S1013: Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically Adapted

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[08/17/2004] [09/14/2005] [07/07/2006] [07/24/2007] [08/07/2008] [07/23/2009]

Date of Annual Report: 08/17/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/02/2004 - 06/03/2004
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2003 - 06/01/2004

Participants

ÿDon Franke, Animal Sciences Dept., Louisiana State Univ. AgCenter;
Fred Thrift, Animal Science Dept., Univ.of Kentucky;
A.H. Brown, Animal Science Dept., Univ. of Arkansas;
Broc Sandelin, Animal Science Dept., Univ. of Arkansas;
Steve Meadows, Animal Science Dept., Clemson Univ.;
Bill Holloway, Texas Ag. Experiment Station, Texas A&M Univ.;
Bobby G. Warrington, Texas Ag. Experiment Station, Texas A&M Univ.;
Shollie Faulkenberg, Texas Ag. Experiment Station, Texas A&M Univ.;
Andy Herring, Extension Animal Science, Texas A&M Univ.;
Jim Sanders, Dept. of Animal Science, Texas A&M Univ.;
David Riley, USDA-ARS, STARS, Brooksville, FL;
David Morrison, Administrative Advisor, Louisiana Ag. Experiment Station;
Larry V. Cundiff, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE;
Pete Burfening, USDA/CSREES, Washington, DC;
Bob Godfrey, Univ. of the Virgin Islands, Agricultural Experiment Station;
Rhonda Vann, Brown Loam Experiment Station, Mississippi State Univ.;
Gary Hansen, North Florida Research and Education Center, Univ. of Florida;
Zelpha Johnson, Animal Science Dept., Univ. of Arkansas;
Ty Baublits, Animal Science Dept., Univ. of Arkansas;
Samantha Cunningham, Dept. of Animal Science, Texas A&M Univ.;
Johnny Rossi, Animal Science Dept. Univ. of Georgia;
Mike Brown, USDA/ARS Grazinglands Research Lab, El Reno, OK;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held at the USDA/ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, OK. On June 2, Chair B. Holloway appointed members to two committees: 1) Nominating Committee: J. Sanders, D. Franke, and B. Sandelin; 2) Resolutions Committee: R. Vann, F. Thrift, and H. Brown. Presentations were made by H. Mayeux and J. Steiner on the programs of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory.

Station Reports were given: Arkansas - H. Brown, B. Sandelin; Florida - D. Riley; Georgia - J. Rossi; Kentucky - F. Thrift; Louisiana - D. Franke;
Mississippi - R. Vann; Texas - Uvalde, B. Holloway, Texas - McGregor, J. Sanders. The committee then toured Express Ranches, Yukon, OK.

On June 3, R. Vann invited the committee to Raymond, MS for the 2005 meeting. Committee voted to accept the invitation and the meeting was tentatively scheduled June 1 and 2, 2005. Station Reports continued: Nebraska - L. Cundiff;
Oklahoma - M. Brown; Virgin Islands - B. Godfrey. The Administrative report was given by D. Morrison. Mid-term review of S-1013 will occur in 2006. P. Burfening gave an update from CSREES. Recommendations were made regarding the current project. Finalization of S-277 was discussed: 1) A. Herring discussed modeling of data from S-277 project and will proceed; 2) Committee approved setting up a symposium on Characterization and Utilization of Tropically-Adapted Breeds of Cattle. L. Cundiff will coordinate and will contact Southern Section/ASAS officials to schedule. The intention is to hold the symposium in Little Rock, AR in conjunction with ASAS Southern Section meetings on either February 7 or 8, 2005 (Monday or Tuesday). The goal is to present a comprehensive review of all work associated with this topic at each station. A paper from each station will be included and L. Cundiff will explore publication possibilities. No color photographs will be allowed to minimize cost of publication. Each station must contact L. Cundiff by e-mail with a title and approximate length of oral presentation as soon as possible.

Nominating Committee Report: M. Brown, President, D. Riley, President-
elect, and R. Vann, Secretary for 2004-2005 was approved by the technical committee.

Accomplishments

?OBJECTIVE 1. Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status in a three breed diallel mating plan. Crossbred calves born in 2002 and 2003 were generally heavier than straightbreds for birth and weaning traits. Brahman-sired calves out of Angus and Romosinuano dams were much heavier than that of reciprocal cross calves. Estimates of heterosis in weight traits for Angus-Romosinuanowere about 6% of the straightbred average. The estimates for the Romosinuano-Brahman and Brahman-Angus were about 9 and 10%, respectively, for the same traits. ?OBJECTIVE 2. Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States. NEBRASKA USDA/ARS, MARC - Hereford (9 horned and 9 polled sires), Angus (19), Brangus (22), Beefmaster (22), Bonsmara (20), and Romosinuano (20) sires were mated by artificial insemination (AI) to Angus and MARC III (1/4 each of Angus, Hereford, Red Poll, and Pinzgauer) dams to produce F1 cross progeny in 2001 and 2002. Calves are born in mid March through mid April and weaned in the fall at about 205 days of age. Half of the Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romsinuano females being produced at MARC were transferred at about 8 months of age from MARC to Louisiana State University to evaluate Genotype-environment interactions. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - In 1991 and 1992, both Hereford and Angus cows were artificially inseminated to Tuli (n=9), Boran (n=8) and Brahman (n=15) bulls. The F1 females from these matings were retained for the evaluation of lifetime productivity and have produced calves from 1994 to 2004. In addition, in 1996 and 1997, Angus cows were mated to Brahman and Nellore bulls. The F1 females from these matings are being retained for the evaluation of lifetime productivity, but are also part of a heterosis retention study. TEXAS, UVALDE - ?Lifetime performance (growth, pregnancy, lactation and longevity records through seven calf crops) was evaluated for 252 F1 cows. Ninety-three Brahman (Bos indicus), 73 Senepol (Bos taurus) and 86 Tuli (Bos taurus africanus [Sanga]) F1 females were produced during 1992-1995 from Angus cows artificially inseminated to 12 Brahman, 9 Senepol, and 7 Tuli bulls selected to represent bulls in common commercial use and available in the U.S. All females were bred to calve at two years of age. A total of 1471 calf records were evaluated for seven calf crops from these females. Four hundred sixty-eight calving records were collected from the females before maturity (first three calf crops sired by Hereford bulls). Calf records (1005) were evaluated from three calf crops after maturity. ?LOUISIANA, BATON ROUGE- Beefmaster-, Bonsmara-, Brangus-, and Romosinuana-sired heifers were purchased from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center for evaluation in a subtropical environment. US MARC females born in 2001 calved to MARC III bulls in 2003 and to Charolais bulls in 2004. Females born in 2002 calved to MARC III bulls in 2004. For controls, Brahman x Angus F1 females were purchased in the spring of 2003 and calved first in 2004 to MARC III bulls. OKLAHOMA USDA/ARS, GRL - Brangus cows (n=240) were bred by artificial insemination to Charolais (n=15), Gelbvieh (n=15), Hereford (n=15), Romosinuano (n=15), Bonsmara (n=15), and Brangus (n=15) sires and Hereford, Bonsmara, and Brangus sires were used as natural service cleanup sires. Preweaning and postweaning performance has been evaluated for the 2002 and 2003 calf crops. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano (n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status. Breeding herds of about 30 cows (10 of each breed) were exposed to a single sire for 90 days beginning March 20. ?OBJECTIVE 3. Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - A genomics project has been initiated to find genes with major effects on cow fertility traits and major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. Embryo transfer families of F2 Nellore/Angus calves are being produced, with the goal of twenty heifers per family in ten families. The families are all out of ten donor cows and by a total of four bulls. The first calves from this study were born in the spring 2003. In addition, calves are produced annually by mating F1 Angus-Nellore sires by natural service to F1 and F2 Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Angus dams, producing half-sib families. The four sires of the embryo transfer families are included in the bulls that produce these natural service calves. The natural service calves identified as being sired by these four bulls are evaluated in the same way as the embryo transfer calves. The cattle in the project will be scored for disposition shortly after weaning and at about eighteen months of age. In addition, the females ?will be scored at the time their calves are weaned in each following year. A panel of four evaluators will score each animal for aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall disposition. TEXAS, UVALDE - Two studies were performed to relate animal temperament to performance, carcass merit, and beef quality including tenderness. In study 1, 208 Bonsmara x Angus spring born steers were weaned in the fall, backgrounded on rye winter pasture, went on feed May 22, and were harvested on August 28th and September 23rd, 2003. ?Animals were scored on June 17th and August 22nd for temperament (pen score: 1-7 score with 7 being the most aggressive). Exit velocity from the chute was also recorded as time in seconds required to travel six feet. Routine carcass data was collected at harvest and Warner-Bratzler shear analysis was determined at Texas A&M. Neither temperament scores or exit velocity was related to WBS. In study 2, 139 steers were weaned and randomly allotted to destination on November 11, 2002. Sixty-two were shipped to Uvalde and 77 head were shipped to Overton. Cattle at both locations were backgrounded on cool-season annual pastures until May 14 when they were shipped to a feedlot and later harvested. Routine carcass data was recorded and a one inch rib section was taken from each animal at the 12-13th rib for Warner Bratzler Shear. ?In preliminary analyses, no relationship has been shown between temperament and WBS. ARKANSAS - Fecal egg counts and chute temperament scores were determined on 153 spring born purebred Angus calves that represented 11 sires. Calves were weaned in the fall (2003). Fecal samples were obtained for each calf and fenbendazole administered orally at the rate of 4.6 ml/100 lb body weight and chute temperament scores were assigned to each calf according to the 1 ? 5 scale modified from the scoring system of Grandlin (1998). Weight, fecal samples, and chute temperament scores were determined 45 days later. Body weights and chute scores will be determined in subsequent 45 day intervals until July 2004. GEORGIA, TIFTON - Two trials were conducted evaluating the relationship of exit velocity (EV) and feedlot performance. In trial 1, 64 yearling Angus, Braford, and Brangus steers were used whereas in trial 2, one hundred fifty-four newly weaned Angus steers were measured. Feedlot ADG was negatively associated with EV in trial 2 but not in trial 1. In trial 1, shear force was negatively correlated with EV. Yield grade and marbling scores were not correlated with EV, although dressing percent was positively correlated. Lung score was negatively correlated with EV in trial 1. LOUISIANA, JEANERETTE - Forty fall-weaned Angus heifers were evaluated to assess growth, fecal egg count, temperament, and hair coat traits. Heifers were orally administered fenbendazole (10mg/kg) on day 0 and fecal samples were obtained on days 0, 11, 21, 28, 46, 96, 134, 181, and 228. Hair coat luster and length were obtained on days 46, 96, 181, and 228. Heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 1, 181, and 228. Simple correlations suggest that exit velocity is negatively associated with periodic liveweight and that hair luster and length are negatively associated with fecal egg count. LOUISIANA, HOMER - A total of 114 Angus-, Charolais-, and Simmental-sired calves were evaluated for temperament and growth traits at weaning, and twice during the postweaning period. Chute temperament score and exit velocity were used to evaluate temperament. Associations among temperament and postweaning growth traits were generally non-significant. LOUISIANA, BATON ROUGE - Angus, Braford and Brahman purebred heifers will be evaluated postweaning to 15 months of age for temperament and parasite resistance. MISSISSIPPI, BROWN LOAM - Three studies using Angus crossbred steers were conducted to evaluate effects of breed of sire, age of dam, and gender on exit velocity (EV, m/s), chute temperament score (CS) and pen temperament score (PS) and measure relationships between EV, CS and PS. Angus crossbred calves (n=352) were assigned a pen score scale of 1 to 5, with 1=non-aggressive, not excited by humans or facilities; to 5=very aggressive, excited, runs into fences, ?combative?); calves were weighed on a platform scale and assigned a chute score. Calves were released into a hydraulic squeeze chute and restrained, while in the squeeze chute a blood sample was collected and serum harvested for analysis of cortisol concentrations. EV was measured using a laser-timing device (FarmTek) over approximately 1.83 m from the chute (m/s). In studies 1 and 2, breed of sire had no effect on the variation in EV, but differences existed between steers and heifers. PS was better correlated with EV than with CS. Dam EV had the strongest correlation with calf EV. In study 3 (a grazing study), EV and PS tended to be negatively correlated with calf production traits. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - Steers from the Angus, Brahman, and Romosinuano diallel matings were assessed for temperament at weaning in the fall and 24 and 72 hours later using exit velocity, chute score and pen score measurements. They were then shipped to the Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, OK, and were placed on winter wheat pasture. Weight, exit velocity, and chute temperament score were recorded monthly. They were placed on feed the first week of May and harvested serially after 97, 125, and 153 d on feed. Brahman and Brahman cross calves had the highest temperament measures near weaning indicating more nervous/aggressive behavior. Direct breed effects appear to be the important genetic effect rather than heterosis. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Preliminary contacts have been made with local Senepol ranchers to use their cattle for the temperament and DNA data collection. Calves will be evaluated for chute score and exit velocity beginning in the summer of 2004 on 2 ranches. DNA will be collected from animals as they become available. This will most likely be in the form of blood samples collected to harvest white blood cells. KENTUCKY - A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 200 cows is being utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and traits of economic importance. To gain experience utilizing the temperament scoring system, temperament of 151 2003 spring-born calves was evaluated at weaning utilizing the following scoring system outlined in the regional project proposal: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. To facilitate a genetic tie between three locations participating in this objective, a sample of calves sired by the Angus sire, Bon View New Design 878, are being produced at the Kentucky, Louisiana and Arkansas stations. It is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament is associated with traits of economic importance. ?OBJECTIVE 4. Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano (n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status to be used in a three breed diallel mating plan. White blood cells were isolated and stored from the calves from the 2002 and 2003 calf crops and their parents. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - For the cattle in the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) is collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles are saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample is collected from each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objective 2 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets at College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for the first two calf crops (spring and fall 2003) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning.

Publications

?Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Breed comparisons of weight, weight adjusted for condition score, height, and condition score of beef cows. Professional Animal Scientist. p. 15-26. Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Comparisons of Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, Salers, and Shorthorn breeds for weight, weight adjusted for condition score, height, and condition score of cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82. p 74-84. Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Covariance functions ? random regression models for cow weight in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. p. 54-67. Brown, M. A., Brown, A. H., and Sandelin, B. 2003. Seasonal weight changes and prepartum weight:height ratio in Angus and Brahman cows grazing common bermudagrass or endophyte-infected tall fescue. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:342-349. Casas, E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Maternal grandsire, granddam, and sire breed effects on growth and carcass traits of crossbred cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:904-911. Chase, C. C., Jr., Riley, D. G., Olson, T. A., Coleman, S. W. and Hammond, A. C. Maternal and reproductive performance of Brahman x Angus, Senepol x Angus, and Tuli x Angus cows in the subtropics. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted March, 2004. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. Accuracy of predicting weight and percentage of beef carcass retail product using real-time ultrasound and live animal measures. J. Anim. Sci. 81:466-473. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. Prediction of retail product weight and percentage using real-time ultrasound and carcass measurements in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1736-1742. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. The relationship between real-time ultrasound measurements and carcass fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:676-682. Koch, R. M., L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2004. Genetic response to selection for weaning weight or yearling weight or yearling weight and muscle score in Hereford cattle: Efficiency of gain, growth, and carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. 82. p. 668-682. Lunstra, D. D., and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Growth and pubertal development in Brahman-, Boran-, Tuli-, Belgian Blue-, Hereford- and Angus-sired F1 bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1414-1426. Nephawe, K. A., L. V. Cundiff, M. E. Dikeman, J. D. Crouse, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2004. Genetic relationships between sex-specific traits in beef cattle: Mature weight, weight adjusted for body condition score, height and body condition score of cows, and carcass traits of their steer relatives. J. Anim. Sci. 82:647-653. Riley, D. G., Gray, J. T., Loneragan, G. H., Barling, K. S. and Chase, C. C., Jr. 2003. Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence in fecal samples of cattle from a southeastern beef cow-calf herd. J. Food Prot. 66:1778-1782. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Olson, T. A., Coleman, S. W. and Hammond, A. C. 2004. Genetic and non-genetic influences on vigor at birth and preweaning mortality of purebred and high percentage Brahman calves. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1581-1588. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Pringle, T. D., West, R. L., Johnson, D. D., Olson, T. A., Hammond, A. C. and Coleman, S. W. 2003. Effect of sire on ?- and m-calpain activity and rate of tenderization as indicated by myofibrillar fragmentation indices of steaks from Brahman cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:2440-2447. Thrift, F. A., and T. A. Thrift. 2003. Review: Longevity attributes of Bos indicus x Bos taurus crossbred cows. Professional Animal Scientist 19:329-341. Wheeler, T. L., L. V. Cundiff, S. D. Shackelford, and M. Koohmaraie. 2004. Characterization of biological types of cattle (Cycle VI): Carcass, yield, and longissimus palatability traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1177-1189. ABSTRACTS: Brown, M. A., Coleman, S. W., and Lalman, D. L., 2004. Relationship of sire estimated progeny differences to milk yield in Brangus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2). 2004 Southern Section Meetings. Brown, Jr., A. H., Z. B. Johnson, J. A. Hornsby, B. A. Sandelin, and R. T. Baublits. 2004. Postpartum maternal behavior score and preweaning calf performance in six breed groups of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):6. Coleman, S. W., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Phillips, W. A., Horne, W. J. and Byrd, J. H. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):5(Abstr.). Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Maternal performance of Hereford, Angus, Red Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Charolais sired two-year-old crossbred females. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1). p. 86. Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Birth and weaning traits of topcross progeny of Hereford, Angus, Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano sires. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):8. (Abstract No. 32.) Cundiff. L. V., T. L. Wheeler, S. D. Shackelford, and M. Koohmaraie. Feed efficiency of F1 cross steers by British and Continental European sire breeds. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Supp.1) p. 6. (Abstract No. 21) DeRouen. S. M. and F. A. Thrift. 2004. Maternal and reproductive performance of crossbred cows mated to moderate or high weaning weight EPD sires. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1): (Abstr.). Ellis, R. W., G. P. Rupp, P. J. Chenoweth, L. V. Cundiff, and D. D. Lunstra. 2003. Effects of testicular and seminal changes on fertility of yearling beef bulls. Proc. Soc. Theriogenology Ann. Conf. (Abstract) Ellis, R. W., G. P. Rupp, P. J. Chenoweth, L. V. Cundiff, and D. D. Lunstra. 2003. Marked physical changes occur in yearling beef bulls during natural breeding. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):144. (Abstract No. 568) Gargantini, G., L. V. Cundiff, D. D. Lunstra, L. D. Van Vleck. Genetic relationships between male and female reproductive traits in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Supp.1) p. 6. (Abstract No. 18) Martinez, G. E., R. M. Koch, L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, S. D. Kachman, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2003. Estimate of heritability and genetic change for survival of Hereford cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):8. (Abstract No. 31.) Phillips, W. A., Coleman, S. W., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr. and Mayeux, H. S. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Stocker and feedlot gains. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):5(Abstr.). Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., and Olson, T. A. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Preweaning calf traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.). Snowder, G. D., L. V. Cundiff, R. M. Koch, and K. E. Gregory. 2003. Germplasm evaluation in beef cattle: Cycle IV: Post weaning growth and feed efficiency. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):9. (Abstract No. 34.) Snowder, G., L. D. Van Vleck, L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, and G. Bennett, 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters for respiratory disease in beef calves before weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl.1). p. 88-89. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2003. Breed of sire and gender effects on chute exit velocity and chute temperament score in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1) 81:121; Presented at the American Society of Animal Science Joint ADSA-ASAS National Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, June 22-26, 2003. Vann, R. C., J. F. Baker, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between measures of cow and calf temperament and live animal body composition traits in calves at weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 82:24(Suppl. 1); Presented at American Society of Animal Science-Southern Section, Feb. 14-18, 2004. Vann, R. C. and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationship between measures of temperament and carcass traits in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. (TBA); Presented at American Society of Animal Science, St. Louis, MO, July 25-29, 2004. Vann, R. C., B. Macoon, J. D. Perkins, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth traits in crossbred steers. J. Anim. Sci. 82:25(Suppl. 1); Presented at American Society of Animal Science-Southern Section, Feb. 14-18, 2004. Wheeler, T. L., S. D. Shackelford, L. V. Cundiff, and M. Koohmaraie. Carcass yield, and palatability traits of steer progeny of Hereford,k Angus, Brangus, Beefmaster, Nonsmara, and Romsinuano sires. Proc. 56th Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference. Columbia, MO. p.113. PROCEEDINGS: Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Implications of breed evaluations. Page p. M-7-M-28. in Proc. 49th Ann. Beef Cattle Short Course, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX. August 4-6, 2003. (Proceedings) Snowder, G., D. Van Vleck, L. Cundiff, K. Gregory, and G. Bennett. 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters for respiratory disease in beef calves before weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):88-89. (Abstract No. 351) Van Vleck, L. D. and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Across-breed EPD tables for the year 2003 adjusted to breed differences for birth year of 2001. Pages 55-63 in Proceedings Beef Improvement Federation 35th Research Symposium & Annual Meeting, Lexington, KY. (Conference Proceedings) Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth performance in beef cattle. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:93-94. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between cow and calf temperament and live animal body composition traits in beef calves. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:95-96. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and live animal body composition traits in crossbred stocker steers. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:97-98. PROGRESS REPORTS: Cundiff, L. V., T. L Wheeler, K. E. Gregory, S. D. Shackelford, R. M. Thallman, G. D. Snowder, and L. D. Van Vleck. Preliminary results from Cycle VII of the Cattle Germplasm Evaluation Program at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Available www.marc.usda.gov. online information. USDA, ARS. 2004. Germplasm Evaluation Program Progress Report No. 22. p. 01-15. Vann, R. C., R. D. Randel, and J. F. Baker. 2003. Interrelationships between temperament and productive traits in beef cattle. MAFES Information Bulletin 399:28. Vann, R. C., B. Macoon, J. D. Perkins, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth traits in crossbred steers grazing forages in central Mississippi. MAFES Information Bulletin, March 2004, 406:30(Abstr.). Vann, R. C. and R. D. Randel. 2004 Breed of sire and gender effects on chute exit velocity and chute temperament score in crossbred beef calves. MAFES Information Bulletin, March 2004, 406:31(Abstr.).

Impact Statements

Heterosis expressed by crosses of non-Bos indicus tropically adapted breeds with traditional breeds is needed to allow beef producers in the Southern Region the opportunity to make the most appropriate choices of breeds to use in crossbreeding programs.
ÿIdentification of alternative tropically adapted breeds to those traditionally employed in theÿ Southern Region could have a large impact on profitability of beef enterprises.
ÿHeat-adapted Bos taurus breeds have the potential of providing both the productivity and the meat quality needed for efficient production of products desireable to consumers.
Temperament has been shown to be related to beef quality and animal performance and parasite resistance is important in reducing the cost of production. Determining the genetic variation in both of these traits is important in the design of beef cattle selection programs.
ÿGenetic markers have been developed to provide assistance in selecting cattle for productivity and eating satisfaction. It is important to establish these relationships for subpopulations of interest.

Date of Annual Report: 09/14/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/01/2005 - 06/02/2005
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2004 - 06/01/2005

Participants

Franke, Don (dfranke@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; DeRouen, Sid (sderouen@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Brown, A.H. (hbrown@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Wyatt, Wayne (wwyatt@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Dore, Ryan (rdore@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Holloway, Bill (jw-holloway@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Canal, Mike (mcanal@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Humes, Paul (phumes@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Herring, Andy (adherring@ag.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Sanders, Jim (jim-sanders@ansc.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Riley, David (dgriley@mail.ifas.edu) - USDA-ARS, STARS; Morrison, David (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU Ag Center; Cundiff, Larry V. (cudniff@email.marc.usda.gov) - US Meat Animal Research Center; Burfening, Pete (pburfening@csrees.usda.gov) - USDA/CSREES; Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands; Vann, Rhonda (rev2@ra.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Randel, Ron (r-randel@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Johnson, Zelpha (zelphaj@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Kiser, Terry (tkiser@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Boyd, Mike (mboyd@ads.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Brown, Mike (mbrown@grl.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS; Fengqin, Gao (gaofq@grl.ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS; Xiangzu, Wang (wangxz@grl.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual S-1013 regional project meeting entitled Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically adapted breeds was called to order on June 1 and 2, 2005 at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, located in Raymond, MS. Welcome was given my Mr. Butch Withers, Head of the Central MS Research and Extension Center, providing an overview of MAFES units and centers. Dr. Don Parker, Interim Facilities Coordinator, for the MAFES-Brown Loam Experiment Station, highlighted some of his research with the Southwestern corn borer, insect refuges for crops and host-plant resistance. Dr. Bisoondat Macoon, Forage Agronomist, discussed several of his research projects involving perennial peanuts, fescue, forage variety trials, and bacterial loading in intermittent streams.

Chairman, Dr. Mike Brown (El Reno, OK), gave his opening remarks and asked all attendees to introduce themselves and location. There were 24 attendees representing 9 states and including one USDA representative. He announced members of this years nominating committee which included: Larry Cundiff, Zelpha Johnson, and Bill Holloway; resolutions committee: Sid DeRouen, Andy Herring, and Johnny Rossi. He announced that member reports would be given in alphabetical order by state.

Dr. Hayden Brown gave the research report for Arkansas, highlighting their contribution to Objective 3. Dr. David Riley gave the research report for Florida, highlighting their contribution to Objective 1, 2, 3 and 4, involving the Romosinuano cattle breed and crosses with Angus. Dr. Johnny Rossi, provided the report for Georgia (Tifton), for their contribution to Objective 3. Dr. Fred Thrift from Kentucky was not in attendance but forwarded his report by e-mail to the committee. Dr. Don Franke from LSU gave the first report for Louisiana for their contribution to Objective 2 and 3. Dr. Wayne Wyatt, provided the Iberia Station report for LA and discussed their contribution to objective 3. Dr. Sid DeRouen provided the Hill Farm Station report for LA for their contribution to objective 3. Dr. Rhonda Vann, provided the Brown Loam Experiment Station report for MS for their contribution to objective 3 and provided a summarization of method of pen score evaluation. Dr. Larry Cundiff, provided the MARC report for their contribution to objectives 1 and 2, and highlighted some cooperative research with LSU. Dr. Mike A. Brown, provided the USDA-ARS, GRL (El Reno) report for Oklahoma for their contribution to objectives 1 and 2, highlighting extensive and intensive native range grazing. Dr. Jim Sanders provided the first Texas A&M University report highlighting work done at the McGregor Station on their contributions to objectives 2, 3 and 4. In addition, he discussed in further detail their pen score evaluation method. Dr. Bill Holloway provided the second Texas A&M University report representing TAES-Uvalde and their contributions to objectives 2 and 3, he highlighted some research involving phenotype x environment interactions with cows equipped with GPS units. Dr. Bob Godfrey provided the final station report for the University of the Virgin Islands for their contribution to objective 3 involving Senepol cattle.

Chairman, Mike Brown then directed the committee to be thinking about tomorrows discussions concerning the S-1013 publication on Tropically Adapted Breeds symposium at last years Southern Section meeting; how to go about pooling data between and across units and objectives and the milk EPD data. The committee broke for lunch and for tours of the MAFES-Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station (Raymond, MS) and Gaddis Farms in Bolton, MS.

On June 2, 2005, the meeting as called to order and resumed by Chairman, Mike Brown, and was opened with discussion on location of next years meeting. First choice was Kentucky, and second was Arkansas, it was suggested to contact Dr. Thrift on his willingness to host next years meeting and otherwise would meet in Arkansas if Kentucky was unavailable, the motion was moved my Dr. Jim Sanders and seconded by Dr. Hayden Brown, with all attendees in favor with no opposition. Possible dates would be the week of June 5 to 9, 2006. Dr. Larry Cundiff discussed the S-1013 publication on the Tropically Adapted Breeds symposium and method of publication as well as dedication of publication to Dr. Gregory, all committee members were in unanimous agreement to this dedication. In addition, be sure that this publication highlights that these research data were contributions from the S-243, S-277 and etc, regional projects. The next discussion involved the previous regional project work, S-277, on milk production and stress data. Discussion of any remaining publications needed on the data and which areas were of highest priority for publication. Dr. Don Franke suggested that Dr. Mike Boyd and Dr. Andy Herring be involved with final analyses of the milk and stress data and make a presentation at next years meeting. S-1013 objective coordinators were assigned as follows: Objective 1 Drs. David Riley and Mike Brown; Objective 2 Drs. Jim Sanders and Andy Herring; Objective 3 Dr. Hayden Brown; and Objective 4 Dr. Jim Sanders. Also standardization of the temperament data was discussed. Dr. David Morrison provided the administrative advisor comments. He highlighted that the station report handouts were very important and to make sure and send an electronic copy to the chairman to aid in formation of his annual report and to provide important accomplishments and impact statements in reports. Dr. Peter Burfening provided the USDA-CSREES report highlighting CSREES budgets, funding opportunities and deadlines, staff changes and assignments.

Mike Brown pointed out that the current offices were as follows: Chaiman Dr. Mike Brown, Chair-elect Dr. David Riley, and Secretary Dr. Rhonda Vann. Dr. Bill Holloway provided the nominating committees decision to nominate Dr. Sid DeRouen for secretary, the motion was moved by Dr. Hayden Brown and seconded by Dr. Don Franke, with all members in favor of motion. Next years offices will be as follows: Chaiman Dr. David Riley, Chair-elect Dr. Rhonda Vann and secretary Dr. Sid DeRouen. Dr. Sid DeRouen read the Resolutions report, the motion was made my Dr. Mike Boyd for acceptance of resolutions and seconded by Dr. Hayden Brown with all members in agreement. Dr. Mike Brown stated appreciation to Dr. Vann and members of the CMREC and Brown Loam staff for their hospitality. He assigned Dr. Riley to contact Fred Thrift about hosting next years meeting. Dr. Don Franke made the motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Dr. Andy Herring, with all members in agreement. Meeting was adjourned, lunch provided and a tour of the Hinds Community College Bull Evaluation Center was available to interested individuals.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. ARS-Florida There has been recent interest in non-Zebu tropically-adapted breeds such as the Criollo Romosinuano cattle from South America. In 2001, Angus (n=150, Brahman (n~180, and Romosinuano (n~190) were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status. Breeding herds of about 30 cows each (10 of each breed) were exposed to a single sire for 90 days beginning March 20. Calves were born from late December through April of each year. In this three-way diallel for most calf traits, estimates of heterosis for Angus-Romosinuano were about 6% of the straightbred average, and those for Romosinuano-Brahman and Brahman-Angus were about 10%. These estimates of breed direct and maternal genetic effects and heterosis will facilitate performance prediction for crossbred cattle in subtropical areas of the United States, and will help cow-calf producers make breed selection decisions. ARS-Nebraska To limit costs of production and improve efficiency of production a strong influence of tropically adapted germplasm is needed in subtropical regions of the U.S. In the hotter and more humid climates of the Gulf Coast, about 50:50 ratios of Bos indicus to Bos taurus inheritance may be optimal. A little further north (e.g., Southeastern Oklahoma, central Arkansas, Tennessee and parts of North Carolina), 25:75 ratios of Bos indicus: Bos taurus inheritance may be optimal in cowherds. In temperate climates (e.g., Nebraska), crosses with 50% or more Bos indicus inheritance suffer increased mortality when calves are born in colder seasons and reduced average daily gains in feedlots during winter months. Use of F1 Brahman cross cows, Nellore, or Boran Fl cross cows or rotational crossing of composite breeds such as Beefmaster, Brangus, Bonsmara, or Santa Gertrudis are especiaHy appropriate in subtropical environments. If replacement requirements for suitably adapted females are met and terminal crossing is feasible, then a Bos taurus breed can be used to optimize carcass and meat characteristics and increase market value of terminal cross slaughter progeny. In developing composite populations with an overall level of 50% tropical adaptation, it may be appropriate to substitute a portion (e.g., 25%) of non Bos indicus germplasm for Bos indicus germplasm from such breeds as the Tuli, Romosinuano, or Senepole to maintain tropical adaptation and improve meat tenderness, provided they are crossed with other breeds that optimize size and growth rate. However, additional research is needed to determine optimum contributions of Bos indicus, British Bos taurus, Continental Bos taurus, tropically adapted Sanga breeds, and tropically adapted Criollo breeds from Central and South America in beef production in subtropical environments of the U.S. Objective 2. Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States ARS-Florida The accomplishments for Objective 2 are incorporated into the discussion for objective 1 above. Louisiana Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuana-sired cows had similar calving rates at two years of age. Brahman x Angus F1 cows had a lower calving rate for the first calf because most of these heifers were purchased at younger ages and they had not reached puberty by the end of the first breeding season. Bonsmara- and Romosinuana-sired cows required more calving assistance at two years of age than Beefmaster-, Brangus- and Brahman-sired F1 females. MARC 3-sired calves from Brahman x Angus F1 cows gained faster during the preweaning period and were heavier at weaning than calves from the other breed types of dams. Calving rates for the second calf by Charolais bulls were higher for Beefmaster and Bonsmara-sired cows than other breed types of cows. No difference in calving assistance due to sire breed of cow was noted for the second calf. The Brahman x Angus F1 cow is considered one of the best types for Louisiana commercial cow-calf production. If one of the other breed types of cows being evaluated is competitive with the Brahman x Angus F1 cow then this breed type should be considered by Louisiana producers. Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuana sired females will produce calves from Charolais sires in 2006. Cows will be 4 and 5 years old at this time. Reproductive, birth, weaning, feedlot and carcass data will be collected on these calves. ARS-Nebraska The accomplishments for Objective 2 are incorporated into the discussion for objective 1 above. ARS-Oklahoma Preweaning and postweaning performance has been evaluated for the 2002, 2003, and 2004 calf crops. Differences in 205-d weights were nominal with a trend for Charolais-sired calves to be heaviest at weaning and Brangus- and Romosinuano-sired calves lightest. Differences in postweaning ADG in drylot were small with a trend for Hereford to be lowest in ADG. Trends in wheat pasture gains suggested lower ADG in Bonsmara and Romosinuano sire calves. The 2005 calf crop is on the ground. Other preliminary analyses of calf data are in progress. Sire breed has an important influence on both preweaning and postweaning performance. These preliminary results provide information on potential preweaning and postweaning performance of calves sired by Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Brangus, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano breeds bred to Brangus cows. Phase II heifers (n=200) will be synchronized and bred AI to Maine-Anjou sires in the spring and summer of 2005. Fifty Phase II cows will be milked to determine relationships between dam maternal performance and calf stocker performance. Texas McGregor Station: There has been recent interest in non-Zebu tropically-adapted breeds such as the Boran and Tuli breeds. Of the cows born in 1992 and 1993 and sired by Tuli, Boran and Brahman bulls, productivity has been highest in the Boran cross cows. Although they have also had higher calf crop born than the Brahman and Tuli crosses, much of their advantage in calf crop weaned has been due to higher survival rates in their calves. Of the cows born in 1997 and 1998, productivity has been higher in the Nellore crosses than the Brahman crosses. Cows sired by Nellore and Boran bulls and out of cows of the British beef breeds have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions. Evaluation of calf performance and cow productivity will be continued. The cows in the Tuli / Boran / Brahman comparison are currently being bred to Angus bulls. The Brahman / Angus F1 females in the heterosis retention study that were born in 1997 and 1998 are being mated to Nellore / Angus F1 bulls. The Nellore / Angus F1 cows that were born in 1997 and 1998 are being mated to Angus bulls. Uvalde Station: Brahman-, Senepol-,and Tuli-sired females, born in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995, are being evaluated as to their longevity. The performance of Bonsmara-influenced females is being evaluated in terms of reproductive rate, survivability, growth characteristics, and meat quality. Tuli-Angus females weaned more kg of calf/100 kg of cow exposed than Brahman-Angus or Senepol-Angus females. Objective 3. Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. Parasite resistance: Arkansas In the first year of a five-year study, 96 purebred Angus calves were available for the study. Calves were the progeny of 11 sires, one of which is New Design 878, the in common sire among participating locations in the Southeast. The pedigree of each calf and the pedigrees of its sire and dam are recorded in the herd book of the American Angus Association. Performance data for each calf are recorded in the Angus Herd Improvement Program. In the fall of 2004, at weaning (WN) fecal egg count, temperament score, weight, hip height were determined for each calf. At weaning each calf received 4.6-mL/100 lb body weight of fenbendazole anthelmintic. Body weight, fecal egg count, and temperament score were determined at WN, WN + 21 d, and WN + 66 d. Mean calf body weight and hip height at WN were 264.44 kg and 116.84 cm, respectively. Mean temperament scores at WN and WN +66 d were 1.75 and 1.6, respectively, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being most docile. Mean fecal egg counts at WN, WN + 21 d, and WN + 66 d were 143 with a range of 0 to 827, 22 with a range of 0 to 104, and 90 with a range of 0 to 582, respectively. Mean calf body weight at WN + 66 d was 648 lb, which represented an 11% increase in mean body weight. These observations will continue to be recorded through July of 2005. This one-year of data suggest individual animal variation for temperament score and fecal egg count. Louisiana At the Iberia Research Station, data were collected for the second year of the study. A decision was made to include both Angus and Brangus heifers in the second year of the study. Determination of the exact parentage of the Brangus heifers will have to be determined by DNA analyses. Results based upon preliminary data and analyses preclude conclusive statements regarding the data. Beef animals characterized (low or high) for periodic fecal egg count, hair luster score, and hair length score may differ in terms of productivity. The project entered the second year (i.e., the second set of weaned heifers) in October, 2004 and findings to-date should be regarded as preliminary and inconclusive. However, the extent to which nematode parasitism in beef cattle is affected by host genetics should be of great importance to beef producers. In accordance with the study protocol, additional liveweight, fecal egg count, hair coat luster and length, temperament, and reproductive data will be collected (days 270 and 600) on the current Angus and Brangus heifers. Similar data will be collected on weanling Angus and Brangus heifers, beginning in October, 2005. A common AI sire was used in the 2004 and 2005 spring breeding seasons for the purpose of generating Angus heifers to be born in 2005 and 2006 and subsequently included in the study as replacement heifers. At the Central Research Station, differences in fecal egg counts were not detected between Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers, most likely due to small numbers of heifers. Additional data will be added each year and as numbers increase differences in fecal egg counts may emerge if they are real. Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers born in 2006 will be evaluated for temperament and fecal egg counts. The identification of genetic variation and genetic markers for parasite resistance could result in a reduction in use of deworming agents in the beef industry. Disposition/Temperament: Florida Although significant heterosis was detected for chute score in both Angus-Romosinuano and Brahman-Angus crosses, and for pen score in Brahman-Romosinuano crosses, direct breed effects appeared to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. Georgia Exit speed velocity has no correlation with feedlot ADG, carcass marbling, or yield grade. Cattle with greater exit speed velocities have an increased dressing percent and lower shear force values (Trial 1). Future plans for the coming year are to continue to collect exit speed data on Angus, Braford, and Brangus heifers through weaning of their first calf. Collect exit speed data for Angus, Braford, and Brangus steer calves through yearling age and collect feedlot performance and carcass data. Collect exit speed data and feedlot and carcass characteristics on Angus and Angus Charolais crossbred calves. Collect exit speed data and performance and pregnancy data of developing heifers. Kentucky A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 200 cows is being utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and traits of economic importance. To gain experience utilizing the temperament scoring system, temperament of 151 2003 spring-born calves was evaluated at weaning utilizing the following scoring system outlined in the regional project proposal: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. Preliminary results indicate little association of temperament scores with weaning weight. It is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament is associated with traits of economic importance Louisiana At the Central Research Station in Baton Rouge, temperament score data were completed on 5 Angus, 10 Braford, and 7 Brahman heifers in 2004. It is difficult to determine differences or trends due to small numbers in the first year of this study. At the Hill Farm Research Station, chute score (CS) and exit velocity (EV) in July by sire breed were: 2.02 and 2.11 m/s for Angus-sired (n=55) and 2.08 and 2.49 m/s for Charolais-sired calves (n=98) with EV differing (P<0.04) by sire breed. Chute score, EV, and 205-d weights by sire breed at weaning were: 2.24, 2.21 m/s, and 242 kg for Angus-sired and 1.99, 2.21 m/s, and 256 kg for Charolais-sired calves with 205-d weight differing by sire breed (P<0.03) but not for CS and EV. Postweaning chute score and EV in April were similar among sire breeds and were: 1.98 and 2.12 m/s for Angus-sired and 2.04 and 2.31 m/s for Charolais-sired stockers. Associations among temperament measurements and growth traits indicated no significant correlations except for July chute score with 205-d weight which resulted in a positive association. Chute score and EV in July for yearling replacement heifers were: 2.19 and 2.15 m/s for Angus-sired heifers and 2.44 and 2.40 m/s for BH heifers and were similar. Chute score and EV at palpation were: 2.19 and 1.93 m/s for Angus-sired heifers and 2.12 and 2.11 m/s for BH heifers with these traits not differing by breed type. Summer weight gains, September body weights, and pregnancy rates among Angus-sired and BH heifers did not differ. Associations among temperament measurements, body weight, growth rate, and pregnancy rate were studied and no correlation coefficients were important. Temperament measurements, in general, were similar during the pre- and postweaning phase for Angus- and Charolais-sired calves. With the exception of July chute score being positively associated with 205-d weight, there were no important associations between growth traits and temperament measurements. Temperament measurements were similar for Angus-sired and F1 Brahman-Hereford replacement heifers. There were no important correlations between heifer growth and pregnancy rate with temperament measurements. Temperament, growth, and reproductive traits will be evaluated in 2005-06 production year. Replacement heifers (n=44) born in spring 2004 will continue to be evaluated for temperament, growth and first exposure reproductive performance. Calves born in spring 2005 (n=183) will be evaluated for temperament and growth performance during the preweaning phase. Approximately 75 calves will be sold at weaning in September and the remaining calves will be retained and evaluated during the postweaning phase in 2005-06. At the Iberia Research Station, 40 weaned Angus heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 0, 181, 228, and 270 after weaning in 2003. In 2004, 29 Angus and 31 Brangus heifers were evaluated on days 0, 143, and 190 following weaning. Beef animals characterized (low or high) for periodic chute temperament score and chute exit velocity may differ in terms of productivity. The extent of genetic variation affecting temperament in beef cattle should also be of importance to beef producers. In accordance with the study protocol, additional liveweight, temperament, and reproductive data will be collected (days 270 and 600) on the current Angus and Brangus heifers. Mississippi Study 1: Breed of sire was not a significant source of variation in chute exit velocity however differences existed between steers and heifers. Although the correlation coefficients between exit velocity and temperament score were significantly different from zero the magnitudes were only moderate. In this case, pen score had a better correlation with exit velocity than chute score. Exit velocity may be the preferred method of measurement due to the subjective nature of the chute and pen temperament scores. Study 2: Breed of sire was not a significant source of variation in chute exit velocity; however differences existed between steers and heifers. Individual sire and gender of calf did influence body composition traits at weaning. The moderate association between measurements of temperament and body composition would suggest that larger calves tended to be faster and less calm. Although correlation coefficients between exit velocity and temperament score were significantly different from zero, the magnitudes were only moderate. In this case, dam EV had the strongest correlation with calf EV. This would indicate that selection for EV within the cow herd would improve temperament of calves produced. Texas McGregor Station: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare temperament assessments, using multiple techniques, over repeated observations to gauge temperament over the long-term and (2) to evaluate the relationship of the temperament appraisals with serum concentrations of cortisol (CS). Measures of temperament were gathered over 3 repeated observations (60-d interval) of yearling, fall-born Brahman bulls (initial BW=320 ± 4 kg; n=66). Temperament assessments included exit velocity (EV), the rate at which the bulls exited the squeeze chute and traversed a fixed distance (1.83 m); pen scores (PEN; 1=quiet to 5=excited), ascertained from animal behavior while penned in small groups (n=5); and chute scores (CHUTE; 1=quiet to 5=exited), determined from behavioral responses to restraint on the scale. All serial EV measures were positively correlated (r > 0.31, P < 0.02). All PEN were positively correlated (r > 0.31, P < 0.01), while serial measures of CHUTE were not (P > 0.3). EV was positively correlated with CS within times 1 and 3; EV1 to CS1 (r=0.26, P=0.04), and EV3 to CS3 (r=0.44, P < 0.01). The EV data obtained at Time 1 were transformed into a discrete variable, exit velocity ranking (EV RANK; 1 to 3 scale) where 1 equated to < 1 SD below the mean, and 3 equated to > 1 SD above the mean). Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS for a factorial analysis of time and EV RANK effects on EV and CS. EV was influenced (P < 0.01) by time as mean EV decreased from Time 1 (2.82 ± 0.07 m/sec) to Time 3(2.11 ± 0.10 m/sec). Time also influenced (P < 0.01) CS, as mean CS dropped between Time 1 (14.56 ± 0.65 ng/mL) and Time 3 (11.12 ± 0.82 ng/mL). A time by EV RANK interaction (P < 0.01) was also observed. Measures of EV can be a valuable tool for both the assessment of cattle temperament and a possible predictor of both temperament and stress responsiveness to future handling events. Uvalde Station: The relationship of temperament to performance and meat quality is being evaluated for Bonsmara crossbred calves. University of the Virgin Islands Preliminary data show that there are differences among Senepol cattle on St. Croix in chute exit velocity, an objective measure, but there is not as much difference in chute score, a subjective measure. Future studies will compare temperament and exit velocity to production traits of Senepol cattle under the extensive management systems used on St Croix. Evaluation of temperament using exit velocity will be used in future studies. By July 2005 UVI-AES will have its own Senepol herd and will be able to collect more data on temperament scores, exit velocity and relate them to production traits under the extensive management systems used on St Croix. Begin data collection on UVI Senepol herd and determine relationship between temperament scores, exit velocity and production traits of cows, calves and bulls. Objective 4. Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. ARS-Florida White blood cells were isolated and stored from calves born in 2004. Texas A genomics project has been initiated with the primary objective of finding genes with major effects on cow fertility traits and secondary objectives of finding genes with major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. The genomics project is well under way, and the variability in disposition both within and between families seem to indicate that the search for genes with major effects on disposition should be successful. If the information on disposition leads to the identification of loci with major effects on disposition, this could lead to tests that would allow genotyping at these loci for use in marker assisted selection. Embryo collection and transfer will be continued in the Genomics Project. Genome scans will be initiated for the disposition traits. All calves at the McGregor station will be bled in the fall prior to weaning for DNA extraction. For the cattle in the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) is collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles are saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample is collected for each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objective 2 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. As discussed earlier, all cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; this includes all the cattle used in Objective 2 of this regional project. In 2002 and 2003, all calves at the station were bled prior to weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets in College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for the first two calf crops (spring and fall 2003) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning (5 and 200 cc collections, respectively). As discussed earlier, the base of the scrotum and the testicles are also saved from male calves. The spring 2004 calves were bled shortly after birth and will be bled again in the fall prior to weaning.

Publications

Brown, M. A., Coleman, S. W., and Lalman, D. L., 2005. Relationship of sire expected progeny differences to milk yield in Brangus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 1194-1201. Casas, E., White, S. N., Riley, D. G., Smith, T. P. L., Brenneman, R. A., Olson, T. A., Johnson, D. D., Coleman, S. W., Bennett, G. L. and Chase, C. C., Jr. Assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes residing on chromosomes 14 and 29 for association with carcass composition traits in Bos indicus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1315. 2005. Liu, X.H., Marquez, A.P., Cundiff, L.V., and Van Vleck, L.D. Comparison of Longhorn- and Red Poll-sired calves from crossbred dams calving at 2 or 3 years of age. Prof. Anim. Sci. 2004. 20:330-335. Riley, D. G., Johnson, D. D., Chase, C. C., Jr., West, R. L., Coleman, S. W., Olson, T. A. and Hammond, A. C. Factors influencing tenderness in steaks from Brahman cattle. Meat Sci. 70:347356. 2005. Thrift, F. A. and S. M. DeRouen. 2005. Impact of weaning productivity, as mediated through sire selection, on subsequent pregnancy rate of the cow herd. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:81-87. Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2004. Investigation of birth weight and gestation length in Bos indicus Bos taurus cross calves produced through embryo transfer. 2004 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 1-3. Brown, M. A., and Brown, Jr., A. H. 2005. Genotype x environment interactions in Brahman, Angus, and reciprocal-cross cows and their calves. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 166-181. Chase, C. C, Jr., Riley, D. G., Olson, T. A. and Coleman, S. W. Evaluation of Brahman and tropically adapted Bos taurus breeds in the humid subtropics. In: Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds. Regional Project S-1013. ASAS Southern Section. Little Rock, AR, February 8, 2005. pp. 100109. 2005. (Conference Proceedings) Cunningham, S.F., K.L. Key, A.E. Ducoing, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2004. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive performance and maternal performance. 2004 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 5-7. DeRouen, S. M. 2005. Impact of moderate and high weaning weight EPD sires on cow productivity. 2005 Louisiana Beef Rep., Louisiana Agric. Exp. Sta. 33. DeRouen, S. M. 2005. Impact of weaning weight EPDs on cow-calf productivity. The Louisiana Cattleman. 38(2):5, 13. Gill, C.A., T.S. Amen, J.O. Sanders, and A.D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 75-80. Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 182-188. Key, K.L. 2004. Heterosis and heterosis retention for reproductive and maternal traits in Brahman - British crossbred cows. Ph.D. Dissertation, Texas A&M University, College Station. Key, K.L., M.C. Meuchel, J.O. Sanders, and D.K. Lunt. 2004. Heterosis retention in Brahman-Angus and Brahman-Hereford F2 cows for reproductive traits and maternal effects on survival and weight traits of their calves. 2004 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 9-10. Riley, D. G., Hansen, G. R., Crockett, J. R., Olson, T. A., Chase, C. C., Jr. and Franke, D. E. Florida Crossbreeding Research. In: Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds. Regional Project S-1013. ASAS Southern Section. Little Rock, AR, February 8, 2005. pp. 1423. 2005. (Conference Proceedings) Sanders, J.O., K.L. Key, D.G. Riley, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of heterosis retention for cow productivity traits in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 196-203. Sanders, J.O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 118-122. Sanders, J.O., D.G. Riley, J. Paschal, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of five Bos indicus breeds With Hereford for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 88-99. Arthington, J. D., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Phillips, W. A. and Coleman, S. W. Acute phase protein response to weaning and transport in calves produced by matings of Romosinuano, Angus, and Brahman. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):59. 2004. Casas, C. F., and Cundiff, L. V. Growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1). 2005. Chase, C. C., Jr., Riley, D. G., Elsasser, T. H., Spicer, L. J., Lucy, M. C., Coleman, S. W. and Olson, T. A. Effect of insulin and growth hormone administration to mature miniature Brahman cattle on circulating concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):193. 2004. Chase, C. C., Casas, E., White, S. N., Riley, D. G., Smith, T. P. L., Brenneman, R. A., Olson, T. A., Johnson, D. D., Coleman, S. W. and Bennett, G. L. Assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes residing on chromosomes 14 and 29 for association with carcass composition traits in Bos indicus cattle. P529. Int. Plant Anim. Genomes XIII Conf. Jan. 13-15, 2005. San Diego, CA, p. 203. 2005. Cundiff, L. V., Wheeler, T. L., Shackelford, S. D. and Koohmaraie, M. Feed efficiency of Fl cross steers by British and Continental European sire breeds. American Society of Animal Science. Midwestern Section 82(Suppl. 2):38. 2004. (Abstract No. 21) DeRouen. S. M. and F. A. Thrift. 2004. Maternal and reproductive performance of crossbred cows mated to moderate or high weaning weight EPD sires. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):5 (Abstr.). Gargantini, G., Cundiff, L. V., Lunstra, D. D. and Van Vleck, L. 0. Genetic relationships between male and female reproductive traits in beef cattle. American Society of Animal Science. Midwestern Section 82(Suppl. 2):37. 2004. (Abstract No. 18.) Horne, W. J., Brooks, J. C., Coleman, S. W., Phillips, W. A., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr. and Miller, M. F. Characterization of Romosinuano breeding on palatability traits and shelf life of beef steaks. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):18. 2004. Nephawe, K. A., Cundiff, L. V., Dikeman, M. F., Crouse, J. D. and Van Vleck, L. D. Genetic relationships between sex-specific traits in beef cattle: Mature weight, weight adjusted for body condition score, height and body condition score measurement of cows and carcass traits of their steer relatives. J. Anim. Sci, 82:647-653. 2004. Riley, D. G., and Sigua, G. C. Beef cattle research in West Central Florida. Florida Scientist 68(Suppl. 1):5. 2005. Riley, D. G., C. C. Chase, Jr., S. W. Coleman, R. D. Randel and T. A. Olson. 2004. Assessment of temperament at weaning in calves produced from diallel matings of Angus, Brahman and Romosinuano. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):6. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., Randel, R. D. and Olson, T. A. Assessment of temperament at weaning in calves produced from diallel matings of Angus, Brahman, and Romosinuano. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):6. 2004. Rios-Utrera, A., Cundiff, L. V., Gregory, K. E., Koch, R. M., Dikeman, M. F., Koohmaraie, M. and Van Vleck, L. D. Estimates of genetic correlations among carcass traits adjusted to different end points. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):450. Abstract No. 888. 2004. (Abstract) Rios-Utrera, A., Cunditf, L. V., Gregory, K. E. and Van Vleck, L. D. Heritability estimates for carcass traits adjusted to an age, weight or tat constant basis. American Society of Animal Science. Midwestern Section 82(Suppl. 2):37.2004(Abstract No. 20). Snowder, G. D., Van Vleck, L. D., Cundiff, L. V., Gregory, K. E. and Bennett, G. L. Effect of heterozygosity on the incidence of bovine respiratory disease. American Society of Animal Science. Midwestern Section 82(Suppl. 2):36. 2004. (Abst. No. 16) Vann, R. C., J. F. Baker and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationship between measures of cow and calf temperament and live animal body composition traits in calves at weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):24. Vann, R. C., B. Macoon, J. D. Perkins and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationship between temperament and growth traits in crossbred steers. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):25. Wheeler, T. L., Cundiff, L. V., Shackelford, S. D. and Koohmaraie, M. Characterization of biological types of cattle (Cycle VI): Carcass. yield, and longissimus palatability traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1177-1189. 2004. White, S. N., Casas, E., Wheeler, T. L., Shackelford, S. D., Koohmaraie, M., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Johnson, D. D., Keele, J. W. and Smith, T. P. L. New SNP marker in CAPN1 is associated with tenderness in cattle of Indicine, Taurine, and admixed descent. W058, P528. Int. Plant Anim. Genomes XIII Conf. Jan. 13-15, 2005. San Diego, CA., Final Abstracts Guide, p. 17, 203. 2005.

Impact Statements

These cooperative projects have, to date, clearly defined the role of tropical adaptation in matching genetic resources to the beef cattle production environment.
In developing composite beef cattle populations with an overall level of 50% tropical adaptation, it may be appropriate to substitute a portion (e.g., 25%) of non Bos indicus germplasm for Bos indicus germplasm to maintain tropical adaptation and improve meat tenderness, provided they are crossed with other breeds that optimize size and growth rate.
Estimates of breed direct and maternal genetic effects and heterosis will facilitate performance prediction for crossbred cattle in subtropical areas of the United States, and will help cow-calf producers make breed selection decisions.
Preliminary data suggest individual animal variation exists for temperament score and fecal egg count at most locations.
Measures of exit velocity may be a valuable tool both for assessing beef cattle temperament and as a possible predictor of stress responsiveness.

Date of Annual Report: 07/07/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/07/2006 - 06/08/2006
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2005 - 06/01/2006

Participants

DeRouen, Sid (sderouen@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter; Reger, Gorden (greger@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter; Wyatt, Wayne (wwyatt@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter; Franke, Don (dfranke@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter; Morrison, David (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter; Thrift, Fred (fthrift@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Brown, Hayden (hbrown@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas; Rowe, Clinton - University of Arkansas; Holloway, Bill (jw-holloway@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Sanders, Jim (jim-sanders@ansc.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Hansen, Gary (grhansen@ifas.ufl.edu) - University of Florida NFREC, Marianna; Riley, David (dgriley@mail.ifas.ufl.edu) - Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL; Cundiff, Larry (cundiff@email.marc.usda.gov) - US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE; Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands, Agricultural Experiment Station; Vann, Rhonda (rcv2@ra.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University, Brown Loam Experiment Station; Rossi, Johnny (jrossi@uga.edu) - University of Georgia

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual S-1013 Regional Meeting for conducting the research project titled Genetic (Co) Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically Adapted Breeds was called to order on June 7 and 8, 2006 at the Campbell House-Crown Plaza Hotel, Lexington, KY. Dr. Fred Thrift, committee member host for the meeting, welcomed the group and introduced Dr. Nancy Cox, Associate Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Cox provided an overview of agriculture in Kentucky and indicated that farm gate income from cattle and calves ranked third in the state. Dr. Thrift presented an overview of Kentuckys race horse and beef cattle industries. Chair Dr. David Riley appointed members for this years resolutions committee, which included Dr. Wayne Wyatt, Dr. Jim Sanders, and Dr. Hayden Brown and members for the nominating committee, which included Dr. Don Franke, Dr. Larry Cundiff, and Dr. Fred Thrift.

Station reports were presented in alphabetical order. After six participants reports, the committee ended the morning session and broke for lunch. After lunch, the group toured Windstar Farm in Versailles, KY and the Animal Science Beef Cattle Research Center in Lexington, KY.

On June 8, 2006, the meeting was called to order by Chair David Riley and resumed with six station reports. Dr. Bob Godfrey, from Virgin Islands, had no report to submit but informed the group that a Senepol herd had been donated to the University of Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station.

Committee reports were given. Dr. Franke provided the nominating committee report to nominate Dr. Rossi for secretary with all members in favor of this nomination. Officers for next year will be as follows: Chair-Dr. Rhonda Vann, Chair-elect-Dr. Sid DeRouen, and Secretary-Dr. Johnny Rossi. Dr. Wyatt read the resolutions report with all members in favor of acceptance of the resolutions. Dr. Riley asked all the committee members that had station reports to submit their reports, inclusive of a Progress and Usefulness of Findings Section, electronically to him so he can incorporate these reports into the Annual Research Activity Accomplishment Report.

Dr. Riley initiated discussion on location of next years meeting. Dr. Hayden Brown offered to host the meetings in Fayetteville. Dr. David Morrison, administrative advisor, stated that the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Meetings will be held at Fort Collins, CO on June 6-9, 2007 and suggested that this group could possibly meet there beforehand. Dr. Thrift was in favor of meeting at this location. Dr. Cundiff said meeting in association with the BIF Meetings would allow the group to interface with folks attending the BIF Meetings. Dr. Sanders suggested that we meet at Colorado Springs, Limon, or Burlington closer to where potential sites for tours will be. Tentative S-1013 meeting dates are June 5 and 6, 2007. A motion was made by Dr. Thrift to meet in Colorado and was seconded by Dr. Sanders with all members in favor. Dr. Cundiff suggested that the group could meet on one of the evenings to make better use of our time. Drs. Vann and Sanders will work together to set up tours, meeting site(s), and transportation.

Dr. Vann stated that Dr. Mike Boyd will be retiring soon. Dr. Franke said that someone needs to check with Dr. Boyd about the milk data that was generated from the S-277 Project and the data need to be analyzed and journal publication prepared. Dr. Andy Herring will contact Dr. Boyd about the data. Dr. Hayden Brown stated that once the data is obtained, all those who contributed to this objective should meet to discuss the analysis and writing of manuscript(s).

A motion was made by Dr. Sanders for Dr. Cundiff, who is retiring, to continue to be a committee member to this group in the future. This motion was seconded by Dr. Vann, and passed with unanimity. Dr. Cundiff said he would like to continue to be involved in the future and he would hope that someone from MARC will have a presence with this group.

Dr. Morrison gave an administrative report. He commended all those who gave station reports. He requested that the minutes and station reports be sent to Dr. Riley by July 1, 2006 so the annual report will not be delayed. Dr. Morrison stated that the current project (S-1013) terminates on September 30, 2008 and if the group feels that an extension is warranted it needs to be submitted one year before the termination date. The Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405 (Tropically Adapted Breeds Symposium) is on the LSU AgCenter web site. It is the responsibility of each contributor to make hardcopies of the bulletin for those wishing to have copies. Dr. Morrison asked about a web site for the S-1013 Technical Committee, which has been inactive for some time. Dr. Herring said he would look into making this site active and current.

The final discussion of the meeting involved potential research topics for a future regional project. Dr. Hayden Brown stated that abstract submissions from the current project are encouraged now that we are into the third year of the project. Dr. Sanders made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Dr. Vann.

Resolutions

June 8, 2006
Whereas,
Beef catte production and breeding systems are important throughout the United States for rural economic stability and meeting consumer demands, and

Whereas,
The S-1013 Technical Committee involves and integrates beef cattle breeding research to improve producer knowledge for increased profitability and sustainability,

Therefore, let it be resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extend their appreciation to the staff of the University of Kentucky. The committee express special thanks to Dr. Fred Thrift for his time and effort in the planning and conduct of this meeting. Further thanks are extended to Dr. Kyle McCloud for the tour of the University of Kentucky beef research facilities and to Dr. Nancy Cox for generously welcoming the group on the behalf of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and the University of Kentucky.

Be it also resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extend appreciation to Mr. Tony Cissel and staff of Windstar Farms in Versailles, Kentucky for an informative and enlightening tour.

Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical Committee extend our gratitude to Drs. David Morrison and Pete Burfening for their commitment to the success of and their unflagging support of beef cattle breeding research in the Southern Region.

Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical committee extends our appreciation to Dr. Larry Cundiff and Ms. Jan Watts of the Meat Animal Research Center and Dr. David Morrison of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center for their leadership, time, and effort in bringing the publication entitled A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds (Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405) to fruition.

Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical Committee extend their appreciation to the officers of this committee, Drs. David Riley, Rhonda Vann, and Sid DeRouen for the extra time and effort they have contributed to this years committee activities.

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne Wyatt, Jim Sanders, and Hayden Brown
Resolutions Committee

Accomplishments

OBJECTIVE 1. DETERMINE HETEROSIS EFFECTS IN CROSSES REPRESENTING TWO OR MORE DIVERSE, TROPICALLY ADAPTED BEEF BREEDS. ARS-Florida-Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus cows were exposed to bulls of these breeds in single-sire herds for 90-d breeding seasons from 2001 to 2004. Straightbred and crossbred (all combinations of F1 and reciprocals) were weaned in the fall of 2002 to 2005 at an average of seven months of age. In addition to typical birth and weaning traits, response to stress (plasma levels of acute phase proteins and cortisol) was measured in weaned calves and in steers being shipped. Measures of temperament have been recorded at weaning for all calves, during the shipment regimen for steers, and monthly thereafter for steers and heifers. Steers were shipped in October of each year to collaborators in Oklahoma for evaluation of their growth on winter pasture and in feedlot. Heifers were kept in a development regimen in Florida and have been exposed continuously from weaning to Mashona or Tuli bulls. After their first calves (Mashona- or Tuli-sired), cows were exposed to bulls in single-sire breeding herds; crossbred cows were exposed to bulls of the breed they were not, and straightbred cows were placed in equal numbers with the two other breeds of bulls. Over 1,300 calves have been born in the project. Calves born in 2005 (fourth and last calf crop) are now in the feedlot or in the heifer development program. For most traits in which significant heterosis was detected, heterosis was largest for Brahman-Angus, intermediate for Brahman-Romosinuano, and lowest for Romosinuano-Angus. OBJECTIVE 2. CHARACTERIZE DIVERSE, TROPICALLY ADAPTED BEEF BREEDS IN SUBTROPICAL AND TEMPERATE AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES. ARS-Nebraska/Louisiana (Baton Rouge)- Approximately 25 each of Beefmaster-, Bonsmara-, Brangus-, and Romisinuano-sired weanling heifers from Angus and MARC III cows were purchased from the US Meat Animal Research Center by the LSU Ag Center. The US Meat Animal Research Center retained similar numbers of the breed types of females in order to evaluate a breed type x location interaction. Angus x Hereford F1 females are used as controls in Nebraska and Brahman x Angus F1 females are used as controls in Louisiana. Yearling heifers were exposed to MARC III bulls at both locations for the first calf. Charolais bulls will produce the second and subsequent calves. Similar data on cows and calves are collected at each location. Location differences were significant for all traits. Sire breed of F1 female x location was a significant source of variation for calving ease score, percentage unassisted births and for 205-d weaning weight. F1 cow sire breed differences were significant for calf birth weight and for 205-d weight. These cows are just coming into maturity, being 4 and 5 years old in 2006. Additional data are needed to characterize differences among the cows due to sire breed. Texas, College Station/McGregor - Of cows born in 1992 and 1993 and sired by Tuli, Boran and Brahman bulls, productivity has been highest in the Boran cross cows. Although they have also had higher calf crop born than the Brahman and Tuli crosses, much of their advantage in calf crop weaned has been due to higher survival rates in their calves. These half blood females have been evaluated for lifetime productivity, and contribute also to a heterosis retention study. Texas, Uvalde - Drought conditions necessitated the movement of mature Tuli, Senepol, and Brahman F1 cows to East Texas, and probably will result in the termination of the evaluation of lifetime productivity of these cows. Ninety-three Brahman (Bos indicus), 73 Senepol (Bos taurus) and 86 Tuli (Bos taurus africanus [Sanga]) F1 females were produced during 1992-1995 from Angus cows artificially inseminated to 12 Brahman, 9 Senepol, and 7 Tuli bulls selected to represent bulls in common commercial use and available in the U.S. All females were bred to calve at two years of age. Bonsmara crossbred steers have been used in a project to assess carcass data, and a variety of meat composition characteristics, including conjugated linoleic acid concentration, omega 3 and 6 fatty acid concentrations, and beta-carotene and vitamin A contents. Florida USDA/ARS, Stars - See objective 1 above. OBJECTIVE 3. DETERMINE GENETIC VARIATION IN DISPOSITION AND PARASITE RESISTANCE IN BEEF CATTLE AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TRAITS. Arkansas - Spring born Angus calves were utilized for assessment of internal parasite levels and fall born were used for temperament studies. At weaning, fecal nematode egg and coproculture infective larvae counts were determined. Weights, hip heights, temperament scores and fecal egg counts on two groups of spring-born Angus calves (n=187) were available for this study. At weaning (d-0) each calf received 4.6 mL/45 kg body weight of fenbendazole anthelmintic. Body weights, fecal egg counts, and temperament scores were determined at d-0, d-21, d-66, d-111, d-156 and d-201. Age of dam effects were not significant for temperament score and fecal egg count. There was a significant sire effect for mean strongyle count, suggesting some genetic control. However, sire effects were not significant for temperament score or Nematodirus egg count. Florida - Direct breed effects appear to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. The Brahman direct effect was to worsen temperament score, while the Romosinuano direct effect was to improve temperament score. Some heterosis was detected for various temperament traits. Georgia - Exit velocity was greatest for Brangus, intermediate for Braford, and lowest for Angus steers. There were no significant correlations of average speed velocity (sampled at 120, 205, and 365 d of age) and feedlot performance or carcass traits in Angus steers. Average daily gain was positively correlated with exit velocity of Brangus steers. Exit velocity of Braford steers was negatively correlated with initial feedlot weight, marbling score, lung score, and shear force. In a separate trial, exit velocity did not appear to have any effect on pregnancy status. Kentucky - A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 200 cows is being utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and traits of economic importance. The following scoring system is utilized to evaluate temperament at weaning time while each calf stands in a squeeze chute: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. To date, data have been collected on 411 spring-born calves (151 in 2003; 155 in 2004; 105 in 2005). Weaning weights have been similar for the four temperament scores represented in the data set. To facilitate a genetic tie between three locations participating in this objective, calves sired by the Angus sire, Bon View New Design 878, are being produced at the Kentucky, Louisiana and Arkansas locations. Louisiana, Iberia Research Station - Weaned Angus heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 0, 181, 228, and 270 after weaning in 2003. In 2004 and 2005, Angus and Brangus heifers were evaluated on days 0, 143, and 190 following weaning. Hair coat length and luster was scored multiple times on all heifers. Fecal egg counts were obtained from periodic samples for all heifers. Some breed differences were noted at the beginning (but not at subsequent measurement) of the breeding season for these traits. Researchers will investigate associations of reproductive performance with temperament and parasite resistance performance of these females. Louisiana, Central Research Station - Angus and Braford heifers contributing to objective 3 had similar growth, temperament, and fecal egg count data over the postweaning period. Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers born in 2006 will be evaluated for temperament and fecal egg counts. Louisiana, Hill Farm Station - Exit velocities were greater during the preweaning phase for Charolais-sired calves compared with Angus-sired calves. Temperament measurements were similar for Angus-sired and F1 Brahman-Hereford replacement heifers. There were no important correlations between first exposure pregnancy rate and temperament measures. Pregnant Brahman-Hereford F1 heifers tended to have lower chute scores and exit velocity compared with Brahman-Hereford F1 heifers that failed to conceive. Mississippi - Results from several experiments utilizing several breeds or breedtypes in steers highlighted the importance of temperament as a trait. Exit velocity and pen scores were highly correlated (>0.7). Farm of origin of steers had significant influence on pen score, chute score, and exit velocity. Breed of sire had a strong influence on chute score, pen score, exit velocity, pay and final weight. Treatment costs, number of days treated and net profit were all influenced by pen score and exit velocity. As exit velocity of feeder steers increased, net profit decreased and the number of days treated increased. Individual sire influenced all measurements of temperament and carcass quality and yield grade. Texas, McGregor Station - Cattle were scored for disposition several times, including weaning,at about eighteen months of age (steers), cows when their first calves are born, and recipient cows at the birth of their calves. For the scoring shortly after weaning, a panel of four evaluators scores each calf for aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall disposition. The calves are separated (gate cut) into groups of about 15 head and placed in separate holding pens. Two calves at a time are cut out of the holding pen into an alley that is about 25 m long with two evaluators at each end approximately 20 m apart. The two calves in the alley are given a chance to settle down, and one of the two is cut back into the holding pen. For each component, the animals are assigned a score from one to nine by each evaluator, where a score of one represents a calm, quiet or docile disposition and a score of nine represents a wild or crazy disposition. For scoring the females when their calves are born, they are given a score from one to five, where one represents a docile disposition and five represents a wild and/or aggressive disposition. Calves from first six calf crops of the Genomics Project have been scored for disposition; variation for disposition has been found both between and within families. Data will be used in genome scans with the objective of identifying genes with major effects on disposition. Texas, Uvalde Station - The relationship of temperament to performance and meat quality is being evaluated for Bonsmara crossbred calves. Feedlot ADG and steak tenderness were worse for steers with high exit velocity values. Ribeye area was smaller for steers with high exit velocity values. Preliminary analyses suggest that measurements of temperament early in life may be more strongly related to future performance, carcass traits, and beef tenderness than measurements later when steers are on feed. University of the Virgin Islands (UVI-AES) now has its own Senepol herd. Data collection has begun on this herd, and these will be used to determine relationships between temperament scores, exit velocity and production traits of cows, calves and bulls. OBJECTIVE 4. ESTABLISH A DNA BANK TO UTILIZE MOLECULAR MARKERS TO VALIDATE TRAITS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE. All participating locations have stored DNA, tissue, or white blood cells on calves born in the previous year.

Publications

Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2006. Birth and weaning traits in Bos indicus Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted for publication). Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2006. Post weaning, carcass, and meat traits in Bos indicus Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted for publication). Beauchemin, V. R., M. G. Thomas, D. E. Franke, G. A. Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Gen. and Mol. Res. (In Press). Casas, E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2006. Postweaning growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires. J. Anim. Sci. 84:305310. Casas, E., S. N. White, T. L. Wheeler, S. D. Shackelford, M. Koohmaraie, D. G. Riley, C. C. Chase, Jr., D. D. Johnson, and T. P. L. Smith. 2006. Effects of calpastatin and µ-calpain markers in beef cattle on tenderness traits. J. Anim. Sci. 84:520525. Cundiff, L. V. 2006. The impact of quantitative genetics on productive, reproductive, and adaptive traits in beef cattle. Pages 2946 in Proc. Aust. Beefthe leader! The impact of science on the beef industry. CRC for Beef Tech., Univ. New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. March 7-8. Cundiff, L. V., and D. E. Franke. 2006. Growth and puberty characteristics of topcross females by tropically adapted sire breeds in temperate and subtropical regions of the United States. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 32:__. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Cunningham, S.F. 2005. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive and maternal performance and cow longevity. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Cunningham, S.F., K. L. Key, A. E. Ducoing, J. O. Sanders, A. D. Herring, and D. K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive and maternal performance and cow longevity. Pages 14 in 2005 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Daniels, E. R. T. D. Bidner, M. A. Persica, III, and D. E. Franke. 2006. Influence of postmortem aging treatments on tenderness of beef steaks from three beef types. J. Anim. Sci. 84:(Southern Section ASAS meeting, Orlando FL. Undergraduate student competition). DeRouen, Sidney M. 2006. Using sire EPDs in cow-calf production. Louisiana Agriculture. 49:26-27. Franke, D. E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2006. Reproduction and maternal performance of two-year-old topcross females by tropically adapted sire breeds in temperate and subtropical regions of the United States. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 32:__. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Franke, D. E., D. G. Riley, J. C. Paschal, and C. C. Chase, Jr. American Brahman Breeders Association, 2005 Brahman Performance Special, Carcass Sire Summary. 2005. Gargantini, G., L. V. Cundiff, D. D. Lunstra, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2005. Genetic relationships between male and female reproductive traits in beef cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:195199. Guerra, J. L. L., D. E. Franke, and D. C. Blouin. 2006. Genetic parameters for calving rate and calf survival from linear, threshold, and logistic models in a multi-breed cattle population. J. Anim. Sci. 84: (Accepted for publication; in revision). Herring, A. D., J. O Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, M. A. Wegenhoft, and C.A. Gill. 2005. Segregation of disposition scores among families of Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. Proc. Western Section Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56: 91-94. Holloway, J. W., B. G. Warrington, and M. K. Owens. 2005. Phenotype x herbage allowance interactions in reproduction of calf heifers grazing semiarid rangeland. Page 137 in XX International Grassland Congress, Ed. F. P. OMara et al. Ireland and United Kingdom. King, D. A., F. E. Espitia, C. E. Schuehle, R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr., R. A. Oliphint, R. C. Vann, and J. W. Savell. 2005. Health status effects on carcass quality and beef tenderness in feedlot steers. Pages 125128 in 2005 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. King, D.A., W.W. Morgan, R.K. Miller, J.O. Sanders, D.K. Lunt, J.F. Taylor, C.A. Gill, and J.W. Savell. 2006. Carcass merit between and among family groups of Bos indicus crossbred steers and heifers. Meat Sci. 72: 496-502. King, D. A., C. E. Schuehle, R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr., R. A. Oliphint, K.O. Curley, Jr., R. C. Vann, and J. W. Savell. 2005. Influence of animal temperament on the tenderness of beef M. Longissimus Lumborum steaks. Pages 129134 in 2005 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. King, D.A., C. E. Schuehle-Pfeiffer, R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr., R. A. Oliphint, B. E. Baird, K. O. Curley Jr., R. C. Vann, D. S. Hale, and J. W. Savell. 2006. Influence of animal temperament and stress responsiveness on the carcass quality and beef tenderness of feedlot cattle. Meat Sci. (Accepted-In Press). Martinez, G. E., R. M. Koch, L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, S. D. Kachman, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2005. Genetic parameters for stayability, stayability at calving and stayability at weaning to specified ages for Hereford cows. J. Anim. Sci. 83:20332042. Meuchel, M. C. 2005. Evaluation of heterosis and heterosis retention in Bos taurus Bos indicus crossbred cattle for productivity traits in cows. M. S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Phillips, W. A., S. W. Coleman, D. G. Riley, C. C. Chase, Jr. and H. S. Mayeux. 2006. Stocker and feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of purebred Angus and Romosinuano steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:813. Riley, D. G., and J. R. Crockett. 2006. Heterosis retention and the dominance model in Florida beef research. Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal 70(6):42, 44, 46. Rios-Utrera, A., L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, R. M. Koch, M. E. Dikeman, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2005. Genetic analysis of carcass traits of steers adjusted to age, weight, or fat thickness slaughter end points. J. Anim. Sci. 83:764776. Sanders, J.O. 2005. Evaluation of heterosis retention for cow productivity traits in Bos indicus / Bos taurus crosses. Pages H19H28 in Proceedings of the 51st Annual Beef Cattle Short Course. Snowder, G. D., L. D. Van Vleck, L. V. Cundiff, and G. L. Bennett. 2005. Genetic and environmental factors associated with incidence of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in preweaned beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 83:507518. Snowder, G. D., L. D. Van Vleck, L. V. Cundiff, and G. L. Bennett. 2005. Influence of breed, heterozygosity, and disease incidence on estimates of variance components of respiratory disease in preweaned beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 83:12471261. Thrift, F. A., and S. M. DeRouen. 2005. Impact of weaning productivity, as mediated through sire selection, on subsequent pregnancy rate of the cow herd. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:81-87. Vann, R. C. 2006. Relationships between carcass quality and temperament in beef cattle. Pages 6872 in Proceedings of the Beef Improvement Federation, 38th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, April 18-21. Vann, R. C., J. C. Paschal, and R. D. Randel. 2005. Relationships between measures of temperament and carcass traits in feedlot steers. Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center Annual Report Summary, Information bulletin 420 (June 2005):33-34(Abstr.). Van Vleck, L. D., and L. V. Cundiff. 2005. Across-breed EPD tables for the year 2005 adjusted to breed differences for birth year 2003. Pages 126-142 in Proc. Beef Improvement Fed. 37th Ann. Res. Symp. and Ann. Meet. Billings, MT, July 6-9. Warrington, B. G., J. W. Holloway, R. K. Miller, and H. Lippke. 2005. Utilizing forages to program steer growth patterns to achieve consistent quality beef. Page 189 in XX International Grassland Congress, Ed. F. P. OMara et al. Ireland and United Kingdom. Wegenhoft, M. A., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, A. D. Herring, and C. A. Gill. 2005. Evaluation of four component traits of disposition in Bos indicus Bos taurus cross. Pages 59 in 2005 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Wheeler, T. L., L. V. Cundiff, S. D. Shackelford, and M. Koohmaraie. 2005. Characterization of biological types of cattle (Cycle VII): Carcass, yield, and longissimus palatability traits. J. Anim. Sci. 83:196207. White, S. N., E. Casas, T. L. Wheeler, S. D. Shackelford, M. Koohmaraie, D. G. Riley, C. C. Chase, Jr., D. D. Johnson, J. W. Keele, and T. P. L. Smith. 2005. A new SNP in CAPN1 extends the current tenderness marker test to include cattle of Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and crossbred descent. J. Anim. Sci. 83:20012008. Williams, C. B., G. L. Bennett, T. G. Jenkins, L. V. Cundiff, and C. L. Ferrell. 2005. Using simulation models to predict feed intake: Phenotypic and genetic relationships between observed and predicted values. J. Anim. Sci. (submitted September, 2005). Wright, B. A., J. O. Sanders, K. L. Key, D. G. Riley, and D. K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of heterosis retention for cow productivity traits in Bos indicusBos taurus crosses. Pages 1115 in 2005 Beef Cattle Research in Texas.

Impact Statements

Estimates of breed direct and maternal genetic effects and heterosis will facilitate performance prediction for crossbred cattle in subtropical areas of the United States, and will help cow-calf producers make breed selection decisions. These estimates will also improve the understanding of tropical adaptation through comparison of Bos indicus (Brahman) performance to Bos taurus (Criollo) performance under similar subtropical conditions.
Tropically-adapted Bos taurus breeds, including the Sanga types from Africa and the Criollo types from Central and South America, may enhance aspects of cow-calf production as alternatives to or in combination with Bos indicus breeds, such as Brahman.
Preliminary data suggest individual animal variation for fecal egg count (parasite resistance or tolerance) at most locations.
Measures of exit velocity may be a valuable tool both for assessing beef cattle temperament and as a possible predictor of stress responsiveness.
The importance of sire effects on the various temperament traits of cattle measured at various locations suggests that there is substantial genetic control of these traits, and that parents could be effectively selected for use in breeding programs.
In most cases, good scores or values for the various measures of temperament were associated with better performance and carcass traits; if this relationship is determined to have a genetic component, selection for temperament may have a favorable effect on those production traits.
Disposition needs to be a consideration along with the other selection traits when making bull or mature cow or replacement heifer purchases.

Date of Annual Report: 07/24/2007

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/04/2007 - 06/06/2007
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2006 - 06/01/2007

Participants

Brown, A H Univ of Arkansas hbrown@uark.edu;
DeRouen, Sid LSU AgCenter - Hill Farm sderouen@agctr.lsu.edu;
Dewey, Tyler Univ of Arkansas tdewey@uark.edu;
Franke, Don LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge dfranke@agctr.lsu.edu;
Godfrey, Bob Univ of the Virgin Islands - AES rgodfre@uvi.edu;
Hammack, Steve Texas A&M - Stephenville s-hammack@tamu.edu;
Herring, Andy Texas A&M - College Station andy.herring@tamu.edu;
Holloway, Bill Texas AES - Uvalde jw-holloway@tamu.edu;
Long, Charles Texas AES - Overton, TX c-long@tamu.edu;
Morrison, David LSU AgCenter - Administration dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu;
Riley, David ARS Brooksville, FL david.riley@ars.usda.gov;
Rossi, Johnny University of Georgia - Tifton jrossi@uga.edu;
Sanders, Jim Texas A&M - College Station jim-sanders@ansc.tamu.edu;
Vann, Rhonda Mississippi State University rcv2@ra.msstate.edu;
Warrington, Bobby Texas AES - Uvalde b-warrington@tamu.edu;
Wyatt, Wayne LSU AgCenter - Iberia wwyatt@agctr.lsu.edu;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual meeting of the S-1013 technical committee was called to order on June 4 and 5, 2007 at the Community Center, Limon, CO. Dr. Sid DeRouen opened the meeting at 1:30 P.M. on June 4 with introductions. Dr. DeRouen then announced members for this years resolutions committee, which included Dr. Andy Herring, Dr. Bill Holloway, and Dr. Hayden Brown and members for the nominating committee, which included Dr. Jim Sanders, Dr. David Riley, and Dr. Bob Godfrey.

Station reports were presented in alphabetical order. Dr. Hayden Brown gave the report for Arkansas, highlighting their contribution to Objective 3. Dr. David Riley reported research findings for Florida (Brooksville) with their contribution to Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4. Dr. Johnny Rossi provided a report of their contribution to Objective 3 from Georgia (Tifton). Dr. Sid DeRouen from Louisiana (Hill Farm Research Station, Homer) gave a report highlighting contributions to Objective 3. Dr. Wayne Wyatt from Louisiana (Iberia Research Station, Jeanerette) provided a report highlighting contributions made toward Objective 3. Dr. Don Franke, from Louisiana (Baton Rouge), gave a report for their contribution to Objectives 2 and 3. Dr. Jim Sanders, from Texas A&M University, provided a report on their contributions to Objectives 2, 3, and 4. The committee ended the afternoon session and had dinner at the Limon Community Center. The speaker for the evening session was Kit Pharo of Pharo Cattle Company in Cheyenne Wells, Co. He gave a presentation titled From Production to Profit in Ranching.

On June 5, 2007, the meeting was called to order by Chair Dr. Rhonda Vann at 8 A.M. and the meeting resumed with station reports. Dr. Bill Holloway provided a report from Texas (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station-Uvalde) for their contributions to Objectives 2, 3, and 4. Dr. Rhonda Vann from Mississippi (Brown Loam Experiment Station, Raymond) provided a report of contributions to Objective 3. Dr. Bob Godfrey from the University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station provided a report on his contributions to Objective 3.

At the conclusion of the station reports, Dr. Rhonda Vannn opened the business meeting. The nominating report was given by Dr. Sanders and the committee nominated Dr. Wyatt for secretary. The motion to accept the nomination was made by Dr. Herring and seconded by Dr. Franke. The motion passed with all members in favor of the nomination. Officers for next year will be as follows: Chair-Dr. Sid DeRouen, Chair-elect-Dr. Johnny Rossi, and Secretary-Dr. Wayne Wyatt. Dr. Herring read the resolutions report and the motion to accept the resolutions was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Dr. DeRouen, with all members in favor of acceptance of the resolutions.

Dr. David Morrison gave the administrative adviser report and reminded the group that the annual report was due within 60 days of the meeting. Dr. Vann asked all the committee members to submit their reports by July 1 to complete the Annual Research Activity Accomplishment Report. Dr. Morrison discussed with the group the possibility of asking for a one-year extension of the project to push the termination date back to 9-30-09. Dr. Sid DeRouen will be in charge of developing the justification to request the extension and will solicit assistance from the objective coordinators in this regard. The extension request is due by October 1, 2007. Dr. Morrison asked that the extension request be sent to him by September 1, 2007. He also discussed the need to begin planning for a replacement project proposal. He indicated that a rough draft of the proposal will be due by March 1 of 2009 so that all necessary reviews and revisions can occur for approval by CSREES before October 1, 2009. Dr. Sanders suggested that the committee meet at the Southern Section ASAS Meetings in February 2008 and to begin the process of identifying needed research areas. In addition, Dr. Morrison mentioned that an impact statement for the entire project is due within 60 days after termination of the current project. This is a new requirement instituted this year. Dr. Andy Herring was thanked for updating the project website. Dr. Morrison also indicated that we need to start discussing how we are going to pool data among the different states. We need to have a serious discussion at next years meeting and possibly set aside time at next years meeting to discuss the matter.
Dr. Franke said we need to publish the information in journals and bulletins and in joint publications. He also indicated that it is acceptable to publish data that is not exactly matched among the different states. Dr. Sanders discussed the need to catalog and document the samples collected for Objective 4. This would help in making the DNA available to share with other researchers. Dr. Franke had invited Dr. Mark Thallman of MARC to attend this meeting, and indicated that he would be able to help with analysis of DNA.

Dr. Vann initiated discussion on the location of next years meeting. Dr. Hayden Brown offered to host the meetings in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the meeting dates will be similar to this year, but no definite dates were finalized. A motion was made by Dr. Sanders to meet in Arkansas and was seconded by Dr. Riley with all members in favor. Dr. DeRouen discussed the need to possibly set aside one-half day to discuss pooling the S-1013 data and one-half day to discuss a proposal for a new project. Dr. Herring suggested we use one-half day to discuss both topics and do some pre-planning before next years meeting. Dr. Vann discussed the possibility of meeting at this years Southern Section meeting to begin discussing this matter. We need to find out what time the Breeding and Genetics section is held and plan the meeting around that session.

Dr. Brown asked if the milk data from S-277 was still going to be analyzed. The status of the milk data was not evident at this time. Dr. Wyatt also indicated that we need to get more states involved in our project and that we should invite researchers from other states to attend.

Dr. Holloway made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Dr. Herring. The group then broke for lunch and prepared for the afternoon tour.

After lunch, the group traveled to Pharo Cattle Company at Cheyenne Wells to tour the ranch of Kit Pharo. On the morning of June 6, 2007, the group traveled to Lasater Ranch in Matheson, CO. The group toured the ranch and had lunch provided courtesy of the Lasater Ranch. This concluded the meeting of the S-1013 technical committee.

Respectively submitted,

Johnny Rossi, Secretary

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - For most calf traits preweaning or at weaning, estimates of heterosis for Angus-Romosinuano were lowest (about 6% of the straightbred average); those for Romosinuano-Brahman were intermediate (about 9%) and those for Brahman-Angus were largest (greater than 10%). Estimates of heterosis for age at first calving and calf crop born and weaned for Romosinuano-Brahman cross cows were almost as high as levels expressed by Brahman-Angus cross cows. Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States. Louisiana, Baton Rouge - Cow breed types rank about the same at both locations except for 205 d weight of calves. Brangus- and Romosinuano-sired cows appear slightly inferior to Beefmaster- and Bonsmara-sired cows in Louisiana and Romosinuano-sired cows appear slightly inferior in Nebraska. Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor - For the F1 cows born in 1992 and 1993, and sired by Boran, Brahman and Tuli bulls, calves have been produced from 1994 to 2007. Different sire breeds have been used in different years, and breed of sire of calf is almost completely confounded with year. Within a given year, all cows were bred to the same bulls. There were no significant differences in birth weight due to sire breed of the dam. Calves out of Brahman sired cows were heaviest (P < 0.05) at weaning, and those out of Tuli sired cows were lightest (P < 0.05). Means for mature cow weight and condition score were taken in 2000, when the cows were from 7 to 8 years of age. The Brahman sired cows were about 87 kg heavier than the Tuli- and Boran sired cows. Boran crosses have had the highest calf crop born and weaned and Tuli crosses have been intermediate. Mouths were scored in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The adjusted proportions scored as having either solid or broken mouths were higher (P < 0.05) in the Boran crosses (95%) and Brahman crosses (94%) than in the Tuli crosses (78%). Adjusted proportions scored as having solid mouths were higher (P < 0.05) in the Brahman crosses (53%) than in the Tuli crosses (24%); the Boran crosses were intermediate (39%). Cows were culled for severe injuries, poor health or at least two failures to have or wean a calf. Percentages of cows remaining in the herd in 2004 were 69, 52, and 50 for the Boran, Brahman and Tuli crosses. Corresponding percentages remaining in the herd in 2005 were 61, 43, and 44, and in 2006 were 56, 36, and 27, respectively. Cows sired by Boran bulls and out of cows of the British beef breeds have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions. Texas A&M University Uvalde Continued evaluation of cow efficiency for Brahman, Tuli and Senepol cows and evaluation of the proportion of females born from 1992 to 1995 and remaining in the herd in 2005. Only the better cows were left in the herd at an older age so if age is put in the model, it gets equal weighting. In addition, evaluation of pasture utilization and socializing of two Bonsmara bulls per breeding groups in pastures of various sizes. These bulls would socialize around the noon hour near watering stations and otherwise dispersed throughout the pastures after that, in addition the bulls formed harems and the pasture utility and cycility was similar between groups averaged over the months of evaluation. Future directions might involve Brangus X Bonsmara diallel, consistent quality beef utilizing Bonsmara genetics and beef cow adaptation. Objective 3: Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Direct breed effects (unfavorable Brahman effect in all cases) appeared to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. Florida, NFREC, Marianna - Direct breed effects (unfavorable Brahman effect in all cases) appeared to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. Temperament scores were not related to residual feed intake, feed conversion ratio or average daily gain. Louisiana, Baton Rouge - Breed is an important source of variation for postweaning traits. Higher fecal egg count reduces postweaning average daily gain and appears to be similar within breeds. Sire differences within breed were important for AVG FEC. University of Virgin Islands - Results show that the temperament of Senepol calves does not change significantly over time after weaning. Evaluation of temperament using exit velocity will be used in future studies. As management of the cow herd is changed to a spring and fall calving system, calves will be evaluated at weaning and at intervals post-weaning to determine the relationship among chute score, exit velocity and calf growth performance traits. University of Georgia-Tifton - Feedlot performance and carcass traits with the exception of greater marbling for Angus steers is similar among Angus, Brangus, and Braford steers. Feedlot ADG appears to be negatively correlated with chute exit velocity at d 120, but not at d 365. There were few significant correlations with exit velocity and carcass traits, with the exception of marbling score in Braford steers. Future plans for the coming year are to continue to collect exit velocity data on Angus, Braford, and Brangus heifers through weaning of their first calf. Continue summarization of steer feedlot performance and carcass traits. Collect and summarize exit velocity, performance and pregnancy data of Angus, Brangus, and Braford heifers. Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor - All nine calf crops (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and spring of 2007) of embryo transfer calves have been produced. The steers from the first six calf crops have been fed individually and slaughtered. The heifers produced in the project are exposed to Angus bulls (at about 14 months of age) to calve at two years of age; fall-born heifers are exposed again at about 20 months of age. Thereafter, all cows are bred for spring calves. The steers from the spring 2006 calf crop have recently been placed on feed to evaluate individual feed consumption and gain. The calves from the first eight calf crops have been scored for disposition by a panel of four evaluators. For the scores assigned shortly after weaning, the scores from the four different evaluators were averaged before the data were analyzed; note that the different component scores are highly correlated (0.81 or higher, in all cases) with each other and with the overall disposition score. The simple correlations between the different measures of disposition taken on the steers in their feeding pens shortly before slaughter (at about 18 months of age) indicate that (as with the scores taken shortly after weaning) the scores for nervousness, flightiness, and gregariousness were highly correlated (0.61 or higher) with each other and with the overall disposition score. However, in contrast to the scores taken shortly after weaning, the scores for aggressiveness were negatively correlated (but not significant) with the scores for nervousness, flightiness, and gregariousness; the correlation between aggressiveness and overall disposition score was small and positive (0.19). This apparent difference in the relationship between aggressiveness and the other measures of disposition at the two different ages deserves some additional discussion. This difference seems to be due to both (1) the difference in tameness of the cattle at the two different ages and (2) the manner in which the scores are given at the two different ages. Scores for overall disposition taken at different points in the animals life were all positive and significant. In future analyses, models with and without sequence will be compared to hopefully determine the optimal approach for mapping genetic differences for disposition. A substantial amount of variation for disposition both within and between the families has been found. Louisiana, Hill Farm Research Station - Correlations between chute score (CS) and 205-d weight and exit velocity (EV) and 205-d weight were not important (P > 0.10). Sire differences in CS and EV were not important (P > 0.20) when measured in July, but were important (P < 0.01) when measured at weaning. Correlations among CS and EV with pregnancy rate were, in general, not important (P > 0.05). Slow heifers, when measured at weaning, tended to have higher (P < 0.10) postweaning gains compared with fast heifers. Slow heifers, when measured at beginning and end of breeding had higher (P < 0.05) postweaning gains than fast heifers. Pregnancy rate did not differ (P > 0.52) among slow, medium, and fast heifers when measured at weaning, spring, summer, or fall. Sire differences in CS and EV among Angus-sired heifers were not important (P > 0.05). Correlations among winter and fall cow CS and EV for 2-yr old first-calf cows with second exposure pregnancy rate and calf 205-d weight were not important (P > 0.15) except for cow winter and fall EV affecting calf 205-d weight (P < 0.10). Correlations among summer and fall calf CS and EV with 205-d weight were not important (P > 0.15) except for summer calf EV (P < 0.01). Louisiana, Iberia Research Station - Data were collected for the fourth year of the study. Results based upon preliminary data and simple analyses preclude conclusive statements regarding the data. Sires of heifers, within breed, do appear to differ for the traits studied. Chute exit velocity and mean postweaning weight are negatively associated in Angus sires, but not in Brangus sires. There is a tendency for hair luster score to be positively associated with fecal egg count in Angus sires, not in Brangus sires. Hair coat luster and length scores are highly correlated in both Angus and Brangus sires. Interestingly, there appears to be little association between chute temperament score and exit velocity in sire effects of Angus sires, but a strong relationship exists in Brangus sires. University of Arkansas - Weights, hip heights, temperament scores and fecal egg counts on two groups of spring-born Angus calves (n=361) were available for this study. Calves were chute scored, weighed, measured, and fecal sampled at weaning in the fall of each year. At weaning (d 0) each calf received fenbendazole at the rate of 10 mg/kg BW. Chute scores were determined on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being extremely docile and 5 being berserk frenzy. Calves were the progeny of 14 sires. Data (n = 127) for analysis were BW, hip height, chute score, and fecal egg counts determined at d 0, 21, 66, 111, 156, 201, and 246. Strongyles and Nematodirus egg counts were normalized with a log 10(X + 1) transformation. The interactions of location x day, and sex x day were significant for chute score, log Strongyles and log Nematodirus. The interaction of age of dam x day was non-significant for all traits. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among sires for chute score, but sire effects were significant for log Strongyles (P = 0.01) and log Nematodirus (P = 0.06). Age of dam was significant for log Strongyles, but not for log Nematodirus and chute score. Chute scores were correlated with day 21 BW (-0.34, P = 0.01) and hip height (-0.29, P = 0.01). These data suggest that individual animal variation exists for calf temperament and internal parasite resistance/susceptibility in this sample of Angus cattle. Two-years of data suggest individual animal variation for temperament score and fecal egg count. Mississippi, Brown Loam, Raymond An evaluation of the combined effects of transportation stress and animal temperament on real-time ultrasound body composition traits (primarily percent intramuscular fat) in Angus crossbred and Brahman steers. Breed and distance cattle were hauled affected (P = 0.007) exit velocity and percent intramuscular fat (P =0.053) and rib fat (P = 0.02) at feedlot arrival. Angus crossbred steers hauled shorter distances had smaller changes in percent intramuscular fat than Brahman steers. Brahman steers hauled the greatest distance had the greatest reduction in rib fat. As overall temperament score increased, cortisol concentrations also increased. These results suggest that hauling stress has negative effects on body composition traits specifically percent intramuscular fat and rib fat. Thus, fat cattle that are ready to be harvested and have to travel long distances to a harvest facility may have reduced percent intramuscular fat or marbling scores at time of harvest. Yearling performance measurements are taken on registered beef bulls for assessment of production performance, genetic selection, and cattle marketing. The BSE routinely involves a physical examination, scrotal circumference measurement, and a semen evaluation. The impact of the electrical stimulation during electro-ejaculation on ultrasound body composition traits within a short time frame is unknown. Treatment (BSE vs. No BSE) did not affect (P > 0.4) cortisol or testosterone concentrations, body weights, or ultrasound body composition traits during the days following electro-ejaculation. The interaction of Day post-BSE x Breed was significant for percent IMF (P= 0.001). Day post BSE also influenced (P = 0.001) body weight, respiration rate, and average temperament score as well as cortisol concentrations (P 0.026). A single breeding soundness evaluation which included handling and electro-ejaculation for semen collection did not have a negative effect on body composition traits in yearling beef bulls. Forty steers (Angus n=20; Brahman n=20) were used to examine the effects of breed type and temperament classification on feedlot growth performance and carcass traits. A positive correlation (P < 0.001) between weaning pen score (PS) (r=0.64) and exit velocity (EV) (r=0.72) and PS and EV at feedlot arrival demonstrates the utility of the predictive value of weaning temperament scores to future temperament scores. Steers were harvested after reaching a similar rib fat thickness as per breed type. Angus steers ate 1.68 kg/d more DM (P < 0.004), had a greater ADG (P < 0.05), adjusted feed efficiency (P < 0.05), HCW (P < 0.001), carcass marbling score (P < 0.05), ultrasound and carcass fat thickness (P = 0.003), yield grade (P = 0.05) and lower shear force values (P = 0.04). TEMP influenced carcass fat thickness (P = 0.03); excited steers had lower fat thickness compared to calm steers. Breed type x temperament interaction influenced carcass marbling score (P = 0.08); Angus calm steers had greater marbling scores than Brahman calm or excited steers. Temperament and breed type influenced carcass quality as indicated by marbling score; however, breed type had the greatest effect on growth and carcass characteristics. Kentucky A preliminary summary of the results to date indicate that weaning weights have been similar for calves classified according to the five temperament scores. Once data collection is completed, it is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament evaluated at weaning is associated with pre-weaning production in Angus cattle. Objective 4: Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - White blood cells were isolated and stored from all calves that were potential breeding stock (purebred and halfblood bulls and heifers weaned in 2006 (n = 144). Watman blot cards were used to preserve blood drops as a source of DNA from all calves that were not potential breeding stock (purebred steers, half blood steers, 3-breed cross steers and heifers; n = 217 total). Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor - As discussed earlier, all cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; this includes all the cattle used in Objective 2 of this regional project. In 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, all calves at the station were bled prior to weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets in College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for the first eight calf crops (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning (5 and 200 cc collections, respectively). The base of the scrotum and the testicles are also saved from male calves. The DNA will be available to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance.

Publications

Amen, T. S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders, and C. A. Gill. 2007. Evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus x Bos taurus backcross calves produced through embryo transfer: I. Birth and weaning traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:365-372. Amen, T. S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders, and C. A. Gill. 2007. Evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus x Bos taurus backcross calves produced through embryo transfer: II. Postweaning, carcass, and meat traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:373-379. Arthington, J. D., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Rae, D. O., Griffin, J. L., Coleman, S. W. 2007. Comparison of Florida-born, embryo-derived Angus calves sourced from Kansas and Florida herds on measures of performance, disposition, and body temperature from birth to weaning. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 2):3. Beauchemin, VR, MG Thomas, DE Franke, and GA Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Genet. Mol. Res. 5:438-447. Brenneman, R. A., Chase, C. C., Jr., Olson, T. A., Riley, D. G. and Coleman, S. W. 2007. Genetic diversity among Angus, American Brahman, Senepol and Romosinuano cattle breeds. Anim. Genetics 38:5053. Brown, Jr. A. H., T. Z. Yazwinski, A. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, S. T. Dewey, and C. W. Rowe. 2006. Sire effects and phenotypic variation for temperament scores and fecal egg counts in Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2):(Abstr. 5). Chase, C. C., Jr., Riley, D. G., Olson, T. A. and Coleman, S. W. 2007. Brahman ´ Angus F1s excel in growth and reproduction. Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal 71(7):3233. Cunningham, S.F., A.H. Maiga, J.O. Sanders, and A.D. Herring. 2006. Comparison of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive, maternal, and cow longevity traits. American Society of Ani. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts. Cundiff, LV and DE Franke. 2006. Growth and puberty characteristics of topcross females by tropically adapted sire breeds in temperate and subtropical regions of the United States. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 32:#18(4 pages). Curley, Jr., K. O., J. Lyons, M. S. Brown, T. E. Lawrence, J. A. Carroll, R. C. Vann, S. T. Willard, T. H. Welsh, Jr., and R. D. Randel. 2006. Influence of breed type and temperament on anatomic and endocrinologic parameters of the bovine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):353(Abstr. W170). Curley, K. O., Jr., C. E. Schuehle Pfeiffer, D. A. King, J. W. Savell, R. C. Vann, T. H. Welsh, Jr., and R. D. Randel. 2006. Relationships of cattle temperament and physiological responses to handling during typical management situations. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Southern Sectional Suppl. 2):32(Abstr. 97). Daniels, ER, TD Bidner, MA Percia, and DE Franke. 2006. Influence of postmortem aging treatments on tenderness of beef steaks from three breed types. J. Anim. Sci. 84: Suppl. 2:3 (Abstr.). DeRouen, S.M. and G.E. Reger. 2007. Evaluation of temperament and production traits of beef replacement heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2): (Abstr.). Domingue, JD, MA Persica, TD Bidner, and DE Franke. 2006. Genetic and environmental factors influencing variation in tenderness of steaks. Louisiana Cattlemen 39:6:18. Eenennaam, AL, J. Li, RM Thallman, RL Quass, ME Dikeman, CA Gill, DE Franke and MG Thomas. 2007. Validation of commercial DNA tests for quantitative beef quality traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:891-900. Elzo, M. A., G. R. Hansen, J. G. Wasdin, J. D. Driver and J. L. Jones. 2007. Evaluation of post-weaning phenotypic residual feed intake in an Angus-Brahman multibreed herd of beef cattle. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX. July 11, 2007. Poster presentation # W36. Franke, DE and LV Cundiff. 2006. Reproduction and maternal performance of two-year-old females by tropically adapted sire breeds in temperate and subtropical regions of the United States. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 32:#6(4 pages). Guerra, JLL, DE Franke and DL Blouin. 2006. Genetic parameters for calving rate and calf survival from linear, threshold, and logistic models in a multibreed beef cattle population. J. Anim. Sci. 84:3197-3203. Guerra, JLL, DE Franke and DL Blouin. 2006. Heritability and EPD for calving rate and calf survival in a multi-breed population. J. Anim. Sci. 84: Suppl 2:9 (Abstr.). Guerra, JLL and DE Franke. 2006. Sire expected progeny difference (EPD) for daughter calving rate. Louisiana Cattleman 39:9:6. Hansen, G. R., M. A. Elzo, D. G. Riley, S. W. Coleman and J. C. Paschal. 2007. Growth and Feed Efficiency: Utilization of Bos indicus Cattle in Florida Beef Enterprises. Proceeding 56th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course. Gainesville, Florida. 56:41-64. King, D. A., C. E. Schuehle-Pfeiffer, R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr., R. A. Oliphint, B. E. Baird, K. O. Curley, Jr., R. C. Vann, D. S. Hale, and J. W. Savell. 2006. Influence of animal temperament and stress responsiveness on the carcass quality and beef tenderness of feedlot cattle. Meat Sci. 74:546-556. Maiga, A.H. 2006. Comparison of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive, maternal, and cow longevity traits. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Neufeld Arce R.O. 2006. Evaluation of heterosis and heterosis retention in Bos taurus-Bos indicus crossbred cattle for reproductive and maternal traits in cows. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Oliphint, R., N. Burdick, J. Laurenz, K. Curley, R. Vann, R. Randel, and T. Welsh. 2006. Relationship of temperament with immunization response and lymphocyte proliferation in Brahman bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Southern Sectional Suppl. 2):32(Abstr. 98). Riley, D. G., Coleman, S. W., Chase, C. C., Jr., Olson, T. A. and Hammond, A. C. 2007. Genetic parameters for weight, hip height, and the ratio of weight to hip height from random regression analyses of Brahman feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85:4252. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., and Olson, T. A. 2007. Evaluation of birth and weaning traits of Romosinuano calves as purebreds and crosses with Brahman and Angus. J. Anim. Sci. 85:289298. Riley, D. G., Coleman, S. W., Chase, C. C., Jr., and Olson, T. A. 2006. Brahman adaptation research in West Central Florida. Brahman Journal 35(11):18, 26, 43. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Johnson, D. D., Olson, T. A., West, R. L., Coleman, S. W., Phillips, W. A., Franke, D. E. and Casas, E. 2007. Carcass traits and merit. Pages 71-80 in 56th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course Proceedings, "Utilization of Bos indicus cattle in Florida beef enterprises," University of Florida, Gainesville, 98 pp. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., Olson, T. A. 2007. Heterosis for reproductive traits in young F1, Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus cows. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 2):4. Riley, D. G., G. R. Hansen, S.W. Coleman and C.C. Chase, Jr. 2007. Residual feed intake and temperament breed differences among Florida heifers. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX. July 11, 2007. Poster presentation # T71. Sanders, J.O., A.D. Herring, D.K. Lunt, J.E. Sawyer, and C.A. Gill. 2006. Investigation of mechanisms influencing disposition in Bos indicus British crossbred cattle. 2006 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 1-6. Smith, T., JD Domingue, JC Paschal, DE Franke, TD Bidner, and G Whipple. 2007. Genetic parameters for growth and carcass traits of Brahman steers. J. Anim. Sci. 85:1377-1384. Thrift, F. A., and T. A. Thrift. 2006. Review: Expected versus realized progeny differences for various beef cattle traits. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:413-423. Vann, R. C., R. D. Randel, T. H. Welsh, Jr., S. T. Willard, J. A. Carroll, M. S. Brown, and T. E.Lawrence. 2006. Influence of breed type and temperament on feedlot growth and carcass characteristics of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl 1):396(Abstr. 468). Vann, R. C., J. A. Parish, W. B. McKinley, B. J. White, and S. T. Willard. 2006. An evaluation of breeding soundness exam administration on subsequent ultrasound body composition traits in yearling beef bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Southern Sectional Suppl. 2):37(Abstr. 114). Vann, R. C. 2006. Relationships between carcass quality and temperament in beef cattle. Proceedings of the Beef Improvement Federation, 38th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, April 18-21, 2006, Pps. 68-72. Wright, B.A., 2006. Reciprocal cross differences in Brahman-Hereford F2 cows: Reproductive and maternal traits. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Wyatt, W., J. Miller, D. Franke and D. Blouin. 2007. Sire effects on liveweight,temperament, and parasite resistance traits in Angus replacement heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2):2(Abstr. 6).

Impact Statements

Estimates of breed direct and heterosis will facilitate performance prediction for crossbred cattle in subtropical areas of the United States, and will help cow-calf producers make breed selection decisions.
Cows sired by Boran bulls and out of British breed beef cows have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions.
Tropically adapted American breed F1s and tropically adapted non-Brahman F1s rank similarly to date in temperate and subtropical environments for fertility and maternal ability.
High fecal egg counts (>500 epg) can negatively influence average daily gain of yearling heifers.
Calves from eight calf crops of the Texas A&M Genomics Project have been scored for disposition; variation for disposition has been found both between and within families. Data will be used in genome scans with the objective of identifying genes with major effects on disposition.
Sires within breed do appear to significantly differ for fecal egg count and measures of temperament. The extent to which nematode parasitism in beef cattle are affected by host genetics should be of great importance to beef producers. Similarly, the extent of genetic variation affecting temperament in beef cattle should also be of importance to beef producers.
Results suggest that in Angus crossbred and Brahman steers, hauling stress has negative effects on body composition traits specifically percent intramuscular fat and rib fat.
Calf temperament scores from pre-weaning through 56 days post weaning are very repeatable measurements. Thus, these measurements can be done at weaning and provide an accurate indication of the lifetime temperament of that animal.

Date of Annual Report: 08/07/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/02/2008 - 06/04/2008
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2007 - 06/01/2008

Participants

Brown, Hayden (hbrown@uark.edu), University of Arkansas;
Brown, Mike (mike.brown@ars.usda.gov), ARS-GRL, El Reno, OK;
DeRouen, Sid (sderouen@agcenter.lsu.edu), LSU AgCenter;
Franke, Don (dfranke@agcenter.lsu.edu), LSU AgCenter;
Godfrey, Bob (rgodfre@uvl.edu), University of the Virgin Islands;
Hansen, Gary (gary_hansen@ncsu.edu), North Carolina State University;
Herring, Andy (andy.herring@tamu.edu), Texas A&M University;
Holloway, Bill (JW-Holloway@tamu.edu), Texas A&M University;
Johnson, Zelpha (Zelphaj@uark.edu), University of Arkansas;
Morrison, David (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu), LSU AgCenter;
Sanders, Jim (jim-sanders@ansc.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University;
Smith, Trent (ts289@ads.msstate.edu), Mississippi State University;
Thrift, Fred (fthrift@uky.edu), University of Kentucky;
Vann, Rhonda (rcv2@ra.msstate.edu), Mississippi State University;
Wyatt, Wayne (wwyatt@agcenter.lsu.edu), LSU AgCenter;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual meeting of the S-1013 technical committee was called to order on June 2-4, 2008 at the Pauline Whitaker Arena of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (see attached agenda). Dr. Sid DeRouen opened the meeting at 8:30 A.M. on June 2 with introductions of meeting participants. Dr. Sid DeRouen then announced members for this years resolutions committee, Drs. Bob Godfrey, Jim Sanders, and Trent Smith; and nominating committee, Drs. Mike Brown, Rhonda Vann, and Fred Thrift.

Individual station reports had been distributed electronically to all members of the committee prior to the meeting. Dr. Hayden Brown gave an overview of the structure of the data collected for Objective 3. Discussion followed regarding subjective chute scores in terms of what was actually being measured and whether or not the 5-point scale should be recoded into a 3-point scale. Also discussed were correlated responses among the different measures of temperament (disposition), i.e., subjective chute scores, subjective pen scores, chute exit velocity, etc. It was reiterated that, while we may be interested in breed differences, a rereading of Objective 3 clearly states that the intent is to estimate genetic variances and correlations for and among temperament and nematode burden measures and production measures in cattle. It was generally concluded that data from the different locations could be combined for analyses.

A discussion of Objective 2 focused on a replacement for Dr. Larry Cundiff (retired) as objective leader. Data structure was discussed and it was generally concluded that a combined data analyses per se may not be possible. However, a collaborative publication, wherein the participants addressed various portions of an overall theme, was certainly possible.
Dr. Sid DeRouen opened the second half of the morning session with submitted research ideas for a new regional project, as a replacement for the current project which will terminate in September 2009. The group entered into a discussion of possible objectives for the replacement project. Prior to dismissal of the morning session, Dr. David Morrison advised the group as to the options for future group interaction. A replacement regional research project (S-XXXX), associated with experiment stations, would entail common objectives with multistate linkages in terms of either a pooling of data for an overall analyses or a sharing of technology or equipment not present at each location but integral to meeting an objective. Another option would be a coordinating committee (SCC; formerly an information exchange group), again associated with experiment stations, which would entail a thematic orientation of shared objectives, but without the rigor of data pooling or sharing technology and/or equipment per se. Another option would be an extension and research activities group (SERA) which would entail a bringing together of researchers and extension specialists to address common objectives, with the intent of providing a functionally integrated forum for discussion and coordination of joint activities to address stakeholder needs.

Lunch was provided at the Pauline Whitaker Arena, after which the group traveled to the XXG Angus Ranch in Summers, AR. Mr. Murle Gilbreath, owner, provided a tour of the ranch and an evening meal for the group.

On June 3, 2008, the group met at the Pauline Whitaker Arena at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Sid DeRouen presented an overview of the previous days discussion of possible objectives for a new project. Several participants, in reflection of the options outlined by Dr. Morrison the previous day, urged the group to strive toward the development of a regional research project (S-XXXX), rather than an SCC or SERA project. Discussion of possible objectives for an S-XXXX project followed and four possible objectives were identified. Following a mid-morning breakout session for each objective, the group came back together and objective leaders presented the working objectives (see below) for the development of a replacement S-XXXX project. Dr. Andy Herring accepted the responsibility of overall author and editor for the new project. Dr. David Morrison outlined a working timetable (see below) for the development and submission of a replacement S-XXXX project.

Lunch was provided at the Pauline Whitaker Arena, after which the group traveled to Cobb Genetics in Siloam Springs, AR. Dr. Mark Cooper welcomed the group and presented an excellent overview of product development and the selection procedures employed by Cobb Genetics in poultry breeding.
On June 4, 2008, the group met at the Pauline Whitaker Arena at 8:00 a.m. A copy of the working objectives and timetable (see below) was provided, by Dr. Wayne Wyatt, to each individual within the group.

The business meeting was called to order by Dr. Sid DeRouen at 9:00 a.m. Dr. David Morrison provided an administrative overview for the group. He thanked Dr. Sid DeRouen for diligently working to secure a project extension through September 2009 for the group. He reminded the group that an annual report will be due 60 days following termination of the annual meeting and that meeting minutes will be posted on the NIMSS website under the S-1013 project. He informed the group that a 1-2 page impact statement on the S-1013 project would be required 60 days prior to submission of a new project proposal. He also stated that the new project would require an impact statement in the third year of the new project.

Dr. David Morrison then gave an update on the new farm bill. He read through a set of ordered priorities (seven) derived by the Southern directors as a science roadmap for agriculture research in the southern region. It was with some dismay that the group noted that animal research per se, wasnt ranked until the third priority and then wasnt mentioned again until the last priority. There was some discussion regarding elevation of animal agriculture research within the scientific community.

Dr. David Morrison reported that Dr. Sid DeRouen had submitted the S-1013 project for consideration as the Southern Regions nominee for a new National Excellence in Multistate Award. He noted that the project was deemed worthy of nomination by the southern animal science department heads group (SAC-2), but was not selected as the Southern Regions nominee. Selection criteria included i.) objectives that are national in scope, and ii.) the ability to garner extramural funding, among others. The group expressed thanks to Dr. Sid DeRouen for his efforts in submitting the project for consideration.

The nominating committee (Drs. Mike Brown, Rhonda Vann, and Fred Thrift) made the following nominations: Dr. Wayne Wyatt (chair), Dr. Andy Herring (chair elect), and Dr. Bob Godfrey (secretary). The nominated individuals were elected by unanimous vote.

The resolution committee (Drs. Bob Godfrey, Trent Smith, and Jim Sanders) submitted their report (see below).

Dr. Sid DeRouen initiated discussion of the location for next years meeting. Dr. Wyatt invited the group to meet in south Louisiana the first week of June 2009, to which the group accepted the offer. Dr. Jim Sanders proffered a Texas location for the 2010 meeting and Dr. Bob Godfrey invited the group to St. Croix, V.I. for the 2011 meeting. The group readily accepted both offers.
A consensus was reached by the group that it would be desirable to include scientists from other states in the new project. Members were encouraged to individually contact scientists they thought might be interested in participation in the new project.

The meeting was ended with recognition of and appreciation expressed to those individuals who will be retiring before the next meeting. Dr. Jim Sanders made a motion that a standing invitation be extended to all retirees for future annual meetings. The motion was seconded by Dr. Rhonda Vann and was subsequently passed by acclamation.

The meeting was adjourned by Dr. Sid DeRouen at 10:30 a.m., June 4, 2008.
Meeting minutes are respectfully submitted by Dr. Wayne Wyatt, secretary.

WORKING OBJECTIVES FOR S-1013 REPLACEMENT PROJECT (S-XXXX)

Objective 1: To estimate genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage. (Objective leaders: Drs. Fred Thrift and Bill Holloway.)

Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types. (Objective leader: Drs. Jim Sanders.)

Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for discovery and characterization of molecular markers in traits of economic importance in pedigreed beef cattle populations. (Objective leaders: Drs. Trent Smith and Gary Hansen.)

Objective 4: Evaluate the relationship between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types. (Objective leaders: Drs. Bob Godfrey and Rhonda Vann.)

DEADLINES

" August 15, 2008 objective drafts due to Dr. Andy Herring

" February 1, 2009 first draft completed for review by internal S-1013 sub-committee

" March 1, 2009 second draft ready for review by external peers (e.g., Drs. Mike Tess, Dave Buchanan, Dave Notter, John Pollack, etc.)

" May 15, 2009 third draft to full S-1013 committee for review

" June 15, 2009 third draft ready for review by southern multi-state research committee

" August 1, 2009 final draft submitted to southern executive directors office

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

Whereas the S-1013 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region of the United States as well as other regions of the U.S.

And whereas the S-1013 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different ranch production systems.

Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Dr. Hayden Brown, Ms. Dianna Watson and Dr. Sid DeRouen for planning and coordinating its 2008 annual meeting in Fayetteville, AR and for coordinating tours to XX-G Ranch and Cobb Genetics. The S-1013 technical Committee wishes to thank Dr. Fred Pohlman and Tyson Foods, Inc. for providing the lunches during the meeting.

Be it also resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Mr. Murle Gilbreath and family of XX-G Ranch in Summers, AR for their hospitality and enjoyable tour of the ranch, and to Dr. Mark Cooper of Cobb Genetics in Siloam Springs, AR, for his hospitality and informative presentation on poultry breeding.

Be it also resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. David Morrison for his oversight, leadership and friendship as administrative advisor of this project.

Respectfully submitted 6/4/08
Bob Godfrey
Jim Sanders
Trent Smith

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Use of the Criollo breed Romosinuano may permit cow-calf producers to take advantage of tropical adaptation and heterosis for a variety of production traits while possibly avoiding less desirable performance of some traits of tropically adapted cattle, such as poor animal temperament, poor marbling score, and late sexual maturity in females. Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Use of the Criollo breed Romosinuano may permit cow-calf producers to take advantage of tropical adaptation and heterosis for a variety of production traits while possibly avoiding less desirable performance of some traits of tropically adapted cattle, such as poor animal temperament, poor marbling score, and late sexual maturity in females. Central Station, LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska - Results of this study clearly demonstrate the superior environment in NE for cow-calf production compared to that in LA. Cow breed types ranked the same in both environments. Romosinuano-sired cows appear slightly superior to other sire breed types for reproductive traits. ARS-Oklahoma - In calves put directly on mixed grain rations after weaning, cow milk yield was unfavorably related to calf postweaning performance in calves sired by Gelbvieh and Bonsmara, whereas cow milk yield was favorably related to postweaning performance of calves sired by Brangus and possibly Charolais. In Romosinuano- and Hereford-sired calves on mixed rations, there was little evidence of a relationship of cow milk yield to postweaning performance. In calves grazed on wheat pasture after weaning, there was a trend for a favorable relationship of cow milk yield to postweaning performance in Gelbvieh-sired calves and a weaker trend for an unfavorable relationship in Romosinuano-sired calves. There was little evidence of a relationship of cow milk yield to postweaning performance in Bonsmara-, Brangus-, Charolais-, or Hereford-sired calves grazed on wheat pasture. Texas A&M University / Texas Agricultural Experiment Station - Cows sired by Boran bulls and out of cows of the British beef breeds have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions. Objective 3: Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. Department of Animal Science, Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station - Considerable economic loss occurs in cattle production in the U.S. due to internal parasite and excitable temperament. The loss generally does not result from mortality but results due to reduced animal performance. A recent survey revealed that bruising of cattle due to poor temperament cost the U.S. cattle industry 22 million per year. If these results are consistent across years and locations, this study would provide the basis for selection of animals resistant to some internal parasites reducing the use of anthelmintic treatment. Selection for docility may become a key factor in maximizing production efficiency and production quality. However, proper technology in the application of these results must be developed. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Use of the Criollo breed Romosinuano may permit cow-calf producers to take advantage of tropical adaptation and heterosis for a variety of production traits while possibly avoiding less desirable performance of some traits of tropically adapted cattle, such as poor animal temperament, poor marbling score, and late sexual maturity in females. Kentucky Experiment Station - A preliminary summary of the results to date indicate that weaning weights have been similar for calves classified according to the five temperament scores. Once data collection is completed, it is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament evaluated at weaning is associated with preweaning production in Angus cattle. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Homer, and Jeanerette - Correlations among CS and EV with postweaning gain were, in general, negative and significant. Correlations among weaning EV and summer EV with pregnancy rate were negative and important (P < 0.05). Sire (breed type* location) was highly significant for all temperament measurements. Heifers classified as slow, medium, and fast based on EV did not differ (P > 0.14) for postweaning gain or pregnancy rate. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge and Jeanerette - Despite presumed inaccurate heritability estimates derived from the sire-model analyses, sire effects suggest that there are sires within both Angus and Brahman-influenced (i.e., Brangus and Braford) breeds that do differ in EPG, postweaning ADG, and pregnancy rates of their heifer offspring. It should be noted that improvements in both accuracy and precision of variance component estimates are anticipated with additional data (an additional year of data and combining of data across multiple locations) and the incorporation of pedigree information in the analyses. Results based upon preliminary data and simple analyses preclude conclusive statements regarding the data. MAFES, Brown Loam Experiment Station, Raymond, MS - These results suggest that in Angus crossbred and Brahman steers hauling stress has negative effects on body composition traits specifically percent intramuscular fat and rib fat. Thus, fat cattle that are ready to be harvested and have to travel long distances to a harvest facility may have reduced percent intramuscular fat or marbling scores at time of harvest. Calf temperament scores from pre-weaning through 56 days post weaning are very repeatable measurements. Thus these measurements can be done at weaning and provide an accurate indication of the lifetime temperament of that animal. In addition, animals that are routinely worked through a cattle facility will become accustomed to human interaction and their overall temperament scores will continue to decline from weaning through yearling. Texas A&M University / Texas Agricultural Experiment Station - Calves from all nine calf crops of the Genomics Project have been scored for disposition; variation for disposition has been found both between and within families. Data are being used in genome scans with the objective of identifying genes with major effects on disposition. University of the Virgin Islands, Agricultural Experiment Station - These results show that the temperament of Senepol calves does not change over time after weaning and heifers are more temperamental than bulls. Objective 4: Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. All participating locations (Florida USDA/ARS, STARS and Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor) have stored DNA, tissue, or white blood cells on calves born in the previous year. Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor - All cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; calves born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 were bled prior to weaning. Cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project were bled at birth and shortly before weaning; base of scrotum and testicles were also saved from males. The DNA will be available to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance.

Publications

Brown, M. A. and D. L. Lalman. 2008. Preweaning performance of calves from Bonsmara, Brangus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, and Romosinuano sires bred to Brangus cows managed on native rangeland or improved forages. Prof. Anim. Sci. 24: 67-75. Brown, M. A., X. Z. Wang, F. Q. Gao, J. P. Wu and D. L. Lalman. 2008. Postweaning gains in calves sired by six sire breeds evaluated on two preweaning forages and two postweaning management systems. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Accepted 3/5/2008). Brown, M. A., X. Z. Wang, F. Q. Gao, J. P. Wu, and D. L. Lalman, 2008. Postweaning gains in calves sired by six sire breeds evaluated on two postweaning management systems. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):1. Carroll, J. A., Arthington, J. D., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., Riley, D. G., Spiers, D. E., and Reuter, R. R. Genetic influences on the bovine acute phase protein response following an endotoxin challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 86(Suppl. 2):21(Abstr.). 2008. Chase, C. C., Jr., Randel, R. D., Riley, D. G., Coleman, S. W., and Olson, T. A. Genetic effects on circulating concentrations of cortisol at and after weaning in breed-types adapted to the subtropics. J. Anim. Sci. 86(Suppl. 2):2(Abstr.). 2008. Coleman, S. W., Phillips, W. A., Chase, C. C., Jr., and Riley, D. G. Feed efficiency of tropically adapted breed and breed cross steers when fed in the southern plains. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):189(Abstr.). 2007. Cunningham, S.F., A.H. Maiga, K.L. Key, A.E. Ducoing, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D. K. Lunt. 2008. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive and maternal performance and cow longevity. 2008 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. (in press). DeRouen, S.M. 2008. Temperament effects on development of replacement heifers. Hill Farm Research Station Field Day Summaries. Louisiana Agriculture Experiment Station. Franke, D. E., D. H. Fischer, Jr., M. G. Thomas, and T. D. Bidner. 2007. Calpastatin and calpain genetic marker influences on shear force in Brahman steers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2): 3 (Abstr.). Franke, D. E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2007. Tropically adapted F1 beef female and location influences on early performance. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2): 6 (Abstr.). Franke, D. E., M. G. Thomas, A. J. Garrett, and T. D. Bidner. 2007. An evaluation of SNP associations with calpastatin enzyme activity and shear force measurements in Brahman steers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1): 259 (Abstr.). Franke, D. E., D. H. Fischer, Jr., M. G. Thomas, and T. D. Bidner. 2007. Calpastatin and calpain genetic marker influences on shear force in Brahman steers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2): 3 (Abstr.). Franke, D. E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2007. Tropically adapted F1 beef female and location influences on early performance. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2): 6 (Abstr.). Franke, D. E., M. G. Thomas, A. J. Garrett, and T. D. Bidner. 2007. An evaluation of SNP associations with calpastatin enzyme activity and shear force measurements in Brahman steers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1): 259 (Abstr.). Funkhouser, R.R. 2008. Evaluation of disposition scores in Bos indicus/Bos taurus cross calves at different stages of production. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Funkhouser, R.R., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, D.K. Lunt, and J.E. Sawyer. 2008. Evaluation of disposition scores in Bos indicus/Bos taurus cross calves at weaning. American Society of Ani. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts. Godfrey, R. W. and R. C. Ketring. 2007. Temperament and chute exit velocity scores of Senepol calves after weaning. J. Animal Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):95. Hansen, G. R., Carstens, G. E., and Riley, D. G. Relationship between residual feed intake, water intake and ultrasound body composition traits in Angus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):551(Abstr.). 2007. Murphy, K., S. Reiter, M. Brown, R. Okimoto, H. Brown, Jr., and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2008. Identification of genomic polymorphisms in upstream elements of the bovine CYP3A28 gene. . Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):36. Nabhan, I., M. Lamb, S. Reiter, R. Okimoto, M. Brown, H. Brown, Jr., and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2008. Relationships among bovine heat shock protein 70 genotype, forage type, and plasma concentrations of HSP-70. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):3. Peng, Yun Shou, Jian Ping Wu, Li Xin Wei, M. A. Brown, Ji Ling Wu, and Duo Zeng Sanbei. 2008. Fatty acid profile in milk fat from Qinghai Plateau yak at different altitudes and parities. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Accepted 4/28/2008). Phillips, W. A., Coleman, S. W., Chase, C. C., Jr., and Riley, D. G. Predicting back fat thickness in beef cattle using A-mode ultrasound technology. J. Anim. Sci. 86(Suppl. 2):25(Abstr.). 2008. Qiu, X., Arthington, J. D., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Phillips, W. A., Coleman, S. W. and Olson, T. A. Genetic effects on acute phase protein response to the stresses of weaning and transportation in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 85:23672374. 2007. Riley, D. G., Loneragan, G. H., Phillips, W. A., Gray, J. T. and Fedorka-Cray, P. J. Fecal shedding of foodborne pathogens by Florida-born heifers and steers in U.S. beef production segments. J. Food Prot. 71:807810. 2008. Riley, D. G., Hansen, G. R., Coleman, S. W., and Chase, C. C., Jr. Residual feed intake and temperament differences among Florida heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):263(Abstr.). 2007. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Miller, M. F., Brooks, J. C., Johnson, D. D., Phillips, S. W., and Olson, T. A. Genetic analyses of crossbred and purebred Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus steers. J. Anim. Sci. 86(Suppl. 2):2(Abstr.). 2008. Scharf, B., Wax, L. E., Carroll, J. A., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., Keisler, D. H., and Spiers, D. E. Evaluation of physiological differences in heat tolerant (Romosinuano) and heat susceptible (Angus) Bos taurus cattle during controlled heat challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):466(Abstr.). 2007. Van Eenennaam, A.L., J. Li, R. M. Thallman, R. L. Quass, M. E. Dikeman, C. A. Gill, D. E. Franke and M. G. Thomas. 2007. Validation of commercial DNA tests for quantitative beef quality traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:891-900. Zhao, D., Starks, P.J., Brown, M.A., Phillips, W.A., and Coleman, S.W. Assessment of forage biomass and quality parameters of bermudagrass using proximal sensing of pasture canopy reflectance. Grassl. Sci. 53:39-49. 2007.

Impact Statements

Three-years of data suggest individual animal variation for temperament score and fecal egg count.
Breed of sire x location interactions may not be as important to commercial cow-calf operations as once thought; however, small differences tend to be important among the breed types evaluated.
Correlations among chute score and exit velocity with postweaning gain indicate increased gains were associated with lower (more desirable) temperament measurements.
Correlations among weaning chute score and exit velocity with pregnancy rate indicate improved pregnancy rates were associated with slower (more docile) heifers.
Significant variations among sires were found for all the temperament measurements.
Sires within breed appear to significantly differ for fecal egg count.
The extent to which nematode parasitism in beef cattle is affected by host genetics should be of great importance to beef producers.
The relationship between maternal performance in the cow-calf phase of beef production and the subsequent postweaning gain in the stocker/backgrounding phase is important in the design of efficient beef production systems because of a potential negative relationship between milk production of the cow and postweaning gain of her calf.
The impact of maternal performance of the dam on calf postweaning ADG depended on both the sire breed of the calf and the postweaning management.

Date of Annual Report: 07/23/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/01/2009 - 06/03/2009
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2009

Participants

Barham, Brett, University of Arkansas, bbarham@uaex.edu;
Brown, Hayden, University of Arkansas, hbrown@uark.edu;
Brown, Mike, USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory-El Reno Oklahoma, mike.brown@ars.usda.gov;
Burfening, Peter, USDA-CSREES National Program Leader- Competitive Programs, pburfening@csrees.usda.gov;
DeRouen, Sid, LSU AgCenter, sderouen@agctr.lsu.edu;
Franke, Don, LSU AgCenter, dfranke@agctr.lsu.edu;
Godfrey, Bob, University of Virgin Islands, rgodfre@uvi.edu;
Hansen, Gary, NC State, gary_hansen@ncsu.edu;
Herring, Andy, Texas A&M University, andy.herring@tamu.edu;
Holloway, Bill, Texas A&M University, JW-Holloway@tamu.edu;
Long, Charles, Texas A&M University, c-long@tamu.edu;
Morrison, David, LSU AgCenter, dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu;
Rayfield, Amber, University of Arkansas, arayfiel@uark.edu;
Riley, David, Texas A&M University, d-riley@tamu.edu;
Sanders, Jim, Texas A&M University, j-sanders1@tamu.edu;
Smith, Trent, Mississippi State University, ts289@ads.msstate.edu;
Thallman, R. Mark, USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center-Clay Center Nebraska, Mark.Thallman@ars.usda.gov;
Thrift, Fred, University of Kentucky, fthrift@uky.edu;
Vann, Rhonda, Mississippi State University, rcv2@ra.msstate.edu;
Warrington, Bobby, Texas A&M University, b-warrington@tamu.edu;
Wyatt, Wayne, LSU AgCenter, wwyatt@agctr.lsu.edu.

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual meeting of the S-1013 technical committee was held on May 31 - June 3, 2009 at the meeting facility of the Comfort Suites, New Iberia, LA. Dr. Wayne Wyatt opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. on June 1 with a discussion of how the various studies contributing to Objective 2 might be combined for a joint publication. Published and/or released (by author) data (analyzed within study) were categorized for joint publication, i.e., 1) calf birth through weaning data, 2) feedlot through slaughter data, and 3) cow (maternal effects) data. The initial publication would focus on the calf through weaning information. Dr. Fred Thrift volunteered to serve as the coordinator of the initial publication and requested that data (analyzed within study) be sent to him by July 1. Dr. Thrift committed to producing a draft for review by mid-September. Dr. Jim Sanders indicated that he would assist with the cow data publication, but that the study conducted by Drs. Don Franke and Larry Cundiff would be published separately.

The meeting was officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Dr. Wayne Wyatt welcomed everyone to Louisiana and introduced Dr. David Boethel, Vice Chancellor and Director, Louisiana Agriculture Experiment Station, LSU AgCenter who presented an overview of the LAES and the LSU AgCenter. Mr. Tom Hymel, Environmental Specialist, and Mr. Andrew Granger, County Agent, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, LSU AgCenter presented reports on the impact of hurricanes on agriculture in the region.

After an introduction of the committee members, Dr. Wayne Wyatt announced the members of the Resolutions Committee (Drs. Hayden Brown, Gary Hansen and Trent Smith) and the Nominating Committee (Drs. Bob Godfrey, Andy Herring and Sid DeRouen).

Dr. David Morrison expressed thanks to Dr. Andy Herring for coordinating the task of writing the new project (SDC334). He also provided information from the reviews of the new project and informed us how to go about responding to the reviews (rebut or make changes). Each objective coordinator for the new project was given the task of responding to the review comments and presenting the revisions to the group for discussion and approval. The objective revisions (SDC334) were coordinated by the following people: Objective 1b Herring; Objective 1c - Godfrey; Objective 2 Riley; Objective 3 Smith and Hansen; Objective 4 Godfrey, Vann and Smith.

Lunch was provided in the meeting facility, after which the group traveled to the LSU AgCenters Iberia Research Station in Jeanerette, LA. Dr. Sonny Viator and Dr. Guillermo Scaglia spoke to the group about their ongoing research projects. Dinner that evening was a steak supper, with steaks provided by Mr. George Chapman, Bonsmara Natural Beef Company, Amarillo, TX. Mr. Charles Broussard gave a presentation describing his familys efforts to bring French Charolais cattle to Louisiana.

On June 2, 2008, the group met at the meeting facility of the Comfort Suites at 7:30 a.m to discuss Objective 3. Dr. Hayden Brown led the discussion and requested the fecal egg count and chute score data be sent to him in a format he provided. Dr. Brown agreed to send a sample of the data format out to all participants in the objective. Exit velocities, pen scores and weights will be analyzed by individual stations or in sub-groups where appropriate. Dr. Brown requested the data be sent to him by July 15, 2009.

Dr. Pete Burfening presented information on the changes that will be taking place within CSREES. The name will be changed to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture on Oct 1, 2009. There were no major changes, up or down, in the budget. He pointed out that articles on the animal genome appeared in an issue of Science, which is quite prestigious.

Discussion on Objective 3 (SDC334) was led by Drs. Trent Smith and Gary Hansen. Dr Charles Long supported collecting the DNA and establishing a bank of this material for future use and emphasized how important this would be. It was agreed the wording of the objective needed to be changed to reflect the activity and the methods will be changed to include more specificity of procedures. Dr. Mike Brown mentioned that we may be able to coordinate with the National Animal Germplasm Program in Ft. Collins, CO to house the DNA bank, and he would pursue this option and report back to the committee.
It was agreed that the revisions of the objectives need to be submitted to Dr. Andy Herring by June 15. He would in turn incorporate the changes into the document and forward the revised proposal to the Multistate Research Committee by July 1.

Revisions to Objective 1b (SDC334) were presented by Dr. Andy Herring and revisions to Objective 1c (SDC334) and Objective 4 (SDC334) were presented by Dr. Godfrey. The revisions were approved by the committee.

Lunch was provided in the meeting facility, after which the group traveled to a marsh cattle operation, managed by Mr. Malcolm Leleux, near Avery Island, followed by a visit to the D Bar Ranch, owned by Mr. Sam Duplatis, in Erath, Louisiana. Dinner that evening was at Shucks in Abbeville.

On June 3, 2008, the group met at the meeting facility of the Comfort Suites at 8:00 a.m to discuss the new project documentation. Dr. David Morrison went over a check list of items that needed to be addressed in the proposal. A copy of this list will be provided to Dr. Andy Herring to help with the coordination of the writing and revisions.

The revisions to Objective 3 (SDC334) were presented by Drs. Gary Hansen and Trent Smith. The wording of the objective was changed as well as the justification to indicate that the intent was to establish and catalogue a DNA bank for future use. Details were provided on the methods to be used for collecting and storing samples.

Dr. David Riley led the discussion of the revisions to Objective 2 (SDC334). The discussion centered on participation with the Meat Animal Research Center in developing a GPE type of germplasm evaluation project in the southern region. Because the stations could not commit to that type of long term breeding program, it was decided to accept the revisions that Dr Riley had made to the objective and proceed with the project. It was decided that committee members could collaborate with MARC where feasible and possible, external to the new project.

During the business meeting Dr. David Morrison thanked the committee for all of their work on the current project and the new project proposal. He expressed appreciation to Dr. Andy Herring for coordinating the writing of the new project.

The nominating committee (Drs. Bob Godfrey, Andy Herring and Sid DeRouen) made the following nominations: Dr. Andy Herring (chair), Dr. Bob Godfrey (chair elect) and Dr. Trent Smith (secretary). The nominated individuals were elected by unanimous vote.

The resolution committee (Drs. Gary Hansen, Trent Smith and Hayden Brown) submitted their report (see Appendix C). The resolutions were approved by unanimous vote.

Dr. Wayne Wyatt initiated discussion of the location for next years meeting. Dr. Jim Sanders invited the group to meet in Texas in 2010, with the specific location to be determined. Options included Waco and the McGregor Station, a trip to Overton, or College Station. The group accepted the offer. Dr. Bob Godfrey invited the group to St. Croix, V.I. for the 2011 meeting. The group readily accepted this offer.

The meeting was adjourned by Dr. Wayne Wyatt at 11:30 a.m., June 3, 2009.

Meeting minutes are respectfully submitted by Dr. Bob Godfrey, secretary.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Estimates of heterosis for Romosinuano-Brahman in most traits were almost as high as that for Brahman-Angus. Estimates of heterosis for Romosinuano-Angus were similar to those for other Bos taurus crosses. Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States. Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - The direct breed effect of Romosinuano was to improve exit velocity, chute temperament score, and pen temperament scores in weaned calves and in heifers in a development program. Brahman direct breed effects were opposite. Central Station, LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska - Comparisons of Bos indicus F1 tropically adapted cows to non-Bos taurus F1 tropically adapted cows were made in Nebraska and in Louisiana over a five year period. Additionally, Brahman (Bos indicus) F1 cows were compared to other tropically adapted cows in Louisiana. For data from both locations and cows three years old and older, sire breed of cow significantly influenced variation in percent unassisted calving, calf ADG, and calf 205-d weaning weight. Bonsmara F1 cows required more assistance at calving than other cow breed types. Calves nursing Romosinuano F1 cows had lower ADG and calf 205-d weaning weight than calves nursing Brangus, Beefmaster or Bonsmara F1 cows. Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano F1 cows producing in Louisiana had calves with lower birth weights, lower ADG, lower 205-d weaning weights and lower 200-d weaning weight per cow exposed than calves nursing cows in Nebraska. The sire breed of cow x location interaction significantly influenced calf ADG and 205-d weaning weight. The interaction was due more to differences in magnitude than changes in rank across locations. For cows in Louisiana, Brahman F1 cows nursed calves that gained about 0.3 lb/d more than calves nursing Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano F1 cows whereas all cows three years and older had similar weaning rates in Louisiana. ARS-Oklahoma - Calves from Brangus cows and Charolais and Gelbvieh sires tended to be heavier at 205 d of age than calves from other sire breeds on improved forages while on native forages, Bonsmara-, Charolais-, and Gelbvieh-sired calves were similar but were heavier than Brangus- and Romosinuano-sired calves. Postweaning analyses for stocker performance for both stocker and drylot management have indicated that calves from Brangus cows and Charolais, Gelbvieh, and Hereford sires were highest in ADG, Brangus-sired calves intermediate, and Bonsmara- and Romosinuano-sired calves lowest. Cows sired by Bonsmara, Brangus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, and Hereford sires were similar in 24-hour milk yield, although there was a trend for Hereford-sired cows to be lesser in milk yield. Texas A&M University / Texas Agricultural Experiment Station - Of the cows born in 1992 and 1993 and sired by Tuli, Boran and Brahman bulls, productivity has been highest in the Boran cross cows. Although they have also had higher calf crop born than the Brahman and Tuli crosses, much of their advantage in calf crop weaned has been due to higher survival rates in their calves. Objective 3: Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. Department of Animal Science/ Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station - Prolactin genotype was related (P < 0.05) to strongyle egg counts at weaning (355 vs 149, and 167 eggs per gram; respectively for CC, CT, and TT). Prolactin genotype was not related to other traits at weaning; however, at d 156, chute score and strongyle egg counts were related to genotype. The CC calves were calmer (P < 0.1) than others (0.66 vs 1.4, and 1.8 chute score). In addition, CC calves had higher (P < 0.05) strongyle egg counts at d 156 when compared with other calves (34 vs 13, and 14 eggs per gram). Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - No relationships were detected for any temperament trait measured at weaning or monthly thereafter (heifers) with heifer age or size at first calving. University of Kentucky/ Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station - A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 300 spring-calving cows was utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and preweaning calf performance. These results indicate weaning weights were similar for calves classified according to the five temperament scores. Also, temperament scores were similar for bull and heifer calves. These results indicate that differences in temperament can be assessed at weaning; however, preweaning productivity did not differ for the temperament classifications. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Homer, and Jeanerette - Sufficient genetic variation exist in fecal egg count, hair luster and length scores, and postweaning ADG in Angus and Brahman-influenced (Brangus and Braford) heifers for selection for or against these traits to be effective. Temperament, as measured by chute temperament score and exit velocity, in cattle is subject to a level of genetic control (moderate heritability estimates) and selection against ill temperament should be effective in Angus and Brahman-influenced heifers. Also, there appears to be a genetic antagonism (negative genetic correlations) between these measures of temperament and heifer postweaning growth, such that selection against ill temperament should result in improved postweaning ADG in heifers. Phenotypic correlations among chute temperament score and exit velocity with postweaning gain were, in general, negative. Phenotypic correlations among weaning and summer chute exit velocities with pregnancy rate were negative. Heifers classified as slow, medium, and fast based on mean chute exit velocity did not differ (P > 0.14) for postweaning gain or pregnancy rate. MAFES, Brown Loam Experiment Station, Raymond, MS - Over the past four years temperament assessments have been done on spring born calves for subjective temperament measurements (pen and chute scores) as well as objective temperament measures (exit velocity). In addition, over the last two years we have been evaluating an overall temperament score by combining the pen score and the exit velocity (PS + EV/2) to assign an overall temperament score to an individual. This combined score seems to do a good job of assessing temperament of an animal. Calf temperament scores from pre-weaning through 56 days post weaning are very repeatable measurements. Thus these measurements can be done at weaning and provide an accurate indication of the lifetime temperament of that animal. In addition, animals that are routinely worked through a cattle facility will become accustomed to human interaction and their overall temperament scores will decline some from weaning through yearling. Current results with individual sire effects on exit velocity and other temperament evaluations, indicates that selection for temperament within a cow herd, as well as sire selection would improve temperament in calves produced ultimately resulting in greater production efficiency. Thus these temperament assessment measurements can be done at weaning and provide an accurate indication of the lifetime temperament of that animal. Texas A&M University / Texas Agricultural Experiment Station - The genomics project is well under way, and the variability in disposition both within and between families indicates that the search for genes with major effects on disposition should be successful. Correlations between disposition in first calf heifers and the heifers own disposition shortly after weaning and at the time of her second calf are positive, significant, and moderate (0.34 and 0.53, respectively). University of the Virgin Islands, Agricultural Experiment Station - Based on these results it appears that temperament of Senepol calves does not change drastically over time after weaning, and has only a moderate relationship to weight as yearlings. The distribution of temperament scores was skewed towards the mild end of the scale with the majority of calves having a score of 2 or less at all time points. Objective 4: Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. Texas A&M University College Station/McGregor - All cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; this includes all the cattle used in Objective 2 of this regional project. In 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, all calves at the station were bled prior to weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets in College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for all nine calf crops (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, and spring of 2007) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning (5 and 200 cc collections, respectively). Florida USDA/ARS, STARS - Since the beginning of this project, DNA was stored as white blood cells (n = 1,586) or using FTA cards (n = 926) for all bulls and cows, including Angus, Brahman, and Romosinuano purebreds, and F1 cows of all combinations of breeds, and each year for all weaned calves, which in addition to F1s and purebreds, also includes 3-breed crosses (50%-25%-25%) of all possible combinations of these breeds.

Publications

Bidner, T.D., P.E. Humes, W.E. Wyatt, D.E. Franke, M.A. Persica III, G.T. Gentry, and D.E. Blouin. 2009. Influence of Angus and Belgian Blue bulls mated to Hereford x Brahman cows on growth, carcass traits and longissimus steak shear force. J. Anim. Sci. 87:1167-1173. Brown, M. A., X. Z. Wang, F. Q. Gao, J. P. Wu and D. L. Lalman. 2008. Postweaning gains in calves sired by six sire breeds evaluated on two preweaning forages and two postweaning management systems. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Accepted 3/5/2008). Brown, M. A., X. Z. Wang, F. Q. Gao, J. P. Wu, and D. L. Lalman, 2008. Postweaning gains in calves sired by six sire breeds evaluated on two postweaning management systems. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 1. Caldwell, L. C., Chase, C. C., Jr., Riley, D. G., Coleman, S. W., Phillips, W. A., Welsh, T. H., Jr. and Randel, R. D. 2009. Influence of tropical adaptation on plasma insulin-like growth factor-I and residual feed intake in purebred and crossbred beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 2): 20. Chase, C. C., Waters, L. J., Davis, J. R., Riley, D. G., Coleman, S. W., Carroll, J. A. and Olson, T. A. 2009. Effect of shade on summer body temperature and respiration rate of Angus, Brahman, and Romosinuano heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 2): 1. Coleman, S. W., Phillips, W. A., Riley, D. G. and Chase, C. C. 2009. Post-weaning growth of tropically-adapted purebred and crossbred calves when finished in a temperate climate. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 2): 2. Cooper, A.J., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, D.K. Lunt, and J.E. Sawyer. 2009. Evaluation of birth weight, weaning weight, and gestation length in Bos indicus/Bos taurus cross calves. American Society of Anim. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts. Cunningham, S. F., A.H. Maiga, K.L. Key, A.E. Ducoing, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D. K. Lunt. 2008. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive and maternal performance and cow longevity. 2007 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 23-26. DeRouen, Sid, Don Franke and Wayne Wyatt. 2009. Louisiana Cattlemen Associations Convention: Tour of Beef Cattle Research at Central Research Station (Temperament of Replacement Heifers). January 10, 2009. Elzo, M. A., Riley, D. G., Hansen, G. R., Johnson, D. D., Myer, R. O., Rae, D. O., Wasdin, J. G. and Driver, J. D. 2008. Effect of breed composition, temperament, and ELISA scores for paratuberculosis on phenotypic residual feed intake and growth in an Angus-Brahman multibreed herd. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 204. Elzo, M. A., Riley, D. G., Hansen, G. R., Johnson, D. D., Myer, R. O., Rae, D. O., Wasdin, J. G. and Driver, J. D. 2008. Association between breed composition, phenotypic residual feed intake, temperament, ELISA scores for paratuberculosis, and ultrasound carcass traits in an Angus-Brahman multibreed herd. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 204. Elzo, M. A., Riley, D. G., Hansen, G. R., Johnson, D. D., Myer, R. O., Rae, D. O., Wasdin, J. G. and Driver, J. D. 2008. Relationship between carcass traits and phenotypic residual feed intake, breed composition, temperament, and ELISA scores for paratuburculosis in an Angus-Brahman multibreed herd. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 205. Franke, D.E, T.D. Bidner, M.G. Thomas, and B.W. Woodward. 2008. Genetic markers in the leptin gene and association with carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (E-Suppl. 3): 2(Abstr.). Franke, D. E. 2008. Research with Beefmaster Cattle. United Beefmaster Breeders Annual Meeting, December. Shrevport LA. Franke, D. E., T. D. Bidner, M. A. Persica III, and M. C. Canal. 2009. Polymorphism in E2FB, UASMS1, UASMS2, A1457G, and C963T genetic markers at the leptin locus in Brahman steers and their association with carcass traits. 2009 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Research Report. 35:(in press). Franke, D. E. and M. C. Canal. 2009. A comparision of tropically adapted F1 cows for fertility, maternal ability, and size. 2009 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Research Report. 35:(in press). Franke, D. E. and T. D. Bidner. 2009. Thyroglobulin, calpastatin, and calpain genetic markers in Brahman steers and their association with carcass and tenderness traits. 2009 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Research Report. 35:(in press). Franke, D. E. 2009. Louisiana Beef Cattlemen Association Annual Meeting Tour of Beef Cattle Research Unit (A comparison of tropically adapted F1 beef cattle breeds and the influence of parasite fecal egg count and temperament in beef heifers on growth and first exposure fertility). January. Funkhouser, R.R. 2008. Evaluation of disposition scores in Bos indicus/Bos taurus cross calves at different stages of production. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Funkhouser, R.R., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, D.K. Lunt, and J.E. Sawyer. 2008. Evaluation of disposition scores in Bos indicus/Bos taurus cross calves at weaning. American Society of Ani. Sci., Southern Section Abstracts. Gao, F. Q., M. A. Brown, X. Z. Wang, P. J. Starks, and J. P. Wu. 2008. Estimation of bermudagrass forage intake from canopy spectral absorbance measurements using hyperspectral radiometry. Proc. XXI Int. Grass. Congr. Vol. 1: 497. Godfrey, R. W. and R. C. Ketring. 2008. Relationship between temperament and chute exit velocity of Senepol calves after weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 86(E-Suppl. 2):328. Murphy, K., S. Reiter, M. Brown, R. Okimoto, H. Brown, Jr., and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2008. Identification of genomic polymorphisms in upstream elements of the bovine CYP3A28 gene. . Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 36. Nabhan, I., M. Lamb, S. Reiter, R. Okimoto, M. Brown, H. Brown, Jr., and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2008. Relationships among bovine heat shock protein 70 genotype, forage type, and plasma concentrations of HSP-70. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 3. Rayfield, A. B., A. H. Brown, Jr., Z. B. Johnson, J. G. Powell, J. L. Reynolds, S. T. Reiter, M. L. Looper, C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2009. Relationships between prolactin promoter polymorphisms and Angus calf temperament scores and fecal egg counts. J. of Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl.). Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Coleman, S. W. and Olson, T. A. 2009. Breed effects and heterosis for rectal temperature and coat score in Brahman, Angus, and Romosinuano pure and crossbred calves. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 2): 1. Peng, Yun Shou, Jian Ping Wu, Li Xin Wei, M. A. Brown, Ji Ling Wu, and Duo Zeng Sanbei. 2008. Fatty acid profile in milk fat from Qinghai Plateau yak at different altitudes and parities. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Accepted 4/28/2008). Sanders, J.O. 2008. McGregor Genomics: Background and Procedures. Proceedings of the 54th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course. Pp N7 N-17. Smith, T., M.G. Thomas, T.D. Bidner, J.C. Paschal, and D.E. Franke. 2009. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Brahman steers and their association with carcass and tenderness traits. Genet. Mol. Res. 8:39-46. Wang, X. Z*., M. A. Brown, F. Q. Gao, W. J. Liu, and J. P. Wu. 2008. Relationships of milk production of beef cows to postweaning gain of their calves. Proc. XXI Int. Grass. Cong. Vol. 2: 139. Wang, X. Z., M. A. Brown, F. Q. Gao, J. P. Wu , D. L. Lalman and W. J. Liu. 2009. Relationships of milk production of beef cows to postweaning gain of their calves. Prof. Anim. Sci. 25: (Accepted March 30, 2009). Wyatt, W. E., D. E. Franke, J. E. Miller, and D. C. Blouin. 2009. Genetic effects on liveweight gain, hair coat score, temperament, and parasite resistance traits in Angus and Brahman influenced replacement heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 1):2 (Abstr.). Wyatt, Wayne, Don Franke, Sid DeRouen, Jim Miller, and David Blouin. 2009. Breed and genetic effects on internal parasitism, hair coat scores, and postweaning liveweight gains in Angus and Brahman-influenced replacement heifers. 2009 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Research Report. 35: 13-16. Wyatt, Wayne, Don Franke, Sid DeRouen, Jim Miller, and David Blouin. 2009. Breed and genetic effects of temperament traits and postweaning liveweight gains in Angus and Brahman-influenced replacement heifers. 2009 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Research Report. 35: 17-20.

Impact Statements

Use of the Criollo breed Romosinuano may permit cow-calf producers to take advantage of tropical adaptation and heterosis for a variety of production traits while possibly avoiding less desirable performance of some traits of tropically adapted cattle, such as poor animal temperament, poor marbling score, and late sexual maturity in females.
Cows sired by Boran bulls and out of cows of the British beef breeds have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions.
Brahman F1 cows in Louisiana appear superior to other tropically adapted cows for maternal ability after reaching three years of age.
Tropically adapted cows in Nebraska required greater assistance at calving, and had heavier calves at birth and at weaning than cows in Louisiana.
Development of efficient cow-calf/stocker/backgrounder systems will need to take into consideration the milk yield of the cow herd during the preweaning phase, sire breed of calves, and postweaning management to result in optimally efficient production systems.
Differences in temperament (purebred Angus calves) can be assessed at weaning; however, preweaning productivity did not differ among the temperament classifications.
Temperament and breed type (Angus crossbred and Brahman) of feedlot steers influenced carcass quality as indicated by marbling score; however, breed type had the greatest effect on growth and carcass characteristics.
Phenotypic associations of temperament traits with postweaning gain indicate increased gains were associated with calmer heifers.
Phenotypic associations of some temperament traits with first exposure reproduction indicate higher pregnancy rates with more docile heifers.
The use of temperament in the selection of replacement animals is being used by local cattle producers in the VI.
In heifers, postweaning liveweight gain, hair luster and length scores, chute temperament score, chute exit velocity, and fecal egg count traits were generally moderate to highly heritable, thereby indicating a potential to select for or against these traits.
Preliminary results suggest that susceptibility to natural infection with internal parasites may be associated with elements of the prolactin gene.
If the information on disposition leads to the identification of loci with major effects on disposition, this could lead to tests that would allow genotyping at these loci for use in marker assisted selection.

S1013: Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-<i>Bos indicus</i> Tropically Adapted

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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Date of Annual Report: 08/17/2004

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Date of Annual Report: 09/14/2005

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Date of Annual Report: 07/07/2006

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Date of Annual Report: 07/24/2007

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Date of Annual Report: 08/07/2008

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Date of Annual Report: 07/23/2009

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