W4010: Integrated Approach to Enhance Efficiency of Feed Utilization in Beef Production Systems

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/24/2026]

Date of Annual Report: 09/24/2026

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/19/2026 - 07/23/2026
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2025 - 09/30/2026

Participants

Dr. Matthew Wilson, West Virginia; Dr. Ibukun Ogunade, West Virginia; Dr. Jennifer Thomson, Montana; Dr. Gordon Carstens, Texas; Dr. Ana Clara Baiao Menezes, South Dakota; Dr. Keara O’Reilly, Nebraska; Dr. Samodha C. Fernando, Nebraska; Joel Caton, North Dakota; Glenn Dorsum, North Dakota; Dr. Mindy King, Kansas; Dr. Phillip Myer, Tennessee; Dr. Coral Kent-Dennis, Kentucky; Dr. Allison Meyer, Missouri; Dr. Gwinyai Chibisa, Idaho;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Our annual meeting was called to order at the ASAS-CSAS joint meetings in Madison Wisconsin with both formal and informal meeting times during the conference. Formal meeting times were used for station reports and committee business. Minutes of the meeting were kept and reported to the committee. Elections were held and Joel Caton was elected Chair and Keara O’Reilly was elected Secretary. The next annual meeting of W4010 was proposed to be in conjunction with the ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS meetings in Sacramento, CA (June 27 to July 1, 2027). Meeting times and rooms will be coordinated with ASAS staff. A symposium proposal was discussed for either 2027 or 2028, with the prevailing idea that it would be held in conjunction with the ASAS meetings. The meeting formally ended Thursday morning July 23^rd 2026.

Accomplishments

<ol> <li>To understand biological sources of variation in the efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle.</li> </ol> In West Virginia we have conducted two studies on understanding how beef steers divergent in RADG phenotype differ in liver metabolism and their response to LPS stimulation.   In Idaho we are currently investigating the link between RFI and nitrogen use efficiency. Studies are ongoing.   In Nebraska we are currently phenotyping beef heifers (n = 120 per year in 2025, 2026 and 2027) in feed efficiency tests to assess the effect of diet (high-roughage versus high-concentrate diet) and phase of growth (growing versus finishing phase) on the repeatability of feed intake, performance, feed efficiency and body composition traits in beef cattle, to identify cattle that re-rank in feed efficiency across different diets and stages of growth. These heifers have rumen fluid samples collected on them during the growing, transition and finisher phase to characterize the interactions between the rumen microbiome and divergent feed efficiency phenotypes in cattle fed a roughage-based growing diet and a subsequent grain-based finishing diet. Blood samples have also been collected during the growing and finishing phases. Additionally, these heifers have complete digestibility, methane production, energy partitioning, and nitrogen retention data. Collecting large amounts of data on individual animals will allow us to quantify the inter-animal variation in the efficiency of nutrient utilization explained by these various biological processes. Additional work that we started in 2026 was looking at pilot data to start assessing the relationships between immunity and metabolic efficiency.   In Missouri, team members continued to study the effects of late gestational nutrient restriction and parity on nutrient utilization by pregnant and lactating beef females, including how this affects nutrient partitioning among the dam, gravid uterus, and mammary gland. During this reporting period, we conducted an experiment to determine the interaction of late gestational nutrient restriction and fetal genetic growth potential on nutrient partitioning pre- and postnatally. We also began an experiment to determine the interaction of maternal parity (parity 1 vs. ≥6) with fetal genetic growth potential on nutrient partitioning pre- and postnatally. We also have continued our work to determine what causes the large variation observed in colostrum yield in beef females.   In South Dakota studies under this objective will focus primarily on the identification of the sources and quantification of the magnitude of the biological drivers of variation in feed efficiency and nutrient utilization.   In Kentucky we have started three projects related to this objective. 1. We have started a SARA-challenge study to understand the relationship between SARA-resistant/susceptible animals to absorptive function of the ruminal epithelium. 2. We have begun sample collection and analysis of rumen papillae collected from beef cattle to characterize the natural variation of the protective and metabolically-active layers of ruminal epithelial cells. 3. We have on-going work identifying plant-derived compounds that may alter gastrointestinal epithelial cell functions particularly utilization of energy substrates. This work is being conducted with cell culture models.   Researchers at Montana State University investigated biological mechanisms underlying carcass and meat quality traits using transcriptomic approaches. RNA sequencing of muscle and adipose tissue identified substantial differences in gene expression among beef cattle representing different USDA quality grades. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways related to muscle development, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, insulin signaling, and immune function. These findings improve understanding of the biological processes associated with variation in carcass composition and meat quality.   In North Dakota we investigated the influence of maternal rate of gain, intake, and micronutrient supply on physiological and production parameters in beef heifers and their offspring. Studies are ongoing with some data published and other data in the pipeline for assessment and movement to publication.   The Tennessee W4010 effort centered on longitudinal evaluation of rumen microbial development from early life through later growth to determine whether early microbial and host-microbiome features are associated with subsequent feed-efficiency phenotypes. During the current reporting period, complementary forage-based research integrated animal performance, gas-exchange measurements, and rumen microbial profiles to characterize biological variation in energetic efficiency. This work strengthens the phenotyping and microbial-analysis framework that will be used to relate microbial development to later measures of feed utilization and performance.   In Kansas, the focus of our investigations has been on understanding metabolic and molecular markers of feed efficiency while also investigating feed intake regulation in feedlot cattle. We completed a project identifying molecular variation across subcutaneous adipose depots where we determined that subcutaneous adipose tissues are not homogenous across the animal’s body. This will set the stage for future work evaluating adipose tissue in feedlot cattle as it relates to feed efficiency. Further, we investigated monensin’s impact on feed intake regulation in feedlot steers with the objective to illicit metabolic mechanisms governing the reduced feed intake.     <ol start="2"> <li>To discover and develop biomarkers and genetic markers for the genetic improvement of nutrient utilization efficiency.</li> </ol>   In West Virginia we have started using our technology to phenotype large numbers of grazing animals, collecting samples for biomarkers of efficiency and DNA samples for future genomic markers of efficiency work   In Nebraska, to discover biomarkers associated with efficient nutrient utilization in beef cattle, we are: 1. Characterizing serum molecular markers associated with feed efficiency in beef cattle and 2. Characterizing the functional variation in the rumen microbiome that contribute toward feed utilization under diverse diets. Microbiome profiles associated with feed efficiency across diverse diets will be compared, and potential candidate biomarkers and regulatory pathways of feed efficiency will be identified. Data were collected this year and analyses has started.   In Missouri samples and data are being collected from the studies under objective 1 that can be used to identify markers for improved nutrient utilization in pregnant and lactating females.   In Montana transcriptomic analyses identified numerous genes and biological pathways associated with differences in carcass quality. Candidate genes associated with energy metabolism, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, and tissue development were identified through RNA sequencing of muscle and adipose tissue. The study concluded that these findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating and that additional validation is needed before candidate genes can be considered biomarkers or incorporated into selection programs.   In North Dakota beef cattle heifer models of differing rates of gain and/or changing micronutrient supply, metabolomic profiles were used to assess changes in metabolism and provide insight into biological markers. In addition, data from these experiments looking at transcriptomic profiles are currently being assessed, analyzed, and summarized for publication.   In Tennessee, research is evaluating rumen microbial characteristics as candidate biological indicators of feed-efficiency phenotypes. During 2026, microbial community analyses identified features associated with divergent methane-production and residual heat-production phenotypes in forage-based cattle. These results provide candidate microbial signals and analytical approaches for continued evaluation and future validation against conventional efficiency traits, including residual feed intake, average daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio, within the broader longitudinal W4010 effort. <ol start="3"> <li>To evaluate life-cycle efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle to improve economic/environmental sustainability</li> </ol> In West Virginia we have collected feed and water intake data from several groups of animals in both confinement and pastoral systems to assess variation and repeatability of efficiency estimation for individual animals.  We have also collected data on animals in various regions of the country to estimate regional variation in feed and water intake estimation. In Idaho we are currently investigating how feeding systems impact the efficiency of nutrient utilization, primarily targeting extensive grazing systems, including rangeland. Studies are ongoing. In Nebraska, although we are not addressing this objective directly, understanding how animal performance, feed intake and feed efficiency is influenced by diet, age, microbiome structure and function is fundamental in making decisions of how to implement feed efficiency testing and selection criteria for cattle, as well as overall management decisions for beef cattle operations and our research addresses questions from the growing to the finishing phase of beef cattle production. Additionally, we have worked in collaboration with Texas A&M University to identify grazing cattle that may utilize energy more efficiently. In Missouri the studies conducted under Objective 1 all contribute to a better understanding of life-cycle efficiency of nutrient utilization for beef females and their pre-weaning calves. In South Dakota studies under this objective will focus on measuring postweaning feed efficiency in young female cattle and looking at the impact of feed efficiency measured in growing animals on feed efficiency measured later in life, productivity, and longevity. In Montana no direct life-cycle efficiency studies were reported in the two manuscripts available for this reporting period. However, transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that carcass quality differences are associated with coordinated changes in pathways related to energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and tissue remodeling. These findings provide foundational knowledge for future studies examining biological mechanisms influencing livestock production traits. In North Dakota we investigated the impacts of rate of heifer gain prior to breeding on breeding success and offspring outcomes to yearling weights. Contributors from Kansas constructed a grant to identify biomarkers and develop prediction equations for nutrient utilization efficiency as it relates to starch based diets.   <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). In Nebraska no activities directly related to EPD development, selection indices, or decision-support tools are available for this reporting period. However, colleagues are working on genomic and metagenomic analyses of animals that have feed efficiency and energy partitioning data which will subsequently address this objective. In Montana no activities directly related to EPD development, selection indices, or decision-support tools were reported in the manuscripts available for this reporting period. Results from transcriptomic analyses identified candidate genes and pathways that may warrant future investigation as potential selection tools, but no validated genetic evaluation tools were developed during this reporting period. <ol start="5"> <li>To develop producer educational programs to enhance technology adoption by the beef industry.</li> </ol> In West Virginia we have presented data on our technology at producer-facing events, including the WV Small Farms Conference, Appalachian Grazing Conference, University of Tennessee Precision Livestock Farming Field Day, Colorado Cattlemen’s Field Day and various county-level producer meetings.   In Missouri producer talks encouraged forage testing, supplementation, and other simple but effective technology adoption by beef cow-calf producers.   Short-term Outcomes:  West Virginia published papers detailing development of machine learning approaches to determine individual feed and water intake in beef cattle. Published paper characterizing individual water intake of animals in grazing and dry lot systems. They are also working on further validation of machine learning approach, including collecting and analyzing samples from animals grazing in Georgia and New Mexico. Using virtual fencing to manage animals and leveraging the associated spatial data to qualify grazing behavior.   Idaho collected and analyzed data related to nitrogen use efficiency in beef cattle mainly raised in extensive systems. Also planned and initiated follow-up studies based on previously collected data.   In Nebraska we collected data from 120 heifers to assess factors impacting the efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef cattle across diverse production stages; initiated metabolomic analysis of serum from heifers with growing and finishing feed efficiency data to identify metabolic pathways associated with feed efficiency; initiated rumen metagenomic characterization of rumen samples from heifers with growing and finishing feed efficiency data to identify microbial populations and functions associated with feed efficiency; evaluated metabolic and inflammatory responses to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in pregnant beef cows to better understand relationships between immune activation and metabolic efficiency; identified relationships between BRD and RFI in growing commercial seedstock bulls in collaboration with Texas A&M University.   In Missouri we collected samples and data from late pregnant and lactating beef females, neonatal calves, and pre-weaning calves and planned future studies and collaborations to further determine effects of altered nutrition on nutrient utilization of beef females.   In South Dakota team members: Generated new knowledge regarding the effects of autolyzed yeast supplementation on ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradation kinetics, and microbial community composition, improving understanding of nutritional strategies to enhance feed utilization efficiency in beef cattle; Advanced understanding of protein and amino acid utilization in beef production systems through studies evaluating monensin supplementation, extruded-expelled soybean meal, canola meal, and DDGS as nutritional interventions to improve nutrient efficiency and metabolic function; Completed multiple animal experiments and sample collection efforts investigating nutrient utilization, maternal nutrition, developmental programming, and feed additive strategies in beef cattle, generating datasets that are currently undergoing laboratory and molecular analyses; Disseminated findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and extension reports, increasing stakeholder and scientific community awareness of management strategies to improve beef cattle productivity and sustainability; Strengthened regional, national, and international collaborations focused on nutrient utilization, developmental programming, rumen microbiology, and beef cattle production efficiency; Provided advanced research training and mentoring opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in beef cattle nutrition, metabolism, and production systems.   In Kentucky team members established the Kent-Dennis Lab as new faculty at the University of Kentucky; Started a large animal trial and sample collections are currently underway; Completed multiple cell culture experiments investigating nutrient utilization in epithelial cells; and Joined W4010 Multistate and participated in collaborative discussions at annual meeting. Discussions included a proposed W4010 Symposium at the 2027 or 2028 ASAS Annual Meeting.   In Montana team members conducted RNA sequencing identified substantial differences in gene expression among cattle with different USDA quality grades; Differentially expressed genes were associated with pathways related to muscle development, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, insulin signaling, and immune function; Comparative analyses of beef cattle and sheep identified species-specific transcriptomic responses associated with carcass quality and fatness; Genomic analyses of Argali sheep identified subtle population structure, low average inbreeding, and no genomic support for separating Marco Polo Argali and Tian Shan Argali within the sampled populations.   In North Dakota we published critical reviews summarizing knowledge and future needs in the area developmental programming and offspring outcomes, mitochondrial function, strategic supplementation of micronutrients, neuropeptide and sepsis link, knowledge gaps in ruminant nutrition, and heifer development; Collected and analyzed data related to micronutrient supply and body weight gain on breeding success, offspring development, and physiological responses; Planned and initiated additional experiments investigating micronutrient supply, heifer development, and offspring outcomes; Established a novel, tissue-specific knockout (intestine and liver) and have validated this research tool at the DNA, mRNA, and phenotypic level; Discussed across station collaborative project at the annual meeting of W4010; and Discussed a W4010 symposium for 2027 or 2028 at the annual meeting of W4010.   In Tennessee, research efforts refined approaches for integrating rumen microbial profiles with animal performance and efficiency-related phenotypes across cattle production stages; generated complementary evidence that enteric methane production and residual heat production represent related but distinct components of energetic efficiency in forage-based cattle; identified rumen microbial features associated with divergent efficiency-related phenotypes, providing candidate indicators for future evaluation with conventional feed-efficiency traits; and expanded graduate student training and scientific dissemination in rumen microbiology, precision phenotyping, and integrated data analysis.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications: <ol> <li>Anas, M., Ward, A. K., McCarthy, K. L., Borowicz, P. P., Reynolds, L. P., Caton, J. S., Dahlen, C. R., & Diniz, W. J. S. (2025). Intergenerational effects of maternal rate of body weight gain on the multi-omics hepatic profiles of bovine fetuses.Gene, 936, 149082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2024.149082.</li> <li>ArunKumar, E. K., M. E. Wilson, N. E. Blake, T. J. Yost, and M. Walker. 2026. Deep Learning for Tumor Segmentation and Multiclass Classification in Breast Ultrasound Images Using Pretrained Models.Sensors, 25:7557. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25247557.</li> <li>ArunKumar, K. E., N. E. Blake, M. Walker, T. J. Yost, D. Mata-Padrino, I. Holásková, J. W. Yates, J. Hatton, and M. E. Wilson. 2025. Predicting dry matter intake in cattle at scale using gradient boosting regression techniques and Gaussian process boosting regression with SHAP explainable AI, MLflow and its containerization.Journal of Animal Science, 103:skaf041. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf041.</li> <li>Blake, N. E., K. E. ArunKumar, M. Walker, T. J. Yost, D. Mata-Padrino, I. Holásková, J. W. Yates, D. Bishoff, S. Johnson, G. Taiwo, M. Idowu, I. Ogunade, D. Matlick, J. Hatton, and M. E. Wilson. 2026. Predicting Individual Water Intake in Beef Cattle Using Longitudinal Data and LSTM Models.Journal of Animal Science, 104:skag138. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag133.</li> <li>Blake, N. E., K. E. ArunKumar, M. Walker, T. J. Yost, D. Mata-Padrino, I. Holásková, J. W. Yates, D. Bishoff, S. Johnson, G. Taiwo, M. Idowu, I. Ogunade, D. Matlick, A. Smith, B. Smith, J. Hatton, and M. E. Wilson. 2026. Generalizable LSTM Models for Beef Cattle DMI Under Grazing.Journal of Animal Science, 104:skag133. DOI requires verification; submitted citation corrected to: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag133.</li> <li>Blake, N. E., K. E. ArunKumar, M. Walker, T. J. Yost, D. Mata-Padrino, I. Holásková, J. W. Yates, D. Bishoff, S. Johnson, G. Taiwo, M. Idowu, I. Ogunade, J. Hatton, and M. E. Wilson. 2026. Characterization of Individual Beef Cattle Water Intake.Journal of Animal Science, 104:skag054. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag054.</li> <li>Blake, N. E., K. E. ArunKumar, M. Walker, T. J. Yost, D. Mata-Padrino, I. Holásková, J. W. Yates, S. Johnson, G. Taiwo, M. Idowu, I. Ogunade, J. Hatton, and M. E. Wilson. 2026. Deployable DMI Prediction Using GPBoost, MLOps, and Flask Without the Need for Exact Birth Dates.Frontiers in Animal Science, 7. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2026.1770302">https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2026.1770302</a>.</li> <li>Briggs, E.A., M.E. King, K.R. Harmoney, PSXIV-18 Impact of stocking method on heifer performance and reproductive outcomes., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 540–541, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.613">org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.613</a></li> <li>Caton, J. S., Crouse, M. S., Dahlen, C. R., Ward, A. K., Diniz, W. J. S., Hammer, C. J., Swanson, R. M., Hauxwell, K. M., Syring, J. G., Safain, K. S., & Reynolds, L. P. (2025). International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology: Maternal nutrient supply: Impacts on physiological and whole-animal outcomes in offspring.Journal of Dairy Science, 108(7), 7696-7709. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25788.</li> <li>Caton, J. S., Crouse, M. S., Dahlen, C. R., Ward, A. K., Diniz, W. J. S., Hammer, C. J., Swanson, R. M., Hauxwell, K. M., & Reynolds, L. P. (2025). Invited Review: Micronutrient supply, developmental programming, and strategic supplementation in ruminant livestock.Animal, 101563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2025.101563.</li> <li>Caton, J. S., Lalman, D. L., & Tedeschi, L. O. (2025). Galyean Appreciation Club review: knowledge gaps in the nutrition of grazing beef cattle.Journal of Animal Science, 103, skaf172. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf172.</li> <li>Craner, A. J., Dahlen, C. R., Hurlbert, J. L., Menezes, A. C. B., Banerjee, P., Baumgaertner, F., Bochantin-Winders, K. A., Amat, S., Sedivec, K. K., Swanson, K. C., & Diniz, W. J. S. 2025. Maternal Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Affected Neonatal Gene Expression and Rewired Key Regulatory Genes Underlying Hepatic Metabolism.Animals. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182664.</li> <li>Craner, A. J., Dahlen, C. R., Hurlbert, J. L., Menezes, A. C. B., Banerjee, P., Baumgaertner, F., Bochantin-Winders, K. A., Amat, S., Sedivec, K. K., Swanson, K. C., & Diniz, W. J. S. 2025. Early life programming of the neonatal bovine jejunum in response to maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation.Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174425000157.</li> <li>Crouse, M. S., Cushman, R. A., Redifer, C. A., Neville, B. W., Dahlen, C. R., Caton, J. S., Diniz, W. J. S., & Ward, A. K. (2025). International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology: One-carbon metabolism in beef cattle throughout the production cycle.Journal of Dairy Science, 108(7), 7615-7630. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25784.</li> <li>Cushman, R. A., Hauxwell, K. M., Caton, J. S., & Freetly, H. C. (2026). Variation in rate of body weight gain during pregnancy in beef heifers: association with early life health events and influence on progeny performance.Translational Animal Science, 10, txaf176. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaf176.</li> <li>Dahlen, C. R., Ramírez-Zamudio, G. D., Bochantin-Winders, K. A., Hurlbert, J. L., Crouse, M. S., McLean, K. J., Diniz, W. J. S., Amat, S., Snider, A. P., Caton, J. S., & Reynolds, L. P. (2025). International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology: Paternal nutrient supply: Impacts on physiological and whole-animal outcomes in offspring.Journal of Dairy Science, 108(7), 7710-7722. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25800.</li> <li>Daneshi, M., Borowicz, P. P., Montgomery, V., Entzie, Y. L., Syring, J. G., King, L. E., Safain, K. S., Anas, M., Reynolds, L. P., Ward, A. K., Dahlen, C. R., Crouse, M. S., & Caton, J. S. (2025). Effects of Maternal Nutrition and One-Carbon Metabolite Supplementation on Fetal Jejunal Morphology and Hexose Transporter Expression in Beef Cattle.Veterinary Sciences, 12(9), 884. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090884.</li> <li>Dawlaty, R., Entsie, P., Amoafo, E. B., Liverani, E., & Dorsam, G. P. (2026). A Historical Review of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide in Sepsis.Biology, 15(9), 663. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15090663.</li> <li>De Almeida Matos, E. M., David, G., Sousa, L., Trópia, N., Andrade, D., Silva, J. T., Pucetti, P., Ebani, Y. C., Lopes, S., Rennó, L., Menezes, A. C. B., Caton, J., & Valadares Filho, S. C. 2026. Effects of dried distillers grains inclusion in creep-feeding supplements on performance and digestion characteristics of suckling beef calves in tropical pastures.Animal Production Science, AN25225. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN25225.</li> <li>Dawlaty, R., Entsie, P., Amoafo, E. B., Liverani, E., & Dorsam, G. P. (2026). A Historical Review of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide in Sepsis.Biology, 15(9), 663. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15090663.</li> <li>De Almeida Matos, E. M., David, G., Sousa, L., Trópia, N., Andrade, D., Silva, J. T., Pucetti, P., Ebani, Y. C., Lopes, S., Rennó, L., Menezes, A. C. B., Caton, J., & Valadares Filho, S. C. (2026). Effects of dried distillers grains inclusion in creep-feeding supplements on performance and digestion characteristics of suckling beef calves in tropical pastures.Animal Production Science, AN25225. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN25225.</li> <li>Ding, Y., He, B., Bogush, D., Schramm, J., Singh, C., Dovat, K., Randazzo, J., Tukaramrao, D., Hengst, J., Annageldiyev, C., Kudva, A., Desai, D., Sharma, A., Spiegelman, V. S., Huang, S., Viet, C. T., Dorsam, G., Saulnier Scholler, G., Broach, J., Yue, F., & Dovat, S. (2025). Critical roles of IKAROS and HDAC1 in regulation of heterochromatin and tumor suppression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Leukemia, 39(8), 2010-2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-025-02651-1.</li> <li>Entsie, P., Amoafo, E. B., Kang, Y., Gustad, T., Dorsam, G. P., Frey, M. R., & Liverani, E. (2025). Sex-specific activation of platelet purinergic signaling is key in local cytokine release and phagocytosis in the peritoneal cavity in intra-abdominal sepsis.American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 328(3), C791-C805. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00116.2024.</li> <li>Galyean, M. L., Beauchemin, K. A., Caton, J. S., Cole, N. A., Eisemann, J. H., Engle, T. E., Erickson, G. E., Krehbiel, C. R., Lemenager, R. P., & Tedeschi, L. O. (2025). Knowledge Gaps in the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle.Ruminants, 5(3), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5030029.</li> <li>Geyer, A. G., Yost, T. J., Blake, N. E., ArunKumar, K. E., Holásková, I., Yates, J. W., & Wilson, M. E. (2026). Validating a novel precision livestock farming method to determine individual daily grazing feed intake.West Virginia Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, 21, 22.</li> <li>Green, K. L., Kovarna, M. R., Schlegel, E. R., Wright, C. L., Menezes, A. C. B., Smith, Z. K., & Drum, J. N. (2025). Omega-3 supplement alters water consumption and plasma fatty acid profile of beef heifers.Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf312.</li> <li>Hauxwell, K. M. M., Cushman, R. A., Caton, J. S., Ward, A. K., Lindholm-Perry, A. K., Snider, A. P., Freetly, H. C., Dahlen, C. R., Amat, S., Swanson, R. M., Stromer, B. S., Neville, B. W., Thorson, J. F., Oliver, W. T., Miles, J. R., & Crouse, M. S. (2026). Methionine and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation throughout the periconceptual period of gestation altered metabolite concentrations and fetal development in beef heifers.Journal of Animal Science, skag067. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag067.</li> <li>Jardon, G. H., Detmann, E., Smith, Z. K. F., Rusche, W. C., & Menezes, A. C. B. (2025). Substituting dried distillers’ grains with solubles with soybean meal in finishing diets: effects on small intestinal amino acid flow, digestibility, and nitrogen balance.Journal of Animal Science. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf232">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf232</a>.</li> <li>Johnson, C., A. Singh, Z. Hasan, K. Islan, Z. Yang, M.E. King, A.P. Foote, D. Lalman, N. Ahsan, P. Beck. Comparative liver proteome analysis of feedlot steer calves reveals growth trait-specific pathways influenced by calving season. J Animal Sci Biotechnol 17, 56 (2026). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-026-01370-6">org/10.1186/s40104-026-01370-6</a></li> <li>Kilama, J., Dahlen, C. R., Abbasi, M., Shi, X., Nagaraja, T. G., Crouse, M. S., Cushman, R. A., Snider, A. P., McCarthy, K. L., Caton, J. S., & Amat, S. (2025). Characterizing the prevalence ofFusobacterium necrophorum  necrophorum, Fusobacterium necrophorumsubsp. funduliforme, and Fusobacterium varium in bovine and ovine semen, bovine gut, and vagino-uterine and fetal microbiota using targeted culturing and qPCR. Microbiology Spectrum, 13(5), e03145-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03145-24.</li> <li>Meyer, A. M. (2025). Developmental programming of the neonatal period in ruminants: A review.Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 16, e40.</li> <li>Idowu, M., Taiwo, G., Sidney, T., Morenikeji, O. B., & Ogunade, I. M. (2026). Hepatic transcriptomic signatures associated with divergent residual average daily gain phenotypes in beef steers.Frontiers in Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2026.1813033.</li> <li>Podversich, F., Bonilla Urbina, J., Coble, C., Smith, Z. K. F., Rusche, W. C., O’Sullivan, R., Leggett, M. J., Parker-Norman, S. L., & Menezes, A. C. B. (2026). A Blend of Essential Oils (Blend of Eugenol, Linalool, Anethole, and Cinnamaldehyde) Increases Ruminal Propionate and Improves Total Tract Starch Digestibility in Steers Fed a Dry-Rolled Corn-Based Finishing Diet.Fermentation, 12, 248. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12050248.</li> <li>Ramírez-Zamudio, G. D., Diniz, W. J., Baumgaertner, F., Menezes, A. C. B., Hurlbert, J. L., Bochantin, K. A., Underdahl, S. R., McCarthy, K. L., Reynolds, L. P., Ward, A., Borowicz, P., Sedivec, K. K., & Dahlen, C. R. (2026). Effects of maternal early gestational weight gain on skeletal muscle gene expression profile in F1 and F2 beef cattle offspring.Frontiers in Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2025.1725223.</li> <li>Redifer, C. A., Rathert-Williams, A. R., & Meyer, A. M. (2025). Late gestational nutrient restriction decreased placental size and calf birth weight without altering uterine blood flow in primiparous beef females.Journal of Animal Science, skaf163.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., Crouse, M. S., Hirchert, M. R., Entzie, Y. L., Syring, J. G., Daneshi, M., Anas, M., King, L. E., Reynolds, L. P., Borowicz, P. P., Dahlen, C. R., Ward, A. K., Caton, J. S., & Swanson, K. C. (2025). Tissue-Specific Mitochondrial Functionality and Mitochondrial-Related Gene Profiles in Response to Maternal Nutrition and One-Carbon Metabolite Supplementation During Early Pregnancy in Heifers.Animals, 15(18), 2689. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182689.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., Crouse, M. S., Syring, J. G., Entzie, Y. L., King, L. E., Ward, A. K., Reynolds, L. P., Borowicz, P. P., Dahlen, C. R., Swanson, K. C., & Caton, J. S. (2025). Early Gestational Hepatic Lipidomic Profiles Are Modulated by One-Carbon Metabolite Supplementation and Nutrient Restriction in Beef Heifers and Fetuses.Metabolites, 15(5), 302. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15050302.</li> <li>Safain, K. S., Swanson, K. C., & Caton, J. S. (2026). The Interplay of One-Carbon Metabolism, Mitochondrial Function, and Developmental Programming in Ruminant Livestock.Journal of Developmental Biology, 14(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb14010003.</li> <li>Schumacher, M., Boles, J. A., & Thomson, J. M. (2026). Gene Expression Differences in Muscle and Adipose Tissue Help Explain Variation in Meat Tenderness Across USDA Carcass Grades in Beef and Fat Classes in Sheep.Animals, 16(16), 2493. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani1616249.</li> <li>Scroggins, H., Kent-Dennis, C., May, J., Harmon, D. L., & Klotz, J. L. (2026). The Effects of β-caryophyllene on Butyrate Utilization and Metabolism in Caco-2 Cells.Scientific Reports, 16, 15357.</li> <li>Swanson, R. M., Davila Ruiz, B. J., Hurlbert, J. L., Diniz, W. J. S., Banerjee, P., Dahlen, C., Crouse, M. S., Hauxwell, K. M., Caton, J. S., & Reynolds, L. (2026). Livestock models of maternal nutrition and developmental programming.Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 17, e14. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174426100452.</li> <li>Thomson, J. M., Davletbakov, A., & Frisina, M. R. (2026). Fine-Scale Population Structure and Relatedness of Argali (Ovis ammon) in Kyrgyzstan Revealed by High-Density SNP Data.Diversity, 18(3), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030194.</li> <li>VanGilder, H., Blake, N. E., Yost, T. J., ArunKumar, K. E., Walker, M., Holásková, I., Yates, J. W., & Wilson, M. E. (2025). Validation of a novel method to measure individual water intake in beef cattle.Animals, 15, 2904. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192904.</li> <li>Wehrbein, M. A., Podversich, F., Menendez, H. M., III, Smith, Z. K. F., Rusche, W. C., & Menezes, A. C. B. (2026). Optimizing Nutrient and Water Utilization During Late Gestation and Early Lactation in Beef Cows: The Power of Limit-Feeding a Precision Energy Diet.AgriEngineering, 8, 196. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8050196.</li> <li>Leal, Y., Johnson, S., Idowu, M., Taiwo, G., Sidney, T., Oni, A., Estrada-Reyes, Z. M., & Ogunade, I. M. (2026). The effects of in vitro LPS stimulation on the PBMC transcriptome of beef steers with negative or positive residual average daily gain.Frontiers in Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2026.1870685.</li> <li>Yost, T. J., ArunKumar, K. E., Gillespie, J., Thekkoot, D., Osterstock, J., & Wilson, M. E. (2026). Conducting grazing performance testing using technology to determine individual dry matter and water intake.World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production(accepted April 6, 2026).</li> <li>Yost, T. J., Blake, N. E., Holásková, I., Mata-Padrino, D., Yost, J., Yates, J. W., & Wilson, M. E. (2025). Associations between feeding behaviors, Residual Feed Intake, and Residual Average Daily Gain in performance-tested yearling bulls and heifers fed a high-forage diet.Animals, 15, 3574. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243574.</li> </ol>   Abstracts, Proceedings, and Extension Publications: <ol style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Baker, B.E., G.E. Carstens, K. O’Reilly, and R. Havens. 2026. Impact of incidence of bovine respiratory disease detected using automated-disease-detection technology on performance, feed intake, efficiency and feeding behavior patterns in growing seedstock bulls. ASAS Annual Meeting, Madison, WI.</li> <li>Baker, B.E., G.E. Carstens, K. O’Reilly, and R. Havens. 2026. Impact of residual feed intake classification on performance, carcass ultrasound traits, feed intake, efficiency and feeding behavior patterns in growing seedstock bulls. ASAS Annual Meeting, Madison, WI.</li> <li>Briggs, E.A., M.E. King, A. King, T. Arthur, J. Vipham, 39. Effects of an antibody-based direct-fed microbial on feed intake, growth performance, and feed efficiency in feedlot cattle., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 104, Issue Supplement_4, July 2026, skag190.029, doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag190.029</li> <li>Craner, A.J.; Dahlen, C.R.; Hurlbert, J.L.; Menezes, A.C.B.; Banerjee, P.; Baumgaertner, F.; Bochantin-Winders, K.A.; Amat, S.; Sedivec, K.K.; Swanson, K.C.; Diniz, W.J. 143 Late-Breaking: Maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation modulate placental gene expression related to angiogenesis, nutrient transport, and immune regulation in neonatal beef heifers., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 157–158, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.189">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.189</a></li> <li>G. E. Carstens, M. Beck, and K. O’Reilly. 2026. Beyond RFI: Optimizing energetic efficiency in grazing cattle. ASAS Annual Meeting, Madison, WI.</li> <li>Feldmann, K. P., J. E. Beever, and P. R. Myer. 2026. Genomic Insights into Antagonism of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by Ligilactobacillus animalis NP51. ASM Kentucky-Tennessee Branch Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.</li> <li>Feldmann, K. P., J. E. Beever, E. A. Shepherd, and P. R. Myer. 2026. Engineering Probiotic Strain Ligilactobacillus animalis NP51 to Deliver Bovine Interleukin-22 in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Beef Cattle. ASM Microbe Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.</li> <li>Flinchum, R. N., K. Mason, T. N. Rowan, and P. R. Myer. 2026. Microbial Drivers of Feed Efficiency and Enteric Methane Emissions in Forage-Based Beef Cattle Operations. ASM Microbe Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.</li> <li>Flinchum, R. N., K. Mason, T. N. Rowan, and P. R. Myer. 2026. Microbial Drivers of Methane Emissions and Proxy-Based Feed Efficiency in Forage-Based Beef Cattle Operations. ASM Kentucky-Tennessee Branch Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.</li> <li>Hanson, S.; Menezes, A.C.B. Substitution of DDGS with canola meal in finishing diets affects amino acid intake but does not affect post-ruminal amino acid flow and digestibility. 2026 SDSU Animal Science Research and Extension Report. In:  <a href="https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf">https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf</a></li> <li>Hanson, S.; Podversich, F.; Bonilla Urbina, J.; Coble, C.; Smith, Z.K.; Rusche, W.C.; O’Sullivan, R.; Leggett, M.; Menezes, A.C.B. 181 Essential oils impact rumen kinetics but not post-ruminal digestibility in steers fed high-grain finishing diets., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 278–279, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.324">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.324</a></li> <li>Hanson, S.; Wetzel, E.; St-Piere, B.; Gonzalez, J.; Menezes, A.C.B. Effects of DDGS and/or canola meal on rumen microbiome of growing steers. 2026 SDSU Animal Science Research and Extension Report. In: <a href="https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf">https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf</a> </li> <li>Hanson, S.R.; Rusche, W.C.; Smith, Z.K.; Menezes, A.C.B. Substitution of DDGS with canola meal in cattle finishing diets affects amino acid intake but does not affect post-ruminal amino acid flow and digestibility. In: Book of Abstracts of the 8th EAAP International Symposium on Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition (ISEP 2025), 15–18 September 2025, Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany (p. 128). <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035972">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035972</a></li> <li>Hurlbert, J.L.; Swanson, K.C.; Menezes, A.C.B.; Sedivec, K.K.; Dahlen, C.R. Vitamin and mineral supplementation to gestating F0 beef heifers and the impacts on diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, and energy partitioning in the F1 female during pregnancy. In: Book of Abstracts of the 8th EAAP International Symposium on Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition (ISEP 2025), 15–18 September 2025, Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany (p. 192). <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035972">https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035972</a></li> <li>King, M.E., E.A. Briggs, A. King, Z. Ahsan, K. Islam, A. Singh, Z. Yang, N. Ahsan, 49. Alterations in the proteome across subcutaneous adipose depots in finishing beef steers., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 104, Issue Supplement_4, July 2026, skag190.048, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag190.048">doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag190.048</a></li> <li>Menezes, A.C.B. Soybean Byproducts on Beef Cow Nutrition: Potential Impacts on Metabolic and Physiological Parameters. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 104, Issue Supplement_3, April 2026, skag107.268, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag107.268">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag107.268</a></li> <li>Menezes, A.C.B.; Wehrbein, M.A. Optimizing winter feeding: The power of the limit-fed precision energy diet. Online article for BEEF Magazine. In: <a href="https://informamarkets.turtl.co/story/beef-novemberdecember-2025/page/5">https://informamarkets.turtl.co/story/beef-novemberdecember-2025/page/5</a></li> <li>Podversich, F.; Bonilla-Urbina.; Menezes, A.C.B. Essential oils impact rumen kinetics but not post-ruminal digestibility in steers fed high-grain finishing diets. 2026 SDSU Animal Science Research and Extension Report. In: <a href="https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf">https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/S-0056-2026.pdf</a> </li> <li>Ribeiro da Silva, T.; Craner, A.J.; Dahlen, C.R.; Hurlbert, J.L.; Menezes, A.C.B.; Banerjee, P.; Baumgaertner, F.; Bochantin, K.A.; Amat, S.; Sedivec, K.K.; Swanson, K.C.; Diniz, W.J.S. 69 Late-Breaking: Maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation during gestation affects multi-tissue regulatory network in neonatal beef calves., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 156–157, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.188">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.188</a></li> <li>Simeone, P., A. Kobza, D. Gomez de Sousa, S. Collet, P. Kononoff, G.E. Erickson, and K. O’Reilly. 2026. Effect of residual methane production on growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, body composition and gas exchange in growing beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 104 (Suppl_3):skag107-039. doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag107.039">10.1093/jas/skag107.039</a><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag107.039">.</a> (Oral; Awarded 3rdplace in MS competition)</li> <li>Simeone, P., A.M. Kobza, P. Kononoff, G.E. Erickson, and K. O’Reilly. Association of methane production with dry matter intake growth, and feed efficiency in growing beef heifers. UNL Beef Report (2026)</li> <li>Wehrbein, M.A.; Menendez, H.M.; Diniz, W.J.S.; Priyanka, B.; Menezes, A.C.B.  PSXIV-29 Differential placental gene expression in response to winter feeding high-forage and high-concentrate diets in beef cows., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 536–537, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.609">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.609</a></li> <li>Wetzel, E.; Hanson, S.; St-Pierre, B.; Gonzalez-Hernandez, J.L.; Menezes, A.C.B.  PSIV-14 Effects of DDGS and/or canola meal on rumen microbiome of growing steers., Journal of Animal Science, Volume 103, Issue Supplement_3, October 2025, Pages 433–434, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.494">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.494</a></li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Data are changing the way we think about maternal influence on offspring nutrient use efficiencies, development, and lifelong performance. Data are also providing insight into improved on-farm and ranch decisions that will positively impact economic outcomes and beef production system efficiencies. The potential to collect large scale grazing phenotypes for either genetic evaluation or to empower previously impossible research activities is significant. We have begun an annual central grazing performance test and look forward to opening that next year to privately owned animals. Data are providing insights on how different measures of nutrient utilization efficiency could be harnessed in a judicious manner, especially in extensive feeding systems. These findings may contribute to future strategies intended to enhance animal performance, reduce the environmental costs of production, and improve the economic viability of the beef sector. This research can contribute to improving our understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing feed efficiency in beef cattle and provide information needed to develop more effective strategies for selecting and managing cattle across the growing and finishing beef production cycle. Improving the efficiency of nutrient utilization has the potential to reduce feed requirements and production costs while decreasing nutrient losses and environmental impacts per unit of beef produced, thereby improving both the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production.
Improved efficiency of nutrient utilization in beef females often overlooks how nutrients are shared between the dam and offspring. Our research allows for better understanding of nutrient partitioning of beef females to their calves, both during pregnancy and lactation. Preliminary results indicate that fetal growth potential can direct nutrient use and mobilization, especially in nutritionally-stressed females. Given many beef cows undergo periods of inadequate nutrition due to drought or seasonal fluctuation in forage quality or availability, better understanding of nutrient utilization during this period can improve production of weaned calves.
Research conducted during this reporting period generated new knowledge regarding nutritional strategies to improve nutrient utilization, protein metabolism, ruminal function, and developmental programming in beef cattle. Findings from feed additive, protein supplementation, and maternal nutrition studies may inform the future development of management practices intended to improve biological efficiency, reduce nutrient losses, enhance animal productivity, and contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production systems.
Data generated are expected to elucidate the relationship between absorptive efficiency of the rumen and responses to SARA, as well as to provide insights into functions of the epithelial cells that could be manipulated in order to benefit beef cattle production.
Transcriptomic analyses identified biological pathways associated with carcass quality and meat quality traits in beef cattle and sheep, improving understanding of molecular processes associated with variation in economically important livestock traits. The work identified candidate genes and pathways for future investigation while emphasizing the need for additional validation before application in breeding or management programs.
Genomic analyses of Argali sheep provided new information regarding population structure, relatedness, and conservation genetics in Central Asia. Results found no genomic support for separating Marco Polo Argali and Tian Shan Argali within the sampled populations and highlighted the importance of maintaining connectivity among populations for long-term conservation.
This work advances the ability to identify biological factors that contribute to variation in nutrient utilization efficiency in beef cattle. By linking rumen microbial characteristics with animal performance and precision measures of energetic efficiency, Tennessee research is helping define microbial features that may improve how efficient cattle are characterized, particularly in forage-based systems where individual feed intake is difficult to measure. These findings also support the broader W4010 goal of determining whether microbial patterns established across animal development can serve as indicators of later feed efficiency. Ultimately, a better understanding of these host– microbiome relationships could support more informed animal selection and management strategies that improve productivity while reducing unnecessary nutrient and energy losses in beef production systems.
Research conducted during the reporting period advanced understanding of nutrient utilization, feed intake regulation, and feed efficiency in beef cattle through multiple metabolic and molecular research projects. Findings were disseminated through abstracts presented at regional and national scientific meetings, while new experiments were developed to further investigate biological sources of variation in nutrient utilization. Collaboration with W4010 members also helped identify opportunities for future multi-station research addressing nutrient utilization and feed efficiency in beef cattle.