W3010: Integrated Approach to Enhance Efficiency of Feed Utilization in Beef Production Systems

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/09/2020] [02/07/2022] [03/24/2023] [10/30/2024]

Date of Annual Report: 09/09/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/10/2019 - 07/10/2019
Period the Report Covers: 07/10/2019 - 07/10/2019

Participants

Thomson, Jennifer: Montana State University, Carstens, Gordon: Texas A & M University, Oltjen, James: University of California – Davis, Relling, Ale : Ohio State University, Pringle, Dean (represented by graduate student): University of Georgia

Brief Summary of Minutes

6:00-6:10 pm Introductions

6:10-6:40 pm Program Director Update – provided by email and presented to group

National Funding Update

Addition and recruitment of participants to project

Proposal Submission Process

6:40-7:15 pm Brief Station Reports – Montana, Texas, California, Georgia, Ohio

7:15-7:45 pm Proposal Discussion/Recruitment Discussion- Additional prospective members contacted via email.

7:15-8:00 pm Plan for future meetings and reporting

8:00 pm Adjourn

Accomplishments

This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the proposal that was under preparation for submission for a new ititeration of this group. The proposal was submitted in late 2019 and was approved in 2020.  We also prepared a list of prospective group members that have been included in our email list and participated in drafting the proposal.

Publications

Station reports were not collected or compiled as this was a preliminary planning meeting and we did not have an active project at this time. The project starts on 10/1/2020.

Impact Statements

The multi-state research project proposal was completed and has been approved.

Date of Annual Report: 02/07/2022

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/06/2021 - 12/06/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/31/2020 - 12/06/2021

Participants

Dr. Gordon Carstens- Texas Agrilife Research, Dr. Samodha Fernando- University of Nebraska, Dr. Jared Jaborek – Michagan State University, Dr. Phillip Lancaster – Kansas State University, Dr. Phillip Myer- University of Tennessee, Dr. Ibukun Ogunade, Dr. Matt Wilson – West Virginia University, Dr. James Oltjen – University of California – Davis, Dr. Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University, Dr. Kelly Crane – Project Administrative Advisor, Dr. André Cibils- NIFA representative

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief summary of minutes of annual meeting:

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 am MDT.

Participants introduced themselves

Dr. Jennifer Thomson provided a brief background of the group and the status of the project.

Dr. Kelly Crane – Project Administrator provided some introductory comments on Multi-state projects and stressed the need to show collaboration within the project.

Station reports were provided by Montana- Dr. Jennifer Thomson, Dr. James Oltjen – University of California – Davis, Dr. Phillip Lancaster – Kansas State University, and Dr. Ibukun Ogunade and Dr. Matt Wilson – West Virginia University.

There was a brief break

The meeting was readjourned at 10:45am MDT with station reports by Dr. Gordon Carstens- Texas Agrilife Research and Dr. Samodha Fernando- University of Nebraska, Dr. Jared Jaborek provided a brief introduction of his work at Michagan State University.

Dr. André Cibils- 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.

The group decided to hold our next meeting in conjunction with the ASAS meeting in Oklahoma City. Dr. Ibukan Ogunade will chair the next meeting. Station report requirements were discussed. Dr. Thomson committed to provide a template and requested reports by Jan 10.

Following the business meeting a discussion was held to discuss recruitment, funding opportunities and opportunities for collaboration.

Dr. Thomson commented on following up with people who expressed interest in the group previously and that each member should reach out to one or two individuals about joining the group.

Dr. Carstens commented on potential for collaboration on RFI in Beef/Dairy cross cattle with ST Genetics, Dr. Fernando spoke on opportunity for collaboration in work on microbial colonization in young cattle, Dr. Thomson spoke about potential opportunity for a grant working on tools for multi-omic data integration. The committee talked about a need for systems biology specialists to work in this area.

Meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:15 pm MST.

Accomplishments

<ol> <li>To understand biological sources of variation in the efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle.</li> </ol> Research at Montana 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. Research at Texas focus on understanding how variation in feeding behavior patterns, digestibility and methane emissions differs between animals with divergent residual feed intake in beef cattle. In California, Dr. Oltjen is evaluating how different measures that can be observed when cattle enter a feedlot can be used to account for variation and thus better predict individual animal performance and carcass characteristics. This will allow better methods to sort incoming cattle, as well as predict days of feed for optimum financial returns in precision management of feedlot cattle. Research in West Virginia is evaluating blood metabolomic and hepatic metabolic signals associated with RFI in beef cattle as potential indicators of biological targets to explain variation in nutrient use efficiency.  2. To discover and develop biomarkers and genetic markers for the genetic improvement of nutrient utilization efficiency. In Montana,  research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments. In West Virginia, research is identifying metabolomic biomarkers for feed efficiency that could become targets for genetic markers of feed efficiency.  3. To evaluate life-cycle efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle to improve economic/environmental sustainability Montana has a project 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. In Kansas, research is underway to determine the relationships among feed efficiency traits across production segments and physiological stages in cattle using dataset with individual feed intake on females from weaning until 5 yr of age, and on progeny from birth to slaughter. In West Virginia, researchers are collecting data on each group of animals tested in our central test station on water intake.  The outcome of this work should be data about how to estimate biological water use efficiency.  These comparisons will initially be for off-test relative comparisons but should in time create sufficient data to begin to calculate residual water intake (RWI) or other measure EPDs.  A subset of this work is focused on developing predictions of DMI based on water intake, performance and climate data for application to grazing settings.  This should also provide evidence for comparing confinement RFI (rank) with grazing RFI (rank). In Texas, there is research focus on evaluation of the effectiveness and accuracy of using statistical process control  (SPC) procedures to monitor real-time sensor data (rumen temperature, DMI, feeding behavior, rumination) for preclinical detection of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle <ol start="4"> <li>To develop and propagate EPDs, selection indices, and decision-support tools to facilitate selection for improved nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol> In West Virginia, the work on biological water use efficiency is likely to ultimately lead to EPDs of water use efficiency. In California, researchers have developed growth models to predict animal performance and carcass characteristics which require updated parameter estimates for modern beef cattle.  5. To develop producer educational programs to enhance technology adoption by the beef industry. In Texas,  work was presented an invited talk entitled “What are the impacts of selection for RFI on feedlot performance, carcass quality and the cow herd?” at the 70th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course, University of Florida in May 2021. Presented invited talks to producer groups on the merits of using RFI to improve cow efficiency. In California, models of cattle growth and carcass yield and quality can and have been adopted by various groups to improve cattle management.   Short-term Outcomes: Short-term outcomes include 13 publications and 15 abstracts/presentations along with producer outreach in Texas and California during the current reporting period. Outputs: Outputs include increased knowledge and understanding of nutrition utilization and efficiency in livestock species as evidenced by 13 publications , two published theses, 15 abstracts that were published and presented at meetings and 7 new or ongoing grants supporting research in this area.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications: 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   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" Animals 11, no. 7: 1910. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071910">https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071910</a>   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." Scientific reports 11, no. 1 (2021): 1-12.   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." Journal of animal science 99, no. 1 (2021): skaa404.   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." Animals 11, no. 2 (2021): 471.   P.A. Lancaster, M.E. Davis, J.J. Rutledge, L.V. Cundiff. 2021. Relationships among feed efficiency traits across production segments and production cycles in cattle. Trans. Anim. Sci. 5:txab111.   Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Shelby Collins, Mathew Wilson, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2021. Chemical group-based metabolome analysis identifies candidate plasma biomarkers associated with residual feed intake in beef steers. Frontiers in Animal Sci. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2021.783314">https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2021.783314</a>.    Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Mathew Wilson, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Residual feed intake is associated with differences in hepatic expression of amino acid, fatty acid, and mitochondrial energy metabolism genes. Frontiers in Animal Sci. (under revision after 1st round of review).    Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Mathew Wilson, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Identification of key pathways associated with residual feed intake of beef cattle based whole blood transcriptome data analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Sci. (In revision).   Kim, J., K. Shaffer, S. Plum, N. Lansink, K. Garossino, J. Hubbart, J. Hatton and M.E. Wilson.  2022. Predicting dry matter intake in beef cattle with water intake and other variables. Animal (In revision).   Smith, P.S., G.E. Carstens, C.A. Runyan, J.F. Ridpath, J.E. Sawyer, and A.D. Herring. 2021. Effects of multivalent BRD vaccine treatment and temperament on performance and feeding behavior responses to a BVDV1b challenge in beef steers. Animals 11:2133. doi.org/10.3390/ani11072133   Božić, A.K., H. Gutiérrez-Bañuelos, A. Corral-Luna, G.E. Carstens, M.M. Arévalos-Sánchez, M. Félix-Portillo, A. Muro-Reyes, C. Arzola-Álvarez, R. Anderson and R. Harvey. 2021. Dynamics of gastrointestinal activity and ruminal absorption of the methane-inhibitor, nitroethane, in cattle. Front. Vet. Sci. 54:xxx(Accepted).   Kayser, W.C., G.E. Carstens, I.L. Parsons, K.E. Washburn, S.D. Lawhon, W.E. Pinchak, E. Chevaux and A.L. Skidmore. 2021. Efficacy of statistical process control procedures to identify deviations in continuously measured physiological and behavioral responses to an experimental viral-bacterial challenge in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 99:1-12. doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab232            Completed Theses: Bouffiou, J.., 2021. " The Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Measures of Cattle Temperament to Predict Feedlot Performance of Commercial Beef Cattle" Schumacher, M., 2021. " A Comparative Approach to Refine Molecular Mechanisms Impacting Meat Quality and Carcass."   Abstracts, Proceedings, and Presentations: 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> H.M. Golder, I.J. Lean,,  S.J. LeBlanc, T. Duffield,  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 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>   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. Glacial and Ice Patch Archaeology International Conference. 7-10 Sept 2021.   O’Shea, G, R. Lambert, B. Tripet, J. Berardinelli, J. Thomson, R. Garrott, V. Copie. 2021. 1H NMR based metabolic profiling distinguishes the differential impact of capture technique on wild bighorn sheep. Metabolites 2021 International Conference   Lancaster, P.A.. 2021. Evaluation of relationship between feed efficiency traits and energy metabolism using comparative slaughter studies in growing and finishing cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 99:214-215.   Lancaster, P.A., M.E. Davis, J.J. Rutledge, L.V. Cundiff. 2021. Relationships among lifetime feed efficiency traits in growing heifers, mature cows and their progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 99:118-119.   Mata-Padrino, D. J., M. E. Wilson and I. Ogunade. 2021.  The effect of residual feed intake phenotype on herbage disappearance of a permanent pasture.  ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting.   Wilson, M. E., , K. S. Shaffer, S. Plum, N. Lansink, K. Garossino, J. Hubbart, J. Hatton and J. Kim.  2021.  Modeling Dry Matter Intake with Water Intake and Other Variables.  Journal of Animal Science.   Tedeschi, L.O., D’Souza, G.M., G.E. Carstens and R.F. Cooke. 2021. Research Update—Texas A&M University. Proc. Proc. Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference, San Antonio, Texas.   O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, L.R. Wottlin, J. Johnson and C.L. Daigle. 2021. Effects of interactive activity at the feedbunk on performance, feed efficiency and feeding patterns in feedlot cattle. J. Anim Sci. 99 (Abtract). Lancaster, P.A., L.O. Tedeschi, M.J. Baker and G.E. Carstens. 2021. Assessment of ultrasound carcass composition equations to predict empty body composition. J. Anim. Sci. (Abstract)   O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, B. Foris, and C.L. Daigle. 2021. Validation of an algorithm to assess feedbunk replacement events in beef cattle using an electronic feeding system J. Anim. Sci. 99 (Abstract).   O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, L.R. Wottlin, C.L. Daigle, and J.R. Johnson. 2021. Effects of competitive feeding behavior on performance, feed efficiency and feeding patterns in feedlot cattle. Proc. Plains Nutrition Council Conference. AREC.   Hall, M.N., L.R. Wottlin and G.E. Carstens 2021. Evaluating the effects of direct-fed microbials with and without monensin on performance, feed efficiency, and feeding behavior traits in feedlot steers. Proc. Plains Nutrition Council Conference. AREC.

Impact Statements

We discussed the limitations of holding our meeting as planned alongside ISEP in Spain. We decided against this option due to ongoing travel restrictions associated with COVID-19.

Date of Annual Report: 03/24/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/26/2023 - 01/26/2023
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2022 - 01/01/2023

Participants

Dr. Ibukun Ogunade – West Virginia University, Dr. Matthew Wilson- West Virginia University, Dr. Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University, Dr. Gordon Carstens, Texas A and M University, Dr. Phillip Myer, University of Tennessee, Dr. James Woltjen, University of California, Davis, Dr. Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University, Dr. Robert Smith – USDA -NIFA

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm EST.

Participants introduced themselves

Dr. Ibukun Ogunade provided a brief background of the group and the status of the project.

Dr. Robert Smith- NIFA representative presented an update on NIFA activities and staffing, the NIFA budget and competitive programs.

Station reports were provided by Dr. Jennifer Thomson (Montana State University), Dr. Ibukun Ogunade and Dr. Matt Wilson (West Virginia University), Dr. James Oltjen (University of California – Davis), Dr. Phillip Myer (University of Tennessee), Dr. Gordon Carstens (Texas A and M University), Dr. Jerad Jaborek (Michigan State University).

The group decided to hold our next meeting in conjunction with the ASAS meeting in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Ibukun agreed to compile the results from the different stations for submission to NIMSS.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:30 pm EST.

Accomplishments

<ol> <li>To understand biological sources of variation in the efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle.</li> </ol> Research at Texas A and M is focusing on understanding how variation in feeding behavior patterns, digestibility and methane emissions differs between animals with divergent residual feed intake in beef cattle. Publications and conference abstracts and presentations have been developed. At West Virginia University, they are evaluating how hepatic metabolism is associated with divergent residual feed intake phenotype, the research is focused on evaluating the mRNA expression of genes involved in hepatic fatty acid, amino acid, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in crossbred growing beef steers with low- or high-RFI fed a high forage diet using pathway-focused PCR-based arrays to give more insight into the biological mechanisms associated with RFI divergence. Additionally, they are evaluating how measures of feed efficiency can affect response to feed additive supplementation. This is to understand if and how animal-related factors affect response to feed additive supplementation which is essential to improving the sustainable use of microbial feed additive as an alternative to antibiotics with the ultimate goal of curbing antibiotic resistance in livestock production. Also, at West Virginia University, they are also working on analyzing the plasma metabolome as well as rumen metabolome and bacterial community of beef steers with positive or negative residual body weight gain (RADG) to determine how divergent RADG phenotype is associated with the host and ruminal metabolism. The results demonstrate that beef steers with divergent RADG phenotype exhibit differences in the relative abundance of some ruminal bacterial taxa and plasma metabolic profiles. Current research at Michigan State University is focused on understanding the biological differences between native beef and dairy cattle, and their crossbreed contemporaries in a beef × dairy cross breeding scheme.  This research aims to identify differences in the efficiency of beef production due to animal health, feedlot growth, and carcass composition. They are completing a study comparing the feedlot performance and carcass traits of Holstein steers and Beef x Holstein steers.  They currently have funds to compare Holstein steers with SimAngus x Holstein steers, SimAngus x Holstein heifers, and SimAngus steers to investigate differences in feedlot performance, carcass traits, and red meat yield. At the University of California Davis, they are extending work on beef finishing systems, they determined maintenance of individual and pen-fed steers. Also, they measured feeding behavior of the two groups. Their work showed that apparent maintenance requirements depend on feed availability in feedlot systems, and that time of eating between steers is not correlated to feed intake but is within a steer. 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. They have a project 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.   <ol start="2"> <li>To discover and develop biomarkers and genetic markers for the genetic improvement of nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol> At Michigan State University, there is an ongoing discussion about the possibility of collecting samples from beef cattle in an upcoming study to identify genetic biomarkers related to marbling deposition.   In Montana, Dr. Thomson is working on a research to identify metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments.   In West Virginia, research is identifying metabolomic biomarkers for measures of feed efficiency (residual feed intake and residual body weight gain) that could become targets for genetic markers of feed efficiency.   <ol start="3"> <li>To evaluate life-cycle efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle to improve economic/environmental sustainability</li> </ol> Montana has a project 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. In Texas, research is focused on the evaluation of Holstein heifers with divergent genomic residual feed intake on feed efficiency, methane emissions and ruminal fermentation and microbiome classification. In West Virginia, researchers have collected data on over 1200 animals in confinement to calibrate predictive algorithms to reliably predict dry matter intake in a situation where we are able to easily measure it accurately.  To date, they have been able to reliably predict daily dry matter intake to within 1 kg/day and average dry matter intake throughout the test period to within 0.3 kg/day.  We will continue to refine the predictive algorithms in the next fiscal year, including more animals, additional breeds, incremental daily gain to replace average daily gain and more.  They have collected three seasons of data in the grazing complex and are analyzing forage and fecal samples so that they can begin to use that data in the predictive algorithm effort.  They have also demonstrated that the residual water intake (RWI) for a given test group varies by as much as -6 to +10 liters below or above the predicted intake for groups of animals.  In a 49-day test, that equates to 784-liter differences in water consumption between the least and most efficient animals.  On an annualized basis, that is a 5,844-liter (1,546 gallons) difference in water consumption between the least and most efficient animals. <ol start="4"> <li>To develop and propagate EPDs, selection indices, and decision-support tools to facilitate selection for improved nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol> In West Virginia, the work on biological water use efficiency is likely to ultimately lead to EPDs of water use efficiency. In Michigan, results from the currently ongoing research that is focused on comparing the feedlot performance and carcass traits of Holstein steers and Beef x Holstein steers could be used for decision-support tools to facilitate improved sire selection for more efficient beef production from the dairy industry.   <ol start="5"> <li>To develop producer educational programs to enhance technology adoption by the beef industry.</li> </ol> In Michigan, research results are being shared with producers and stakeholders at Extension meetings, and fellow scientists to inform them of the best management practices regarding beef × dairy crossbreeding for more efficient beef production.   In Texas, work was presented as invited talks on the following topics “Selection strategies to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle” at the XXIII Feedlot Cattle Symposium, Monterrey, Mexico in May 2022. “EcoFeed for profitable and sustainable beef systems” at the STgenetics Beef on Dairy Elite Producer Symposium in June 2022, and “The merits of genetic selection for RFI to improve cow efficiency” at Brazos county Texas beef producers meeting in 2022.   In West Virginia, results were presented at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association meeting in February and the American Society of Animal Science meeting in June 2022.  In addition, data was presented at a meeting organized in advance of the National Cattlemens Beef Association.   Short-term Outcomes: Short-term outcomes include 12 publications and 17 abstracts/presentations along with producer outreach in West Virginia, Texas, Michigan, and California during the current reporting period.   Outputs: Outputs include increased knowledge and understanding of nutrient utilization and efficiency in livestock species as evidenced by 11 publications and 20 research abstracts that were published and presented at meetings and some new or ongoing grants supporting research in this area.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications: <ol> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Mathew Wilson, and Ibukun M. Ogunade*. 2022. Residual feed intake in beef cattle is associated with differences in hepatic expression of amino acid, fatty acid, and mitochondrial energy metabolism genes. Frontiers in Animal Sci. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2022.828591">https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2022.828591</a>.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Taylor Sidney, Modoluwamu Idowu, Francisca Eichie, Theodore Karnezos, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves dry matter intake, apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility and alters whole blood transcriptome of Holstein dairy heifers. Translational Anim. Sci. 6:132. DOI: 10.1093/tas/txac132.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Effects of a multi-component microbial feed additive containing prebiotics and probiotics on health, immune status, metabolism, and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-d receiving period. Translational Animal Sci. 6:txac053. doi: 10.1093/tas/txac053.</li> <li>Hubbart, J., N. Blake, I. Holásková, D. Mata Padrino, M. Walker and M. E. Wilson.   Challenges in Sustainable Beef Cattle Production: A Subset of Needed Advancements.  Challenges 14:1. 10.3390/challe14010014.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Identification of key pathways associated with residual feed intake in beef cattle via whole blood transcriptome data analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis. Frontiers in Vet. Sci. 10.3389/fvets.2022.848027.</li> <li>Golder, Helen, Stephen LeBlanc, Todd Duffield, Heidi Rossow, Rebecca Bogdanich, Laura Hernandez, Elliot Block, Josh Rehberger, Alexandra Smith, Jennifer Thomson, Ian Lean. 2022. Characterizing ruminal acidosis: A multi-herd, multi-country study. Accepted for publication. 19-Nov-2022. Journal of Dairy Sci. doi: 10.3168/jds.2022-22571.</li> <li>Golder, Helen, Jennifer Thomson, Josh Rehberger, Alexandra Smith, Elliot Block, Ian Lean. 2022. Associations among the genome, rumen metabolome, ruminal bacteria, and milk production in early lactation Holsteins. Accepted for publication. 19-Nov-2022. Journal of Dairy Sci. doi: 10.3168/jds.2022-22573.</li> <li>Thomson, Jennifer. (2022) Sustainability of Wild Populations: A Conservation Genetics Perspective in Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology Matt Spangler DOI:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_1125-1">10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_1125-1</a>  Part of ISBN: <a href="https://www.worldcat.org/isbn/9781493924936">9781493924936</a></li> <li>Schumacher, M., DelCurto-Wyffels, H., Thomson, J., & Boles, J. (2022). Fat Deposition and Fat Effects on Meat Quality—A Review. Animals, 12:1550.</li> <li>Flesch, E., Graves, T., Thomson, J., Proffitt, K., & Garrott, R. (2022). Average kinship within bighorn sheep populations is associated with connectivity, augmentation, and bottlenecks. Ecosphere, 13(3), e3972.</li> <li>Jaborek, J. R., P. H. V. Carvalho, and T. L. Felix. 2023. Post-weaning management of modern dairy cattle genetics for beef production: a review. J. Anim. Sci. 101: skac345.</li> </ol>   Abstracts, Proceedings, and Presentations: <ol> <li>Schaff, N., Dafoe, J., Boss, D., Boles, J., Thomson, J. (2022). PSIII-5 Late-Breaking: Genetic Evaluation of Energy Efficiency in Bos taurus Cows Classified by Residual Feed Intake (100 Supplement 4 ed., pp. 35-36). J. Anim. Sci. <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/100/Supplement_4/35/6769372?login=false">https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/100/Supplement_4/35/6769372?login=false</a></li> <li>Adeyemi, J., Toussaint, L., Copie, V., O'Shea, G., Boles, J., Thomson, J. (2022). Utilizing 1H NMR Spectroscopy to Quantify and Identify Biomarkers in Finishing Sheep (vol. 100 Supplement 4). Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>Thomson, J., Schumacher, M. L., Boles, J. (2022). O43 Utilizing RNAseq to investigate molecular mechanisms impacting meat quality and carcass characteristics in beef steers (2nd ed., vol. 13, pp. 2). Animal - Science Proceedings. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772283X22007142?via%3Dihub">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772283X22007142?via%3Dihub</a>.</li> <li>Yost, T., N. Blake, M. Walker, I. Holaskova, J. Hubbart, D. J. Mata-Padrino, I. Ogunade, K. Sanders and M. E. Wilson.  2022. Individual Water Use Efficiency in Beef Cattle.  Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>Blake, N., M. Walker, I. Holaskova, J. Hubbart, D. J. Mata-Padrino, I. Ogunade, K. Sanders, T. Yost and M. E. Wilson.   Predicting Beef Cattle Dry Matter Intake.  Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>Mata-Padrino, D. J., M. E. Wilson and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. The effect of residual feed intake phenotype on herbage disappearance of a permanent pasture.  ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting.</li> <li>Carstens, G.E. 2022. Selection strategies to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle. Proc. XXIII Feedlot Cattle Symposium, Monterrey, Mexico.</li> <li>Carstens, G.E. and K. O’Reilly. 2022. EcoFeed for profitable and sustainable beef systems. Proc. STgenetics Beef on Dairy Elite Producer Symposium.</li> <li>Carstens, G.E. 2022. Impact of cold stress on neonatal death losses in beef cattle. Proc. Winter Academy of Veterinary Consultants Conference, Kansas City, KS.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb and P. Ross. 2022. Effects of genomic residual feed intake on performance, feed efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in Holstein heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 100:S4.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb and P. Ross. 2023. Evaluating the utility of genomically enhanced RFI as a selection criterion to improve feed efficiency in growing Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 106 (Suppl. 1). (Abstr.)</li> <li>Pimentel-Concepción, M., J. R. Jaborek, J. P. Schweihofer, A. J. Garmyn, M. J. McKendree, B. J. Bradford, A. F. Hentschl, and D. B. Buskirk. 2023. Feedlot performance, carcass traits, and feeder calf value of beef x Holstein and Holstein steers. ASAS Midwest Meeting. Madison, Wisconsin.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Taylor Sidney, Francisca Eichie, Emily Treon, Mathew Wilson, Andres Pech-Cervantes and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Chemical Group-Based Metabolome Analysis Identifies Candidate Plasma Biomarkers Associated with Residual Feed Intake in Beef Steers.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, Taylor Sidney, Francisca Eichie, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2022. Effects of a multicomponent microbial feed additive containing prebiotics and probiotics on health, immune status, metabolism, and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-d receiving period.</li> <li>Taylor Sidney, Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Selection for low or high residual feed intake is associated with altered rumen fluid amine/phenol metabolome of beef cattle.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Shelby Collins, Taylor Sidney, Mathew Wilson, Andres Pech-Cervantes and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Candidate plasma biomarkers associated with residual feed intake in beef steers. Animal Sci.100:155-156.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu D. Idowu, Andres Pech-Cervantes, Zaira M. Estrada-Reyes and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Hepatic mRNA expression of nutrient and mitochondrial energy metabolism genes in beef steers selected for low or high residual feed intake. J. Animal Sci.100:384-384.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo and I. M. Ogunade 2022. Effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based microbial additive containing fermentation products on health, and performance of weaned beef steers during a 35-d receiving period. J. Animal Sci.100:163-163.</li> <li>Taylor Sidney, Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu D. Idowu, Mata Padrino Domingo, James Denvir and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Urine metabolome and whole blood transcriptome of beef steers with low or high residual feed intake. J. Animal Sci.100:372-372.</li> <li>Godstime A. Taiwo, Oyebade, A.O. Modoluwamu Idowu, Diwakar Vyas, and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. A multi-species direct fed microbial supplement alters the milk lipidome of dairy cows. J. Animal Sci.4:0244.</li> </ol>   Extension Publications: <ol> <li>Schaff, N., Dafoe, J., Boss, D., Boles, J., Thomson, J. Hepatic gene expression related to production efficiency in Bos taurus cows classified by residual feed intake as heifers and maternal efficiency. College of Agriculture Extension Research Report 2022.</li> <li>Schumacher, M., Bouffiou, J., Boles, J., Thomson, J. Molecular mechanisms affecting carcass characteristics can be refined by comparative approach between animals at different times in the finishing phase. College of Agriculture Extension Research Report 2022.</li> <li>Adeyemi, J., O'Shea-Stone, G., Toussaint, L., Copié, V., Boles, J., Thomson, J. Utilizing 1h nmr spectroscopy to quantify and identify biomarkers in finishing sheep. College of Agriculture Extension Research Report 2022.</li> <li>Hieber, J. K., Dafoe, J. M., Parsons, C. T., Don, A. C., Boss, D., Boles, J., Thomson, J. Inbreeding levels of the Line 4 Hereford cattle population. College of Agriculture Extension Research Report 2022.</li> <li>Bouffiou, J. J., Hieber, J. K., Boles, J., Thomson, J. Investigating the Relationship Between Temperament and Performance Traits in Feedlot Cattle. College of Agriculture Extension Report 2022.</li> </ol>   Additional Presentations: <ol> <li>Selection strategies to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle” at the XXIII Feedlot Cattle Symposium, Monterrey, Mexico in May 2022.</li> <li>“EcoFeed for profitable and sustainable beef systems” at the STgenetics Beef on Dairy Elite Producer Symposium in June 2022.</li> <li>The merits of genetic selection for RFI to improve cow efficiency” at Brazos county Texas beef producers meeting.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Increased knowledge and understanding of nutrient utilization and efficiency in livestock species as evidenced by 11 publications, 20 research abstracts and several extension presentations that were published and presented at meetings and some new or ongoing grants supporting research in this area.

Date of Annual Report: 10/30/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/23/2024 - 07/25/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024

Participants

Dr. Matthew Wilson- West Virginia University, Dr. Jennifer Thomson – Montana State University, Dr. Gordon Carstens, Texas A and M University, Dr. Phillip Myer, University of Tennessee, Dr. Ana Clara Baiao Menezes, South Dakota State University, Dr. James Oltjen -University of California-Davis.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm EST.

Participants introduced themselves

Dr. Matt Wilson provided a brief background of the group and the status of the project.

Station reports were provided by Dr. Jennifer Thomson (Montana State University), Dr. Matt Wilson (West Virginia University), Dr. Phillip Myer (University of Tennessee), Dr. Gordon Carstens (Texas A and M University), Dr. Ana Clara Baiao Menezes (South Dakota State University).

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:30 pm EST.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: <ol> <li>To understand biological sources of variation in the efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle.</li> </ol> Research at Texas A&M is focused on understanding how variations in feeding behavior patterns, digestibility, and methane emissions differ between animals with divergent residual feed intake in beef cattle. Several publications, conference abstracts, and presentations have been developed from this work. At South Dakota State University, research is centered on identifying the sources and quantifying the magnitude of biological drivers responsible for variation in feed efficiency and nutrient utilization.   Researchers at West Virginia University are evaluating how residual feed intake status in beef steers affects their response to dietary supplementation. This study aims to understand if, and how, animal-related factors influence responses to feed additive supplementation, which is essential for enhancing the sustainable use of microbial feed additives as an alternative to antibiotics. The ultimate goal is to reduce antibiotic resistance in livestock production.   Current research at the University of Tennessee is examining the microbiological mechanisms that explain differences in cow/calf feed efficiency using a microbiome approach within the rumen of beef cattle. This project aims to uncover the molecular and microbiological mechanisms involved in efficient feed utilization and to identify feed efficiency-related microbial biomarkers. These insights are intended to improve beef production efficiency and support the growing need for food due to the increasing global human population.   At Montana State University, research is being conducted to evaluate muscle and adipose tissue gene expression and metabolites during the late feedlot fattening period in steers. The goal is to better understand how fattening is regulated to achieve specific carcass quality grades, allowing for precision management of feedlot cattle. Additionally, this project evaluates metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, circulating metabolites, and liver gene expression throughout two yearly production cycles, with samples taken each season and three during winter in both supplemented and grazing cows <ol start="2"> <li>To discover and develop biomarkers and genetic markers for the genetic improvement of nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol> At the University of Tennessee, Dr. Phillip Myer and his team have successfully identified microbial biomarkers within the rumen that are associated with feed efficiency in beef cattle and calves. These biomarkers are essential for understanding the molecular and microbiological mechanisms that influence feed utilization. The team plans to continue developing and validating non-invasive buccal sampling techniques as a reliable proxy for rumen microbiome analysis.   In Montana, Dr. Thomson is conducting research to identify metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers linked to USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and responsiveness to changing environmental conditions. Meanwhile, Dr. Ibukun Ogunade and Dr. Matt Wilson at West Virginia University are identifying metabolomic and rumen microbiome biomarkers for feed efficiency measures—specifically residual feed intake and residual body weight gain—that could serve as targets for genetic markers associated with feed efficiency. <ol start="3"> <li>To evaluate life-cycle efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle to improve economic/environmental sustainability</li> </ol> Projects at South Dakota State University focus on measuring postweaning feed efficiency in young female cattle and examining how feed efficiency measured in growing animals impacts later-life feed efficiency, productivity, and longevity. At Texas A&M, researchers are evaluating Holstein heifers with divergent genomic residual feed intake, assessing impacts on feed efficiency, methane emissions, ruminal fermentation, and microbiome classification. Montana State University is conducting research to evaluate metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, circulating metabolites, and liver gene expression throughout two yearly production cycles. Samples are collected in each season, with additional samples during winter, from both supplemented and grazing cows. In West Virginia, researchers are collecting data from multiple groups of potential replacement heifers in both confinement and grazing environments to investigate efficiency rankings across these settings. Over the past year, data from more than 1,200 animals in confinement have been used to calibrate algorithms that predict dry matter intake with high accuracy. To date, these algorithms can predict daily dry matter intake within 1 kg/day and average intake over the testing period within 0.3 kg/day. Work will continue in the next fiscal year to refine these algorithms by including more animals, additional breeds, and metrics like incremental daily gain. Data collection has spanned three grazing seasons, with analysis of forage and fecal samples now underway to support predictive modeling efforts. Additionally, they have found that residual water intake (RWI) in test groups varies significantly, with a range of -6 to +10 liters from predicted intake, equating to substantial annual water consumption differences between the most and least efficient animals. <ol start="4"> <li>To develop and propagate EPDs, selection indices, and decision-support tools to facilitate selection for improved nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol> In West Virginia, studies are being conducted to understand the microbiome and response to LPS challenge in Angus bulls with low or high Residual Feed Intake Expected Progeny Differences (RFI EPD). <ol start="5"> <li>To develop producer educational programs to enhance technology adoption by the beef industry.</li> </ol> In Texas, research findings were presented through invited talks, including ‘Impact of Selection for Residual Feed Intake on Feed Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Replacement Holstein Heifers’ at the McGregor Field Day in May 2023, and ‘The Merits of Genetic Selection for RFI to Improve Cow Efficiency’ at the Brazos County, Texas beef producers' meeting, also in May 2023. In West Virginia, results were shared through field day presentations at multiple Land Grant Universities—Virginia Tech, Colorado State University, Purdue University, and West Virginia University—to help producers understand the importance of feed and water use efficiency and discuss current tools in development.   In Tennessee, results from ongoing projects were presented at the annual UTIA Beef and Forage Research and Recommendation meeting and at various UTIA field days, ensuring findings are shared directly with beef producers, industry stakeholders, and Extension personnel.   Short-term Outcomes: Development of improved algorithms for determining feed intake from body weight, water intake and climatic variables.  Using measured water intake and determined feed intake to assess feed and water use efficiency. Generating data to compare efficiency measures for animals both in confinement and grazing. Identification of Key Microbial Biomarkers for feed efficiency in beef cattle. Validation of the use of buccal sampling as a non-invasive proxy for analyzing the rumen microbiome, providing a less intrusive method for collecting microbiological data. Concepts and findings from the project conducted at Tennessee have been incorporated into the graduate-level, enhancing the educational experience for students.     Outputs: Outputs include increased knowledge and understanding of nutrient utilization and efficiency in livestock species as evidenced by 13 publications and 22 research abstracts that were published and presented at meetings presentations along with producer outreach in West Virginia, Texas, South Dakota, and Tennessee during the current reporting period.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications: <ol> <li>Pfau, A.P., Henniger, M.T., Samuelson, K.L., Hales, K.E., Löest, C.A., Hubbert, M.E., Lindholm-Perry, A.K., Egert-McLean, A.M., Mason, K.M., Shepherd, E.A. Voy, B.H., and Myer, P.R. 2024. Effects of protein concentration and beta-adrenergic agonists on ruminal bacterial communities in finishing beef heifers. Plos one, 19(2), p.e0296407.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, B. Foris, and C.L. Daigle. 2024. Development of an algorithm to assess feed bunk replacement events using electronic feed intake systems in beef cattle. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 106350. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106350.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb, and P. Ross. 2024. Relationship of genomically enhanced residual feed intake with performance, feed efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient digestibilities in growing Holstein heifers. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted).</li> <li>Blake, N., M. Walker, I. Holaskova, D. J. Mata-Padrino, S. Plum, J. Hubbart, J. Hatton and M. E. Wilson.   Predicting Dry Matter Intake in Beef Cattle.  Journal of Animal Science 101:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad269</li> <li>Hubbart, J., N. Blake, I. Holásková, D. Mata Padrino, M. Walker and M. E. Wilson.  2023.  Challenges in Sustainable Beef Cattle Production: A Subset of Needed Advancements.  Challenges 14:1-15.</li> <li>Haderlie, S. A., Hieber, J. K., Boles, J., Berardinelli, J., Thomson, J. (2023). Molecular Pathways for Muscle and Adipose Tissue Are Altered between Beef Steers Classed as Choice or Standard. Animals, 13(12), 1947.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, Taylor Sidney, Emily Treon, Yarahy Leal, Deborah Ologunagba, Francisca Eichie, Andres Pech Cervantes, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Effects of rumen-bypass protein supplement on growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial protein complexes, and hepatic immune gene expression of beef steers with divergent residual feed intake. PloS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293718.</li> <li>Godstime Taiwo, Olanrewaju Morenikeji, Modoluwamu Idowu, Taylor Sidney, Adekunle Ajiboye, Andres Pech Cervantes, Sunday Peters, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Characterization of rumen microbiome and immune genes expression of crossbred beef steers with divergent residual feed intake phenotypes. BMC Genomics. 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-024-10150-3.</li> <li>Deborah Ologunagba, Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Hepatic mRNA expression of innate and adaptive immune genes in beef steers with divergent residual body weight gain. Frontiers in Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2024.1349499.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, Taylor Sidney, Anjola Adewoye, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Plasma proteomic analysis reveals key pathways associated with divergent residual body weight gain phenotype in beef steers. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1415594.</li> <li>Emily Treon, Taylor Sidney, Godstime Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Yarahy Leal, Deborah Ologunagba, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2023. Effects of dietary supplementation of a blend of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, multiple live probiotic bacteria, and their fermentation products on performance, health, and rumen bacterial community of newly weaned beef steers during a 56-d receiving period. Translational Animal Science. DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad143.</li> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Godstime Taiwo, Taylor Sidney, Matthew Wilson, and Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2023. The differential plasma and ruminal metabolic pathways and ruminal bacterial taxa associated with divergent residual body weight gain phenotype in crossbred beef steers. Transl Anim Sci. 7:txad054. doi: 10.1093/tas/txad054.</li> <li>Francisca Eichie, Godstime A. Taiwo, Modoluwamu Idowu, Taylor Sidney, Emily Treon, Deborah Ologunagba, Yarahy Leal, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2023. Effects of bovine respiratory disease on the plasma metabolome of beef steers during the receiving period. Front. Vet. Sci. 10:1239651. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1239651.</li> </ol>     Abstracts, Proceedings, and Presentations: <ol> <li>Modoluwamu Idowu, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Awardee Talk: Residual feed intake in beef cattle: Biological basis and effect on response to dietary supplementation of bypass protein. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting, Calgary Canada.</li> <li>Deborah Ologunagba, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Hepatic mRNA expression of innate and adaptive immune genes in beef steers with divergent residual body weight gain. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting, Calgary Canada.</li> <li>Emily Treon, Ibukun Ogunade. 2024. Effects of dietary supplementation of a proprietary microbial additive on performance, health, and rumen bacterial community of newly weaned beef steers during a 56-d receiving period. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting, Calgary Canada.</li> <li>Samanthia Johnson, Kelsey Bentley, Scott Bowdridge, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Exploring lipopolysaccharide-induced alterations in the liver metabolome of sheep divergently bred for parasite resistance. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting, Calgary Canada.</li> <li>Sidney Taylor, Ibukun M. Ogunade. 2024. Exploring deep shotgun sequencing to understand the rumen microbial function in Angus bulls with divergent RFI EPD. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting, Calgary Canada.</li> <li>O'Reilly, K., Carstens, G., Wottlin, L., Welsh, Jr., T., Thomson, J., Copié, V., O'Shea-Stone, G. (2024). 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics of serum from growing beef steers following a combined viral bacterial respiratory disease challence (331). Presented at WSASAS/ASAS 2024 Annual Meeting, Calgary AB.</li> <li>Henniger, M.T., Shepherd, E.A., Clemmons, B.A., Luu, H., and Myer, P.R. 2024. Rumen Bacterial Community Establishment In Angus Calves. ASM Microbe Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.</li> <li>Henniger, M.T., Martin, M.G., Clemmons, B.A., Ault-Seay, T.B., Cordero, J.C., Voy, B.H., McLean, K.J., Mulon, P.Y., Anderson, D.E., and Myer, P.R. 2024. Impacts Of Pregnancy On The Rumen Environment Of Angus Heifers Differing In Feed Efficiency. ASM Microbe Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.</li> <li>Thekkoot, D. M, N. E. Blake, D. J. Mata Padrino, K. Garossino and M. E. Wilson.   Estimation of genetic parameters of traits associated with water efficiency, feed efficiency and growth in beef cattle.  Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>Blake, N., M. Walker, I. Holásková, D. Mata Padrino, M. Wilson. 2023. Incremental Variables in Predicting Beef Cattle Dry Matter Intake. Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>Yost, T., N. Blake, I. Holásková, D. Mata Padrino, J. K. Yost, J. Yates, K. Sanders and M. E. Wilson. 2023. Associations between feeding behavior, Residual Feed Intake, and Residual Average Daily Gain in Performance Tested Yearling Angus Bulls and Heifers. Journal of Animal Science.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb and P. Ross. 2023. Impact of favorable selection for RFI on feed efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in Holstein replacement heifers. Plains Nutrition Council Meeting. San Antonio, TX, April 2023.</li> <li>Kidane, N.F., M.E. Irvin, W.B. Foxworth, G.E. Carstens, S. Horner, K. O'Reilly. 2023. Evaluation of feed intake, feed efficiency and days on trial in growing goats fed a total mixed diet. J. Anim. Sci. 101:305 (Suppl. 3), skad281.364.</li> <li>Irvin, M.E., N.F. Kidane, G.E. Carstens, W.B. Foxworth, S. Horner, K. O'Reilly. 2023. Effects of breed type and gender on performance, feeding behavior, and feed efficiency in growing goats. J. Anim. Sci. 101:306 (Suppl. 3), skad281.365.</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb and P. Ross. 2023. Evaluating the utility of genomically enhanced RFI as a selection criterion to improve feed efficiency in growing Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 106 (Suppl. 1). (Abstr.).</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, S. Adams, S.C. Fernando, J.R. Johnson, and N. Deeb. 2023. Characterizing the rumen bacterial community in replacement Holstein heifers with divergent genomically enhanced residual feed intake. J. Anim. Sci. 101 (Suppl.).</li> <li>O’Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb, and P. Ross. 2023. Effects of genomic residual feed intake on performance, feed efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in Holstein heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 101 (Suppl. 1):37-38. doi:10.1093/jas/skad068.043.</li> <li>Wehrbein, M.; Velasquez Moreno, E.R.; Menendez, H.M.; Rusche, W.C.; Smith, Z.K.; Menezes, A.C.B. Winter-feeding high concentrate diets reduces enteric methane emissions pre-calving in beef cows. 2024 ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting. Calgary, Canada.</li> <li>Moening, K.M.; Jardon, G.; Colombo, E.; Smith, Z.K.; Rusche, W.C.; Menezes, A.C.B. Ruminal degradation profiles of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein of finishing diets with different levels of inclusion of dried distillers grains plus solubles and soybean meal. Abstract. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 102, Issue Supplement_2, May 2024, Pages 252–253, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae102.286</li> <li>Macholan, N.L.; Jardon, G.; Colombo, E.; Smith, Z.K.; Rusche, W.C.; Menezes, A.C.B. Substitution of dried distiller’s grains with soybean meal on beef cattle diets: Effects on ruminal ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations. Abstract. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 102, Issue Supplement_2, May 2024, Pages 250-251, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae102.284</li> <li>Jardon, G.; Macholan, N.L.; Moening, K.M.; Colombo, E.; Smith, Z.K.; Rusche, W.C.; Menezes, A.C.B. Effects of substitution of DDGS with soybean meal in finishing diets: Dietary protein degradability and ruminal parameters. Plains Nutrition Conference. April 2024.</li> <li>Jardon, G. H.; Kovarna, M.; Moening, K.; Brandner, A.; Werner, H.; Heldt, J. S. Menezes, A. C. B. 2023. Effects of a Phytogenic Supplement Pre- and Post-Calving on Colostrum Yield and Composition, and Cow-Calf Performance. In: ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS 2023. Albuquerque, NM. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting. 2023. Doi:10.1093/jas/skad281.595</li> </ol>     Additional Presentations: <ol> <li>Menezes, A.C.B. Nutritional Strategies for Pregnant Cows and Heifers. 2024 Midwest Liquid Feeds Annual Meeting. August 16-17, 2024. Oacoma, SD.</li> <li>Menezes, A.C.B. Vitamin and mineral supplementation to gestating beef heifers: Fetal physiology and metabolic programming. July 21-25, 2024. ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting. Calgary, Canada.</li> <li>Menezes, A.C.B. Vitamin and mineral supplementation to gestating beef heifers: Fetal programming impacts. May 22-24. IX International Symposium of Beef Cattle Production (SIMCORTE). Vicosa, MG, Brazil.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Development and deployment of tools to allow on-farm evaluation of grazing feed and water intake and the measures of efficiency that can be derived from them.
The development and validation of non-invasive buccal sampling techniques as a reliable proxy for rumen microbiome analysis represents a significant advancement in animal science research. This innovation not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of data collection but also reduces the stress to animals during research studies. The widespread adoption of this technique could lead to more extensive and precise microbiome studies, further enhancing our understanding of the complex interactions between cattle nutrition, microbial communities, and feed efficiency.
This progress supports the long-term goal of improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of beef production.