WERA1: Coordinating Beef Cattle Breeding Research and Education Programs for the Western States

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/18/2024] [12/10/2025]

Date of Annual Report: 09/18/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/05/2024 - 09/06/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024

Participants

Kristi Cammack (South Dakota State University)
Hannah Cunningham (University of Wyoming)
Michael Gonda (South Dakota State University)
Lauren Hanna (North Dakota State University)
Andy Herring (Texas A&M University)
Holly Neibergs (Washington State University)
Jennifer Thomson (Montana State University)

Brief Summary of Minutes

On Thursday 9/5, the WERA-1 multistate research group visited South Dakota State University faculty and staff at the Cottonwood Research Station in Philip, SD. Scientists at this meeting discussed their research projects and exchanged information. The WERA-1 group also toured facilities at the Cottonwood Research Station.

On Friday 9/6, station reports from South Dakota, Texas, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming were presented. We discussed joint sharing of research data for a future manuscript, stakeholder article, or proceedings paper. We also discussed opportunities for sharing educational materials. The decision was made to hold the 2025 WERA-1 annual meeting at the USDA-ARS Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. We will explore the possibility of meeting jointly with the S-1086 multistate research group, which is planning on meeting at the same location in 2025.

Accomplishments

Montana State Lead Scientist:  Jennifer Thomson (Montana State University) Collaborators:  Jane Ann Boles (Montana State University)                   Gordon Carstens (Texas A & M) Mike Frisina (Montana State University)                        Valerie Copie (Montana State University) Lauren Hanna (North Dakota State University)                                               Graduate Students:             Galen O’Shea (PhD)             James Adeyemi (PhD)             Nathan Schaff (PhD) Short-term Outcomes: Improved understanding of Residual Feed Intake biology and elimination of several possible biological markers from consideration. Improved understanding of metabolism and biology of fattening feedlot cattle to improve management and resource efficiency. Outputs: Final report submitted for completed USDA-NIFA research project. Recent publications in Animals. Proceedings papers and presentations at WSASAS meeting, ASAS National Meeting Approximately 3400 DNA samples archived on Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Cattle, and Sheep Activites: Project Objectives and Relevant Research under each: <ol> <li>Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry.</li> </ol> My research 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. We 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.        2. Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators. My research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments.        3. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine recent developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research, and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding research for the Western United States. Finishing cooperative project with Lauren Hanna at NDSU and exploring opportunities for collaboration with SDSU. Active collaboration with Texas A and M. Milestones: Highly interdisciplinary research program across departments within MSU and with collaborators across the country. South Dakota State During the reporting period, South Dakota State University (SDSU) published three peer-reviewed manuscripts and one report related to beef cattle breeding and genetics.  Below is a summary of accomplishments organized by project objective. Objective 1. Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry. Water intake data continues to be collected on beef calves at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (CCERF).  Individual calf water intake is measured with Insentec waterers.  Currently, only the SDSU research station is collecting this information because other participants do not have the technology available to collect this data.  We collected data on 40 calves during the reporting period.  These calves are registered with either the American Angus Association or American Simmental Association; thus, pedigree records are available.  A tissue sample from each animal has also been collected for DNA isolation.  This population resource is being collected to eventually estimate heritability of water intake and efficiency, genetic and phenotypic correlations between water intake and other traits, and to map loci associated with water intake and efficiency.  This information could be used for development of genetic selection tools (e.g., expected progeny differences, DNA tests) for water intake and efficiency in beef cattle.  Once enough records are collected, information will be communicated to livestock producers via Extension reports and updates.  We will work with SDSU Extension to deliver this information to stakeholders. We will continue to collect water intake data on calves.  We anticipate being able to collect data on about 40 bull calves each year.  This work will lead to decreased costs of production and increased technology adoption by beef producers.  The work also will be relevant for reducing the environmental footprint of beef production by increasing availability of genetic selection tools for reducing water requirements of beef cattle.  This work is especially important given the potential impacts of climate change on water availability. Objective 2.  Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators. The focus of this research is on understanding the genetics of beef cattle breeds that are indigenous to southern Africa.  Although these breeds are not presently in the USA in large numbers, it is possible that these breeds may be useful additions to beef herds in this country.  Further, these breeds are extensively used in southern Africa.  An understanding of the genetics of these breeds will lead to increased beef production and reduced costs for African livestock producers.  Finally, lessons learned from research completed on breeds in Africa may be relevant for US cattle production. One of the focus areas was on longevity in the Afrikaner breed of cattle.  This research was done in collaboration with the South African Agricultural Research Council and Delta G Genetics in Miles City, Montana.  Data on calving dates for Afrikaner cows was collected from the Afrikaner breed association.  The data was mined to estimate genetic and environmental effects on longevity of Afrikaner cows in South Africa.  Season of birth and age at first calving was associated with longevity; in particular, heifers that calved earlier had longer longevity.  The heritability of longevity was 0.22, strongly suggesting that selection for increased longevity in Afrikaner cattle is possible.   Genetic trends were also assessed; recent data suggests that genetic merit for longevity in the Afrikaner breed has worsened since the year 2000. We were also able to estimate whether crossbreeding Bonsmara x Afrikaner cattle improved longevity.  Although an improvement in longevity, likely due to increased heterosis, was observed in the crossbred cattle, the improvement in longevity dissipated after the second generation of backcrossing to the Afrikaner.  Finally, differences in gene expression of muscle tissue were assessed in two breeds of African cattle (Nguni and Bonsmara) fed two different amounts of net energy.  Twenty genes were differentially abundant between the breeds, with two of these genes exhibiting an interaction between breed and net energy level.  Genes related to energy production were overrepresented among differentially abundant genes between breeds, which is logical given the higher growth rate and mature weight of Bonsmara cattle relative to the Nguni breed. Future Activities In addition to continually collecting water intake data, we will also be working on the following research projects, primarily in relation to Objective 2. <ol> <li>A manuscript on the effect of net energy of the diet fed to cows on muscle tissue gene expression of their calves is being prepared. We expect to submit this manuscript for publication during the next reporting period.</li> <li>Working with a team of faculty at SDSU based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we are collecting greenhouse gas emission data for the purpose of identifying genetic differences affecting these emissions. The goal of this work is to develop a genetic tool that could be used to select cattle that produce less greenhouse gas emissions while also maintaining profitability.</li> <li>A test purporting to predict optimum number of days on feed is being marketed by Neogen. We are in the process of validating this test. This work was funded by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation.  A report has also been written for the funder.  This information will directly help beef producers decide if using this DNA test is worthwhile.</li> </ol> Texas A&M Information was delivered to producers through in-person presentations to approximately 600 participants. Results of various research outcomes and educational processes were published in scientific journals and presented at professional society meetings. Data were collected on approximately 400 crossbred calves. Laboratory assays were performed on approximately 400 project animals. New datasets were compiled from industry stakeholders as research cooperators with approximately 4,000 calf records. Producer Education: Herring, A.D. 2024. Basics of feeder calf evaluation and value. April 2024, Prairie View A&M University, Annual Ag Field Day, 35 participants. Herring, A.D. 2024. Considerations of reciprocal effects among Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses for global beef value chains.Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course August 2024. 65 participants. Co-coordinator of Breeding and Genetics educational sessions of 70th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, August 5-7, 2024. Approximately 400 participants across three sessions. Coordinator of Beef Cattle Research Session of 70th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, August 5-7, 2024. Approximately 95 participants. Herring, Andy. 2024. Genetic and selection tools to improve beef quality. BEEF 706 producer training. August 2024, College Station, TX. 35 participants. New research partnerships were established with two cooperator producers to evaluate calf production with approximately 4,000 calf records. Information regarding cattle breeding and genetic management was delivered to approximately 600 producers and industry stakeholders in Texas. Wyoming Research at UW Fitting with Objective 1: Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry. While there are currently expected progeny differences available for selection on feed efficiency metrics including feed intake, residual average daily gain, etc. and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), these remain limited by accuracy of these estimates in part due to low heritability of these traits but also lack of phenotypic records. At the University of Wyoming, our Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) is located at 7,200 feet, making it a unique location to accurately assess and evaluate PAP. The facility is also fitted with several precision intake technologies including Vytelle SENSE™ system and the C-Lock SmartFeed Pro, SmartFeed, and SmartScale technologies. As part of ongoing research efforts (both grant funded and Hatch-Multistate funded) we have collected PAP phenotypes on over 200 head of finishing cattle paired with feed efficiency data, blood samples for future genomic evaluation, and carcass data. The incidence of feedlot deaths associated with heart failure continue to rise, leading to a urgent need to study bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) and develop tools to minimize risk of loss for feedlots. Although LREC is not situated at an elevation like many feedlots in the U.S. and BCHF is not always associated with altitude induced hypoxia, the presentation of both BCHF and Brisket Disease are very similar. As such, our research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1) Document temporal changes in PAP over the course of the finishing phase, 2) quantify the association between PAP and performance (gain, intake, etc.), 3) evaluate carcass characteristics in relation to PAP and performance records. We expect to utilize this data to further quantify potential economic loss associated with BCHF outside of death loss. Simultaneously, we can continue to evaluate the economically important, yet low-moderately heritable trait of feed efficiency and continue our work on improved selection for this trait. We hypothesize there will be implications on animal performance and carcass characteristics associated with risk for heart failure.

Publications

Impact Statements

Montana State: My research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments.
South Dakota State: Decreased costs to beef cattle producers by improving the ability of producers to select cattle that use less water and stay in the herd longer. Further, validation of a DNA test for days on feed will help beef producers decide whether using this test is worthwhile.
South Dakota State: Decreased environmental footprint of beef cattle by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water intake through genetic selection.
South Dakota State: Increased adaptability of cattle to different production systems, e.g., areas of the USA where water is less available.
Texas A&M: Cattle producers were provided knowledge to help them consider and uncover variability in their production scenarios for improved production efficiency. Specific crosses may produce the same breed percentages in calves, but the specific cross employed many have different hybrid vigor and/or non-traditional genetic inheritance patterns. Producers were also provided knowledge to help them make more informed decisions about matching their animals’ genetic resources to the local production environment and their specific marketing stratgegy. Information and knowledge from this project helps producers understand potential interactions involving their animal genetic resources and the local production environments.
Wyoming: These data could be critical to the industry, as the economic loss associated with BCHF may be drastically underrepresented. We also will build a repository of these records accompanied by blood samples for genomic evaluation. These samples and data may serve to more accurately predict heart failure in feedlot cattle and/or identify other indicators for this disease.
Colorado State: Have begun to understand the role that genetics plays in bovine congestive heart failure, liver abscesses, and methane emission rates. As such EPD are being developed for both of these traits and genetic relationships with other performance traits are being calculated.

Date of Annual Report: 12/10/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/30/2025 - 09/30/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2024 - 09/30/2025

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Notes:

The meeting addressed scheduling issues, significant personnel changes, research updates on cattle genetics and health, funding concerns, and proposed future collaboration.

Meeting attendees discussed recent scheduling challenges due to time zone changes and travel complications.

Mark Mirando's retirement was noted as significant news for the group.

Participants shared updates on institutional faculty hiring and student enrollment trends.

Concerns about grant funding and potential government shutdown impacts were raised.

Discussions included the importance of avoiding specific "trigger" words in grant proposals to prevent delays.

Several members reported ongoing research projects related to genetics, cattle performance, and environmental adaptations.

Ongoing exploration of innovative technologies for monitoring animal health and behavior in pasture settings.

Interest in incorporating data on environmental factors affecting animal performance, particularly during early life stages.

Collaboration with the Beef Master Association to analyze data related to production environments.

Research focuses on fetal programming and its impact on offspring traits, with preliminary findings showing no significant phenotypic differences.

Methane emissions are being investigated as an indicator of feed efficiency in cattle, with promising preliminary data collected.

Genetic variation studies aim to develop SNP panels for beef cattle populations, enhancing understanding of genetic traits.

Discussed ongoing research on fetal and embryonic loss in calves and BRD across multiple dairies.

Emphasized the importance of collaboration for USDA multi-state projects to enhance research outcomes.

Proposed a future meeting in Boise, Idaho, to facilitate brainstorming and discussions among team members in conjunction with BIF. Mark Enns will lead the next meeting.

Action Items:

Holly Neibergs will email R. Mark Enns regarding access to data on beef-on-dairy crosses at feedlots through harvest.

Mark Enns will reach out to Hallis Benton Glaze and other beef personnel in Idaho to inquire about hotel accommodations for the upcoming meeting.

Jennifer Thomson will send out the experiment station report template to all participants for the annual report.

SAES-422

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: The WERA-01 Group met and shared information and current research being conducted across the western region. This includes the collection of crucial phenotypic information to inform new genetic predictions and selection tools, and research into the physiology of economically important traits to identify targets for precision management technology and to inform future phenotypes. Short-term Outcomes: Increased availability of difficult or expensive-to-collect phenotypic information. Shared resources across Western Region universities. Collection of relevant research information for improvement of cattle production.   Outputs: TX-Three graduate students completed their thesis and M.S. programs. MT- Recent publications on Bighorn sheep nutritional biomarkers and a pending publication on Argali sheep genetics. MT-Proceedings papers and presentations at ISEP in Rostock, Germany. MT-Approximately 3400 DNA samples archived on Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Cattle, and Sheep All- 12 peer reviewed journal articles, 4 extension and popular press articles, 1 textbook revision, 16 abstracts/proceedings/scientific presentations.   Activities: Project Objectives and Relevant Research under each: <ol> <li>Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry.</li> </ol> MT-My research 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. MT-We are collecting data for a long-term project evaluating the temperament of maternal cow herd replacements and then collecting longevity and performance data along with DNA to look at how temperament can impact longevity and genetic markers for herd performance. TX - Texas A&M University/AgriLife Research continues collaboration with USDA-ARS MARC on the Germplasm Evaluation Program (GPE), where Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal Angus x Brahman and Brahman x Angus F1 females at McGregor are bred to Angus and Brahman AI bulls used at both USMARC and McGregor. About 200 exposed females and 180 calves contributed data and DNA over the past year.  SD-Feed and water disappearance phenotypes were measured on 55 bull calves for 69 days using Insentec feeders and waterers. Previous literature on Insentec feeders and waterers has shown that feed and water disappearance is highly correlated with feed and water intake, respectively. These phenotypes will be added to a dataset where feed and water disappearance has been measured on registered Angus and Sim-Angus calves. Information available on calves in this dataset include feed and water disappearance, weight, average daily gain, sex, breed, age, age of dam, pedigree information, and expected progeny differences.   SD-We have also collected enteric methane emission data on 1,494 grazing cows (Angus) along with a tissue sample for DNA extraction. The DNA has been extracted from these tissue samples. Enteric methane emissions are correlated with feed intake and measures of feed efficiency such as residual feed intake. We plan to genotype DNA samples by sequencing (0.5X) to discover genetic variants. Genetic variants will be imputed from publicly available Angus genome sequences, and these variants will be used to estimate relationships between animals for heritability estimation. The variants will also be tested for an association with enteric methane emissions.     <ol> <li>Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators.</li> </ol> MT-My research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments.   <ol start="3"> <li>Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine recent developments, plan cooperative research, and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding research for the Western United States.</li> </ol> All- Great discussion of current research and exchange of information in our meeting. TX-Training was provided to 80 students at Prairie View A&M University regarding beef quality assurance principles and how breeding and genetic decisions pertain to adaptation and cost of production. (November 2024) TX-Training was provided to 70 cow-calf producers regarding genetic decisions and associated management for improved beef carcass quality through the TAMU BEEF 706 program. TX-A course on cattle genetics and genomics was delivered to 14 cattle producers through the TAMU 44 Frams International Beef Cattle Academy. TX-Information was provided to 200 beef cattle producers at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course regarding beef cattle breeding and genetics research and associated applications for Texas production environments. TX-Although not specifically focused on beef cattle breeding and genetics concepts, 7,500 producers have been provided educational resources regarding management considerations pertaining to potential New World Screwworm threat for Texas production environments.

Publications

Montana: Peer-Reviewed Publications: O’Shea-Stone, G., Tripet, B., Thomson, J., Garrott, R., & Copié, V. (2025). Polar Metabolite Profiles Distinguish Between Early and Severe Sub-Maintenance Nutritional States of Wild Bighorn Sheep. Metabolites, 15(3), 154. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030154">https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030154</a>     Abstracts, Proceedings, and Presentations: Indications of inflammation and cytokine activity in response to rapid fat deposition in beef steers. J. Thomson, N. Schaff, J. Dafoe, D. Boss, J. A. Boles. 8th Annual International Symposium on Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition. Sept 15-18,2025 in Rostock, Germany     Texas: Student Thesis   Bari, Jannatul. 2025. Investigation of relationships among ultrasound body composition, docility, and calf performance traits in American Brahman cattle. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University College Station. (August)   McClendon, Carter. 2025. Investigation of gestational environmental impacts on individual calf growth and development in Beefmaster cattle. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University College Station. (August)   Porter, Dylan. 2025. Evaluation of calf growth and calving period on cow reproductive performance in Angus females. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University College Station. (December)   Refereed publications   Mendes, EDM, DG Stewart, AD Herring, M Blum, SL Webb, and LO Tedeschi. 2025. GPS precision and data acquisition efficiency of solar-powered collars and tags for beef cattle monitoring. J. Anim. Sci. 103 (Supplement_3): 257-258 (Abstr. 416).   Herring, AD, JO Sanders, CA Gill, PK Riggs, and DR Riley. 2024. Awardee Talk: The role of non-traditional inheritance patterns among Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses for global beef value chain considerations. J. Anim. Sci. 102 (Supplement_3): 84-85 (Abstr. 50). 2024   Dodd, LT, DP Anderson, DG Riley, and AD Herring. 2024. Economic-impact variability among F1 Nellore–Angus herd sires reared together and used in multiple-sire mating groups Appl. Anim. Sci. 40:69-79.   Norris-Parish, SL, HR Leggette, T Pesl Murphrey, JA Parrella, A Richburg, and AD Herring. 2024. Beefing up communication skills of upper-level animal science students. Transl. Anim. Sci. 8: txae007.   Munguía Vásquez, MF, CA Gill, PK Riggs, AD Herring, JO Sanders, and DG Riley. 2024. Genetic evaluation of crossbred Bos indicus cow temperament at parturition. <ol start="22"> <li>Anim. Sci. 102: skae022.</li> </ol>   Extension publications:   Kaufman, Phillip, Sonja L. Swiger, and Andy Herring. 2025. New World screwworm fact sheet. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Available:  <a href="https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm-fact-sheet/">New World screwworm fact sheet - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service</a>.   Hairgrove, Thomas B., Jacob W. Thorne, Ron Gill, Andy D. Herring, Phillip Kaufman, and Sonja L. Swiger. 2025. What to do if you suspect New World screwworm in your herd. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Available: <a href="https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-new-world-screwworm-in-your-herd/">What to Do if You Suspect New World Screwworm in Your Herd - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service</a>.   Hairgrove, Thomas B., Jacob W. Thorne, Ron Gill, Andy D. Herring, Phillip Kaufman, Sonja L. Swiger. 2025. Livestock management considerations for New World screwworm. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Available: <a href="https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/livestock-management-considerations-for-new-world-screwworm/">Livestock Management Considerations for New World Screwworm - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service</a>.   Popular press articles   Herring, Andy D. 2025. Contributing interview and content for article “Clear Focus: A look into how genomic data informs progress in commercial herds” to approximately 13,000 readers, October 2025 issue of The Cattleman magazine.   South Dakota: Journal Publications Dierking, S.L., J.M. Morton, J.A. Clapper, M.G. Gonda, J.C. Pinilla, and C.L. Levesque.  2024. Changes in vaginal gene expression and anogenital distance during gilt reproductive development.  Animal Reproduction 22(1):e20240056.   Kelly, A.M., W.C. Rusche, F.L. Francis, M.G. Gonda, C.L. Wright, and Z.K. Smith.  2024. Dietary management strategies to mitigate decreased feed intake associated with terminal implant administration in finishing beef steers.  American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 19(4): 360-70.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2024.360.370">https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2024.360.370</a>   Keppers, H.A. and M.G. Gonda.  2025. Lethal White Foal Syndrome: A review.  Canadian Journal of Animal Science 105: 1-8.   Abstracts Anema, R.F., J.J. Block, K.C. Olson, K.R. Underwood, R.N. Funston, A.D. Blair, and M.G. Gonda.  2025. Effect of maternal protein restriction in primiparous heifers during mid- or late gestation on progeny gene expression in longissimus dorsi muscle.  Plant and Anima Genome Meeting, San Diego, CA.   Olinger, G., Z. Smith, F. Francis, B. Grimes Francis, R. Leeson, M. Gonda, R. L. Weaber, and W. Rusche. 2025. Effect of extended days on feed on growth performance, efficiency, and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers with different proportions of Angus and Limousin genetics. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Hollywood, FL.   Viskupič, F., D. Wiltse, M. Gonda, and R. Daly.  2025.  Partial spillover of COVID-19 vaccination decisions onto cattle vaccination practices: Evidence from a survey of South Dakota beef producers.  Nanovax 2025 Conference, Ames, IA.     Colorado: Refereed Journal Articles: Author(s) in order as they appear on the article, Year(s), Title, Journal, Volume, pp.   Gandolfo, I. M., J. D. Derner, R. M. Enns, L. A. Kuehn, M. K. Johnston, S. P. Kearney, S. E. Place, E. J. Raynor, J. P Ritten, A. M. Shadbolt, K. R. Stackhouse-Lawson J. d J. Vargas, and P. H. V. Carvalho.  2025.  Steer growth performance and enteric gas flux across backgrounding phases in the Western Great Plains.  Rangeland ecology & Management.  Vol. 103, Nov. 2025, Pages 247-257.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010</a>   Wilson, R.A., B.J. Johnson, J.O. Sarturi, W.L. Crossland, K.E. Hales, R.J. Rathmann, C.L. Bratcher, M.E. Theurer, R.G. Amachawadi, T.G. Nagaraja, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, M.G. Thomas, B.A. Foraker, M.A. Cleveland, and D.R. Woerner.  2024.  Identification of blood-based biomarkers for detection of liver abscess in beef x dairy heifers.  Applied Animal Science.  40:386-397.  https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2023-02504.   Contreras-Mendez, L.A., J.F. Medrano, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, G. Luna-Nevarez, P.A., Lopez-Castro, F. Rivera-Acuna, and P. Luna-Nevarez.  2024.  The Anti-Mullerian hormone as endocrine and molecular marker associated with reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows exposed to heat stress.  Animals.  Vol. 14.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020213">https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020213</a>.   Textbooks: Author(s) in order as they appear on book, Year(s), Title, Publisher, pp.   R.M. Bourdon, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, and M.G. Thomas. 2022 and ongoing. Understanding Animal Breeding. 3rd Edition. Waverly Press, Baltimore, MD. <ol> <li>Chapter 1: What is the best animal? (Dr. Enns; developed in 2023 with interviews of industry professionals and chapter update completed 2024)</li> <li>Chapter 13: Genetic Prediction (primary updating author; finished in 2024).</li> <li>Chapter 14: Large-Scale Genetic Evaluation (primary updating author; to be finished in 2024)</li> <li>Chapter 16: Genomic Prediction (Contributing author; finished 2024).</li> <li>Chapter 20: Mating strategies based on pedigree relationships:  Inbreeding and Outbreeding (Contributing author; finished in 2024)</li> </ol>   Abstracts (These would have been presented during October 2024 through September 2025)   Autry, P.A., R.M. Enns, I. Kukor, T.N. Holt, M.A. Cleveland, B.P. Holland, A.B. Word, G. Ellis, M. Theurer, and S.E. Speidel.  2025.  Mid-finishing pulmonary arterial pressure compared to late-finishing pulmonary arterial pressure as indicators of heart score.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.046">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.046</a>.   Enns, R.M., and S.E. Speidel.  2025.  Building industry-academic collaborations to use genetic technologies for solving challenges in the beef industry.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.050">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.050</a>.   Garcia-Benitez, C., R.I. Luna Ramirez, J.F. Medrano, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, R. Zamorano-Algandar, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, G. Luna-Nevarez, J.C., Leyva-Corona, and P. Luna-Nevarez.  Validation of polymorphisms as molecular markers for milk production and thermotolerance in Holstein cows managed in a heat-stressed environment.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.663.   Griffin, M.L., S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, S.E. Place, K.R. Stackhouse-Lawson.  2025. Genetic parameters for blood urea nitrogen, methane emissions, and feed intake in Angus beef cattle.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.045">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.045</a>.   Vargas, J.J., M. Swenson, M.R. Werner, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, D. Manriquez, P.H.V. Carvalho, K.R. Stackhouse-Lawson, and S.E. Place.  2025.  Determination and classification of growing steers according to residual methane emissions.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3.  https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.275.   Zuvich, M.L., S.E. Speidel, T.N. Holt, R.M. Enns.  2025. Preliminary analysis of the relationship between heart score and carcass value in Angus cattle.  J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 103. Supp. 3. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.032">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.032</a>.       PAPERS PRESENTED/ SYMPOSIA/ INVITED LECTURES/ PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS   2025     Building industry-academic collaborations to use genetic technologies for solving challenges in the beef industry.  R. M. Enns and S. E. Speidel.  Am. Soc. Of An. Sci. Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL. July, 2025   2025     Review of ongoing breeding and genetics research in the CSU Department of Animal Sciences.  Young Breeders’ Educational program for American Hereford Association. R. M. Enns and S. E. Speidel.  Fort Collins, CO. 9/5/2025   2025     Genetic Improvement for Pulmonary Arterial Pressure.  R. M. Enns, S. E. Speidel, and T. Holt.  2025 PAP Summit. Fort Collins, CO.  89/15/2025   2024     Genetic Improvement in pulmonary hypertension (High Mountain Disease)/. R. M. Enns, T. Holt, S. E. Speidel, and M. G. Thomas.  Chuquibambilla, Peru to Professors and Veterinary Students.  12/11/2024.   2024     Genetic Improvement in pulmonary hypertension (High Mountain Disease)/. R. M. Enns, T. Holt, S. E. Speidel, and M. G. Thomas.  Ayaviri Technical Institute, Peru to Professors and Veterinary Students.  12/12/2024.   2024     Genetic Improvement in pulmonary hypertension (High Mountain Disease)/. R. M. Enns, T. Holt, S. E. Speidel, and M. G. Thomas.  Puno University, Peru to Professors and Veterinary Students.  12/13/2024.

Impact Statements

Cattle producers in Texas received knowledge about adaptation of their breeding herds to local production environments, and how these considerations can influence cost and efficiency of production.
International cattle producers gained knowledge about adaptation and genomic considerations to be considered for their specific local production environments, and how these considerations can influence cost, efficiency of production, and production metrics.
In Montana, research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments, providing targets for precision management tools.
Estimation of genetic and phenotypic variation of feed and water intake will in turn allow for estimation of heritability and phenotypic and genetic correlations among these traits. Understanding trait heritability facilitates more accurate estimation of breeding values for selection of cattle for feed and water intake. Phenotypic and genetic correlations will predict how other traits will respond to genetic selection for feed and water intake.
The enteric methane emission phenotypes allow us to investigate phenotypic and genetic variation and heritability of feed intake on grazing cows. This effort is significant because few research groups have studied the genetics of feed intake on grazing beef cows.