NCCC308: Nutrition and Management of Feedlot Cattle to Optimize Performance, Carcass Value and Environmental Compatibility

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Active

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/16/2024] [07/22/2025] [07/02/2026]

Date of Annual Report: 07/16/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/21/2024 - 05/23/2024
Period the Report Covers: 05/19/2023 - 05/23/2024

Participants

Tara Felix, Penn State University
Steve Loerch, PSU
Zachary Smith, South Dakota State University
Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Pablo Loza, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University
Dale Blasi, Kansas State University
Alfredo DiCostanzo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Stephanie Hansen, Iowa State University
Nico DiLorenzo, University of Florida
Pedro Carvalho, Colorado State University
Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University
Kendall Samuelson, West Texas A&M University
Kendall Swanson, North Dakota State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 07/22/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/19/2025 - 05/21/2025
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/1970 - 01/01/1970

Participants

Ale Relling, Ohio State University
Tara Felix, Pennsylvania State University
Steve Loerch, Pennsylvania State University
Jon Schoonmaker, Purdue University
Zach Smith, South Dakota State University
Nicolas DiLorenzo, University of Florida
Kendall Swanson, North Dakota State University
Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University
Pedro Carvalho, University of California- Davis
Josh McCann, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Stephanie Hansen, Iowa State University
Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska
Dale Blasi, Kansas State University
Todd Callaway, University of Georgia
Vinny Gouvea, Texas A&M Agrilife
Mozart Fonseca, New Mexico State University
John Wagner, Colorado State University
Amber Campbell, USDA
Tony Bryant, Five River Cattle Feeders

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held in Fort Collins, Colorado, by Colorado State University. The committee was welcomed by Dr. Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Dr. John Wagner, professor emeriti. After the welcome, the group conducted introductions of participating faculty as well as graduate students in attendance. The group toured the CSU Global Food Innovation Center and learned about their research and community outreach programs.

Planning was discussed for 2026 meeting. The committee agreed that the University of Illinois will host the 2026 meeting in Urbana, IL on May 18-20. Tentative plans were made for 2027 in the Texas panhandle co-hosted by Texas A&M Agrilife and West Texas A&M.

Administrative update was provided Dr. Steve Loerch. He commended the committee on the outstanding meeting attendance and continued growth of the committee through new members. He also provided an update on reporting guidelines.

A report from USDA was provided by Amber Campbell. She is the new national program leader for the Nutrition, Growth, and Lactation program. She provided the committee additional context for changes at USDA with new executive orders and delays with prior reviews and request for proposals.

Sixteen station reports highlighted reported progress toward the committee objectives while facilitating discussion of future work still needed to address the objectives.

On May 20, the committee toured the Colorado State Climate Smart Research Facility at the Agricultural Research, Development, and Education Center. In the afternoon, the group toured the Kuner Cattle Feedlot and the Harper Sheep Feedlot.

Accomplishments

Cattle are being fed to larger weights much more efficiently. However, public concern over the use of traditional technologies such as growth promotants and antibiotics has challenged the beef industry. Members of the NCCC-308 multistate group are investigating the role that stress and digestive processes play in disease prevention and are developing new feeding strategies and feed additives that improve animal health, increase growth, and enhance meat quality.

Publications

<ol> <li>Baumhover, A., and S. L. Hansen. 2024. Preparing the AI-assisted animal scientist: faculty and student perspectives on enhancing animal science education with artificial intelligence. Animal Frontiers. 14:54–56. doi:10.1093/af/vfae038</li> <li>Anas, M., B. Zhao, H. Yu, C. R. Dahlen, K. C. Swanson, K. A. Ringwall, and L. L. Hulsman Hanna. 2025. Multi-trait phenotypic modeling through factor analysis and Bayesian network learning to develop latent reproductive, body conformational, and carcass-associated traits in admixed beef heifers. Front. Genet. 16:1551967.</li> <li>Andrade, L. É., Filho, M. J., Lucena, H. K., Barreto, C. Y., Oliveira, L. R., Sousa, B. B., Vaz, F. A., Oliveira, D. J., Fonseca, M.A., and L. R. Bezerra. Changes in the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils affect the feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses of sheep. Ruminants. 4:433-447. doi:10.3390/ruminants4030031</li> <li>Basiel, B. L. Felix, T. L., & Dechow, C. D. 2025. Predictive ability of a commercial mixed-breed genomic test for feedlot performance and carcass traits of beef × Holstein steers. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/jas/skaf053</li> <li>Basiel, B.L., J.A. Campbell, C.D. Dechow, and T.L. Felix. 2024. The impact of sire breed on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef × Holstein steers. Transl Anim Sci. 23:8. doi: 10.1093/tas/txae043.</li> <li>Baumgaertner, F., G. Ramirez-Zamudio, A. C. B. Menezes, I. M. Jurgens, M. R. Hirchert, J. L. Hurlbert, K. A. Bochantin, W. J. S. Diniz, L. P. Reynolds, A. K. Ward, P. P. Borowicz, S. R. Underdahl, J. D. Kirsch, S. T. Dorsam, K. K. Sedivec, K. C. Swanson, J. S. Caton, and C. R. Dahlen. 2024. Rate of body weight gain during early gestation in F0 beef heifers has effects that extend multigenerationally to the F2 fetuses. J. Anim. Sci. 102: skae295.</li> <li>Beck, M. R. et al. Relationships between individual animal variation in dry matter intake and animal performance and feed efficiency of finishing beef cattle. Applied Animal Science, 40:639-646, 2024.</li> <li>Beck, M. R. et al. Optimization of indigestible neutral and acid detergent fiber measurement protocols. Applied Animal Science, v. 40, n. 2, p. 124-131, 2024.</li> <li>Bello-Bravo, J., D. Pilares, L.F. Brito, A.M. Toro Ospina, L.P.B. Sousa Junior, G.C.M. Mamani, J. Schoonmaker, and J. Richardson. 2024. Social sustainability and genetic biodiversity in Peruvian alpaca production: a review. Pastor. Res. Policy Pract. 14:1-12. doi:10.3389/past.2024.13668</li> <li>Burhoop, J. E., J. L. Sperber, C. J. Bittner, F. H. Hilscher, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2024. Impact of partial oil removal on energy content of distillers grains plus solubles for finishing cattle. Animals. 14:2329 1-13. doi:10.3390/ani14162329</li> <li>Carranza-Martin, A. C., D. L. Palmquist, and A. R. Relling. 2024. Symposium review: The impact of fatty acids as bioactive nutrients on the development of offspring. JDS Communications. doi:10.3168/jdsc.2024-0654.</li> <li>Carter, R., Felix, T., Zinn, S., Govoni, K., Emenheiser, J., and Reed, S. 2025. Effects of Milk Replacer Composition on Growth and Development of Beef x Dairy Crossbred Calves. Translational Animal Science. doi:10.1093/tas/txaf005</li> <li>Colin, R. L., J. L. Sperber, K. K. Buse, P. J. Kononoff, A. K. Watson, and G. E. Erickson. 2024. Effect of an algae feed additive on reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle. Transl. Anim. Sci. 8:1-7. doi:10.1093/tas/txae109</li> <li>Cuervo, W., C. Gomez, F. Tarnonsky, I. Fernandez-Marenchino, A. Maderal, F. Podversich, J. J. Vargas, and N. DiLorenzo. 2024. Effect of cashew nutshell extract, saponins and tannins addition on methane emissions, nutrient digestibility and feeding behavior of beef steers receiving a backgrounding diet. Animals 14:3126. doi:10.3390/ani14213126</li> <li>De la Cruz Gómez, A. G., H. Campos-García, G. D. Mendoza, J. C. J. García-López, G. Álvarez-Fuentes, P. A. Hernández-García, J. A. R. Jiménez, O. Cifuentes-Lopez, A.E. Relling, and H.A. Lee-Rangel. 2024. Macroalgae compound characterizations and their effect on the ruminal microbiome in supplemented lambs. Vet. Sci. 11:653. doi:10.3390/vetsci11120653.</li> <li>Dennis, E. J., D. Gertner, and G. E. Erickson. 2024. Economic research on ethanol feed-use coproducts: A review, synthesis, and path forward. Animals. 14:1551 1-21. doi:10.3390/ani14111551</li> <li>Eckhardt, E. P., Kim, W., Jaborek, J. R., Garmyn, A. J., Kang., D., Kim, J. 2024. Evaluation of Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation on Finishing Beef Steer Growth Performance, Skeletal Muscle Cellular Response, and Carcass Characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae337.</li> <li>Messersmith, E. and S. L. Hansen. 2024. Effects of increasing supplemental zinc to non-implanted and implanted finishing steers, J. Anim. Sci. 102. doi:10.1093/jas/skae365</li> <li>Feitosa, T., Bezerra, L. R., Silva, A. C., Oliveira, D., Mazzetto, S., Cavalcanti, M., Pereira Filho, J. M., Oliveira, R., Oliveira, J., Fonseca, M., A. Silva. 2024. New manufacturing technology for rumen-protected fat using Apis mellifera beeswax: yield, characterization, and ruminant feeding. Trop Anim Health Prod 57. doi:10.1007/s11250-024-04261-y</li> <li>Fernandes, I., Welk, A., Ranaud, D., Sockett, D., Felix, T., and Cantor, M. 2025. The association of lung consolidation and respiratory pathogens isolated at weaning on the growth performance of beef on dairy calves. J. Dairy. Sci. 108:39380-3990. doi: 10.3168/jds.2024-25617.</li> <li>Ferrari, V. B., R. G. Bondurant, G. E. Erickson, K. H. Wilke, and J. C. MacDonald. 2024 Effects of displacing modified distillers grains with dry rolled corn on the performance of growing beef steers consuming cornstalk residue from different harvest methods. Appl. Anim. Sci. 40:717-724 doi:10.15232/aas.2024-02551</li> <li>Franco, C.E., E. L. Rients, F. E. Diaz, F.E, S. L. Hansen and J. McGill. 2024. Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Steers Modulates Labile Zinc Concentration and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Circulating Immune Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res doi:10.1007/s12011-024-04123-6</li> <li>Garcia Ascolani, M. E., F. Tarnonsky, S. Roskopf, F. Podversich, G. M. Silva, Tessa M. Schulmeister, M. Ruiz-Moreno,| T. J. Hackmann, J. C. B. Dubeux Jr., N. DiLorenzo. 2024. Supplementation with avian-derived polyclonal antibodies against Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii and M. ruminantium decreases ex vivo methane production and modifies ruminal fermentation in Angus crossbred steers. J. Anim. Sci. 102:1-10. doi:10.1093/jas/skae213</li> <li>Giotto, F., Gamage, N. H., Macias Franco, A., Gerrard, D. G., Fonseca, M.A., A. S. Mello. 2024. Effects of liquid-based diets with breweries grains enriched with isolated starch and fish oil on veal quality. Meat Sci. 216:109594. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109592</li> <li>Gouvea, Vinícius N. et al. Methionine supply during mid-gestation modulates the bovine placental mTOR pathway, nutrient transporters, and offspring birth weight in a sex-specific manner. J. Anim. Sci. v. 102, p. skae305, 2024.</li> <li>Haimon, M. L. J., E. Estrada-Cortes, T. F. Amaral, H. Martin, S. Jeensuk, J. Block, D. Heredia, M. Venturini, C. Santos Rojas, A. M. Gonella-Diaza, N. DiLorenzo, T. L. Scheffler, P. Dufour, M. A. Sirard, G. Dalmaso de Melo, K. G. Pohler, and P. J. Hansen. 2024. Provision of choline chloride to the bovine preimplantation embryo alters postnatal body size and DNA methylation. Biology of Reproduction 111:567–579. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioae092</li> <li>Holton, G., Macias Franco, A., Richardson, W.; Stringham, T.; M. A. Fonseca. 2024. Evaluating the Effects of Ruminal Incubation and Abomasal Enzymatic Digestion on the Germination Potential of Bromus tectorum. Rangelands. 46:132-136. doi:10.1016/j.rala.2024.05.001</li> <li>Hong, S., E. L. Rients, E.L., C. E. Franco, S.L. Hansen and J. McGill. 2024. Impact of an Injectable Trace Mineral Supplement on the Immune Response and Outcome of Mannheimia haemolytica Infection in Feedlot Cattle. Biol Trace Elem Res doi:10.1007/s12011-024-04251-z</li> <li>Hurlbert, J. L., A. C. B. Menezes, F. Baumgaertner, K. A. Bochantin-Winders, I. M. Jurgens, J. D. Kirsch, S. Amat, K. K. Sedivec, K. C. Swanson, C. R. Dahlen. 2024. Vitamin and mineral supplementation to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on morphometric measurements of the neonatal calf, vitamin and mineral status, blood metabolite and endocrine profiles, and calf organ characteristics at 30 h after birth. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae116.</li> <li>Jero, N. P., Meiman, P. J. Stringham, T. K., Fonseca, M. A., T. Parker. 2024. Virtual Fences Successfully Contain Cattle Over a Wide Range of Stocking Densities and at Stubble Heights Below Common Riparian Management Targets. Rangeland Ecology & Management. doi:10.1016/j.rama.2024.11.002</li> <li>Lobo, R. R., J. J. Vargas, A. Monteiro, S. S. Silva, G. K. Salas-Solis, K. G. S. Silva, J. A. Arce-Cordero, D. Vyas, N. DiLorenzo, J. O. Sarturi, and A. P. Faciola. 2024. SF6 tracer technique to estimate CH4 emission in a dual-flow continuous culture system: Test and application. Fermentation. 10:394; doi:10.3390/fermentation10080394</li> <li>Lucena, K. H. O. S., Mazza, P. H. S., Oliveira, R. L., Barbosa, A. M., Perreira Filho, J. M., Bessa, R. J. B., Alves, S. P., Edvan, R. L., Pereira, E. S., Fonseca, M., Silva Filho, E. C., L. R. Bezerra. 2024. Slow-releasing urea coated with low-trans vegetable lipids: Effects on lamb performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood parameters. Animal Feed Science and Technology. V: 310.115925. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2024.115925</li> <li>Macias Franco, A., Silva, A. E. M., Holton, G., Brody, T., M. A. Fonseca. 2024. Establishing the relationship between wildfire smoke and performance metrics on finished beef cattle in Western Rangelands. Translational Animal Science. 8:txae022. doi:10.1093/tas/txae022</li> <li>Magossi, G., K. Schmidt, T. Winders, Z. Carlson, D. B. Holman, S. Underdahl, K. Swanson, and S. Amat. 2024. A single intranasal dose of essential oil spray confers modulation of the nasopharyngeal microbiota and short-term inhibition of Mannheimia in feedlot cattle: a pilot study. Sci. Rep. 14:823.</li> <li>McDermott, R. L., B. C. Troyer, M. E. Youngers, R. A. Stock, G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. 2024. Interaction of Sweet Bran inclusion and corn processing method in beef finishing diets. Transl. Anim. Sci. 8:1-8 doi:10.1093/tas/txae023</li> <li>Mia, G. K., E. Hawley, M. Yusuf, S. Amat, A. K. Ward, W. L. Keller, G. Dorsam, and K. C. Swanson. 2024. The impact of exogenous vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on inflammatory responses and mRNA expression of tight junction genes in lambs fed high-grain diets. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae309.</li> <li>Mia, G. K., E. Hawley, M. Yusuf, G. Dorsam, and K. C. Swanson. 2024. Influence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and digestive enzyme activity in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae112.</li> <li>Miller, J. L., N. R. Meier, K. H. Wilke, G. E. Erickson, and P. L. Loza. 2024. Effect of corn silage inclusion with different corn processing on finishing steer performance and carcass characteristics. Transl. Anim. Sci. 8:1-6 doi:10.1093/tas/txae101</li> <li>Miqueo, E., G.A. Mattioli, D. P. Moore, M. G. Bilbao, K. D. Moran, and A. E. Relling. 2024. Impact of parenteral maternal supplementation with trace minerals and vitamins on neonatal calf antioxidant system and growth in a dairy herd. Animals. 14:1868. doi.org/10.3390/ani14131868.</li> <li>Mirzaei, A., M, C. Londoño-Mendez, S. Lasso, P. E. Adams, Z. K. Seekford, J. J. Bromfield, D. Heredia, N. DiLorenzo, R. C. Chebel, A. M. Gonella-Diaza. 2024. Embryo production by Holstein heifers superovulated with a recombinant long-acting follicle stimulating hormone analog. J. Anim. Sci. 102:1-10. doi:10.1093/jas/skae326</li> <li>Nicholls, G.T., B.J. Funnell, K.R. Stewart, R.P. Lemenager, N.G. Briggs, and J.P. Schoonmaker. 2024. Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction. J. Anim. Sci. 102:1-11. doi:10.1093/jas/skae282</li> <li>N Genther-Schroeder, D T Smerchek, G B Penner, S L Hansen. 2025. Examination Of The Role Of The Rumen In Zinc Metabolism. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/jas/skaf052</li> <li>Ojo, A.O., H.A. Mulim, G.S. Campos, V.S. Junqueira, R.P. Lemenager, J.P. Schoonmaker, and H.R. Oliveira. 2024. Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling. Animals. doi:10.3390/ani14243633</li> <li>Pereira Nieto, J. D., J. C. B. Dubeux, N. DiLorenzo, I. L. Bretas, M. V. F. dos Santos, M. Ruiz-Moreno, P. J. R. da Cruz, E. R. S. Santos, L. M. D. Queiroz, K. T. Oduor, and M. M. Vieira. 2024. Limpograss silage and protein supplementation as an alternative feed option to growing heifers in North Florida. Animals 14:2398. doi: 10.3390/ani14162398</li> <li>Pittaluga, A. M., F. E. Miccoli, L. D. Guerrero, and A. E. Relling. 2024. Effect of multispecies fungal extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and the rumen microbiome composition of beef cattle fed forage-based diets. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/jas/skae387.</li> <li>Podversich, F., L. O. Abdelhadi, S. Roskopf, G. M. Silva, E. Angeli, G. J. Hein, H. H. Ortega, M. Ruiz-Moreno, J. C. B. Dubeux Jr, and N. DiLorenzo. 2025. Evaluation of kernel processing and processor type in whole plant sorghum silage: Effects on nutrient digestibility and animal performance in backgrounding beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 103:1-12. doi:10.1093/jas/skae369</li> <li>PROCTOR, Jarret A. et al. Utilizing gas flux from automated head chamber systems to estimate dietary energy values for beef cattle fed a diet. J. Anim. Sci. v. 102, p. skae167, 2024.</li> <li>Pucetti, P., P. S. C. Valadares Filho, J. Travassos da Silva, G. A. P. Souza, F. A. Cidrini, L. G. Hollerbach, B. de Castro Silva, L. N. Renno, C. B. Sampaio, K. C. Swanson. 2024. Effects of different concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility in beef cattle. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 315:116026.</li> <li>Pucetti, P. S. C. Valadares Filho, J. V. Roque, J. T. Silva, K. R. Oliveira, F. A. S. Silva, V. J. Cardoso, F. F. Silva, and K. C. Swanson. 2024. Predicting ruminal degradability and chemical composition of corn silage using near-infrared spectroscopy and multivariate regression. Plos One 19:e0296447.</li> <li>Rebelo, L. R., K. L. Clark, A. R. Relling, and C. Lee. 2024. Effects of feeding α-amylase-expressed corn silage and grain on performance, enteric methane production, and carcass characteristics in beef steers. T. Anim. Sci. txae080.</li> <li>Rients, E., C. Franco, F. Diaz, J. McGill, and S. Hansen. 2024. Effects of zinc supplementation and implant abscess on the immune system and growth performance of growing beef steers, Translational Animal Science, 8, txae075, doi:10.1093/tas/txae075</li> <li>Rosa-Velazquez, M., J. Ahn, K. Lee, and A. E. Relling. 2024. Transcriptomic analysis of sheep hypothalamus discloses regulatory genes potentially involved in sex-dependent differences in body weight of progeny born to dams supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids or methionine during late-gestation. J. Anim Sci. 102: skae160, doi:10.1093/jas/skae160.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., M. S. Crouse, J. G. Syring, Y. L. Entzie, L. E. King, A. K. Ward, L. P Reynolds, P. P. Borowicz, C. R. Dahlen, K. C. Swanson, and J. S. Caton. Early gestational hepatic lipidomic profiles are modulated by one-carbon metabolite supplementation and nutrient restriction in beef heifers and fetuses. Metabolites. 15:302.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., M. S. Crouse, J. G. Syring, Y. L. Entzie, L. E. King, M. R. Hirchert, A. K. Ward, L. P. Reynolds, P. P. Borowicz, C. R. Dahlen, K. C. Swanson, and J. S. Caton. 2024. One-carbon metabolites supplementation and nutrient restriction alter the fetal liver metabolomic profile during early gestation in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae258.</li> <li>Salinas-Chavira, J., Arzola, C., Hume, M., Fonseca, M. A., Ruiz-Barrera, O., Castillo-Castillo, Y., Ontiveros, M., Jones, B., Poole, L. T., Crippen, L. T., Zuñiga-Serrano, A., R. C. Anderson. Influence of Medium Chain Fatty Acids on Selected Microbes and on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation of Air-Exposed Corn Silage. Topic: Functional Nutritional Strategies as Alternatives to Antimicrobials. Front. Vet. Sci. 11:1416695. doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1416695</li> <li>Silva, E. D., Zervoudakis, J. T., Sousa, O. D., Fonseca, M. A., Pereira, D. S., Dutra, F. O., Monge, E. P., Silva, V. E., Mata, D. D., N. F. De Paula. 2024. Effects of rumen-protected fat on performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and feeding behaviour of Nellore bulls finished in intensive grazing systems. Animal Production Science 64, AN23408. doi:10.1071/AN23408</li> <li>Silva, A. E. M., Macias Franco, A., Ferguson, B. S., M. A. Fonseca. 2024. Influence of previous plane of nutrition on molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of urea and water metabolism related genes in the rumen and kidney of finishing crossbred Angus steers. Animal Nutrition, 17, 232-243. doi:10.1016/j.aninu.2023.12.011</li> <li>Silva, A.E.M., Franco, A.M., Ferguson, B.S., M.A. Fonseca. 2024. Influence of previous plane of nutrition on molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of urea and water metabolism related genes in the rumen and kidney of finishing crossbred Angus steers. Anim. Nutr. 17, 232–243. doi:10.1016/j.aninu.2023.12.011</li> <li>Smerchek, D. T., E. L. Rients, A. M. McLaughlin, K. J. Thornton, S. L. Hansen. 2024 Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers, J. Anim. Sci. 102. skae154, doi:10.1093/jas/skae154</li> <li>Smerchek, D. T., E. L. Rients, A. M. McLaughlin, J. A. Henderson, B. M. Ortner, K. J. Thornton, S. L. Hansen. 2024. The influence of steroidal implants and manganese sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, hepatic gene expression, hepatic enzyme activity, and circulating metabolites in feedlot steers, J. Anim. Sci. 102: skae062. doi:10.1093/jas/skae062</li> <li>Henderson, J.A., E K Niedermayer-Conway, and S L Hansen. 2024. Determination of relative bioavailability of copper from copper glycinate in growing beef steers. Translational Animal Science. 8:txae105. doi:10.1093/tas/txae105</li> <li>Smith, B. I., M. Vasquez Hidalgo, X. Li, K. A. Vonnahme, A. T. Grazul-Bilska, K. C. Swanson, T. E. Moore, S. A. Reed, and K. E. Govoni. 2024. The effects of maternal nutrient restriction during mid- to late- gestation with realimentation on fetal metabolic profiles in liver, skeletal muscle, and blood in sheep. Metabolites. 14:465.</li> <li>Sousa, R. M., Zervoudakis, J. T., Mendonca, B. P. C., Castro, F. G. F., Campos, D. A. O., Teodoro, G. F. S., Martini, L. C. B., Silva, E. P., Fonseca, M. A., N. F. De Paula. 2024. Partial replacement of soybean meal by other protein sources on nutritional characteristics of beef cattle fed a whole corn grain diet. SEMINA. Ciências Agrárias (Online), v. 45, p. 251-269. doi:10.5433/1679-0359.2024v45n1p251</li> <li>Sperber, J. L., E. A. Schumacher, D. J. Jordon, R. J. Cooper, T. L. Scott, S, Bundy, D. B. Burken, G. Sides, R. M. Cleale, and G. E. Erickson. 2024. Comparison of a single extended-release implant and a re-implant strategy on performance and carcass characteristics of beef finishing heifers. Appl. Anim. Sci. 40:661-668 doi:10.15232/aas.2023-02533</li> <li>Sperber, J. L., R. G. Bondurant, G. E. Erickson, K. Bruns, R. N. Funston, and J. C. MacDonald. 2024. Effect of extended days on feed on carcass gain, efficiency, and quality of individually fed beef steers. Transl. Anim. Sci. 8:1-9 doi:10.1093/tas/txae081</li> <li>Thompson, B., A. E. Relling, E. M. Ferreira, and B. J. Campbell. 2024. The effect of processing or concentration of dried distillers grain with solubles on the growth of finishing lambs, T. Anim. Sci. txae157, doi:10.1093/tas/txae157.</li> <li>Torres, R.N.S., C.P. Ghedini, L.A.L. Chardulo, W.A. Baldassini, R.A. Curi, G.L. Pereira, J.P. Schoonmaker, M.T.C. Almeida, C. Costa, and O.R. Machado Neto. 2024. Potential of different strategies to increase intramuscular fat deposition in sheep: A meta-analysis study. Small Rum. Res. 234:107258. doi:10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107258</li> <li>Torres, R.N.S., D.A.V. da Silva, L.A.L. Chardulo, W.A. Baldassini, R.A.T. de Almeida, M.T.C. Almeida, J.P. Schoonmaker, O.R. Machado Neto. 2024. The impact of liver abscess on performance and carcass traits in beef cattle: A meta-analysis study. Ruminants. 4:79-89. doi:10.3390/ruminants4010005</li> <li>Trotta, R. J., K. C. Swanson, J. L. Klotz, and D. L. Harmon. 2024. Influence of postruminal casein infusion and exogenous glucagon-like peptide 2 administration on the jejunal mucosal transcriptome in cattle. PlosOne. 19:e0308983.</li> <li>Vargas-Bello-Perez, E., M. A. Alonso-Díaz, A. Fernández-Salas, J. Jarillo-Rodríguez, J. Ku-Vera, L. Corona, N. DiLorenzo, and I. A. García-Galicia. 2024. An overview of techniques for measuring methane emissions in cattle in tropical grazing systems. Veterinaria Mexico OA 11. doi: 10.22201/fmvz.24486760e.2024.1372</li> <li>Wanchuk, M. R., D. A. McGranahan, K. K. Sedivec, M. Berti, K. C. Swanson, T. J. Hovick. 2024. Prescribed fire increases forage mineral content in grazed rangeland. Int. J. Wildland Fire. 33:WF24009.</li> <li>Wanchuk, M. R., D. A. McGranahan, K. K. Sedivec, and K. C. Swanson. 2024. Prescribed fire increases forage mineral content in grazed rangeland. Agr. Ecos. Env. 368:109004.</li> <li>Weiss, W. and S. L. Hansen. 2024. Invited Review: Limitations to current mineral requirement systems for cattle and potential improvements. J. Dairy Sci. 107:12. 10099-10114.</li> <li>Whalin, M., J. A. Roque-Jiménez, M. F. Oviedo-Ojeda, H. A. Lee-Rangel, and A. E. Relling. 2024. Effect of supplementation to offspring during early gestation and the growing phase with different sources of fatty acids on learning and memory ability of postweaning lambs, T. Anim. Sci. txae149, doi:10.1093/tas/txae149.</li> <li>Winders, T. M., S. Amat, and K. C. Swanson. 2024. Evaluation of the effects of hempseed cake on plasma metabolites and cytokines in response to an LPS challenge in finishing steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 104:384-389.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

• Feeding palm oil improves feed efficiency similar to corn oil without compromising beef quality and shelf life, thus can be fed to feedlot cattle as a relatively new fat source that is likely more economical than traditional fat sources. In addition, feeding oil decreases enteric methane by about 10%.
• As a result of NCCC308 discussions, a multi-additive drench was tested in high-risk cattle and was observed to reduce mortality by more than half.
• A combination of gut barrier dysfunction and a viral respiratory disease challenge elucidated impacts on feed intake and the acute phase protein response in feedlot beef calves.
• Cattle fed diets containing extruded and expelled soybean meal had increased average daily gain and may offer an alternative to diets containing distillers grains as a primary source of protein.
• Cattle fed tylosin and monensin had increased intestinal microbial richness and increased bile acids that are known to support gut health in the jejunum and cecum.
• Feeding protected lysine supplementation feedlot diets can allow producers to decreasing dietary crude protein that subsequently decreases nitrogen excretion without compromising maintaining animal growth.
• Sorghum sudangrass can replace corn silage in feedlot diets of farmer-feeder operations to reduce planting costs without impacting feedlot cattle performance.
• Beef × dairy calves diagnosed with lung consolidation at weaning have reduced ADG through 83 d of life and a long-term reduction in marbling at slaughter.
• Adding body weight as a quadratic factor in the beef cattle nutrient requirements (NASEM 2016) model equation can improve predictions of dry matter intake.
• A novel Water Evaluation System (WES) will facilitate modeling to optimize water use for cattle in semi-arid environments under instability scenarios.
• Steers supplemented with 100 ppm Zn for six weeks prior to trucking had improved feed intake pre- and post-transit, and better pre-trucking performance, reinforcing the role of mineral status in stress resilience.
• Dairy-beef steers with excessive liver Cu were more susceptible to respiratory disease.
• Cattle fed lubabagron fumarate (Experior) had greater hot carcass weights than those fed ractopamine or just implanted, but had lower marbling scores. Producers will need to learn to manage carcass quality to avoid discounts, but carcasses are still worth more because of superior final carcass weights.
• Feeding cattle to heavier end weights adds days on feed and increases lameness frequency which reduces growth rate in slatted confinement facilities.
• Feeding diets with greater fiber immediately prior to slaughter can reduce E. coli populations and aid in mitigating pathogen risk at slaughter facilities.

Date of Annual Report: 07/02/2026

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/18/2026 - 05/20/2026
Period the Report Covers: 05/20/2025 - 05/18/2026

Participants

Ale Relling, Ohio State University

Tara Felix, Pennsylvania State University

Steve Loerch, Pennsylvania State University

Jon Schoonmaker, Purdue University

Zach Smith, South Dakota State University

Nicolas DiLorenzo, University of Florida

Kendall Swanson, North Dakota State University

Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University

Josh McCann, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Stephanie Hansen, Iowa State University

Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska

Dale Blasi, Kansas State University

Todd Callaway, University of Georgia

Vinny Gouvea, Texas A&M Agrilife

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held in Champaign, IL, by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The committee was welcomed by Dr. Daniel Shike, Interim Department Head of the Department of Animal Science. After the welcome, the group conducted introductions of participating faculty as well as graduate students in attendance. The group toured the Elanco Clinton Laboratory, where Rumensin and Experior are manufactured.

Planning was discussed for 2027 meeting. The committee agreed that South Dakota State University will host the 2027 meeting in Brookings, SD on May 17-21. Tentative plans were made for 2028 in the Texas panhandle co-hosted by Texas A&M Agrilife and West Texas A&M and for 2029 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.

Administrative update was provided Dr. Steve Loerch. He commended the committee on the outstanding meeting attendance and continued growth of the committee through new members. He also provided an update on reporting guidelines, project renewal timelines, and highlighted the work conducted by this committee for the 48th Discover Conference held in Itasca, IL in coordination with the American Dairy Science Association.

A report from USDA was provided by USDA. Information provided the committee additional context for changes at USDA related to the restructuring plan and timelines for prior reviews and request for proposals.

Fourteen station reports highlighted reported progress toward the committee objectives while facilitating discussion of future work still needed to address the objectives.

On May 20, the committee toured the Beef and Sheep Research Field Laboratory located in Urbana, IL the tour was led by Jackson Matthews, Facility Manager.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: NCCC-308 researchers generated and disseminated new knowledge that advances feedlot cattle nutrition, health, performance, and strengthens land-stewardship. Through a multistate collaboration involving over 14 institutions, members published 81 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 76 scientific presentations, providing science-based solutions related to precision nutrition, disease resilience, feed efficiency, alternative feed resources, and carcass value. These efforts expanded research capacity, strengthened industry outreach, and delivered practical management strategies that support a more profitable and efficient beef production system. Short-term outcomes: Research conducted by NCCC-308 is providing producers, nutritionists, and allied industry professionals with practical, science-based strategies to improve feedlot cattle performance, health, and sustainability. Findings on trace mineral management, feed additives, alternative feed resources, and precision feeding programs are helping producers make more informed management decisions that can enhance feed efficiency, reduce disease risk, improve carcass value, and lower environmental impacts. In the short term, the committee's collaborative research efforts, scientific outreach, and expanded research capacity have increased access to new technologies and management practices that support a more profitable and resilient beef production system. Outputs: Members of the NCCC-308 multistate group have organized meetings that discuss feedlot nutrition and management, presented more than 76 scientific presentations, and published 81 peer reviewed journal articles. Important findings include: · Crossbred beef x dairy calves are beginning to replace a portion of the beef supply chain. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University observed that the efficiency of beef x Holstein is dictated by early life impacts. (PSU) · The sorghum and wheatlage results suggest farmers could potentially reduce feed costs by choosing to feed alternative forages in place of corn silage. (PSU) · Moderating mature cow size can improve biological efficiency in Angus cows in Pennsylvania without substantially reducing calf output. (PSU) · Trace mineral management influences cattle health, with copper, zinc, and intranasal mineral strategies affecting stress response and BRD susceptibility. (ISU) · Research supports precision nutrition for longer-fed, heavier cattle to improve feed efficiency, carcass value, and profitability. (ISU) · Strategic lubabegron supplementation enhances growth, feed and nitrogen efficiency, while maintaining carcass quality. (ISU) · Kansas State University demonstrated that UAV-based imaging technologies can accurately characterize feedlot pen moisture, cattle inventories, and particulate matter exposure under practical commercial feedyard conditions. (KSU) · Collaborative programmed feeding research demonstrated methane emissions from finishing cattle could be reduced approximately 16% and methane emission intensity reduced approximately 21% without negatively affecting overall cattle performance or carcass quality. (KSU) · Through the pea screening project we are working on we plan to enhance the utilization of C capture from byproducts from local industries. (MtSU) · With the preliminary data from my initial three projects to evaluate the potential to mitigate CH4 using invasive weeds, I plan to obtain extracts able to be escalated to become alternative additives to enhance the environmental sustainability of the feedlot industry. (MtSU) · Through the pea screening project, we also plan to evaluate the impact of the proposed replacement on the animal performance and carcass quality. (MtSU) · SimAngus × Holstein steers displayed a greater ADG and feed efficiency, and subsequently required fewer days on feed, compared with SimAngus and Holstein steers to reach a similar empty body fat percentage. Dairy influenced steers and heifers had a greater visceral organ mass as a percentage of empty body weight to maintain compared with SimAngus steers. Carcasses from SimAngus × Holstein steers were intermediate to SimAngus and Holstein steers for dressing percentage, backfat thickness, ribeye area, kidney, pelvic, heart fat percentage, and marbling score. Similarly, SimAngus × Holstein steer carcasses were intermediate between SimAngus and Holstein steer carcasses for red meat, fat, and bone yield. (MSU) · Feeding palm oil improves efficiency by 5% and is similar to other established fat sources, but is still not economical. (UNL) · Continued to focus on the value of distillers that either varies by source or by inclusion in the diet. (UNL) · With soybean processing expected to increase, our focus is to increase utilization and options to feed soybeans, processed beans, or soy protein products as well as distillers grains as competitiveness of distillers pricing is likely for beef producers. (UNL) · Tylosin + Monensin supplementation altered bile acid composition in the gall bladder and jejunum of steers to one that supports intestinal health. (Purdue) · Cattle with liver abscesses exhibit increased concentrations of protective bile acids, potentially as a response to hepatic stress. (Purdue) · Supplementation with essential oil blends altered physiological responses to transport stress in feedlot cattle, with treatment-specific effects on respiratory function, oxygenation, and inflammatory markers. (Purdue) · There is a need for omega 3 fatty acids in feedlot cattle. (The OSU) · The discovery of a link between feed efficiency in cattle fed high-grain diets and glucose metabolism opens the door for future interventions in beef cattle aimed at addressing a potential decrease in insulin sensitivity towards the end of the finishing period. Future research will focus on the potential of rumen-protected glucose to enhance marbling in finishing beef cattle potentially undergoing decreased insulin sensitivity. (UF) · Recent findings with a multi-additive oral drench administered to high-risk stocker cattle may help address one of the greatest issues in the beef cattle industry which is the documented increase in the incidence of mortality, largely related to respiratory illnesses. Our preliminary research shows reductions in the use of antibiotics as a first pull in stocking beef cattle. Future research is concentrating in the optimization of protocols using these treatments, including the need for re-drenching after 30 days of cattle arrival to the stocker unit. (UF) · The use of extruded soybeans as a full or partial replacement of corn DGS in cattle diets can increase hot carcass weight by 20 to 30 lb. (SDSU). · Phytogenic blends containing garlic, capsicum, and clove fed in addition to monensin sodium can enhance feed efficiency by 1 to 2% (SDSU) · Rye grain can effectively displace a portion of corn grain in cattle diets (SDSU) Activities · In 2025, to address Objective 3, NCCC-308 researchers led the 48th Discover Conference in Itasca, Illinois from 13-16 October 2025 that addressed Beef x Dairy: Opportunity Intersection of Nutrition, Genetics, and Management (American Dairy Science Association > Meetings > 48th Discover Conference). The Scientific Organizing committee was entirely made up of NCCC-308 members who were deeply involved in creation of this. The Discover Conferences serve as a type of “Gordon Conference for Agriculture” and this special edition was jointly sponsored by the American Dairy Science Association and American Society of Animal Science, and was the first joint meeting of the two societies in 10 years. Meeting attendance was the highest of all previous Discover conferences >300 attendees, and as a result of the enthusiasm from academics and industry NCCC-308 is beginning planning to lead a follow up conference in 2028. · Presented 75 scientific presentations discussing feedlot nutrition and management. · Published 81 peer reviewed journal articles.

Publications

<ol> <li>and Hansen, S. L. 2025. Zinc supplementation prior to transit and transit duration effects on inflammation and oxidative stress of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci.</li> <li>Eekhoff, M. K., D. T. Smerchek, E. L. Rients, J. A. Henderson, B. M. Ortner, A. M. Baumhover, J. McGill, and S. L. Hansen. 2025. Enhancing steer growth and producer environmental stewardship through growth promoting technologies. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 1): 228–229.</li> <li>Henderson, J.A., J.L McGill, S.L. Hansen. 2025. Effect of excess liver copper concentration on response to bovine respiratory disease challenge in dairy-beef steers. Plains Nutrition Council Meeting.</li> <li>Baumhover, A. M., Ortner, B. M., Thomson, D. U., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K. S., and Hansen, S. L. 2025 Zinc supplementation prior to transit and transit duration effects on receiving performance of beef steers. Plains Nutrition Council Meeting.</li> <li>Hansen, S. L. 2025. Ethical considerations and AI education in animal science. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 3): 108–109.</li> <li>Hansen, S. L. 2025. Strategies to tailor mentoring to the individual. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 3): 330.</li> <li>Steph Hansen and Mary Drewnoski. 2025. The Graduate Mentor’s Trail Map: A practical guide for faculty.</li> <li>Smith Z.KF., Rusche W.C., Smerchek, D.T. Implant Strategies for Different Cattle Groups. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2026 Mar;42(1):43-58. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2025.10.001. Epub 2026 Jan 12. PMID: 41530014.</li> <li>Bemisderfer, M.L., C.J. Schneider, L.R. Thompson, and H.E. Larson. 2026. Effects of 28-day rotation of monensin and laidlomycin propionate on commercial cattle performance during the growing phase. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 12(1):1–8.</li> <li>Bemisderfer, M.L., P. Ruiz Gonzalez, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Sampling considerations for fecal starch and fecal pH assessment in commercial feedlot cattle. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–7.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, D.A. Blasi, and H.E. Larson. 2026. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery to assess the nutrient landscape of cattle pens. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 12(1):1–6.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Association of feedlot pen-surface moisture, pH, and temperature with unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–7.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, B.W. Auvermann, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies to evaluate cattle dust exposure at the bunk from feed truck traffic. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–6.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., M. Shelor, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Comparing UAV imagery for cattle headcounts to conventional headcount practices in a commercial feedyard. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–5.</li> <li>Weir, C., Z. Smith, H.E. Larson, D.A. Blasi, and L.R. Thompson. 2025. Effects of programmed feeding strategies on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and enteric emissions of finishing beef heifers. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 11(1):1–9.</li> <li>Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, W.B. Hollenbeck, E.C. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. 2025. Use of fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Journal of Animal Science 103(Suppl. 2):45–46.</li> <li>Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, W.B. Hollenbeck, E.C. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. 2025. Evaluation of lignin fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 11(1):1–8.</li> <li>Bemisderfer, M.L., C.J. Schneider, L.R. Thompson, and H.E. Larson. Effects of 28-day rotation of monensin and laidlomycin propionate on commercial cattle performance during the growing phase. Presented at the 2025 ASAS National Meeting, Hollywood, FL; 2026 Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference; 2025 K-State Stocker Day; 2025 UNL Husker Nutrition Conference; and 2025 K-State Olathe Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, D.A. Blasi, and H.E. Larson. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery to assess the nutrient landscape of cattle pens. Poster presentations at 2025 Midwest ASAS; 2025 Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference; 2025 K-State Stocker Day; 2025 UNL Husker Nutrition Conference; and 2025 K-State Olathe Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference.</li> <li>Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. Association of feedlot pen-surface moisture, pH, and temperature with unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery. Poster presentation at Midwest ASAS annual meeting.</li> <li>Ruiz Gonzalez, P., M.L. Bemisderfer, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. Quantifying fecal starch variation in a commercial feedyard to inform sample size requirements for pen-level assessment. Poster presentation at Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference.</li> <li>Shelor, M., L.E. Diller, and H.E. Larson. Comparing UAV imagery for cattle headcounts to conventional headcount practices in a commercial feedyard. Poster presentation at the Kansas State University Undergraduate Research Symposium.</li> <li>Weir, C., Z. Smith, H.E. Larson, D.A. Blasi, and L.R. Thompson. Effects of programmed feeding strategies on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and enteric emissions of finishing beef heifers. Presented at Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day.</li> <li>Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, B. Hollenbeck, E. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. An evaluation of fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Presented at Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day.</li> <li>Cuervo W., Gonella, A., Hackmann, T, J., Gomez, C., Tarnonsky, F., Fernandez-Marenchino, I., Podversich, F., Maderal, A., Dubeux, G., Fernandez-Lehman, A., Foote, A., King, M., Vargas, J., and Nicolas DiLorenzo. (2026). TECHNICAL NOTE: Enhancing the quantification of microbial crude protein synthesis in beef cattle: the combined use of 16S/18S rDNA markers and triple marker technique. Submitted JAS</li> <li>Vasco ACCM, Warren LK, Silva GM, Cuervo-Vivas W, Brandi RA, Silva VP, Lance JM, Dubeux JC Jr, Wickens CL. Blood and fecal metabolic responses of mature horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. J Equine Vet Sci. 2026 Feb 11:105805. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105805. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41687725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105805</li> <li>C.C.M. Vasco, L.K. Warren, G.M. Silva, W. Cuervo-Vivas, R. A. Brandi, V. P. Silva, J.M. Lance, C.L. Wicken (2026). In vitro digestibility of dry matter and fiber components and gas production of hays used in equine diets and incubated in equine cecal inoculum Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Intended submission - March 2026. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.600</li> <li>Venturini, M., Heredia, D., Lopez Duarte, M, C., Joyce, K., Ruiz-Moreno, M., Tarnonsky, F., Cuervo, W., Ashrafi, N., Graham, S., Thatcher, W., Bittar, J., Dubeux, J., Chebel, R., DiLorenzo, N., and Gonella, A. (Submitted on 2026). Plasma molecular biomarkers for residual feed intake prediction in beef bulls. Accepted - Journal of Animal Sciences. https://academic.oup.com/tas/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/tas/txag020/67077443/txag020.pdf</li> <li>Fernandez-Lehmann, A., Gomez-Lopez, C., Tarnonsky, F., Fernandez-Marenchino, I., Maderal, A., Podversich, F., Schulmeister T., Vargas J., Dubeux G., Erazo-Mendes C., Cuervo W., Venturini M., Garcia L., Castillo A., and DiLorenzo N. (2026). Associative effects of external buffers and plant secondary metabolites on ruminal fermentation during an induced subacute ruminal acidosis challenge in beef steers. Journal of Animal Science, skag123. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag123</li> <li>Vargas, J. D. J., Tarnonsky, F., Maderal, A., Podversich, F., Fernández-Marenchino, I., Cuervo, W., Vanesa Ramirez, Sabina Novo, Andrés Fernández-Lehmann, Martín Ruiz-Moreno, Tessa M Schulmeister, Isabel Ruiz-Ascacibar, Ignacio R Ipharraguerre, and DiLorenzo, N. (2025). Impact of supplementing different sources of non-protein nitrogen on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle consuming a corn silage-based diet. Journal of Animal Science, 103, skaf272. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf272">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf272</a></li> <li>Luke, J. R., Jaborek, J. R. 2026. Market price differences between beef-dairy-cross calves and dairy bull calves from Kentucky and Pennsylvania auctions. Appl. Anim. Sci., TBC: 1-10.</li> <li>Pucetti, P., J. T. da Silva, J. A. Baroni, L. M. Gandra, C. S. Bittencort, I. P. Siqueira, L. N. Renno, S. A. Lopes, M. L. Chizzotti, P. V. R. Pauliano, K. C. Swanson, and S. C. V. Filho. Effect of duration of feeding a sorghum silage-based backgrounding diet in an intense postweaning production system for Nellore bulls on growth performance. 2026. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 334:116669.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., K. C. Swanson, J. S. Caton. 2026. The interplay of one-carbon metabolism, mitochondrial function, and developmental programming in ruminant livestock. J. Develop. Biol. 14:3.</li> <li>Safain, K. Z., M. S. Crouse, M. R. Hirchert, Y. L. Entzie, J. G. Syring, M. Daneshi, M. Anas, L. E. King, L. P. Reynolds, P. P. Borowicz, C. R. Dahlen, A. K. Ward, J. S. Caton, and K. C. Swanson. 2025. 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