WERA1: Coordinating Beef Cattle Breeding Research and Education Programs for the Western States
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
Date of Annual Report: 09/24/2019
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/21/2019
- 06/21/2019
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2018 - 12/31/2018
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2018 - 12/31/2018
Participants
Abrams, Amy (Amy.Abrams@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Enns, Mark (Mark.Enns@ColoState.edu) – Colorado State University; Gonda, Michael (Michael.Gonda@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Herring, Andy (Andy.Herring@exchange.tamu.edu) – Texas A&M University; Riley, David (david-riley@tamu.edu) – Texas A&M University; Schmidt, Bradie (Bradie.Schmidt@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Thomson, Jennifer (Jennifer.Thomson@montana.edu) – Montana State UniversityBrief Summary of Minutes
One agenda item was discussing the future of WERA-1. A proposal was made that we annually meet with the S-1064 committee, which has goals and expertise similar to WERA-1. One impetus of this proposal was the decreasing number of active WERA-1 members. The official list of WERA-1 members includes only five stations: University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, and Montana State University. By meeting annually with S-1064, we hope to increase collaborations among faculty with similar research, Extension, and teaching programs. The representatives of the four stations present unanimously supported this proposal.
Station reports were presented from South Dakota State University (Gonda/Abrams/Schmidt), Montana State University (Thomson), Colorado State University (Enns), and Texas A&M University (Herring/Riley). We discussed the proposal to jointly meet with the S-1064 committee. As a result, we have not identified a 2020 meeting location. If we meet with S-1064, the meeting location will very likely be in Georgia (location of 2020 S-1064 meeting). After the meeting, Dr. Lauren Hanna (North Dakota State University) agreed to take the lead on preparing next year’s annual report.
Accomplishments
<p><em>Objective 1: Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources for understanding genetics of beef cattle; specifically, topics of adaptability and retained heterosis</em></p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Short-term Outcomes.</em> At Colorado State University, a new pulmonary arterial pressure Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) was released to American Angus Association members. The adoption of this technology will allow beef producers to select for cattle that are better adapted to high altitudes (over 5500 feet). Outreach at North Dakota State University resulted in one publication that discussed how to match frame size of beef cattle to their production environment, which would reduce beef producer feed costs. At South Dakota State University, three students completed an online Beef Cattle Breeding class this summer, with plans to offer this course nationally through the AG-IDEA program.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Outputs</em>. At Montana State University, we have now genotyped close to 600 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep from Montana and Wyoming using the Ovine HD SNP chip. We are in the process of genotyping 100 Argali sheep from Kyrgyzstan utilizing the ovine HD SNP chip. We genotyped 245 Line 4 Hereford cattle for a project examining the molecular basis of inbreeding. </p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> At North Dakota State University, publications and outreach presentations have been developed, including two popular press articles (see publications list). At Colorado State University, a new pulmonary arterial pressure EPD was released to the beef industry in an effort to help select cattle more adapted to production environments over 5500 feet of elevation. At South Dakota State University, we have completed the third year of instruction for a class titled “Beef Cattle Breeding”. We plan to offer this class nationally through the AG-IDEA program. This class addresses many issues arising when breeding beef cattle, including adaptability and retained heterosis.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Activities.</em> At the University of Wyoming, a pilot study was started to better understand how and where colonization of the rumen microbiome in young calves occurs. It is not known how colonization begins in utero; however, a strong link with host genetics exists. This link may allow for not only management and feed interventions but also breeding decisions to be made with the goal of ensuring proper colonization of the rumen with microbial populations that re most beneficial to establishment of the gut barrier and immune response. </p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>Utilization of the SmartFeed Pro feeding system is being integrated at the University of Wyoming with our beef herd. Our goal is to utilize this system along with the SmartScale to determine efficiency of supplement and mineral utilization in our replacement females. This system will be used, along with other traits and information, to make informed selection decisions for replacement females retained in our herd. Connecting their efficiency in a grazing system to their efficiency in a GrowSafe system will be instrumental to determine if the SmartFeed trailer system can be used to evaluate “efficiency” of those females and avoid the feedlot style test which may not represent those grazing females true efficiency in the environment which they will be expected to perform.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Milestones</em>. Two long-term goals relevant to this objective are planned at the University of Wyoming. First, the components of host genetics and environment on early colonization so these two aspects can be utilized for selection and management decisions will be clearly defined. Previous data in our lab shows a maternal genotype effect on the rumen microbiome, yet the true effect of crossbreeding and hybrid vigor effects on the rumen microbiome are yet to be answered. Second, the SmartFeed Pro feeding system evaluation will provide valuable information on efficiency and ensure proper monitoring of supplement and/or mineral intake. The benefits of heterosis are well known for many traits, but further defining the performance and economical benefit associated with the gain in performance on difficult to measure traits may be helpful.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>At Montana State University, we are in the process of genotyping 300 dairy cattle from Australia, Canada, and the US for a project examining the host control of rumen microbial profile. At South Dakota State University, our long-term goal is to offer our Beef Cattle Breeding online class to students nationwide through the AG-IDEA program. The process to add this class to the AG-IDEA program will begin during the next reporting period.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Objective 2: Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators</em></p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Short-term Outcomes.</em> Our most significant short-term outcomes are scientific publications, which will lead to the advancement of knowledge on the rumen microbiome, feed efficiency, pulmonary arterial pressure, and meat science and production trait genetics in beef cattle (see publications list).</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Outputs.</em> Montana State University has archived close to 600 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep samples and phenotypic data on 200 feedlot cattle including temperament scores, blood lactate measurements, health records, feedlot performance data, and small molecule metabolite markers. Other outputs at Montana State University are as follows.</p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Identification of differences in gene expression in animals whose carcasses graded standard, select, or choice.</li><br /> <li>Marker identification, candidate gene identification, and genetic correlations with data from the American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>At North Dakota State University, temperament data was collected on ~1,600 Angus and Hereford influenced calves born between 2014-2017 (single herd of ~420 cows). Temperament measures included docility score, temperament score (1-5 scale with 3 excluded), 12 behavioral attributes, and a four-platform standing scale to utilize weight shifts as a measure of temperament. This dataset was completed during the reporting period. Longevity, efficiency, and frame sizes were also collected on beef cows in a different research herd. To date, DNA isolation and genotyping was completed on ~630 of these animals (bulls, cows and small set of steers). Most parents and all project females have white blood cell pellets, DNA, and genotypes on the GeneSeek GGP 150K. After quality checks, there are ~109K markers for use. After this summer, the project herd will consist of ~230 head, depending on pregnancy outcomes.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>At South Dakota State University, over 100,000 ultrasound carcass records were compiled from records provided by the American Angus Association, American Hereford Association, and American Simmental Association. Analysis of this data suggested that technician, but not imaging laboratory, contributed to variability of ultrasound carcass measurements.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Activities</em>. At North Dakota State University, current work is also aligning typical production data with temperament scores to make inferences about their relationship with novel and/or less characterized methods of temperament collection. A feed trial, with the goal of studying longevity, efficiency, and frame size in beef cows, was also completed at yearling age that includes feed intake, behavior, size attributes, reproductive and physiological traits, and blood samples. Heifers officially became project females for the long-term project if they weaned their first calf. Finally, foundational work is being conducted on the NDSU Central Grasslands and Dickinson Research and Extension Center herds.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> At Montana State University, we are in the process of compiling genotypes and phenotypic records for the Line 1 and Line 4 Hereford populations in Miles City, MT and Havre, MT. We have also been working on the following activities. These activities are on-going and further work on these activities is expected next reporting period.</p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology in livestock populations.</li><br /> <li>Pursuing the development of NMR in the feedlot for the prediction of subclinical feedlot illness.</li><br /> <li>Generating host animal genotypes and rumen microbial phenotypes to examine host control of rumen microbiome.</li><br /> <li>Examining Runs Of Homozygosity (ROH) and genome wide data to identify regions of the genome associated with inbreeding depression.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>At the University of Wyoming, the effect of the rumen microbiome and the effects on feed efficiency is a major theme in our lab. Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing of the rumen microbiome, we are able to characterize not only what microbes are present but also their functional role. Recent studies investigating the maternal factors that impact early colonization of the rumen microbiome have been underway. There is also an effort in our lab to utilize various data sets that have GrowSafe feed intake data and rumen microbiome data, to evaluate the use of this strategy in beef cattle. This project has the potential to predict efficiency based on the rumen microbiome and/or to understand which microbes are most critical in animals with desirable feed efficiency. There are various new sequencing techniques that make the possibility of chute-side testing a reality (MinION, iSeq, etc.). It is imperative that a host of candidate microbial populations be well established so this chute-side testing can be effective and beneficial.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Milestones</em>. At the University of Wyoming, the long-term goal relevant to this objective is discovering management, feeding, or other intervention strategies that may allow for programming of the microbiome to improve efficiency in offspring later in life. At Montana State University, genotypic and phenotypic records from Line 1 and Line 4 Herefords will be used for a PhD Dissertation focusing on elucidating the molecular basis of inbreeding depression and sire line specific effects. A follow-up study examining gene expression differences in animals whose carcasses graded standard, select, or choice will begin utilizing both steers and wethers. Finally, the ASA Carcass Merit Program data will be submitted for publication.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> At North Dakota State University, current work is aligning typical production data with temperament scores to make inferences about their relationship with novel and/or less characterized methods of temperament collection. All calves have white blood cell pellets available and we are seeking funds for DNA extraction and genotyping.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Objective 3: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, and discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding in the Western U.S.</em></p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Short-term Outcomes</em>. Graduate student recruitment is enhanced by both the online education system many WERA-1 members participate in, as well as through exchange of students entering graduate school. For example, Colorado State University has a new student that was an undergraduate student at North Dakota State University working with Dr. Lauren Hanna (NDSU station representative). As a result of our 2019 WERA-1 meeting, South Dakota State University has a new M.S. student who was recommended by representatives from Texas A&M University.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Outputs.</em> At the University of Wyoming, an undergraduate student from the lab of the station manager (Cunningham) presented a poster at Western Section ASAS meetings this summer. That meeting allowed for multiple meetings to take place to develop collaborative research plans with Western U.S. researchers. At the 2019 Plant and Animal Genome conference, Dr. Cunningham presented data. At this meeting, several conversations were made with scientists from institutions in the Western U.S. to define areas of need, areas where our lab could provide a valuable service to investigate an issue relevant to beef cattle producers, and to acknowledge areas where research efforts are lacking.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> Five meetings and presentations were attended by the North Dakota State University station: 1) North Dakota State University Extension In-Service, Rugby, ND. (Talk: Genomic Testing in Livestock. Author: Hulsman-Hanna), 2) American Black Hereford Association National Meeting, St. Joseph, MO. (Talk: EPD & Genomics: What is the Value? Author: Hulsman-Hanna), 3) North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association Board of Directors Meeting, Bismarck, ND. 4) American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE. 5) American Society of Animal Science Western Section Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> New potential collaborators amongst WERA-1 members were identified at the last meeting. Many of the participating institutions have systems to measure feed intake. Pooling these resources will be used to further improve the efficiency of beef production in the US. We are also discussing improved cooperation amongst our participating institutions as well as S-1064 members, which have similar goals and objectives.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Activities.</em> Recently, the University of Wyoming (Cunningham) has joined an international flagship group investigating methane emissions in beef cattle. We have reached out to potential new members in WERA-1 to consider joining our group. We have also reached out to the S-1064 breeding group to explore holding more joint meetings.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> <em>Milestones.</em> We will continue to recruit new members to WERA-1 and develop collaborations among universities participating in our group. At the University of Wyoming, continued collaborations with an international flagship group investigating methane emissions is ongoing. Efforts in the sheep industry have successfully developed selection programs for low methane emitting sheep and now these goals have been aimed at beef cattle. While in the Western U.S. we are not under regulatory stress for methane emissions from livestock, we are hopeful to be part of the research that will allow us to “stay in front” of this growing issue and support our producers with science backed facts and provide strategies or options should regulatory pressures ever arise. This move to select for lower emitting cattle may also lead to advantages in other related traits such as feed efficiency and would be beneficial for Western U.S. beef producers.</p>Publications
<p><em>Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts</em></p><br /> <p>Bailey, D.W., M.G. Trotter, C.W. Knight, and M.G. Thomas. 2018. Use of GPS tracking collars and accelerometers for rangeland livestock production. Trans. Anim. Sci. 2: 81-88.</p><br /> <p>Boldt, R.J., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, and R.M. Enns. 2018. Genetic parameters for fertility and production traits in Red Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 96: 4100-4111.</p><br /> <p>Crawford, N.F., S.J. Coleman, T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, R. Hamid, and M.G. Thomas. 2018. Allele distribution and testing for association between an oxygen dependent degradation domain SNP in EPAS1 and pulmonary arterial pressures in yearling Angus cattle. Agri Gene 9: 27-31.</p><br /> <p>Fonseca, P.A.S., S. Id-Lahoucine, A. Reverter, J.F. Medrano, M.R.S. Fortes, J. Casellas, F. Miglior, L. Brito, M.R.S. Carvalho, F.S. Schenkel, L.T. Nguyen, L.R. Porto-Neto, M.G. Thomas, and A. Canovas. 2018. Combining multi-OMICS information to identify key-regulator genes for pleiotropic effect associated with fertility and production traits in beef cattle. PLoS One 13: e0205295.</p><br /> <p>Krafsur, G.M., J.M. Neary, F. Garry, T. Holt, D.H. Gould, G.L. Mason, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, R.M Tuder, M.P. Heaton, R.D. Brown, and K.R. Stenmark. 2018. Cardiopulmonary remodeling in fattened beef cattle: A naturally occurring large animal model of obesity-associated pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease. Pulm. Circ. 9(1): 1-13.</p><br /> <p>Leyva-Corona, J.C., J.R. Reyna-Granados, R. Zamorano-Algandar, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, G. Rincon, J.F. Medrano, and P. Luna-Nevarez. 2018. Polymorphisms within the prolactin and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I functional pathways associated with fertility traits in Holstein cows raised in hot-humid climate. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 50: 1913-1920.</p><br /> <p>Marley, K., L.A. Kuehn, J. Keele, B. Wileman, and M.G. Gonda. 2018. Genetic variation in humoral response to an Escherichia coli O157:H7 vaccine in beef cattle. PLoS One 13(5): e0197347.</p><br /> <p>Mastellar, S.L., C.L. Wright, and M.G. Gonda. 2018. Gender differences in career and species interests of animal and veterinary science first year students. NACTA 63(1): 36-41.</p><br /> <p>Opdahl, L., M.G. Gonda, and B. St-Pierre. 2018. Identification of uncultured bacterial species from Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and candidatus Saccharibacteria as candidate cellulose utilizers from the rumen of beef cows. Microorganisms 6(1): 17.</p><br /> <p>Pauling, R.C., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, T.N. Holt, and R.M. Enns. 2018. Evaluation of moderate to high elevation effects on pulmonary arterial pressure measures in Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 96: 3599-3605.</p><br /> <p>Speidel, S.E., B.A. Buckley, R.J. Boldt, R.M. Enns, J. Lee, M.L. Spangler, and M.G. Thomas. 2018. Genome wide association of heifer pregnancy and stayability in Red Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 96: 846-853.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Conference Proceedings, Abstracts, and White Papers</em></p><br /> <p>Bhowmik, N., K.A. Ringwall, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2019. Genetic diversity and population structure in nine beef cattle sub-populations using whole genome SNP markers. Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE.</p><br /> <p>Bhowmik, N., K.A. Ringwall, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, J.A. Clapper, A.K. Ward, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2019. The role of leptin in reproductive characteristics of commercial beef cows and heifers. Trans. Anim. Sci.</p><br /> <p>Boles, J., S.A. Blatter, J. Thomson, and J.G. Berardinelli. 2018. Molecular pathways for adipose tissue are altered in animals classed by marbling as Choice or Standard. International Congress of Meat Science and Technology. 64: 2.</p><br /> <p>Celestino Jr., E.F., J.K. Hieber, C.R. Dahlen, D.G. Riley, S.A. Wagner, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2019. Differences in evaluators and genetic parameter estimation using subjective measurements of beef cattle temperament. Trans. Anim. Sci.</p><br /> <p>Christensen, T.A., K.J. Austin, K.M. Cammack, and H.C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2019. Metagenomic analysis of rumen populations in week old calves altered by maternal late gestational nutrition and mode of delivery. Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.</p><br /> <p>Cunningham-Hollinger, H.C., K.J. Austin, and K.M. Cammack. 2019. Maternal influences on the calf rumen microbiome and subsequent host performance. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVII, San Diego, CA.</p><br /> <p>May, C.L., A.K. Ward, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Ringwall, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2019. Bovine chromosome 19 <em>VDR</em> and <em>GPRC5C</em> genotypes are associated with udder conformation traits in crossbred beef cattle. Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE.</p><br /> <p>Syring, J., C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Ringwall, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2019. Effects of IFNT2 and IGF1R genes on reproductive success in beef cattle. Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.</p><br /> <p>Thomas, M.G., J.M. Neary, G.M. Krafsur, T.N. Holt, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, F.B. Garry, A. Canovas, J.F. Medrano, R.D. Brown, and K.R. Stenmark. 2018. Pulmonary hypertension in beef cattle: A complicated threat to health and productivity in multiple beef industry segments.</p><br /> <p>Whaley, J.R., W.J. Means, J.P. Ritten, H. Cunningham-Hollinger, C.M. Page, H.N. McKibben, and W.C. Stewart. 2019. A survey of lamb carcass characteristics in the Intermountain West during periods of seasonally constrained supply. Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Boise, ID.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Non-Refereed/Popular Press Articles</em></p><br /> <p>Hulsman Hanna, L.L., M.A. Fevold, and R.J. Maddock. 2019. The interplay of frame size and production efficiency: What is the right size? The Ledger. Summer 2019: 20-22.</p><br /> <p>Hulsman Hanna, L.L., T. Zimprich, K. Bernston, and W. Ogdahl. 2018. NDSU Beef Teaching and Research Unit cattle: Genetic makeup resembles current industry production animals. NDSU North Dakota Beef and Sheep Report, AS1899: 32-41.</p>Impact Statements
- Presented and attended meetings involving beef stakeholders (all stations).
Date of Annual Report: 02/15/2022
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 12/17/2021
- 12/17/2021
Period the Report Covers: 06/15/2019 - 12/17/2021
Period the Report Covers: 06/15/2019 - 12/17/2021
Participants
Dr. Lauren Hanna- North Dakota State University, Dr. Mark Enns- Colorado State University, Dr. Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University, Dr. Chris Davies, Utah State University and Administrative Advisor, Dr. Robert Godfrey – USDA -NIFABrief Summary of Minutes
Brief summary of minutes of annual meeting:
Meeting was called to order at 11:00 am MST.
Participants introduced themselves
Dr. Jennifer Thomson provided a brief background of the group and the need to get the group going again.
Dr. Chris Davies – Project Administrator provided some introductory comments on Multi-state projects and reminded of the directives for the project.
Brief station reports were provided by: Dr. Jennifer Thomson - Montana State University, Dr. Mark Enns– Colorado State University, Dr. Lauren Hanna – North Dakota State University.
Dr. Robert Godrey- NIFA representative presented an update on NIFA activities and staffing, the NIFA budget and competitive programs.
Following that report, the annual business meeting was conducted.
- Dr. Lauren Hanna agreed to host the next meeting.
- Dr. Thomson committed to provide a template and requested reports by Jan 10.
- A discussion was held to discuss recruitment, funding opportunities and opportunities for collaboration.
- Dr. Thomson commented on creating a shared set of teaching resources for undergraduate genetics courses.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:00 pm MST.
Accomplishments
<p><em>Objective 1: Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources for understanding genetics of beef cattle; specifically, topics of adaptability and retained heterosis</em></p><br /> <p><em>Short-term Outcomes.</em> At Colorado State University, a large preliminary dataset has been leveraged to study the genetic causes of feedlot heart failure.</p><br /> <p><em>Outputs</em>. Research at Montana State University is evaluating muscle and adipose tissue gene expression and metabolites during the late feedlot fattening period in steers. This will be used to better understand how fattening is regulated so a specific carcass quality grade can be achieved and to allow precision management of feedlot cattle. Additionally, a Montana project is evaluating metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, circulating metabolites and liver gene expression throughout two yearly production cycles with samples taken in each season and three samples taken during the winter in both supplemented and grazing cows.</p><br /> <p>At North Dakota State University, publications and outreach presentations have been developed. </p><br /> <p>At Colorado State University, veterinarians have been educated about and trained on the relationship of PAP and pulmonary hypertension.</p><br /> <p>At South Dakota State University, they evaluated a pooled SNP genotyping tool that could be used for genotyping more cost efficiently, and identified effects of weather, body weight, and feed intake on liquid and total water intake in beef steers raised in the North Central USA.</p><br /> <p>University of Wyoming has completed research on periods of nutrient restriction, which often coincide with late-gestation and early lactation due to the overlap of increased nutrient requirements of cattle during these times with the limitation of high quality forages during these months. The cost of providing adequate feed can be debilitating for producers, and as such, there are often unintended periods of nutrient restriction during a critical period of development for that calf. There is often inadvertent selection pressures added to animals that respond with great resiliency to these periods, yet it may not be clear what physiological mechanisms are driving this increased resiliency to this stress. We are aware of the impact that the rumen microbiome has on providing energy for the host, and it is becoming clear how much a “healthy” reproductive tract microbiome can influence pregnancy outcome. Thus, we aimed to understand how these two microbial communities respond to late gestation nutrient restriction.</p><br /> <p><em>Activities.</em> The group has not attended or participated in joint activities due to COVID limitations but looks forward to working together in person in the future.</p><br /> <p><em>Milestones</em>. Recent group milestones include creation of large data sets related to feedlot heart disease in Colorado, host-associated microbiomes in Wyoming, gene expression relevant to life cycle and environment and carcass quality in Montana and pooled SNP genotyping in South Dakota.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Objective 2: Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators</em></p><br /> <p><em>Short-term Outcomes.</em> Our most significant short-term outcomes are scientific publications, which will lead to the advancement of knowledge on the rumen microbiome, feed efficiency, pulmonary arterial pressure, and meat science and production trait genetics in beef cattle (see publications list).</p><br /> <p><em>Outputs.</em> Similar to the first objective, large datasets are being generated and curated at all participating institutions relevant to economically important traits: large data sets related to feedlot heart disease in Colorado, host-associated microbiomes in Wyoming, gene expression relevant to life cycle and environment and carcass quality in Montana and pooled SNP genotyping in South Dakota.</p><br /> <p><em>Activities</em>. The group has not attended or participated in joint activities due to COVID limitations but looks forward to working together in person in the future.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><em>Objective 3: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, and discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding in the Western U.S.</em></p><br /> <p><em>Short-term Outcomes</em>. Graduate student recruitment is enhanced by both the online education system many WERA-1 members participate in, as well as through exchange of students entering graduate school. </p><br /> <p><em>Outputs.</em> The primary output for this objective is the publications and presentations made by our members.</p><br /> <p>New potential collaborators amongst WERA-1 members were identified at the last meeting. Many of the participating institutions have systems to measure feed intake. Pooling these resources will be used to further improve the efficiency of beef production in the US. We are also discussing improved cooperation amongst our participating institutions as well as S-1064 members, which have similar goals and objectives.</p><br /> <p><em>Activities.</em> We have also reached out to the S-1064 breeding group to explore holding more joint meetings. </p><br /> <p><em>Milestones.</em> We will continue to recruit new members to WERA-1 and develop collaborations among universities participating in our group. </p>Publications
<p>Peer-Reviewed Publications:</p><br /> <p>Flesch, E., T. Graves, J. Thomson, K. Proffitt, R. Garrott. 2021. Average kinship within bighorn sheep populations is associated with connectivity, augmentation, and bottlenecks. Accepted Oct 21,2021 for publication in Ecosphere</p><br /> <p>Engle, Bailey, Molly Masters, Jane A. Boles, and Jennifer Thomson. 2021. "Gene Expression and Carcass Traits Are Different between Different Quality Grade Groups in Red-Faced Hereford Steers" <em>Animals</em> 11, no. 7: 1910. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071910">https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071910</a></p><br /> <p>O’Shea-Stone, Galen, Rachelle Lambert, Brian Tripet, James Berardinelli, Jennifer Thomson, Valerie Copié, and Robert Garrott. "1H NMR based metabolic profiling distinguishes the differential impact of capture techniques on wild bighorn sheep." <em>Scientific reports</em> 11, no. 1 (2021): 1-12.</p><br /> <p>Wottlin, Lauren R., Gordon E. Carstens, William C. Kayser, William E. Pinchak, Jennifer M. Thomson, Valerie Copié, and Galen P. O’Shea-Stone. "Differential haptoglobin responsiveness to a Mannheimia haemolytica challenge altered immunologic, physiologic, and behavior responses in beef steers." <em>Journal of animal science</em> 99, no. 1 (2021): skaa404.</p><br /> <p>Hieber, Jordan K., Rachel L. Endecott, Jane A. Boles, and Jennifer M. Thomson. "Identification of Genomic Regions for Carcass Quality Traits within the American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program." <em>Animals</em> 11, no. 2 (2021): 471.</p><br /> <p>Zhai, C., Li Puma, L.C., Chicco, A.J., Omar, A., Delmore, R.J., Geornaras, I., Speidel, S.E., Holt, T.N., Thomas, M.G., Enns, R.M., & Nair, M.N*. (2021). Pulmonary arterial pressure in fattened Angus steers at moderate altitude influences early postmortem mitochondria functionality and meat color during retail display. Journal of Animal Science, <em>Accepted.</em></p><br /> <p>Del Rio-Aviles, A. D., A. Correa-Calderon, L. Avenado-Reyes, U. Macias-Cruz, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, , M.G. Thomas R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, R. Zamorano-Algandar, J.C. Leyva-Corona, C. Garcia-Benitez, and P. Luna-Nevarez. 2021. Effects of an injectable mineral supplementation on physiological responses and milk production of heat-stressed Holstein cows. J. Anim. Behav. Biometero. 9:2116. doi:10.31893/jab.21016.</p><br /> <p>Zamorano-Algandar, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, A.I. Hernandez-Cordero, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, J.F. Medrano, G. Rincon, J.C. Leyva-Corona, J.R. Reyna-Granados, P. Luna-Nevarez. 2021. Molecular breeding value estimation from candidate genes associated with reproductive traits in lactating Holstein cows managed in warm environmental conditions. Livst. Sci. 250 (in press). doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104536.</p><br /> <p>Cunningham-Hollinger, H. C., L. A. Kuehn, K. M. Cammack, K. E. Hales, W. T. Oliver, M. S. Crouse, C. Chen, H. C. Freetly, and A. K. Lindholm-Perry. 2021. Transcriptome profiles of the skeletal muscle of mature cows during feed restriction and realimentation. BMC Research Notes. 14:361. doi:10.1186/s13104-021-05757-8.</p><br /> <p>Hummel, G., K. Woodruff, K. Austin, R. Knuth, S. Lake, and H. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2021. Late Gestation Maternal Feed Restriction Decreases Microbial Diversity of the Placenta While Mineral Supplementation Improves Richness of the Fetal Gut Microbiome in Cattle. Animals. 11:2219. doi:10.3390/ani11082219.</p><br /> <p>Abrams, A.N., T.G. McDaneld, J.W. Keele, C.G. Chitko-McKown, L.A. Kuehn, and M.G. Gonda. 2021. Evaluating accuracy of DNA pool construction based on white blood cell counts. Frontiers in Genetics. 12: 635846. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.635846.</p><br /> <p>Chen, X., W. Ogdahl, L. L. Hulsman Hanna, C. R. Dahlen, D. G. Riley, S. A. Wagner, E. P. Berg, and X. Sun. 2021. Evaluation of beef cattle temperament by eye temperature using infrared thermography technology. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 199: 106321. doi: 10.1016/j.compag.2021.106321.</p><br /> <p>Alam, Z.M., Y.-M. Lee, H.-J. Son, L.H. Hanna, D.G. Riley, H. Mannen, S. Sasazaki, S.P. Park, and J.-J. Kim. 2020. Genetic characteristics of Korean Jeju Black cattle with high density SNP chips. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. Anim. Biosci. 34(5): 789-800. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.19.0888">https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.19.0888</a></p><br /> <p>Yu, H., G. Morota, E.F. Celestino Jr., C.R. Dahlen, S.A. Wagner, D.G. Riley, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2020. Deciphering cattle temperament measures derived from four-platform standing scale using genetic factor analytic modeling. Frontiers in Genetics 11: 599. <a href="http://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00599">http://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00599</a></p><br /> <p>Hulsman Hanna, L.L., J.K. Hieber, H. Yu, E.F. Celestino Jr., C.R. Dahlen, S.A. Wagner, and D.G. Riley. 2019. Blood collection has negligible impact on scoring temperament in Angus-based weaned calves. Livest. Sci. 230: 103835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103835</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>Completed Theses:</p><br /> <p>Bouffiou, J.., 2021. " The Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Measures of Cattle Temperament to Predict Feedlot Performance of Commercial Beef Cattle" Montana State University</p><br /> <p>Schumacher, M., 2021. " A Comparative Approach to Refine Molecular Mechanisms Impacting Meat Quality and Carcass." Montana State University</p><br /> <p>Bhowmik, N. 2021. Ancestral breed grouping for improving animal modeling in admixed populations and its use in Leptin (genetic and hormone) association studies with performance traits in commercial beef cow herd. North Dakota State University.</p><br /> <p>Celestino, E. 2021. Measurements of beef cattle temperament and effects of temperament on beef cattle productive and reproductive traits. North Dakota State University.</p><br /> <p>Oribamise, V. 2021. Estimation of non-additive genetic parameters of sheep reproductive traits in multiple breeds. North Dakota State University.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>Abstracts, Proceedings, and Presentations:</p><br /> <p>Bouffiou, J., Boles, J., J. Thomson. 2021. PSXIII-20 Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy reveals metabolite markers associated to temperament and carcass quality in feedlot cattle. Journal of Animal Science 99(Supplement_3):438-438 <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.784">10.1093/jas/skab235.784</a></p><br /> <p>H.M. Golder, I.J. Lean<sup>,</sup>, <sup> </sup>S.J. LeBlanc, T. Duffield, <sup> </sup>H.A. Rossow, R. Bogdanich, L. Hernandez, E. Block and J. Thomson. 2021. Genome, Ruminal Metabolome, and Milk Associations in Lactating Holsteins. American Society of Dairy Science. July 2021</p><br /> <p>Thomson, J. M., M. Schumacher, J.A. Boles. 2021. A comparative approach to refine molecular mechanisms impacting meat quality and carcass characteristics. Translational Animal Science. Volume 5, Issue Supplement_S1, December 2021, Pages S189–S194, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab184">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab184</a></p><br /> <p>Flesch, E., C. Lee, B. Shapiro, J. Thomson, R. Garrott. 2021. Comparing ancient and contemporary bighorn sheep populations using bones recovered from ice patches in the Greater Yellowstone Area.</p><br /> <p>Glacial and Ice Patch Archaeology International Conference. 7-10 Sept 2021.</p><br /> <p>O’Shea, G, R. Lambert, B. Tripet, J. Berardinelli, J. Thomson, R. Garrott, V. Copie. 2021. <sup>1</sup>H NMR based metabolic profiling distinguishes the differential impact of capture technique on wild bighorn sheep. Metabolites 2021 International Conference</p><br /> <p>Mosher, M.K., S. Olorunkoya, N. Bhowmik, K.A. Ringwall, L.L. Hulsman Hanna, K.C. Swanson. 2021. 89 Relationships among measures of efficiency with body weight, frame score, and body volume in lactating multiparous crossbred beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 9(Supplement_3): 47-48. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.084</p><br /> <p>Yusuf, M., M.L. Bauer, K.C. Swanson, L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2021. 343 The influence of weather variables on average daily gain of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 9(Supplement_3): 190-191. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.344">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.344</a></p><br /> <p>Yusuf, M., K.C. Swanson, L.L. Hulsman Hanna, and M.L. Bauer. 2020. PSIV-35 The relationship between weather variables and dry matter intake in beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_4): 280-281. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.506">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.506</a></p><br /> <p>Bhowmik, N., K.A. Ringwall, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, J.A. Clapper, A.K. Ward, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2020. PSV-18 The role of leptin in feed efficiency and behavior attributes of commercial beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_3): 162. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.286">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.286</a></p><br /> <p>Celestino Jr., E.F., J.K. Hieber, C.R. Dahlen, D.G. Riley, S.A. Wagner, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2020. Evaluator effect on the prediction of genetic merit and genetic parameters estimation using subjective measures of beef cattle temperament. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_3): 161-162. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.285">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.285</a></p><br /> <p>Oribamise, V. and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2020. 37 Sibs: an R toolkit for computation of relatedness measures using large pedigrees. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_3): 41-42. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.074">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.074</a></p><br /> <p>Schmoker, S.J., N. Bhowmik, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Ringwall, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna. 2020. PSIII-10 The association of genes involved in mitochondrial function with growth, size, and feed efficiency traits in developing beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_3): 232-233. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.407">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.407</a></p><br /> <p>Yusuf, M., K.C. Swanson, L.L. Hulsman Hanna, R. Degges, M.L. Bauer. 2020. 49 Solar radiation as a predictor variable for dry matter intake in beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Supplement_3): 31. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.055">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.055</a></p><br /> <p>McDaniel, Z.S., C.L. Wright, M.G. Gonda, Z.K. Smith, W.V.A.H. Chathurika, and G. Djira. 2021. The effects of weather, body weight, and dry matter intake on total daily water intake in beef steers. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY. </p><br /> <p>Quail, L.K., R.A. Cushman, B.N. Keel, A.K. McNeel, M.G. Gonda, and G.A. Perry. 2021. Preovulatory estradiol concentrations influence oviductal gene expression. Society for the Study of Reproduction, St. Louis, MO.</p><br /> <p>Williams, J. D. K. L. Woodruff, G. L. Hummel, K. J. Austin, R. M. Knuth, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2021. Effect of beef cow nutrition during late gestation on offspring feed efficiency. Abstract. Western Section Undergraduate Poster Competition. Western Section American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting. October, 2021.</p><br /> <p>Hummel, G. L., K. L. Woodruff, K. J. Austin, R. M. Knuth, J. D. Williams, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2021. The materno-placental microbiome of gravid beef cows under moderate feed intake restriction. Translational Animal Science. 5:S159–S163. doi:10.1093/tas/txab172. </p><br /> <p>Hummel, G. L., K. L. Woodruff, K. J. Austin, T. L. Smith, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2020. Evidence for the amnion-fetal gut-microbial axis in late gestation beef calves1. Translational Animal Science. 4:S174–S177. doi:10.1093/tas/txaa138.</p><br /> <p>Woodruff, K. L., G. L. Hummel, K. J. Austin, T. L. Smith, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2020. Influence of the maternal rumen microbiome on development of the calf meconium and rumen microbiome1. Translational Animal Science. 4:S169–S173. doi:10.1093/tas/txaa136.</p><br /> <p>Duggan, K.L., T.N. Holt, M.G. Thomas, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns. 2021. Effect of pulmonary arterial pressure and annual precipitation on reproductive performance of Angus heifers in south central Wyoming. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S175-S179. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab189">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab189</a>.</p><br /> <p>Giess, L.K., M.G. Thomas, S.E. Speidel, M.M. Culbertson, W.R. Schafer, S.C. McGuire, R.M. Enns. 2021. Whole herd reporting data from the American Simmental Association as a data source for heifer pregnancy phenotypes. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S199-S203 Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab152">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab152</a>.</p><br /> <p>González-Murray, R.A., P.G. Martínez, V. Vigíl, H. Yazar-Gunes, M.A. Sánchez-Castro, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas. 2021. Heterosis effects on age at first calving in a multibreed beef cattle herd in Panama. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S185-S188. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab169">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab169</a>.</p><br /> <p>Heffernan, K.R., R.M. Enns, H.D. Blackburn, S.E. Speidel, C.S. Wilson, M.G. Thomas. 2021. Case study of inbreeding within Japanese Black cattle using resources of the American Wagyu Association, National Animal Germplasm Program, and a cooperator breeding program in Wyoming. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S170-S174. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab181">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab181</a>.</p><br /> <p>Kukor, I.M., M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, M.A. Cleveland, B.P. Holland, A.B. Word, G.B. Ellis. 2021. Sire differences within heart and heart fat score in beef cattle, Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S149–S153. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab147">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab147</a>.</p><br /> <p>Saad, H.M., R.M. Enns, M.G. Thomas, L.L. Leachman, S.E. Speidel. 2021. Foot scores genetic parameters estimation in beef cattle. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S180-S184. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab170">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab170</a>.</p><br /> <p>Yazar-Gunes, H., R.A. González-Murray, M.A. Sánchez-Castro, T.L. Passafaro, Y.L. Bernal-Rubio, K.J. Andersen, S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns. 2021. New approach to sustained cow fertility trait. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S195-S198. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab155">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab155</a>.</p><br /> <p>Zimprich, T.R., S.E. Speidel, D.W. Schafer, B.A. Lashell, T.N. Holt, R.M. Enns, S.F. Cunningham, M.G. Thomas. 2021. Yearling pulmonary arterial pressure at moderate elevations as a varied indicator for pulmonary arterial pressure at high elevations in beef bulls in Colorado, Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:S204-S208. Suppl. S1. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab156">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab156</a>.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p>Additional Presentations:</p><br /> <p>2021 Cattle Breeding: Producing the next generation. Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Mixed Taste Lecture Series. Online due to covid-19. <em>This is a general public lecture series that pairs two diverse topics and promotes discussion on how the two topics overlap. In this case, I was paired with the 100 Year Starship Project (</em><a href="https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/mixed-taste-still-at-home/"><em>https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/mixed-taste-still-at-home/</em></a><em> )</em></p><br /> <p>2021 Advancements in Understanding of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure as a Predictor Pulmonary Hypertension in Mountain and Feedlot Cattle. S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, M.G. Thomas and T. N. Holt. CVMBS Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Technicians. May 1. Dr. Speidel and I co-presented.</p><br /> <p>2021 Fundamentals of Data Collection and Evaluation. R.M. Enns (Presenter) and S.E. Speidel. American Wagyu Association Annual Meeting, Fort Collins (presented 2x due to covid restrictions). September 25.</p><br /> <p>2021 Sire Differences within heart and heart fat score in beef cattle. I. Kukor, S. E. Speidel, and R. M. Enns. Certified Angus Beef Feeding Quality Forum.</p><br /> <p>2021 Sire differences within heart and heart fat score in beef cattle. I. Kukor, S. E. Speidel, and R. M. Enns. Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting and Research Symposium. Des Moines, Iowa.</p><br /> <p>Presented at WSASAS: Hummel, G. L., K. L. Woodruff, K. J. Austin, R. M. Knuth, J. D. Williams, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2021. The materno-placental microbiome of gravid beef cows under moderate feed intake restriction.</p><br /> <p>Presented at WSASAS: Williams, J. D. K. L. Woodruff, G. L. Hummel, K. J. Austin, R. M. Knuth, and H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger. 2021. Effect of beef cow nutrition during late gestation on offspring feed efficiency.</p><br /> <p> </p>Impact Statements
- 10. Published research on the genetic, physiological, and molecular basis of economically important traits.
Date of Annual Report: 09/23/2022
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/23/2022
- 06/24/2022
Period the Report Covers: 12/18/2021 - 06/24/2022
Period the Report Covers: 12/18/2021 - 06/24/2022
Participants
Chris Davies – Utah State University and Administrative Advisor; Mark Enns – Colorado State University; Matthew Garcia – Utah State University; Benton Glaze – University of Idaho; Michael Gonda – South Dakota State University; Lauren Hanna – North Dakota State University; Andrew Hess – University of Nevada – Reno; Samuel Olorunkoya – North Dakota State University; Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University; Angelica Van Goor – USDA NIFA Representative.Brief Summary of Minutes
WERA1: Coordinating Beef Cattle Breeding Research and Education Programs for the Western States
2022 Annual Meeting Minutes
The annual meeting was called to order by host Dr. Lauren Hanna at 9:02 AM MT on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The meeting was hosted at North Dakota State University (NDSU) Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC) located in Dickinson, ND with an option for virtual attendance through Zoom.
Attendees included Drs. Chris Davies – Utah State University and Administrative Advisor, Mark Enns – Colorado State University, Matthew Garcia – Utah State University, Benton Glaze – University of Idaho, Michael Gonda – South Dakota State University, Lauren Hanna – North Dakota State University, Andrew Hess – University of Nevada – Reno, Samuel Olorunkoya – North Dakota State University, Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University, and Angelica Van Goor, USDA NIFA Representative. Brief introductions were made amongst committee members.
Dr. Chris Davies, Administrative Advisor, reminded members that the committee is entering the last year of the current project cycle and any new participants should complete an Appendix E to be formal participants. A renewal project proposal will be due by January 15, 2023. The new project will officially start in October 2023 once approved. This project renewal proposal should not be the exactly the same as the current project, but can update and/or build off of it. Dr. Davies indicated it was positive to have the committee meeting regularly again and with an in-person option. The committee discussed impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and loss of long-time members on project objectives. The project renewal was added to the business meeting agenda. Lastly, Dr. Davies and the group discussed other ways of identifying more participants, such as breed association representatives, reaching out to institutions in surrounding states such as Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University, international options such as Alberta or other provinces in Canada, and using recently funded proposals to identify individuals with similar interests.
Dr. Angelica Van Goor, NIFA Representative, provided an update on NIFA activities and changes, including links on upcoming webinars and how to volunteer to serve on peer-review panels. The NIFA Representatives are changing how they attend meetings, where they are required to attend the first and last year of a project’s annual meeting, but will need to join via virtual means for other years due to travel budgets. She discussed staffing updates and reviewed the USDA FY 2022 to 2026 Strategic Plan. She indicated these would be relevant areas to update, tie into, or add in the upcoming renewal proposal. Lastly, she went over the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science RFA for FY 2022 to 2023 updates.
The meeting then transitioned to station reports by Drs. Michael Gonda, Jennifer Thomson, Mark Enns, and Lauren Hanna. New attendees Drs. Andrew Hess, Benton Glaze, and Matthew Garcia also provided discussion on their current efforts related to the committee. Lastly, Dr. Davies provided a presentation on knock-out sheep efforts being investigated related to reproductive performance.
The business meeting was called to order at 2:40 PM MT by Dr. Lauren Hanna. Dr. Hanna reminded the group that the current project still has one more meeting in 2023, so new attendees should complete their Appendix E. The group discussed possible meeting locations for the 2023 and 2024 meetings. Dr. Jennifer Thomson nominated Dr. Michael Gonda, South Dakota State University, to host the 2023 meeting. Dr. Gonda accepted the nomination and the group was in favor. He indicated it could likely be held at the SDSU Western Regional Agricultural Center near Rapid City, SD. Dr. Benton Glaze indicated that University of Idaho has interest in hosting a meeting in the near future. Dr. Hanna suggested that University of Idaho could be listed as a possible location for 2024 meeting, which would need to be confirmed in the 2023 meeting. The group was in favor.
Dr. Hanna will be in charge of the meeting report for the 2022 meeting and will email attendees with documents to share as well as requesting items to finalize the report. The committee then discussed writing the project renewal proposal, which included updating objectives to also reflect the use of other ruminant meat livestock to guide decisions in beef cattle breeding efforts. Dr. Hanna volunteered to lead the re-write efforts and requested assistance from other members present. The group agreed. Dr. Hanna plans to get the bulk of that re-write done before late August due to teaching efforts, where Dr. Mark Enns agreed to help by finalizing the re-write.
The group discussed resources for education in animal breeding and genetics, especially beef cattle, since many involved are island institutions for livestock or animal geneticists. Dr. Thomson indicated that it may be worth pursing a higher education challenge grant to build a set of education tools that are easily accessible in the event that sabbaticals or other reasons leave gaps in education needs.
The business meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM MT. In-person attendees were given a tour of the NDSU DREC main station tour following the business meeting. A tour at the NDSU DREC Ranch near Manning, ND was given to in-person attendees on Friday, June 24, 2022 in which discussion was held on two beef cattle projects – one lead by Dr. Doug Landblom, Associate REC Specialist, and the other lead by Dr. Lauren Hanna.
Accomplishments
<p>It should be noted that the committee met only 7 months after the 2021 meeting in an attempt to schedule annual meetings in similar timeframe as pre-pandemic meetings. This resulted in less to report overall.</p><br /> <p><em>Objective 1: Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources for understanding genetics of beef cattle; specifically, topics of adaptability and retained heterosis.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Colorado State University shared a copy of the Beef Improvement Federation 2022 presentation summary on genetic by environment interactions as well as a PDF copy of the WCC-1 May 1999 Publication (TB-99-1) on crossbreeding beef cattle for western range environments with the group.</li><br /> <li>Montana State University open a shared Google Drive folder for participants to share teaching material and to maintain resources in the event these were needed in the future. In addition, MSU has developed and maintained information on biomarker identification related to BRD susceptibility, RFI, and temperament in cattle. They are investigating transcriptomic and metabolic regulation of muscle and adipose tissue in fattening beef cattle related to more consistent and reliable estimation of USDA carcass quality grade. They have developed SNP panels for use in livestock species to study population health and genetics in related wild species.</li><br /> <li>University of Wyoming has courses that cover both retained heterosis and adaptability to junior, senior, and graduate students. Resources are made available to all students in Principles of Animal Breeding, Advanced Sheep Production, and Advanced Beef Production. Resources include, but are not limited to, worksheets, lecture notes, and Beef Improvement Federation resources. Beef cattle genetics is also discussed using scientific literature to graduate students using a seminar format. Collaborations with Zoetis are also being built for classroom learning opportunities.</li><br /> <li>All participants maintain and update curriculum for teaching animal breeding and genetic concepts at their institution.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><em>Objective 2: Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Colorado State University has research focused on high altitude disease and ties to genetic by environment interactions. This includes accumulating needed data at different environment locations and altitudes.</li><br /> <li>North Dakota State University has research focused on temperament and longevity in crossbred cattle. This includes involving genomic data, advanced genome-wide and genomic-prediction methodologies to understand project outcomes.</li><br /> <li>South Dakota State University has research focus climate change impacts on cattle water availability. Experiments aim to (1) correlate water requirements of beef calves and yearlings at different ages, body weights, feed intakes, and climatic factors, and (2) identify genes associated with thirst in beef calves. These studies are accumulating needed data on water intake in growing calves with the intent of relating them to molecular attributes such as RNA.</li><br /> <li>Montana State University has recent publications and presentations on utilizing systems biology to improve prediction and consistency of USDA carcass quality grades and on the use of biomarkers and intermediate phenotypes to improve selection and genetic improvement. They received a subaward on USDA/NIFA project on longevity in beef cattle with NDSU. They have a funded USDA/NIFA project on transcriptomics and metabolomic in relation to beef carcass quality.</li><br /> <li>University of Wyoming has three main areas of research underway: high altitude disease, reproductive efficiency, and feed efficiency. Each research area is integrating molecular research techniques to investigate opportunities for indirect selection for improvements in resistance to high altitude disease, reproductive and/or feed efficiency. They are investigating cytokine/chemokine concentrations that may be associated with high altitude disease in feedlot cattle in hopes of identifying key immune profiles that may associate with cattle of higher risk to develop high altitude disease as a way to couple with selection on pulmonary arterial pressure and decrease the negative impacts that high altitude disease can have on production both at the cow-calf and feedlot sector. In reproductive and feed efficiency efforts we continue to look for ways to utilize the microbiome of both the reproductive tract and the rumen as potential for indirect selection or development of targeted nutrition intervention. These three areas of research are economically relevant to beef cattle producers not only in the western U.S. but the industry as a whole.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><em>Objective 3: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding in the Western U.S.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>The annual meeting was held with both in-person and virtual attendance option. It was the first in-person meeting attempt since the 2019 meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic. Four of 5 registered participants were present in-person at this meeting.</li><br /> <li>The annual meeting had 3 new attendees from institutions not currently participating, which shared information about their programs relevant to the committee’s purpose, discussed avenues to have them involved in future meetings and collaborative efforts, as well as ways to increase outreach to additional individuals that may participate in the committee.</li><br /> <li>The annual meeting allowed for each individual present to discuss current research efforts and share results relevant to the committee’s purpose.</li><br /> </ul>Publications
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Refereed Papers:</span></strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Cunningham-Hollinger, H. C.</strong>, Z. T. L. Gray, K. W. Christensen, W. J. Means, S. Lake, S. I. Paisley, K. M. Cammack, and A. M. Meyer. 2022. The effect of feed efficiency classification on visceral organ mass in finishing steers. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. <em>Accepted Manuscript</em>. DOI: 10.1139/CJAS-2022-0015</p><br /> <p>Flesch, E., T. Graves, <strong>J. Thomson</strong>, K. Proffitt, and R. Garrott. 2022. Average kinship within bighorn sheep populations is associated with connectivity, augmentation, and bottlenecks. Ecosphere. 13(3): e3972. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3972</p><br /> <p>Hummel, G. L., K. Austin, and <strong>H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger</strong>. 2022. Comparing the maternal-fetal microbiome of humans and cattle: a translational assessment of the reproductive, placental, and fetal gut microbiomes. Biology of Reproduction. 107(2): 371-381. DOI:10.1093/biolre/ioac067</p><br /> <p>Lindholm-Perry, A. K., A. M. Meyer, R. J. Kern-Lunbery, <strong>H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger</strong>, T. H. Funk, and B. N. Keel. 2022. Genes Involved in Feed Efficiency Identified in a Meta-Analysis of Rumen Tissue from Two Populations of Beef Steers. Animals. 12(2): 1514. DOI:10.3390/ani12121514</p><br /> <p>Schumacher, M., H. DelCurto-Wyffels, <strong>J. Thomson</strong>, and J. Boles. 2022. Fat Deposition and Fat Effects on Meat Quality – A Review. Animals. 12(12): 1550. DOI: 10.3390/ani12121550</p><br /> <p><strong>Thomson, J. M.</strong> 2022. Sustainability of Wild Populations: A Conservation Genetics Perspective. In: Meyers R.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology. Springer, New York, NY. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_1125-1</p><br /> <p>Zhai, C., L. C. Li Puma, A. J. Chicco, A. Omar, R. J. Delmore, I. Geornaras, S. E. Speidel, T. N. Holt, M. G. Thomas, <strong>R. M. Enns</strong>, and M. N. Nair. 2022. Pulmonary arterial pressure in fattened Angus steers at moderate altitude influences early postmortem mitochondria functionality and meat color during retail display. Journal of Animal Science. 100(2): skac002. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac002</p><br /> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Abstracts:</span></strong></p><br /> <p>Markel, C. D., M. A. Shults, C. R. Ritchie, C. E. Newman, C. D. Bedke, B. D. Mills, T. N. Holt, S. L. Lake, <strong>H. C. Cunningham-Hollinger</strong>, and C. L. Gifford. 2022. Evaluation of finishing performance and carcass characteristics of beef heifers with variable degrees of heart failure risk and differing reproductive tract type. <em>Under Review. </em>WSASAS Abstract.</p><br /> <p>Anas, M., B. Zhao, N. Bhowmik, K. A. Ringwall, C. R. Dahlen, K. C. Swanson, and <strong>L. L. Hulsman Hanna</strong>. 2022. 42 Genome-wide association study of ovary characteristics in admixed beef heifers through comparative Bayesian approaches. Journal of Animal Science. 100(Supplement_2): 12-13. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac064.019</p><br /> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Presentations:</span></strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Enns, R. M.</strong> 2022. Targeting bull selection to match your management, environment and market. 54<sup>th</sup> Annual Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention, Las Cruces, NM.</p>Impact Statements
- Discussion and plans were made to integrate new members into the committee’s renewal proposal.