1b, and 2. Calves vaccinated with killed vaccine had higher (P < 0.05) titers at all post-challenge times compared to MLV or NON calves. NON calves had the lowest antibody titers from d 14 to 42 and appeared to reach peak titer at day 42 for all BVDV types (3.9, 7.5, and 2.9 for 1a, 1b and 2, respectively). MLV steers also had peak BVDV titers at d 42 (4.9, 7.4, and 3.0 for types 1a, 1b and 2, respectively). The killed treatment appeared to have peak BVDV titers on d 14 (9.2, 11.2, and 9.2 for types 1a, 1b and 2, respectively). These data indicate that variation among families in antibody response to vaccination and viral challenge can exist and that response across pathogens may not be uniform across families. <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 1c: Specific External Parasites<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures and Results. Calves in 2011, Spring (n=204) and Fall (n=80) and calves in 2010, Spring (n=202) and Fall (n=97) were evaluated for specific external parasites and approximately 5 animals each year (spring calves) were found to have a slight tick burden.<br /> <br /> Virgin Islands Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. The tick burdens and hair coat of Senepol cows and calves were evaluated during the annual production cycle. Calves born in the Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 were evaluated at weaning (n = 45) and as yearlings (n = 37). Cows (n = 88) that calved in the Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 were evaluated at weaning. Weights were collected at each time for cows and calves. Tick burden was evaluated using a scale of 1= clean, 2 = slight, 3 = medium and 4 = heavy. Hair coat was evaluated as either 1 = slick or or 2 = rough. <br /> <br /> Results. The majority of calves (75-80%) had rough hair coats at weaning and as yearlings. Less than 30% of the calves were clean of ticks at weaning and as yearlings. Almost half of the calves had a light tick burden at weaning and as yearlings. There was no effect of hair coat or gender on tick burden. Calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning had lower weaning weight than calves classified as either light or clean. ADG from birth to weaning was lowest in calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning. There was no clear effect of tick burden on yearling weight or ADG from weaning to yearling. At weaning calves with a slick hair coat were heavier than those with a rough coat (262 ± 13 vs 222 ± 6 kg, respectively) but there was no difference at weaning. ADG was not different between slick and rough calves at weaning (0.93± 0.06 vs 0.87 ± 0.03 kg/d, respectively) or yearling (0.36± 0.04 vs 0.36 ± 0.04 kg/d, respectively).<br /> <br /> The majority of cows (80%) had a slick hair coat at weaning. Forty five percent of cows had a light tick burden and less than 20% were clean at weaning. There was no difference in BW, condition score or hip height between coat types or tick burdens.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types. <br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Data were collected on a total of 325 cows each year in 2010 and 2011 for cow fertility and productivity. The 14 breeding groups include one F1 group, with the other groups varying in percentage Brahman influence.<br /> <br /> Results. None to report.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Starkville) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures: Data were collected on 148 fall calving Angus, Hereford, and Charolais cows. Cows were managed for two A.I. breedings and placed with clean-up bulls for approximately 30 days. Cows calved from September to December (Fall 2011). The following data were collected on the cows: breed, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, birth date, mating information, predominant forage in pastures and if females were culled or died during production, reasons were documented. The following information was taken during calving season on all cows: calving date, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), and calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes). Calf records included sire/sire breed of calf, birth weight within 24 hrs, weaning date, weaning weight, and documentation if calf died during the preweaning period or had health issues.<br /> <br /> Results. None to report.<br /> <br /> Texas Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. For the F1 cows born in 1992 and 1993, and sired by Boran, Brahman and Tuli bulls, calves have been produced from 1994 to 2011. Different sire breeds have been used in different years, and breed of sire of calf is almost completely confounded with year. Within a given year, all cows were bred to the same bulls. The results have been analyzed through the 2010 calf crop.<br /> <br /> Results. There were no significant differences in birth weight due to sire breed of the dam, with least squares means ranging from 34.0 to 34.1 kg. Calves out of Brahman sired cows were heaviest (P < 0.05) at weaning (236.7 kg), and those out of Tuli sired cows were lightest (P < 0.05; 197.2 kg); those out of Boran-sired cows averaged 217.5 kg. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between sire breed of cow and sex of calf with the steer calves out of Brahman sired cows being about 15 kg heavier than the heifers , whereas steers were only about 7 kg heavier than the heifers out of both Boran and Tuli sired cows.<br /> <br /> Boran sired cows had a higher (P < 0.05) calf crop born percentage (94.4) than the Tuli-sired (89.2) and Brahman-sired (87.2) cows, which were not significantly different from each other. For calf crop weaned, the Boran-sired cows (89.4%) were higher (P < 0.05) than the Brahman-sired cows (81.0%); the Tuli crosses (84.3%) did not differ significantly from the other two types.<br /> <br /> The Brahman sired cows were significantly heavier than both the Boran- and Tuli sired cows. Least squares means for the year 2000, when the cows were 7 to 8 years of age were 515.4, 518.7, and 601.9 kg for the Tuli-, Boran-, and Brahman-sired cows, respectively. <br /> <br /> Sire of cow breed differed for condition score (P < 0.001), with Boran-sired females having higher adjusted means than both Brahman- and Tuli-sired females, which were not significantly different from one another (5.43, 5.19, and 5.15, respectively).<br /> <br /> Mouths were scored starting in 2004, when the youngest cows were 11 years of age. Across the years that were evaluated, the Brahman- sired cows had a significantly higher percentage with solid mouths (40.3) than the Boran- and Tuli-sired cows (29.5 and 7.0%, respectively). Both the Brahman- and Boran-sired cows had significantly lower percentages with smooth mouths (12.6 and 16.7%, respectively) than the Tuli-sired cows (34.1%).<br /> <br /> Of the initial 52 Tuli-, 36 Boran- and 55 Brahman-sired cows, 14, 20 and 18, respectively, remained in the herd prior to culling in 2007, when the remaining cows were 14 and 15 years of age. After culling, 8, 17, and 10 remained, respectively. Of the original cows, 15, 47 and 18% of the Tuli, Boran-and Brahman crosses remained in the herd after culling in 2007. In 2008, 8, 17, and 9, respectively, were still in the herd prior to culling, and 5, 12, and 7 (10, 33, and 13%, respectively) remained after culling, when they were 15 and 16 years of age. Before culling in 2009, 4, 12, and 6 of the Tuli-. Boran-, and Brahman-sired cows remained in the herd, and 1, 8, and 4 (2, 22, and 7%, respectively of the original cows) remained after culling, when they were 16 and 17 years of age. Before culling in 2010, 1, 7, and 4 of the Tuli-. Boran-, and Brahman-sired cows remained in the herd, and 1, 3, and 2 (2, 8, and 4%, respectively of the original cows) remained after culling, when they were 17 and 18 years of age. <br /> <br /> All nine calf crops of Cycle 1 of the Genomics project (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and spring of 2007 for embryo transfer calves and spring of 2003 to 2007 for natural service calves) calves have been produced, and the steers from all nine calf crops have been fed individually and slaughtered. The heifers produced in the project were exposed to Angus bulls (at about 14 months of age) to calve at two years of age; fall-born heifers were exposed again at about 20 months of age. The two year-old fall-born females that calved in the fall at two years of age were held over to have their second calf in the spring when they were 3 ½ years of age. Thereafter, all cows are bred for spring calves. All of these calves were sired by Angus bulls, until the 2009 calf crop. Starting with that calf crop, all cows that are three years old and older have produced F3 calves sired by F2 bulls produced in the 2006 spring and fall calf crops of the Cycle 1. The cattle from these matings (the F3s) are the cattle of Cycle 3 of the project. Cows in the oldest group of Cycle 1 (i.e., the cows born in the spring 2003) currently are raising their seventh calves. <br /> <br /> Starting in 2006, reciprocal F1 NA bulls and heifers have been retained and combined with the Nellore-sired F1 NA cows and bulls from earlier studies to produce all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses in cycle 2 of the Genomics project. Only matings of Nellore-sired bulls to Nellore-sired cows were used to produce the NS F2 calves that were born in 2008. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to Nellore-sired F1 cows in 2008 to produce the calves that born in 2009. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 cows in 2009 and 2010. These matings will be continued until fifty females of each of the four reciprocal types of F2s are available for the evaluation of cow productivity. To the extent possible, animals of the four reciprocal types will be produced and evaluated as contemporaries.<br /> <br /> Virgin Islands Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Cow fertility and productivity were evaluated over a 3-year period for cows bred in 2008, 2009, 2010 to calve in the spring (n = 202) or fall (n = 98). Data collected reflect traits at breeding, calving and weaning. Cow data collected included weight, hip height and condition score (1 - 9). Cow efficiency at weaning was calculated as (BW of calf/cow BW at weaning)*100. Factors included in the analysis included pregnancy and lactation status of cows.<br /> <br /> Results. At breeding cows calving in the fall were heavier and had higher condition scores than the spring calving cows (619 ± 8 vs 564 ± 6 kg, respectively; 7.4 ± 0.1 vs 6.9 ± 0.1, respectively). At calving the fall calving cows were heavier than spring calving cows (628 ± 8 vs 585 ± 6 kg, respectively). There was no difference (P > 0.10) in hip height, condition score or calf birth weight. At weaning the fall calving cows were heavier, had greater hip height, higher condition score and lower calf weaning weight and cow efficiency compared to spring calving cows.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations. <br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Progress. Each year all calves will have DNA collected and stored for characterization of molecular markers. Ear notches were collected on calves in 2011, spring (n=204) and fall (n=80) and calves in 2010, spring (n=202) and fall (n=97) and stored in -80°C freezer.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Starkville) Report:<br /> <br /> Progress. DNA samples have been collected via whole blood and hair cards on fall 2010 weaned calves (n=122). Whole blood was collected and placed in 2 ml cryotubes and stored in a -80°C freezer. Both blood samples and hair cards were cataloged for future reference. Information on each animal includes animal, sire and dam identification, breed, and location. DNA will be extracted in the future to find genetic markers associated with cow reproductive and maternal traits and calf traits.<br /> <br /> Texas Report: <br /> <br /> Progress. For the cattle in Cycle 1 of the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) was collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles were saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample was collected for each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objectives 1, 2, and 4 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types <br /> <br /> Mississippi (Brown Loam) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Calves were evaluated for hair coat scores including hair length, hair luster, and shedding. Hair samples were collected on calves in 2011, spring (n=204) and fall (n=80) and calves in 2010, spring (n=202) and fall (n=97) and samples weighed.<br /> <br /> Results. In 2011, calves (n=195) were evaluated for effect of sire and sire breed as well as calf sex on hair coat shedding, temperament and body weights. Sire breed, individual sire and calf sex all had significant (P < 0.002) effects on calf birth weight, pre-weaning and weaning weight as well as hair shedding and hair length. Sire breed and individual sire had significant (P < 0.05) effects on calf exit velocity at pre-weaning and weaning; as well as had significant (P < 0.0001) effects on pen score and temperament score at pre-weaning and weaning.<br /> <br /> Mississippi (Starkville) Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. The objective of this trial was to determine the relationship between hair shedding and tympanic temperatures in Angus cows. A scoring system was developed to evaluate hair shedding in cattle based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 = winter coat completely shed and a 5 = no shedding of the winter coat. Shedding scores were taken every 28 d from March to July. Cows were selected based on hair shedding score data collected in 2008 and 2009 and placed in groups based on ability or inability to shed during the spring of each year. Cattle with hair shedding scores of > 4 in June of each year were placed in the high (H) shedding group (n = 10), while cows with a score of < 3 by March were placed in the low (L) shedding group (n = 10). Tympanic temperature sensors were placed in the right ear of each cow in March, May, and July and temperature data were recorded by a data logger every 5 min for a period of 7 d. Due to loss of sensors during the trial period, only cattle with complete data were used in the data analysis (n = 5 for H and n = 7 for L). Total observations for the trial were 5,184 temperature points. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure in SAS with hourly average tympanic temperature (ATT) as the response variable with fixed effects of trial time period, hair shedding group and interactions. Ambient temperature was included as a covariate.<br /> <br /> Results. Overall, cattle from the H group had a greater ATT at 38.89±0.10 °C than the L group with an ATT of 38.36±0.08 °C (P < 0.01). When comparing across time periods, ATT from March and July were similar (P > 0.05) for both groups but, were greater than those recorded in May (P < 0.01). Average tympanic temperatures for cows in the H group were 38.84 ± 0.10 °C in March, 38.85 ± 0.10°C in May and 38.98 ± 0.10°C in July and were greater than (P < 0.01) those from the L group (38.45 ± 0.09, 38.27 ± 0.09, 38.37 ± 0.09°C for March, May, and July, respectively). Results suggest that hair shedding scores could be related to tympanic temperatures in Angus cattle.<br /> <br /> Procedures. The objective of the study was to assess variation in hair coat shedding of Angus cows, and its effect on adjusted weaning weight (d205wt) and BCS. Data were available from a combined set of 532 Angus cows from North Carolina and Mississippi over 3 years (2007, 2008 and 2009), beginning in March and for 5 months at 30 day intervals, trained technicians scored cows on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 representing slick coats and 5 winter coats. All cows were between 3 and 13 years of age and were only used in the analysis if they has weaned a calf. Cows calved in late autumn at the location in North Carolina and early autumn or late winter/early spring at the various Mississippi locations. For each cow the first month with a score of 3 or less (MFS, 5 levels) was considered the beginning of winter coat shedding and used in the analyses. Association between MFS and d205WT or BCS, was investigated using the mixed procedure of SAS. Data were further analyzed by dividing cows into two groups, group one (Group 1) were cows with a shedding score of 3 or less by June 1st and group two (Group 2) consisted of cows with a shedding score of 4 or 5 on June 1st (AS, 2 levels).<br /> <br /> Results. Calves from Group 1 dams were 11.1 ± 2.8 kg heavier at weaning (P < 0.01) than calves from Group 2 dams. No significant differences were found between shedding score and BCS. Variance components were estimated using THRGIBBS1F90 and heritability of AS was calculated (h2 = 0.35) with a moderate genetic correlation with D205WT (rg = -0.58). Hair coat shedding is a heritable trait and could be altered by selection. Producers within the Southeastern or Southern United States who are concerned about heat stress may want to select for individuals who shed their winter hair coat earlier in the season. In conclusion, cows who shed their winter coat by June 1st will wean heavier calves on average.<br /> <br /> Texas Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures. Starting in March 2011, Angus heifers and cows (58 head, including 13 three year olds, 30 from 4 to 9 years of age, and 15 that were 10 years or older) at the McGregor station were scored in March, April and May by two separate evaluators. Numerical hair shedding scores were assigned using the following scale:<br /> 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete<br /> 2) Hair coat not completely slick but more than halfway shed from the initial winter coat<br /> 3) Hair coat halfway shed from the initial winter coat<br /> 4) Hair coat shedding initiated but not halfway complete to a final slick coat<br /> 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding<br /> Least squares means have been calculated for age and month of scoring combinations.<br /> <br /> Starting in August 2011 cattle were scored for both the amount of old hair (that present from the previous winter) and the amount of new hair that they had grown. For both scores, the intention was to represent amounts of the full winter coat that remained (for old hair) and that had grown in since the middle of the summer.<br /> Starting in February 2012, shedding pattern has been scored using the following scale:<br /> 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete<br /> 2) The animal has shed off to below the middle of the rib cage <br /> 3) The slick strip covers the full topline and the back of the hindquarters<br /> 4) Shedding has started and there is a completely slick strip down the topline of the animal<br /> 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding, even down the topline <br /> <br /> Results. The average coat score in all groups except the two-year-olds decreased significantly from March to April; the decrease was significant in all age groups from April to May. <br /> <br /> Virgin Islands Report:<br /> <br /> Procedures and results are presented with Objective 1c.<br /> <br /> Plans for upcoming year <br /> There are no significant deviations to plans and methodology as laid out in the project proposal. Data collection will continue and analyses of results will be presented next year.<br />

Publications

Boenig, L., D.G. Riley, J.O. Sanders, and J. E. Sawyer. 2011. Heterosis for calving and weaning rates in Brahman-Hereford cows. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Brown, Jr., A. H., Z. B. Johnson, S. W. Coleman, M. A. Elzo, F. A. Thrift, S. M. DeRouen, D. E. Franke, W. E. Wyatt, R. C. Vann, G. R. Hansen, and D. G. Riley. 2011. Genetic parameter estimates for weaning chute behavior score as an indicator trait for temperament in purebred Angus calves. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E Suppl. 2):18.<br /> <br /> Downum, W. J., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, E. B. Kegley, Z. B. Johnson, D. B. Galloway, J. A. Hornsby, B. R. Lindsey. 2011. Calf pre-weaning traits and immunoglobulin response to bovine viral diarrhea virus vaccination. Discovery. 12:14-18.<br /> <br /> Downum, W. J. A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, E. B. Kegley, Z. B. Johnson, D. B. Galloway, J. A. Hornsby, B. R. Lindsey. 2011. Effects of pre-weaning traits on BVDV type I immunoglobulin response to vaccination in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 89(E-Suppl. 2):5.<br /> <br /> Gray, K. A., T. Smith, C. Maltecca, P. Overton, J. A. Parish, and J. P. Cassady. 2011. Differences in hair coat shedding, and effects on calf weaning weight and BCS among Angus dams. Livestock Science. 140 (1), pp. 68-71.<br /> <br /> Hulsman, L.L., S.O. Peters, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and D.G. Riley. 2011. QTL mapping for overall temperament at weaning in Nellore-Angus cattle using Bayesian inference. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Muntean, C.T. 2011. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive and maternal performance traits and cow longevity. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station.<br /> <br /> Muntean, C.T., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D.G. Riley. 2011. Evaluation of F1 cows by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive, maternal and longevity traits. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts.<br /> <br /> Oxford, E. L., A. H. Brown, J. G. Powell, K. S. Anschutz, B. R. Kutz, M. L. Thomas, and C. M. Turner. 2012. Genetic parameter estimates for susceptibility/resistance to infectious bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in Angus calves. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 2):8.<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A. 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance in steers of known genetic background vaccinated and challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, A. H. Brown, Jr., W. Downum, D. T. Ensley. 2012. Immune, Health, and Growth Responses of Beef Calves Administered Modified-Live Virus Respiratory Vaccine during the Presence of Maternal Antibody vs. a Traditional Vaccination Regimen. Proceedings of ASAS Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. (Accepted)<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, D. T. Ensley. 2012. Immune, health, and growth responses of beef calves administered modified-live virus respiratory vaccine in the presence of maternal antibody versus a traditional vaccination regimen. Proceedings of AABP Annual Conference, Montreal, QB. (Submitted)<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, A. H. Brown, Jr., W. Downum, D. T. Ensley. 2011. Immunologic, Health, and Growth Responses of Beef Calves Administered Pentavalent Modified-Live Virus Respiratory Vaccine during the Presence of Maternal Antibody versus a Traditional Vaccination Regimen. Bov. Practi. (In review)<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A, A.D. Herring, J.F. Ridpath, and J.E. Sawyer 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance of steers challenged with BVD virus. Proc. 56th Annual TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., 2011. Relationship of temperament scores and prolactin promoter polymorphisms in purebred Angus calves. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 2):10.<br /> <br /> Starnes, A. R., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2011. Relationship of temperament scores and prolactin promoter polymorphisms in Angus calves. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 597:55-56.<br /> <br /> Thomas, M. L., A. H. Brown, Z. B. Johnson, S. W. Coleman, M. A. Elzo, S. M. DeRouen, D. E. Franke, W. E. Wyatt, R. C. Vann, G. R. Hansen, and D. G. Riley. 2012. Breed group effects for chute exit velocity as an indicator trait for temperament in weaner cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 2):10.<br />

Impact Statements

1. a. Genetic resistance to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) could eliminate price penalty ($30.00/hd) due to IBK in Arkansas, worth $7.8 M independent of treatment cost. Calf BVDV vaccination could reduce the loss of $15.33 to $20.18/cow, 10% reduction is worth $1.5 M. b. Hematology shows large genetic variation in response to BVDV challenge. c. Selecting for low tick loads may improve growth rate up to weaning. Selecting for slick instead rough hair coat may increase growth rate.
2. Identification of loci with major effects on productivity could lead to tests to genotype for use in marker assisted selection and/or genomic prediction. Identification of mechanisms to explain reciprocal differences in Bos indicusBos taurus crosses may develop more efficient crossbreeding programs. Calving in the spring may be advantageous due to heavier calves at weaning, though lighter than fall calving cows, which may be related to the seasonal rainfall and forage quantity and quality.
3. DNA will be available from many different populations to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance in the future.
4. Hair shedding scores, although subjective, are well within the reach of both commercial and seedstock breeders. By using these scores and understanding their implications in cattle production, will aid them in the match of genetic resource to production resources. This could easily increase reproductive rate by 10%.

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Report Information

Participants

Anschut, Karen (kanshut@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Bolt, Brian (bolt@clemson.edu) - Clemson University; Brown, Hayden (hbrown@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Burke, Joan (joan.burke@ars.usda.gov) - ARS-USDA, Boonville. AR; Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands; Hansen, Gary (gary_hansen@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University; Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Kutz, Bryan (bkutz@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Oxford, Eric (eric.oxford@tyson.com) -University of Arkansas; Plank, Sam (sp1063@msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; Powell, Jeremy (jerpow@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Riley, David (david-riley@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Rolf, Megan (mrolf@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University; Rosenkrans, Charlie (crosenkr@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Sanders, Jim (j-sanders1@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Smith, Trent (ts289@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Starnes, Amber (arstarn@clemson.edu) - Clemson University; Tabler, Sam (sam.tabler@ars.usda.gov)  ARS-USDA, Boonville, AR; Thomas, Michelle (mlthoma@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Vann, Rhonda (rvanntx@gmail.com)  MAFES Brownloam; West, Joe (joewest@uga.edu) - University of Georgia;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The fourth annual S-1045 Regional meeting for conducting the research project titled Genetic considerations for beef cattle production in challenging environments was called to order on May 29-31, 2013 by Dr. Gary Hansen at the Pauline Whitaker Arena, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. Dr. Hayden Brown, committee member and location host for the meeting welcomed the group and introduced Dr. Mike Looper, Department Head of Animal Science, who gave the official welcome to the state and university. Dr. Looper gave an overview of the university enrollment for the department and discussed the agriculture statistics in Arkansas. Dr. Hansen announced members of the resolutions and nominating committees by asking for volunteers. This years members of the nominating committee consisted of Dr. Bob Godfrey, Dr. Jeremy Powell, and Dr. Jim Sanders; and members of the resolutions committee consisted of Dr. Trent Smith, Dr. Andy Herring and Dr. David Riley. In addition, Dr. Hansen asked all participants to introduce themselves and indicate location.


Station Reports were presented by objectives. Objective 1A: Mr. Eric Oxford presented Arkansas report on evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period at 3 locations in Arkansas. Dr. Rhonda Vann indicated that evidence of IBK in MS was very minimal in the Brown Loam Research Station herd. Objective 1b: Dr. Andy Herring, Texas A&M University, reported on the results from evaluation of two vaccines for BVD (killed vs. modified live) and the subsequent titers in animals vaccinated. He also presented information on association with ADG and vaccine type and he indicated that there their appeared to be more relationships with temperament and rectal temperature during processing. Objective 1c: Dr. Bob Godfrey presented report for University of Virgin Islands on specific external parasites and association with body weights and ADG of cows and calves at weaning and yearling due to tick burden.

Objective 2: Dr. Gary Hansen, North Carolina State University, went over the spreadsheet for data collection regarding this objective for cow fertility and productivity. He also asked contributors to send him information in this spreadsheet so that he could start analysis. Discussion ensued about number of columns and information included in spreadsheet. Dr. Hansen was asked to re email the spreadsheet. All participants agreed that they could provide their 2012 data to this objective. Dr. Hansen indicated that he currently has over 3,000 records in the data file. Dr. Jim Sanders, Texas A&M University presented a report on summary of data from heterosis retention project as it related to cow productivity and hybrid vigor.

Objective 3: Dr. Charlie Rosenkrans gave the report for Arkansas for their contribution to Objective 3 on their work with genetic markers for profitability traits.

Objective 4: Dr. Jeremy Powell gave report for Arkansas on hair coat and hair shedding of the Savoy research animals (n=199). Amanda Starnes gave report on some data from internal parasites for combined data from LA and AR. Dr. Bob Godfrey gave the report for the University of Virgin Islands for hair coat scores as described as slick, rough, and hairy and related to production efficiency of the cow and weights of calves at weaning and yearling. Slick cows and calves had greater body weights and ADG but did not see differences in BCS.

Michelle Thomas gave report for AR on some research on balking behavior prior to harvesting and its relation with temperament and effects on carcass characteristics and economics. Additionally, Dr. Joan Burke with USDA-Booneville, AR presented a report on fForage systems to finish steers for grass fed beef in Arkansas.

On the afternoon of May 29, 2013 the group traveled to Ozark Pasture Beef, LLC for a tour and presentation on how they raise and market forage fed beef.

On Thursday, May 30, 2013, the meeting was called to order By Dr. Gary Hansen, NCSU, and station reports resumed. Dr. Trent Smith, Mississippi State University, presented information pertaining to Objective 3, table and spreadsheet of DNA collections from last years meeting and asked everyone to resubmit information on DNA collection for this past year. Representatives from Clemson University, Dr. Brian Bolt and Oklahoma State University, Megan Rolf, indicated that this was an objective that they would be able to contribute to in the upcoming year.

Objective 4; Dr. Jim Sanders, Texas A&M University, presented information from McGregor cattle pertaining to hair coat and hair shedding. Dr. Sanders indicated that they had incorporated a new scoring method for new hair growth and discussed some of the challenges associated with identifying new hair growth when it begins and ends. Dr. Trent Smith, Mississippi State University, presented information pertaining to data collected for their contribution to objective 4. Dr. Smith indicated that they evaluated hair samples year round, and they saw a trend for cows that shed early to wean heavier calves and there was a high correlation between winter hair growth, length and hair weight which indicates validity in scoring system used.

The group left for tour of the Tysons World Headquarters Discovery Center for a tour of their facility and presentation on research discovery at Tysons in Springdale, AR. After the tour and lunch the group reconvened for discussion on what some new members could contribute to the group. Megan Rolf, Oklahoma State University, discussed an external parasite - horn fly study, as well as some of the research centers with cattle available from Oklahoma State University and a new livestock intake feeding system that is soon becoming operational that will allow for evaluation of water intake by beef cattle. Brian Bolt, Clemson University, discussed the new direction for a herd of Hereford cattle at the university research and teaching facility and some other cattle that could be available within the Clemson University system.

Earlier the group had asked for clarification on a one year extension for a re-write of the current project. Dr. Joe West, Administrative Advisor, indicated that the rules have changed and that NIFA would no longer allow a one year extension. He indicated the timeline for this project which ends August 30, 2014; and also gave deadlines for re-write of a new project with a request for new project proposal due November 1, 2013; and new project proposal due March 1, 2014. There was a motion for the group to follow protocols for implementing a new multi-state research project by Dr. Hayden Brown and seconded by Dr. Jim Sanders, and the motion passed unanimously. The group discussed some new objectives for a new project and elected individuals to serve on committees for the new project proposal objectives. Objective 1: Coordinator /committee- Jeremy Powell, David Riley, Megan Rolf, Rhonda Vann , Bob Godfrey; Objective 2: Coordinator /committee-Gary Hansen, Hayden Brown, Andy Herring; Objective 3: Coordinator/committee-Trent Smith, Jim Sanders, Rhonda Vann, Brian Bolt, Bob Godfrey; Objective 4: Coordinator/committee-David Riley, Rhonda Vann, Matt Garcia, Maurico Elzo, Charles Long.

For the business meeting, Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia, Administrative Advisor, gave his report and expressed appreciation to Arkansas representatives: Dr. Hayden Brown and Dr. Jeremy Powell for their hospitality as hosts. He also indicated the need to have true multi-state objectives and involvement for collaboration and new additions to the project. Also, he expressed that there would be encouragement for collaborations within the group for some solicitation of external funding and that there was a proposed increase in AFRI funding availability for animal science focused research projects. Dr. West asked for assistance with a clean-up of Appendix E participants and also people that needed to be added. He also indicated that the report from this meeting was due 60 days from today May 30, 2013. Dates were outlined that included a Nov. 1 deadline for request for a re-write with final proposal due March 1, 2014. Dr. West said he was willing to set up a S-1045 list serve so that communication would be easier within the group. The nominating committee report was given by Dr. Bob Godfrey; he indicated that the nominating committee selected Dr. Jeremy Powell as the secretary elect. Megan Rolf proposed acceptance of Jeremy as officer elect with all officers moving up, this motion was seconded by Dr. Jim Sanders, with the motion passing unanimously. The resolutions committee report was given by Dr. Andy Herring, Dr. Jim Sanders proposed the resolutions be accepted as read, Dr. Bob Godfrey seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

Resolutions Committee Report 2103

Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States;

And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems;

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Drs. Hayden Brown and Jeremy Powell and Ms. Dianna Watson and Ms. Lensey Watson of the University of Arkansas for hosting, planning, and coordinating its 2013 annual meeting in Fayetteville, AR. We would also like to thank Dr. Mike Looper, Department Head of Animal Science, Dr. Charles Rosenkrans, Ms. M. L. Thomas, Ms. Amber Starnes, Mr. Eric Oxford and Dr. Joan Burke, USDA-ARS Booneville for their presentations.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Ron Morrow and Dr. Ann Wells, Ozark Pasture Beef, LLC. for providing tour and dinner.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Ty Baublits and Mr. Eric Oxford, Tyson Foods for tour and lunch.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Fred Pohlman for preparing prime rib dinner.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Gary Hansen for serving as Chair to the 2013 technical committee.

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia-Tifton, for his enthusiasm and willingness to serve as administrative advisor and his leadership and guidance with this project.

Passed unanimously.

Committee unanimously accepts invitation from Texas to hold 2014 meetings in College Station, May 28-30, 2014.

The final discussion of the meeting involved a proposal by Dr. Andy Herring, Texas A&M University that this S-1045 group meet in conjunction with the WERA group of beef cattle breeding in College Station, Texas. The proposed dates of the 2014 meeting were May 27-30, 2014. In addition, it was proposed that this S-1045 group would meet Monday morning at the SAAS meeting February 3, 2014 to finalize the new multi-state project proposal. Additionally, Dr. Jeremy Powell indicated that any participants interested would be able to tour the University of Arkansas beef cattle center on Friday, May 31, 2013.
Part of the group toured the University of Arkansas beef cattle center on Friday, May 31, 2013 prior to departure to their various destinations.

Accomplishments

This section of the report is presented by objective and highlights new data that have been collected to date. <br /> <br /> Objective 1: Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage<br /> <br /> Objective 1a - Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis<br /> <br /> Arkansas Station Report<br /> <br /> Calves will be evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period at 3 locations in northwest Arkansas using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. Angus will be the predominant genetic type evaluated at three locations. Two locations have purebred Angus while the third location is an Angus based commercial herd.<br /> <br /> Variance Components (direct and permanent environment) for resistance to IBK will be estimated using a derivative-free REML algorithm (Graser et al., 1987) facilitated by the computer programs of Boldman et al. (1995). From these variance components, genetic parameters for direct effects associated with IBK will be calculated.<br /> <br /> Pre-weaning records in Angus calves (n=1484) were used to obtain genetic parameter estimates for susceptibility/resistance to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Calves were born in the spring and fall at three Arkansas locations in 2009 thru 2012 under procedures of objective 1a, Southern Regional Research Project, S1045. All calves were sired by purebred Angus bulls registered with the American Angus Association, one of which was Bon View New Design 878, the in common sire among locations. At weaning incidence of IBK was determined using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. Scarring occurred in 11.8% of calves. Heritability, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic correlations were determined using variance component obtained with a single and two-trait animal model and MTDFREML. Fixed effects of contemporary group generated by birth year, season of birth, location and sex were included in the mixed model procedures. Age of dam and age of calf at weaning were included as covariates. Standard errors for the phenotypic correlations were estimated using residuals from the mixed model analysis. The single trait analysis, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variances for IBK were 0.00376, 0.05747, and 0.06122, respectively. Estimates of heritability and environmental portion of total variance were 0.06 ± 0.05 and 0.94 ± 0.05, respectively. From the two trait analysis, genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlation of IBK with birth weight were 0.09 ± 0.33, 0.00 ± 0.053, and 0.03 ± 0.02, respectively. The environmental and phenotypic correlations of IBK with weaning weight were 0.12 ± 0.25, -0.10 ± 0.081 and -0.04 ± 0.02, respectively. In these data, the heritability of IBK is low, however, because of the small sample size additional data may be required to further explain the inheritance of resistance/susceptibility in calves to IBK.<br /> <br /> Identification of animals found to be genetically resistant to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) could provide the basis for selection programs for cattle resistant to the disease. Typically 750,000 calves are weaned annually in Arkansas. Elimination of the price reduction ($30.00/hd) due to IBK could be worth $7,875,000 to Arkansas producers independent of the cost of treating the malady.<br /> <br /> Mississippi Station Report <br /> <br /> Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State<br /> Purebred Angus (88), Hereford (4), and Charolais (33) calves were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis at weaning. Calves were born September through December and were weaned the first week of May at approximately 205 days of age. A subjective scoring system was used where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes.<br /> All calves were given a score of zero which indicates no incidence of pink eye. Data are being stored in electronic files for later analysis for pooling with other stations for an overall analysis.<br /> Objective 1b: Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccination Response<br /> <br /> Arkansas Station Report<br /> <br /> Data will incorporate external physical dimensions charting both hip height and pelvic area (height by width). Procedures for the obtainment of the aforementioned physical factors will utilize the instrumentation of the sliding caliper for hip height (Brown, et al. 1983) and Rice Pelvimeter, by which measurements are done via the rectum as seen within Looper, et al. (2002). Dimensions are to be recorded at intervals of approximately three months beginning at time of weaning.<br /> <br /> Investigating immunological effects of LDHA/LDHB single nucleotide polymorphisms is to be determined via cell moderated immunity utilizing measurement of skin fold thickness prior and post injection via micrometric calipers (Ata, 2011). Inoculation is to be administered in the caudal fold beneath the tail head. Post measurements will be carried out at six hour intervals (twice within the first twelve hours) and subsequently at twenty-four and forty-eight hour markers.<br /> <br /> Objectives of this research were to determine the effects of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymatic activity and circulating prolactin (PRL) on immune response; and to determine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL on immune response of replacement heifers grazing mixed stands of endophyte infected tall fescue. Angus based heifers (n = 89) underwent a 48h delayed hypersensitivity trial at 10 mo of age. Heifers received an injection of 1 cc phytohemagglutinin diluted in saline within the caudal fold at 0 h. Skin fold thickness was measured at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Blood samples were taken at 24 h and 48 h. Blood cell concentrations were determined using the Hemavet 950. Genomic DNA prepared from buffy coat was sequenced for single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL using Sequenom technology. Physical measurement correlations ranged from -0.33 to 0.50. All physical parameters showed similar correlations, except for coat score which held inverse relationships. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDHB affected or tended to affect multiple blood cell markers at different times. Prolactin single nucleotide polymorphisms did not affect immune response except for mean corpuscular volume.<br /> <br /> An improvement of reproductive rate would significantly increase returns to Arkansas producers. Currently, the weaning rate in Arkansas is about 75% which results in the production of approximately 750,000 calves annually. If weaning rate was increased by 20% annually there would be approximately 200,000 more calves weaned, these additional calves would be worth approximately $150,000,000. to Arkansas producers if they average weaning weight was 277 kg and cattle averaged $3.30/kg.<br /> <br /> Texas Station Report<br /> <br /> In 2010 (n = 78), 2011 (n = 104), 2012 (n = 106), and 2013 (n = 95) yearling, half-blood Angus-Nelore (F2 and F3) steers have been evaluated for immune, health and performance responses following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). In all years, steers have been tested to be free of BVD persistent infection and stratified by sire and composition type (F2 and F3) across three vaccine treatments of killed vaccine (KV), modified live vaccine (MLV), and non-vaccinated (NON). At d 0, all steers have been challenged intranasally with BVDV Type 1b strain CA0401186a from USDA-ARS National Animal Disease Center, Ames IA (Julia Ridpath lab).<br /> <br /> Data have been collected (2010-2012, 2013 in progress) for serum neutralizing antibody titers (days -56 to -49, -35 to -28, 0, 14, 28 and 42), hematology profile (days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42), rectal temperature (days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 28 and 42), visual clinical signs (twice daily for 14 days following challenge), individual feed intake and feeding behavior were recorded for 70 days (14 to 28 days prior to challenge and 42 days following challenge), temperament (subjective scoring 1 to 9 scale after weaning) and exit velocity (all weight collection days). Following the 42-d evaluation period, steers are shipped to a commercial feedyard in south Texas, and carcass data including liver abscess and lung color scores are collected at harvest in November or December. <br /> <br /> The anamnestic response was measured as the log2 titer of the area under the curve (AUC) for 42 dpi, calculated using the trapezoid rule for each of the 4 viral responses (IBR, BVDV 1a, 1b, and 2). The measured anamnestic response appeared lowest for IBR and greatest for BVDV 1b, with the largest range in antibody response to BVDV 1b. Factors influencing AUC for the 4 viral pathogens were investigated using mixed model analyses with fixed effects of vaccine treatment, year, composition (F2 or F3), and sire nested within composition along with covariates of d0 titer (log2), weaning temperament score and d0 weight; pen nested within year was a random effect. The 4 antibody responses were affected (P < 0.05) by vaccine treatment and d0 titer. Animals vaccinated with the killed vaccine had significantly higher BDVD 1b AUC responses to the challenge than MLV or non-vaccinated animals (values of 405.6, 256.2, and 183.3, respectfully). Similar trends were seen for the other viruses. A 1-point log2 increase in titer at time of challenge increased the anamnestic response (AUC) by 15.7, 17.9, 17.4, and 26.5 for BVDV 1b, 1a, 2 and IBR, respectively. Sire nested within composition affected (P < 0.05) for BVDV 1a and b and approaching significance for BVDV2 (P = 0.08), however no trends across sires were apparent. <br /> <br /> Pearson correlations among temperament score (TS), exit velocity (EV) and rectal temperature (RT) were evaluated. Mean TS was 4.2, 5.9 and 4.5 in 2009, 2010 and 2011-born steers, respectively; some sires were only represented in one year. Correlations (0.17 to 0.37, P < 0.05) between TS and EV were observed after first vaccination day. Correlations (0.19 to 0.31, P < 0.005) between TS and RT were observed. Correlations (-0.12 to -0.28, P < 0.005) between EV and RT on the same day were observed after 7 days following challenge. Mixed model analyses of EV and RT as repeated measures incorporated fixed effects of year (YR), vaccine group (VAC), sire nested within YR, pen nested within YR, and day, along with potential interactions involving YR, VAC and day. Sire, YR and day were significant influences on EV and RT. VAC x day influenced RT, but not EV. The interaction of YR x VAC x day influenced both EV and RT, but without obvious patterns. <br /> <br /> Analyses of feed intake and ADG have been completed individually by year, and a rectal temperature threshold over 40° C on evaluation days has been used to classify steers for rectal temperature status (RTEMP). Mixed model procedures, with repeated measures were used to analyze 2012 DFI with a model that included fixed effects of vaccine group (VAC), pen, day, sire, RTEMP, and two-factor interactions for VAC x RTEMP, sire x RTEMP, Sire x VAC and day x VAC; all were significant except VAC. ADG was calculated for the three 14-d periods as well as the 42-day period and was analyzed with a model containing similar fixed effects plus d-0 weight as a covariate. There was Sire × RTEMP interaction for DFI (P < 0.01) and ADG from d 0-42 (P = 0.03), and most sires had progeny rank higher for DFI and ADG when below RTEMP threshold, but some sires had higher DFI and ADG for progeny above RTEMP threshold. There was not consistent trend across sires for the Sire × VAC interaction for DFI (P < 0.01) or ADG from d 0-42 (P = 0.05), implying that DFI and ADG may be impacted by quite differently across genetic backgrounds following BRD vaccination and subsequent pathogen exposure. These data also illustrate the complexity in interpretation of rectal temperature when used as health status indicator.<br /> <br /> There has been an interaction of RTEMP status and d (P < 0.01) where in general, steers exhibiting over 40o C during d 3 to 14 had DFI depressed 0.2 to 0.6 kg/d from about d 3 to 10 but appeared to compensate after d 14. A pattern has also existed in DFI where NON steers consistently ranked lower than KV and MLV steers for approximately d 6-11 post challenge, but without obvious effects on ADG.<br /> <br /> The results in regard to the multi-year analyses of AUC for serum titers indicate that both genetic and environmental factors impact the anamnestic antibody response mounted to this BVDV challenge and that the d0 titer from the vaccine treatment pre-challenge has significant influence on the response. Large individual variation has been observed in all years, and seems to dominate the differences among individual sires. Regarding relationships involving temperament, rectal temperature and immune responses, it appears temperament may be a primary influence on rectal temperature in these cattle. Interpretation of rectal temperature for cattle health is complex and should perhaps involve assessment of temperament score and/or exit velocity, at least in some circumstances. The interpretation of rectal temperature status and its relationship with ADG in these cattle does not follow expected patterns. A great deal of individual variation exists for all health and immune responses that have been evaluated.<br /> <br /> As far as can be determined, this project is the largest challenge trial that has been conducted with BVDV. The multiple measures of behavior, health, immune responses and individual feed intake and growth in conjunction with genetic background and DNA banked in this population provide unique opportunities for genomics-based animal health research. Four Ph.D. dissertations will utilize data from this project. Results from this work should provide new insights into investigation of sub-clinical illness in beef cattle.<br /> <br /> Objective 1c: Specific External Parasites<br /> <br /> Virgin Island Station Report<br /> This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between hair coat, tick burden and production traits of Senepol cows and calves under tropical conditions. <br /> <br /> Multiparous (n = 141) and primiparous (n = 19) Senepol cows calving in the fall of 2010 and 2011 and the spring of 2011 and 2012 on St. Croix were evaluated for hair coat phenotype, tick burden, BW and condition score (CS; 1 = thin, 9 = fat) at weaning. Hair coat was scored using 1 = slick, 2 = rough and 3 = hairy. Tick burden was scored using 1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate and 4 = heavy. <br /> Senepol calves born in fall 2010 and 2011 and spring 2011 and 2012 on St. Croix were evaluated for BW, hair coat phenotype and tick burden at weaning (n = 80) and as yearlings (n = 50). Hair coat was scored using 1 = slick or 2 = non-slick. Tick burden was scored using 1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate and 4 = heavy.<br /> <br /> The majority of calves (~60%) had rough hair coats at weaning and as yearlings. Almost half of the calves had a light tick burden at weaning and 33% as yearlings. There was no effect of gender on tick burden. At yearling, slick calves had a lower tick score than non-slick calves (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.2, respectively). Calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning had lower weaning weight than calves classified as either light or clean (Figure 3). ADG from birth to weaning was lowest in calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning (Figure 4). There was no clear effect of tick burned on yearling weight but ADG from weaning to yearling was greatest in clean calves. At weaning slick calves were heavier than non-slick (241 ± 6 vs. 219 ± 5 kg, respectively) but there was no difference at yearling (308 ± 8 vs. 292 ± 6 kg, respectively). ADG was not different between slick and rough claves at weaning (0.91 ± 0.03 vs. 0.85 ± 0.02 kg/d, respectively) or yearling (0.42 ± 0.03 vs. 0.37 ± 0.03 kg/d, respectively).<br /> <br /> The majority of cows (82%) had a slick hair coat at weaning. 10 percent of cows had a light tick burden and 32.5 % were clean at weaning. Slick cows were heavier and had higher condition scores than non-slick cows (Table 1). There was no difference in BW or condition score between tick burdens (Table 2).<br /> Table 1. Cow traits at weaning by hair coat score<br /> Hair Coat<br /> Trait Slick Non-slick<br /> Weight, kg 607 ± 8a 575 ± 17b<br /> Condition Score 6.9 ± 0.1c 6.5 ± 0.2d<br /> a,b P = 0.09; c,d P = 0.08<br /> <br /> Table 2. Cow traits at weaning by tick score<br /> Tick Score<br /> Trait 1  Clean 2  Slight 3  Medium 4 - Heavy<br /> Weight, kg 599 ± 13 602 ± 12 604 ± 17 599 ± 23<br /> Condition Score 6.9 ± 0.2 6.8 ± 0.1 6.7 ± 0.2 6.6 ± 0.3<br /> <br /> Heavy tick burdens appeared to have a negative impact on weaning weight and ADG of calves. Calves with a slick hair coat had higher weaning weights than calves with a rough coat. There was no effect of tick burden on cow weight at the time of weaning, but slick cows were heavier than non-slick cows.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States for cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types.<br /> <br /> Arkansas Station Report<br /> <br /> Data continues to be collected on research cows at the various research stations. Information will be stored and merged into the projects main database at a later date for meta-analysis.<br /> <br /> Mississippi Station Report <br /> <br /> Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State<br /> Data were collected on 131 fall calving Angus, Hereford, and Charolais cows. Cows were managed for two A.I. breedings and placed with clean-up bulls for approximately 30 days. Cows calved from September to December (Fall 2011). The following data were collected on the cows: breed, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, birth date, mating information, predominant forage in pastures and if females were culled or died during production, reasons were documented. The following information was taken during calving season on all cows: calving date, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), and calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes). Calf records included sire/sire breed of calf, birth weight within 24 hrs, weaning date, weaning weight, and documentation if calf died during the preweaning period or had health issues.<br /> <br /> Fall Calving 2011<br /> Breed n<br /> Angus 93<br /> Charolais 34<br /> Hereford 4<br /> <br /> North Carolina State Report<br /> <br /> Data was collected on 152 fall calving cows and calves. Cows were artificially inseminated for 42 days to Charolais, Angus, Braunvieh, Hereford and Simmental bulls followed by clean-up bulls for 30 days. Cows calved from October to December, 2012. Data collected followed the objective spreadsheet. Over 3071 previous years cow/calf records were entered into the objective spreadsheet.<br /> <br /> Texas Station Report<br /> <br /> Breeding herds were established, starting in 1995, at the McGregor station to evaluate heterosis retention in cattle produced from the inter se mating of Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Primary emphasis is on cow productivity. Comparison herds are made up of a minimum of 50 cows each in 14 different groups; the cows have been retained to evaluate lifetime productivity. All females in the comparison herds were produced at the McGregor station. The 14 breeding groups include four purebred groups A, Brahman (B), H and Nellore (N)), three F1 groups (B/A (BA), B/H (BH) and N/ A (NA)), two F2 groups (BA and BH), two first-generation groups of 3/8 Bos indicus / 5/8 British breeding (3/8 B / 5/8 A and 3/8 N / 5/8 A), two second-generation groups of the same 3/8 Bos indicus / 5/8 British breed composition and one four-breed crossbred group (BANH, which is 25% of each breed in the purebred groups). The BH F1 group includes both reciprocal crosses. The BA and NA F1 groups include only cows out of A dams and by B and N bulls, respectively. The BH F2 group includes all four possible combinations of F1 matings, giving the opportunity to evaluate cows differing in source of X chromosomes and maternal cytoplasm. All cows in the BA F2 group are out B sired F1 cows, but the group includes cows sired by both B sired and A sired F1 bulls. First females for the comparison groups were produced in 1994.<br /> <br /> A genomics project was initiated in 2002 with the primary objective of finding genes with major effects on cow productivity traits and secondary objectives of finding genes with major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. Embryo transfer families of F2 Nellore-Angus calves were produced, with the goal of twenty heifers per family in ten families. The families are out of ten donor cows (some donors were replaced because of poor embryo production) and by a total of four bulls. The first calves from this study were born in the spring 2003, with calves born in both the spring and fall, up through the spring of 2007. In addition to the embryo transfer full-sib families, four half-sib families were produced by mating F1 Nellore-Angus sires, by natural service, to F1 and F2 Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Angus dams. These calves were produced in multiple-sire breeding pastures and required DNA identification of their sires. The four sires of the embryo transfer families are included in the bulls that produce these natural service calves. The natural service calves identified as being sired by these four bulls are evaluated in the same way as the embryo transfer calves. Note that the calves within any one of these half sib families are also half sibs to the calves in at least two of the embryo transfer full-sib families. <br /> Three additional cycles of the genomics project have been started. Cycle 2 involves the production by natural service of all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses, to continue our evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus - Bos taurus crosses. Cycle 3 involves the production of F3 crossbreds from animals produced in Cycle 1. Cycle 4 involves the production of F4 crossbreds from animals produced in Cycle 3.<br /> <br /> All nine calf crops of Cycle 1 of the Genomics project (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and spring of 2007 for embryo transfer calves and spring of 2003 to 2007 for natural service calves) calves have been produced, and the steers from all nine calf crops have been fed individually and slaughtered. The heifers produced in the project were exposed to Angus bulls (at about 14 months of age) to calve at two years of age; fall-born heifers were exposed again at about 20 months of age. The two year-old fall-born females that calved in the fall at two years of age were held over to have their second calf in the spring when they were 3 ½ years of age. Thereafter, all cows are bred for spring calves. All of these calves were sired by Angus bulls, until the 2009 calf crop. Starting with that calf crop, all cows that were three years old and older have produced F3 calves sired by F2 bulls produced in the 2006 spring and fall calf crops of the Cycle 1. The cattle from these matings (the F3s) are the cattle of Cycle 3 of the project. Cows in the oldest group of Cycle 1 (i.e., the cows born in the spring 2003) currently are raising their ninth calves. The last calves in Cycle 3 were produced in the spring 2013; the Cycle 1 cows are currently being bred by natural service to Charolais bulls. <br /> <br /> Starting in 2006, reciprocal F1 NA bulls and heifers have been retained and combined with the Nellore-sired F1 NA cows and bulls from earlier studies to produce all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses in cycle 2 of the Genomics project. Only matings of Nellore-sired bulls to Nellore-sired cows were used to produce the NS F2 calves that were born in 2008. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to Nellore-sired F1 cows in 2008 to produce the calves that born in 2009. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 cows in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and are currently being mated the same way in 2013. These matings will be continued until fifty females of each of the four reciprocal types of F2s are available for the evaluation of cow productivity. To the extent possible, animals of the four reciprocal types will be produced and evaluated as contemporaries.<br /> <br /> The oldest Cycle 3 (F3) females were produced in 2009. All of the F3 females are bred to Angus bulls to produce their first calves. Those born in 2009 were also bred to Angus bulls to produce their second calves. Currently, the F3 cows that are two years of age and older are being bred to F3 bulls to produce F4 calves; these matings will be continued until approximately 200 F4 females have been produced for the evaluation of cow productivity.<br /> Cattle from three cycles of the McGregor Genomics project and the Heterosis Retention project are being evaluated for female productivity traits.<br /> Virgin Island Station Report<br /> <br /> This study was conducted to evaluate production traits of Senepol cows calving in the spring or fall on St. Croix. <br /> Cows were bred by natural service for a 60-d period each year starting in June or December and calved in the spring of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (n = 332 data points) or the fall of 2009, 2010 and 2011 (n = 93 data points). <br /> Cow data collected at breeding, calving and weaning was BW, hip height (HHT) and condition score (CS; 1 = thin, 9 = fat). <br /> Calf data (n = 190 data points) included birth (BRWT), weaning weight (WWT) and 205-d adjusted weaning weight (AWWT). Cow efficiency was calculated as the ratio of calf WWT to cow BW at weaning.<br /> Fall calving cows were heavier at breeding, calving and weaning but the weaning weight of calves was similar resulting in a greater efficiency for the spring calving cows.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations. <br /> <br /> Arkansas Station Report<br /> <br /> Objectives of this research were to determine effects of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymatic activity and circulating prolactin (PRL) on growth, composition, and reproduction; and to determine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL on growth, carcass traits, cyclicity and fecundity of replacement heifers grazing endophyte infected tall fescue. Angus based heifers (n = 89), maintained on mixed stands of tall fescue with corn gluten and free choice mineral supplement, had physical and ultrasound measurements with blood samples collected at weaning (d0), yearling (d108), and prebreeding (d177). Estrus detection was conducted for 10 d post each collection, except prebreeding. Pregnancy status was verified after artificial insemination (d 203) and again after bull removal (d 272). Genomic DNA prepared from buffy coat was sequenced for single nucleotide polymorphisms using Sequenom technology. Lactate dehydrogenase activity (forward and reverse) was determined from plasma stored at -20ºC. Forward and reverse activity were run in triplicate and measured at 340nm. Prolactin and other hormonal concentrations, processed through New Mexico State University, were determined from serum stored at -20ºC. Enzymatic activity of LDH (forward and reverse) correlated to: hormonal and enzymatic activity, growth, and carcass traits. Concentrations of PRL were associated with growth responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH were related to: hormonal and enzymatic activities, growth, carcass traits, and reproductive measures. Polymorphisms of PRL were related to enzymatic and hormonal activity, carcass traits and pregnancy status. Canonical correlations found no association between LDH activity or PRL concentration to physical set 1 traits of: body weight, hip height, and hip width, and subsequently no correlation to set 2 traits of: pelvic height, pelvic width, Longissimus dorsi area, and rib fat found in other studies.<br /> <br /> Mississippi Station Report <br /> <br /> Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State<br /> DNA samples have been collected via whole blood and hair cards on fall 2011 weaned calves (n=125). Whole blood was collected and placed in 2ml cryotubes and stored in a -80°C freezer. Both blood samples and hair cards were cataloged for future reference. Information on each animal includes animal, sire and dam identification, breed, and location. DNA will be extracted in the future to find genetic markers associated with cow reproductive and maternal traits and calf traits.<br /> <br /> North Carolina Station Report<br /> <br /> DNA Samples have been collected through whole blood samples on fall 2011 weaned calves (n = 152). Whole blood was collected in purple top vacutainer tubes, transferred to 10 ml cryotubes and stored at -800 C.<br /> <br /> Texas Station Report<br /> <br /> All cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall of 2001; calves born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 were bled prior to weaning. Cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project were bled at birth and shortly before weaning; in Cycle 1, base of scrotum and testicles were also saved from males. The DNA will be available to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance.<br /> <br /> Objective 4: Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types <br /> <br /> Arkansas Station Report<br /> <br /> Cattle will be evaluated for hair shedding scores from March through July (28 day intervals, 5 scores) of each year. Shedding scores will be 1 through 5: where 1 = slick short summer coat (100% shed); 2 = hair coat is mostly shed (75% shed); 3 = hair coat is halfway shed (50% shed); 4 = hair coat exhibits initial shedding (25% shed); and 5 = full winter coat (0% shed). In addition, cow traits related to reproductive performance, behavior, to health issues, and culling will be recorded. Calf traits to be recorded include sire/sire breed of calf, calf vigor, birth weight and date, weaning weight and date, and post weaning growth.<br /> <br /> The objective of this study was to measure variation in hair coat shedding and determine if any relationships existed between coat shedding and production traits in cows housed at the University of Arkansas beef research unit near Fayetteville. An Angus based commercial beef cattle herd (n = 199) were observed over a five-month period in 2012. Once monthly, at approximately 28-day intervals, mature cows and replacement heifers were evaluated for shedding on a scale from 1 to 5. A score of 5 indicated the cow/heifer had a full winter coat and a score of 1 represents a slick, short summer coat. For each cow, the first month a score of 3 (approximately 50% shed) or less was reached was considered the month of first shedding (MFS), and 4 levels were recognized reflecting MFS in April, May, June or July. Phenotypic data for calf weaning weight, BCS of cow at weaning, BW of cow at weaning, BCS of cow pre-breeding, BW of cow pre-breeding, pregnancy rate, birth weight of calf and age of the cow were collected and analyzed in PROC MIXED of SAS. Frequency for MFS was highest for June, followed by May, July and April, respectively. Calf birth weight was highest (P = 0.015) for cows exhibiting MFS in May and lowest for cows exhibiting MFS in July. Calf weaning weight was similar (P = 0.8) for all MFS categories with April, May, June and July cows exhibiting calf weaning weights of 220, 205, 198 and 197 kg, respectively. Cow body weight at weaning was highest (P = 0.05) in cows exhibiting MFS in May (541 kg) and lowest in cows with MFS in June (474 kg). No differences were noted in BCS of cows at weaning or in BCS of cows pre-breeding. Cow body weight at pre-breeding was highest (P = 0.01) for cows exhibiting MFS in May (537 kg) and lowest in cows with MFS in June (43 kg). In these data, shedding score had no impact on pregnancy rates. Shedding of the winter hair coats were noted to be related to maternal body weight at two different points during the production and year and also related to calf birth weight.<br /> <br /> Hair shedding scores, although subjective, are well within the reach of both commercial and seedstock breeders. By using these scores and understanding their implications in cattle production will aid them in the match of genetic resource to production resources. This could easily increase current production by 10%.<br /> <br /> Mississippi Station Report <br /> <br /> Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State<br /> The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effectiveness of a visual hair scoring system for fall and winter hair growth and length and (2) evaluate the effect of rate of winter hair growth on beef cattle performance in Angus females. Data were collected on Angus females (n=98) every 28 d from August 2011 to February of 2012. Animals were observed by trained technicians for winter hair growth (WG) and winter hair length (WL) and were given a visual numeric rating of 1 to 5 respectively. A score of 1 for hair growth indicated no winter growth and a 5 indicated a full winter coat. A score of 1 for hair length was rated as short and a 5 rated as long. A 5.08 cm by 10.16 cm hair sample was clipped directly behind the left shoulder below the top line and weighed. Month of first winter growth (MFWG) was determined when the female reached a winter growth score of 3 or higher. Phenotypic correlations were estimated on WG, WL, and hair weight. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure in SAS with birth weight and d205wt as the response variable and included fixed effects of sex of calf and MFWG with sire as a random effect. Birth weight and d205wt were considered traits of the dam. BCS was evaluated excluding sex of the calf in the mixed model. In a separate analysis, age of the dam was not significant for winter coat growth. <br /> Positive correlations were found between WG and WL (0.86), WG and hair weight (0.44) and WL and hair weight (0.64). Visual scores for WG and WL were found to be significant for hair weight (P<.0001). MFWG was not significant for d205wt (P<.28), BCS (P<.06), and birth weight(P<). Results indicate validity of the visual method for determining hair growth and do not suggest an association between winter growth scores and performance traits in Angus dams.<br /> <br /> Texas Station Report<br /> <br /> Starting in March 2011, Angus heifers and cows were scored by two separate evaluators. Numerical hair shedding scores were assigned using the following scale:<br /> 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete<br /> 2) Hair coat not completely slick but more than halfway shed from the initial winter coat<br /> 3) Hair coat halfway shed from the initial winter coat<br /> 4) Hair coat shedding initiated but not halfway complete to a final slick coat<br /> 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding<br /> <br /> By the time of the July 2011 scoring, it was clear that we needed to be scoring the cattle for both any old hair that had not been shed as well as for any new hair growth. Therefore, starting with the August 2011 scoring, cattle were scored for both the amount of old hair (that present from the previous winter) and the amount of new hair that they had grown. For both scores, the intention was to represent amounts of the full winter coat that remained (for old hair) and that had grown in since the middle of the summer. <br /> <br /> One of the challenges of scoring the amount of the previous winters hair that has not been shed is that (1) some parts of the body can be completely shed while other parts have old hair that has not been completely shed and (2) the parts of the body that have not completely shed can differ in the amount of hair that has been shed. The part of the body that is completely shed follows a fairly consistent pattern, with (1) a strip down the topline shedding first, (2) as this strip widens, the shedding continues in a strip down the back of the hindquarters and the front of the forequarters, and (3) as the shedding continues, the part of the hair coat that has not shed becomes a smaller and smaller area on the lower rib cage of the animal. <br /> <br /> Therefore, as we started our scoring of hair shedding in 2012, we scored the cattle for both the amount of old hair remaining and the amount of complete shedding that has occurred in the above pattern. Starting in February 2012, shedding pattern has been scored using the following scale: <br /> <br /> 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete<br /> 2) The animal has shed off to below the middle of the rib cage <br /> 3) The slick strip covers the full topline and (a) the back of the hindquarters and (b) the front of the forequarters<br /> 4) Shedding has started and there is a completely slick strip down the topline of the animal<br /> 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding, even down the topline<br /> <br /> Angus cows and heifers have been assigned hair shedding scores each month starting in March 2011 by two separate evaluators. The results of this evaluation should allow for the estimation of genetic parameters associated with heat tolerance and adaptation to hot climates.<br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Downey, E., X. Fang, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2012. Sire and vaccine treatment effects on immune response to BVDV 1b challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3): 403(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Downey, E.D., X. Fang, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath and A.D. Herring. 2013. Anamnestic antibody response to in BVDV 1b challenge in Angus-Nelore steers. Accepted for ASAS National Meeting, Indianapolis.<br /> <br /> Fang, X., E. Downey, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, C.A. Gill, W. Mwangi, and A.D. Herring. 2012. Correlations of Temperament with Titer and Hematological Responses of Crossbred Steers Challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3): 223(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Fang, X., E. Downey, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, W. Mwangi, C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Relationships of temperament, exit velocity and rectal temperature of crossbred steers challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. Accepted for ASAS National Meeting, Indianapolis.<br /> <br /> Hulsman, L.L. 2013. Investigation of genomic estimated breeding values and association methodologies using Bayesian inference in a Nellore-Angus crossbred population for two traits. Ph.D. Dissertation, Texas A&M University, College Station.<br /> <br /> Muntean, C.T., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, D.G. Riley, C.A. Gill, J.A. Sawyer. 2013. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive, maternal and cow longevity traits. 2012 Beef Cattle Research in Texas (accepted for publication).<br /> <br /> Plank, S.R., N.B. Simmons, M.L. Marks, S.T. Willard, and T. Smith, 2013. Evaluation of a hair coat scoring system for winter growth and relationship to performance in Angus Dams. J. Anim. Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):8 (Abstr) Southern Section, ASAS.<br /> <br /> Oxford, E. L., A. H. Brown, J. G. Powell, K. S. Anschutz, C. M. Turner. 2012. Genetic parameter estimates for susceptibility/resistance to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in Angus calves. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 606:34.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, A. H. Brown, Jr., W. Downum, D. T. Ensley. 2012. Immunologic, Health, and Growth Responses of Beef Calves Administered Pentavalent Modified-Live Virus Respiratory Vaccine during the Presence of Maternal Antibody versus a Traditional Vaccination Regimen. The Bovine Practitioner 46(2):122-130.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, A. H. Brown, W. Downum, D. T. Ensley. 2012. Response to a modified-live virus respiratory vaccine in young calves versus a traditional preconditioning vaccination regimen at weaning. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 606:45-50.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, D. T. Ensley. 2012. Immune, health, and growth responses of beef calves administered modified-live virus respiratory vaccine in the presence of maternal antibody versus a traditional vaccination regiment. Proceeding of AABP Annual Conference, Montreal, QB. 45:220.<br /> <br /> Powell, J. G., J. T. Richeson, E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, G. F. Erf, A. H. Brown, W. Downum, and D. T. Ensley. 2012. Immune, Health, and Growth Responses of Beef Calves to Modified-Live Virus Respiratory Vaccine in the Presence of Maternal Antibody vs. Traditional Vaccination Regimen. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):396.<br /> <br /> Riley, D.G. 2012. Fitting the Environment: Breeding cattle in one, raising them in another. Proceedings of the 58th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. <br /> <br /> Rosenkrans, Jr., C. F., A. H. Brown, Jr., K. P. Coffey, Z. B. Johnson, C. Y. Tarn, B. C. Paria, and A. R. Starnes. 2012. Post-weaning sera isoenzymes of LDH and G6PDH and subsequent carcass traits in finished beef cattle. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 606:57-59.<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E. Downey, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, J.C. Bailey, J.F.Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2012. Feed intake, rectal temperature and weight gain in Bos indicus crossbred steers challenged with bovine viral diarrhea virus. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3): 223(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E.D. Downey, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, J.G. Moreno, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Interactions of rectal temperature status and vaccine type with sire on weight gain and feed intake in Bos indicus crossbred steers following Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus challenge. Accepted for ASAS National Meeting, Indianapolis.<br /> <br /> Sanders, J.O. 2012. Historical overview of animal breeding and genetics research in the southern US. Proceedings of the 58th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Pp E1  E-13. (Copy of slide presentation)<br /> <br /> Sanders, J.O. 2012. Productive longevity in beef cows. Proceedings of the 58th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Pp H1  H-12. (Copy of slide presentation)<br /> <br /> Thomas, M. L., A. H. Brown, Jr., and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2012. Breed group effects for chute exit velocity as an indicator trait for temperament in weaned calves. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 606:60-62.<br /> <br /> Turner, C. M., A. H. Brown, D. Hallford, B. R. Lindsey, J. L. Reynolds, J. G. Powell, C. F. Rosenkrans. 2013. Relationship of Heifer Pubertal Status to Ldhb Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):9.<br /> <br /> Woolfolk, M. R., J. J. Mayer, J. D. Davis, and T. Smith. 2012. Determining relationship between body temperature and hair shedding scores in Angus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):8. (Abstr.).<br />

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

David Riley TAMU Chair david-riley@tamu.edu;
Trent Smith Mississippi State Univ ts289@ads.msstate.edu;
Steve Hammack TAMU s-hammack@tamu.edu;
Joe Paschal TAMU j-paschal@tamu.edu;
Charles Long TAMU c-long@tamu.edu;
Rhonda Vann Mississippi State Univ, MAFES Brown-Loam Chair-elect r-vanntx@gmail.com;
Bob Godfrey Univ Virgin Islands rgodfre@uvi.edu;
Jeremy Powell Univ of Arkansas Secretary jerpow@uark.edu;
Jim Sanders TAMU j-sanders@tamu.edu;
Brian Bolt Clemson Univ bolt@clemson.edu;
Bryan Kutz Univ of Arkansas bkutz@uark.edu;
Joe West Univ of Georgia Administrative Advisor joewest@uga.edu;
List server S1045@listserv.uga.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Individual station progress was reported for current objectives. Proposed project objectives were discussed relative to the pending (at that time) review. Opportunities for identifying other contributing stations were discussed.
A highlight of this annual meeting was the joint meeting with WERA-1 committee. This resulted in much discussion of objectives and procedures in the current and proposed project and new ideas for enhancing projects and initiating collaboration. Both groups felt this was very beneficial and we intend to meet together every 2 or 3 years.

Minutes of the Joint S-1045 and WERA-1 Multi-State Research Projects, College Station, TX May 28-30, 2014

The joint S-1045 and WERA-1 meeting was called to order on May 28, 2014 by Dr. Andy Herring at the G. Rollie White Visitor’s Center located at the O.D. Butler Animal Teaching, Research and Extension Complex in College Station, TX. Dr. Herring asked all participants to introduce themselves to the group then invited everyone to partake in breakfast. Dr. Herring introduced Dr. Russell Cross, Animal Science Department Head at TAMU, who gave the official welcome to Texas and to Texas A&M University. Dr. Cross gave an overview of enrollment for the department and discussed funding challenges for animal research in the US. Dr. Herring assigned “volunteers” to the resolutions and nominating committees for the S-1045 group. The members assigned to the nominating committee were Dr. Bob Godfrey and Dr. Jim Sanders; and members assigned to the resolutions committee were Dr. Trent Smith and Dr. Brian Bolt.

Station Reports for S-1045 projects were presented by objectives:
Objective 1 – Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage.
Dr. Bob Godfrey presented a report for University of Virgin Islands regarding tick parasites and association with body weight and ADG of in Senepol cows and calves at weaning and yearling.

Dr. Andy Herring, TAMU, reported results from research evaluating killed versus modified-live BRD vaccine and subsequent gain, rectal temperature, and feed intake vaccinated calves and non-vaccinated controls.

WERA-1 reports were interspersed between S-1045 reports:
Dr. Holly Neibergs reported on 5 project areas being evaluated at Washington State University including BRD, Johne’s Disease, fertility in beef cattle, fertility in dairy cattle and feed efficiency. The BRD study was focused on a GWAS evaluation for dairy populations including cattle in California and New Mexico. The beef BRD research included sample collection, diagnostic processing and GWAS for 1000 feedlot respiratory cases. Johne’s Disease research included a GWAS on 300 cattle at a slaughter facility, and a capture C on putative causal mutation. The beef fertility project focused on crossbred cows located at Ft. Keogh, MT which included 25 fertile cows and 25 infertile cows that were evaluated 28 days post embryo transfer six different times. They will be expanding into another study with the same cows in artificial insemination evaluation. Fertility work on dairy cattle focused on high fertility (n=500) and low fertility (n=500) heifers and primiparous cows which will be ultimately genotyped. Feed efficiency work included fine gene mapping for a larger collaborative study and GSEA integrated with RNA sequencing data.

Dr. Kristi Cammack, University of Wyoming, reported on feed efficiency research in sheep ongoing at their experiment station. The research focused on GWAS data, GrowSafe data, and rumen microbiota including microbe DNA sequencing in collaboration with University of Missouri. High sulfur studies were conducted to evaluate high dietary S and individual animal tolerance to high S levels. Research was also conducted on steers for high and low feed efficiency by evaluating small intestinal biology and gene expression differences and how those affect angiogenic factors and blood flow for nutrient absorption.
Objective 2 – Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the US with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types.
Dr. Jim Sanders gave discussion regarding heterosis in a crossbreeding program that began at TAMU in 1995. The primary emphasis was on cow productivity and comparisons were made evaluating lifetime productivity for the crossbreeding projects involving Nelore and Angus cattle.
Dr. Lauren Hanna described the research facilities and extension centers utilized by North Dakota State University throughout the state. She also discussed her research interests including phenotypic traits of cattle, EPDs, temperament scoring bias, and genotypic relationships.
Dr. Jennifer Thomson described research interests that she is currently working on at Montana State University. Projects currently include sheep fertility, nutritional effects on high vs. low-line Rambouillet ewes, effect of progesterone on feed efficiency, RFI relationship to carcass quality in sheep, effects of inbreeding in two lines of Hereford cattle, management of Bighorn sheep and improved objective measurements of temperament.
Dr. Michael Gonda from South Dakota State University described research projects underway in his laboratory. These included hereditability estimate of E. coli 0157:H7 vaccine response in cattle, epigenetic relationship of high vs. low concentrate ration and effects on methylation pattern of hypothalamic tissue in feedlot calves, as well as determining genetic relationship to semen quality using flow cytometry.
Objective 4 – Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types.

Bryan Kutz reported data collected for objective 4 at University of Arkansas. Month of first shedding of winter hair coat was related to age of cow, birth weight of calf, and body weight of cow at weaning.

Dr. Brian Bolt reported that Clemson University will be contributing in the future to hair coat shedding data collection. He has interest in observing some Hereford cattle for coat shedding in South Carolina.

Dr. Trent Smith reported data collected at Mississippi State University to determine associations of hair coat shedding, hair length and hair numbers to production traits in beef cattle. Angus, Herefords and Charolais beef herds were all included in the data set. As shedding score went down, hair number went down and percent of short hair went up. Hair shedding score was related to calf birth weight in Angus cows, but not in Hereford or Charolais. Hair shedding score was related to calf weaning weight in Herefords, but not in Angus or Charolais.

Dr. Jim Sanders reported data from 2011 to 2014 regarding hair shedding scores and pattern in cows from the TAMU experiment station. Coat scores were recorded for hair shedding and regrowth patterns. He also explained some data collected by Dr. Riley that compared hair shedding and regrowth scoring to a sine wave/curve.

The meeting was called to order on May 29, 2014 by Dr. Andy Herring. He introduced Dr. Matthew Cronin from University of Alaska as the next speaker. Dr. Cronin shared information regarding endangered species policy. Dr. Cronin’s discussion included information regarding how some species of wildlife such as wolves, bison and sage–grouse depending on their location across the North American continent are being designated by the federal government into separate subspecies to reinforce an environmental policy agenda. However, these “subspecies” have overlapping genetics with limited variation which does not support the federal government’s claims for these species being sorted into separate subspecies.

Dr. David Riley and Dr. Jim Sanders led the group on a tour through the Texas A&M AgriLife Beef Cattle Systems Research Unit on the Brazos river bottom ranch and described the current research projects they are conducting.

Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia, S-1045 administrative advisor gave an update regarding the S1045 project. He informed the group that the current rewrite for the project is now under review. The NIMMS system is also currently unavailable due to the host system at University of Maryland being shut down. Dr. West emphasized the importance of multiple stations actively collaborating on each objective in the project in order to justify the projects existence. He also reminded the group that a project report will be due 60 days following the meeting. Dr. Herring reminded the group to send electronic copies of station reports to him to put together a final report for this year’s project meeting. Dr. Brett Hess, University of Wyoming, WERA-1 administrative advisor addressed the group indicating the importance of reporting our research findings related to our project objectives, and he provided a handout focused on writing a good report. Dr. Hess also described how our reports are assembled into impact statements to justify funding for our land grant research mission. Dr. Hess also indicated the Hatch funds were increased in 2014 by 3%, and AFRI may receive approximately $8 million in increased funding. The current farm bill called for the establishment of an Agriculture Research Foundation providing funding to match extramural/industry funds to support research targeting agricultural needs. Dr. Herring discussed opportunity regarding future collaboration or meetings between the S-1045 and WERA-1 projects. Dr. Bob Godfrey indicated it may be favorable for the two groups to meet together every 2 or 3 years for interaction and discussion.

The two groups met separately to discuss future meeting locations and frequency of future collaborative meetings. The S-1045 group determined that a collaborative meeting with WERA-1 should occur around every 2-3 years. Dr. Herring broke a tie vote for meeting location, so that the 2015 S-1045 meeting will be held at Clemson University and the 2016 meeting at University of Virgin Islands. Proposed dates for the S-1045 2015 meeting were May 27-29. The WERA-1 group is planning to meet in Montana in 2015 and will meet with the S-1045 group at University of Virgin Islands in 2016.

Dr. Herring invited reports from the nominating and the resolutions committee for the S-1045 project group. Dr. Sanders indicated that the nominating committee had nominated Dr. Brian Bolt as incoming secretary for the S-1045 executive board. His nomination was accepted by unanimous vote. The resolution committee report was read by Dr. Brian Bolt and was accepted by unanimous vote from the group.

Dr. David Riley further discussed his methodology regarding the hair coat shedding sinusoidal data that was introduced yesterday by Dr. Jim Sanders. He pointed out that the younger cows exhibited hair coat shedding that was slightly delayed compared to older cows.

The group toured the new Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex located on the TAMU campus.

Resolution Committee

Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States;

And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems;

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Drs. David Riley, Andy Herring and Jim Sanders of Texas A&M University for hosting, planning, and coordinating its 2014 annual meeting in College Station, TX. We would also like to thank Dr. Russell Cross, Department Head of Animal Science, for his support and welcome.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank the faculty and staff of the Texas AgriLife Beef Cattle Systems Research Unit on the Brazos River, the Texas A&M Research Center in McGregor and the Texas A&M equestrian facility for hosting facility tours for the committee.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Andy Herring and the members of the WERA-1 committee for their contributions to the annual meeting.

Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. David Riley for serving as Chair to the 2014 technical committee as well as coordinating the submission of the new multi-state/regional project; S temp 3302, Genetic improvement in adaptation and reproduction for enhanced sustainability of cow-calf production in the Southern United States

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia-Tifton, for his enthusiasm and willingness to serve as administrative advisor and his leadership and guidance with this project.

Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee would like to extend out deepest condolences to the family and friends of long-term committee member Dr. Hayden Brown of the University of Arkansas upon his passing on May 26, 2014. Be it also resolved that we would like to recognize Dr. Brown for his commitment, service and contribution to the group for over 35 years.

The committee unanimously accepts invitation from Clemson University to hold 2015 meetings in Clemson, SC, May 26-29, 2015.

Passed unanimously.

Respectively submitted May 30, 2014

T. Smith
B. Bolt

Nominating Committee nominated these officers: Chairman—Dr. Rhonda C. Vann, Mississippi State University, Chairman-Elect—Dr. Jeremy G. Powell, University of Arkansas, Secretary—Dr. Brian Bolt, Clemson University. Approved unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,

Jeremy Powell, DVM, PhD, S-1045 Secretary

Accomplishments

Senepol yearling bulls were heavier and had rougher coats and more ticks than females of the same age. There was little effect of sire on traits in bulls and heifers. <br /> <br /> Senepol cow efficiency of was not impacted by hair coat or tick burden.<br /> <br /> Large individual variation was observed AUC for serum titers indicate that both genetic and environmental factors impact the anamnestic antibody response mounted to this BVDV challenge in crossbred steers. <br /> <br /> Performance measures such as steer ADG, feed intake and feed efficiency show substantial reduction in the first 14 days post-BVDV challenge, but also show large variability.<br /> <br /> Steer temperament may be a primary influence on rectal temperature after BVDV challenge.<br /> <br /> Rectal temperature in steers challenged with BVDV appears to be associated with infection or a coping mechanism.<br /> <br /> Hereford cows that shed earlier in the year weaned heavier calves while Angus cows that shed earlier had heavier calves at birth. <br /> <br /> Differences in body surface temperature of cows were seen when comparing average visual hair shedding scores at certain times of the year.<br /> <br /> Month of first shedding score had a tendency to impact pregnancy rates. <br /> Shedding of the winter hair coat was related to cow age, maternal body weight at weaning, and calf birth weight.<br />

Publications

Abstracts:<br /> <br /> Bauer, L. W., J. O. Sanders, D. G. Riley, and A. D. Herring. 2014. Breed and sex influence on calf birth weightin purebred and crossbred Angus and Nellore calves. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):3(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Downey, E.D., X. Fang, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath and A.D. Herring. 2013. Anamnestic antibody response to in BVDV 1b challenge in Angus-Nelore steers. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 650(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Downey, E.D., X. Fang, C. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Vaccinated Angus-Nellore yearling steers have reduced platelet and lymphocyte decline following bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1b challenge. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 20).<br /> <br /> Fang, X., E.D. Downey, C.A. Runyan, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, W. Mwangi, C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Relationships between temperament and hematological responses of crossbred steers following bovine viral diarrhea virus challenge. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 5).<br /> <br /> Fang, X., E. Downey, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, W. Mwangi , C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Relationships of temperament, exit velocity and rectal temperature of crossbred steers challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 648(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Production traits of spring- and fall-calving Senepol cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):417.<br /> Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Evaluation of hair coat, tick burden and production traits of Senepol cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):417.<br /> <br /> Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Production traits of spring- and fall-calving Senepol calves in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):418.<br /> <br /> Plank, S.R., N.B. Simmons, S.T. Willard, and T. Smith, 2014. Effect of hair shedding on performance in Angus, Hereford, and Charolais dams and the relationship to surface temperatures. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):5 (Abstr) Southern Section, ASAS.<br /> <br /> Riley, D. G., A. D. Herring, P. K. Riggs, C. A. Gill, J. E. Sawyer, and J. O. Sanders. 2014. Influence of genomic or pedigree relatedness and designed family structure on association analyses of calf birth weight. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E.D. Downey, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, J.G. Moreno, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Interactions of rectal temperature status and vaccine type with sire on weight gain and feed intake in Bos indicus crossbred steers following Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 168(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E.D. Downey, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Evaluation of weight gain and rectal temperature across vaccine type in Bos indicus crossbred steers challenged with bovine viral diarrhea virus. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 32).<br /> <br /> Watson, L. D., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, K. S. Anschutz, B. R. Lindsey, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2014. Hair shedding scores relating to maternal traits and productivity in beef cattle. Proc of Southern Section of ASAS. Dallas, TX. Feb., 2014.<br /> <br /> Woolfolk, M. R., D. G. Riley, F. M. Rouquette, R. D. Randel, and C. R. Long. 2014. Estimation of genetic parameters for performance traits in Brahman stocker cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Theses completed:<br /> <br /> Plank, S.R. 2014. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for hair shedding score and relationship to performance in Angus, Charolais, and Hereford dams. Mississippi State University, Starkville.<br /> <br /> Dillon, J.A. 2013 Investigation of genetic effects on birth weight in Brahman-Simmental crosses. Texas A&M University, College Station.<br /> <br /> Dissertations completed:<br /> <br /> Runyan, C.A. 2013. Evaluation of performance in yearling crossbred steers following Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus challenge. Texas A&M University, College Station.<br /> <br /> Obeidat, M.D.T. 2013. Heterosis and heterosis retention for reproductive and maternal traits in Nellore-Angus crossbred cows. Texas A&M University, College Station.<br /> <br /> Journal Articles:<br /> <br /> Huson, H.J., E.S. Kim, R.W. Godfrey, T.A. Olson, M. McClure, C.C. Chase, R. Rizzi, A.M. O’Brien-Perez, C. Van Tassell, J.F. Garcia, T.S. Sonstegard. 2014. Genome-wide association study and ancestral origins of the slick-hair coat in tropically adapted cattle. Front. Genet., 5:101. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00101<br /> Riley, D.G., T.H.Welsh Jr., C.A.Gill, L.L.Hulsman, A.D.Herring, P.K.Riggs, J.E. Sawyer, J.O.Sanders. 2013. Whole genome association of SNP with newborn calf cannon bone length. Livestock Science 155: 186-196.<br /> <br /> Hulsman Hanna, L.L., D.J. Garrick, C.A Gill; A.D. Herring, P.K. Riggs; R.K. Miller; J.O. Sanders; D.G. Riley. 2014. Genome-wide association study of temperament and tenderness using different Bayesian approaches in a Nellore-Angus crossbred population. Livest. Sci. 161: 17–27. <br /> <br /> Hulsman L.L., J.O. Sanders, D.G. Riley, C.A. Abbey, C.A. Gill. 2014. Identification of loci interacting with MC1R to modify black coat color in an F2 Nellore-Angus population. Genet. Sel. Evol. 46:4.<br /> <br /> Other<br /> <br /> Williams, A. L., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, C. M. Turner, K. S. Anschutz, B. R. Lindsey, R. W. Shofner, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2013. Evaluation of hair shedding scores in relation to maternal traits and productivity in beef cattle. Arkansas Department of ANSC Report.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Hair coat and tick burden may not be that much of an influence on production traits of Senepol cattle in a tropical environment.
2. Hair shedding scores from March to July have been taken on purebred populations from 2008 to 2014. Information from this data will allow for estimation of genetic parameters on hair characteristics and association to other important production traits.
3. Hair shedding scores, although subjective, are well within the reach of both commercial and seedstock breeders. By using these scores and understanding their implications in cattle production will aid them in the match of genetic resource to production resources and exploitation of inherent differences in adaptive ability of individuals. This could enhance sustainable production options for producers and potentially increase current production by 10%.
4. Horn fly counts in beef cattle appear to be repeatable across multiple counters. This result enables the beginning of long-term data collection on horn fly counts in beef cattle.
5. The multiple measures of steer behavior, health, immune responses and individual feed intake and growth after BVDV challenge, in conjunction with genetic background and DNA banked in this population provide unique opportunities for genomics-based animal health research. There is a strong need to better document and describe subclinical illness in feedlot cattle.
6. Information on cow productivity may lead to the identification of loci with major effects; this could lead to tests that would allow genotyping at these loci for use in marker assisted selection and/or genomic prediction.
7. Banked sources of DNA on over 2,500 cows and calves through project duration with economically-important traits measured will serve as a useful discovery and validation resource.
8. Over 10 M.S. and Ph.D. students have been trained in using the data from participating stations of this project.

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