Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/04/2008] [05/07/2009] [05/07/2010] [08/04/2011]

Report Information

Participants

Participants:
Utah State University, DeeVon Bailey; Colorado State University, Keith E. Belk; University of Nebraska, Chris R. Calkins; Kansas State University Justin Kastner Montana State University R. W. Kott, Iowa State University, Dennis Olsen; University of Connecticut (Storrs), Richard Mancini; Texas A&M University, Rhonda K. Miller; University of California, James Oltjen; University of Wyoming, Mariah Ehmke; Oregon State University, Thayne Dutson; University of Hawaii, Linda Cox and Glen Fukumoto; Hawaii Dept. of Ag; John Ryan; Hawaiian Cattle Producers Group, Betty Spence

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Rhonda Miller on the morning of April 3, 2008. Committee members attending were Keith Belk, Chris Calkins, Rodney Kott, Richard Mancini, Rhonda Miller, Dennis Olson, Jim Oltjen, Justin Kastner, and Adviser Thayne Dutson. Non-members attending were: Linda Cox, University of Hawaii, Glen Fukumoto, University of Hawaii, John Ryan, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and Betty Spence, Hawaiian Cattle Producers. Linda Cox presented information on the state of agriculture in Hawaii with emphasis on the cattle industry.

Thayne Dutson, adviser, announced that the W-2177 has been approved until 2012 and if new members are added to the committee, they would need to complete Form E. He also announced W-1117 project is complete with the termination report that was submitted with the W-2177 project application.

Business Session 1. New Officers: Chair, Ronda Miller; Vice-Chair, Mariah Ehmke; Secretary, Dennis Olson. 2. Meeting for next year will be the week of March 30 or April 6, 2009. The location is yet to be determined with possibilities in Colorado, Kansas or Texas.

Program Committee members reported on recent work that at their respective universities that relate to the project objectives. These reports are included below.

John Ruan made a presentation on the Hawaiian Trace-back Project, which includes Inspection, Track and Trace, Lab Analysis and Sensor Development. He also discussed chipless RFID where the RF is in the ink. He referenced a website. www.impinj.com/files/impinj

Glen Fukumoto made a presentation on the Beef Cattle Initiative of the College of Agriculture and Human Resources. He referenced the website www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/paniolo

On April 4, 2008, the committee members toured the historic Parker Ranch. Discussions at the Parker ranch included management systems for cow/calf operations in an island setting and marketing systems. The Parker Ranch marketing system included their cooperation with Country Natural Beef that is a third party Food Alliance Certified system, based in Oregon that traces cattle from birth to the consumer.

Submitted by Dennis Olson, Secretary Elect.

Accomplishments

Objective 1 <br /> <br /> University of Nebraska: Hyperspectral imaging is a technology that works in the same wavelength of light associated with near infrared (NIR) technology, except that spectral reflectance is gathered on each pixel in an image instead of the spectral reflectance being gathered as the mean of all pixels in an image (such as is done using NIR). Our research has applied hyperspectral imaging technology as a means to predict beef tenderness from an image of a ribeye steak. The system correctly partitioned steaks into acceptable and unacceptable tenderness categories over 96% of the time. Beef samples with off flavor were subjected to detailed analysis using mass spectroscopy. Results revealed that lipid oxidation was primarily associated with off flavors, as samples with the strongest off flavor had the most lipid oxidation. <br /> Iowa State University: Profiling beef round muscles for tenderness and postmortem proteolysis. Definition of characteristics of individual muscles from the round will make it possible to consistently add value to individual cuts. The objective of this study was to determine the biochemistry underlying the differences in tenderness of specific muscles of the round. Ten beef cattle were slaughtered and the longissimus dorsi (LD) and the round muscles gracillus (GR), adductor (AD), sartorius (SAR), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus intermedius (VI) were removed. Samples were aged 1, 3, 7, or 14 days. Objective tenderness measurements (star probe) and western blots for troponin-T to determine protein degradation were preformed. The vastus lateralis and the adductor muscles were tougher than the other muscles throughout the aging processes and generally had less proteolysis occurring. The gracillus, satorius and vastus intermedius muscles were similar to the longissums dorsi muscles in tenderness although there were differences in the degree of proteolysis that occurred during the aging process. These data show that physical and biochemical differences exist between individual muscles of the round and may provide insight on ways to add value to individual cuts. <br /> Colorado State University: Effects of 1/3, 1/2, and full dark-cutting discounts on other carcass muscles (Bass et al., 2008) were examined using commercially harvested beef carcass sides classified by a USDA-AMS grader (n = 20 per group). Twenty-nine muscles of each carcass side were evaluated to determine ultimate pH and color (L*, a*, and b*). Fourteen beef muscles (biceps femoris, deep pectoral, chuck complexus, gluteus medius, infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, psoas major, longissimus thoracis, longissimus lumborum, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, triceps brachii long head, tensor fasciae latae, and vastus lateralis) were evaluated using Warner-Bratzler Shear force (WBSF) and a trained sensory panel. The muscle x DEGDC interaction was significant for ultimate pH, L*, a*, and b* values (P < 0.05). When ultimate pH values of individual muscles were compared to the same muscles evaluated in a previous study, the 1/3, 1/2, and full DEGDC had 7, 9 and 5 muscles, respectively, that fell within a computed 95% prediction limit of what would be considered "normal" pH, but were more variable as measured by within class CV's. Color values (L*, a*, and b*) of the muscles from dark-cutting carcasses were numerically lower than those from "normal" carcasses. A survey designed to determine the ideal color range of beef lean for retail meat merchandisers (n = 34) and foodservice chefs (n = 33) across the United States resulted in data analyzed using principle components analysis of L*, a*, and b* values for muscles dissected in the study to estimate true values for dark-cutting carcasses. Muscles that were within an acceptable color value range for foodservice chefs had potential to add between $42.29 to $26.44 and $14.71 to $8.11 per side when valued at Choice and Select prices, respectively. Muscles that were within an acceptable color value range had potential to add between $30.39 to $16.74 and $10.37 to $5.03 per side for retail meat merchandisers when acceptable muscles were valued at Choice and Select prices, respectively. No muscle x DEGDC interactions were detected for WBSF and sensory panel scores (P > 0.05), but differences were detected among muscles (P < 0.05). Several muscles were considered salvageable from the dark-cutting carcasses evaluated and no significant differences in sensory scores or WBSF between DEGDC classes suggested equal sensory expectations for muscles from dark-cutting carcasses. Due to the ever increasing size of U.S. beef carcasses, a study was conducted to produce innovative fabrication techniques and corresponding yield data for merchandising ribeyes and striploins from extremely heavy muscled beef carcasses. The study used four classes of carcass ribeye area (REA) as selection criteria with n = 10 sides for each class of carcass REA. The classes of carcass REA were: < 96.8 cm2, 96.8 to 102.9 cm2, 103.0 to 109.5 cm2, and > 109.5 cm2. After the carcass side selection was completed, NAMP #112A ribeye rolls and #180 1 1 boneless striploins were removed. Ribeye rolls and striploins were further fabricated into innovative cuts developed by foodservice chef focus groups; the main objective of the innovative cuts were to produce foodservice products that could be more easily managed and prepared, as well as better fit the portion sizing characteristics preferred by todays dining consumer. Yield data were collected on each innovative cut in addition to dimensions (length, width, and height) and volume. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and significance was determined at ± = 0.05. A short overview of the results of the analyses demonstrated a rather consistent break point of 96.8 cm2 and greater for the size of carcass ribeye from which to fabricate ribeye rolls and striploins into more innovative cuts. In most cases, cuts from the smallest class of carcass REA (< 96.8 cm2) were different (smaller) in size or dimension than the three larger classes of carcass REA (P < 0.05); however, no differences were reported between the three larger classes of carcass REA (P > 0.05) in most cases. Upon derivation of the cuts and production of the yield information, chefs from an international culinary institute produced preparation methods for each cut and demonstrated the many uses of the innovative ribeye rolls and striploins. Innovative fabrication styles allowed for more consistent lean product to be produced while also producing a smaller and more manageable portion of beef from a relatively large subprimal. Texas A&M University: Miller is implementing a project with a soft- and hard-ware company in cooperation with beef cattle nutritionists to identify animals and growth performance through the production system. This research has been initiated and no data or results are available. University of Wyoming: Research led by Dr. Min Du examines the effect of a maternal protein supplement during gestation on calf weight gain and meat quality. It is long-recognized that maternal nutrient restriction (NR) affects fetal development in humans. This has long-term consequences in the postnatal health of offspring. It is equally possible that NR affects the growth performance of livestock. Frequent drought in Wyoming and surrounding states results in a significant reduction in forage production. Due to the seasonal reproduction, cows at small farms and ranches in these areas frequently experience nutrient deficiency during early to middle gestation, a period when nutrient supplementation is seldom performed. Our preliminary studies indicate that this maternal nutrient deficiency affects fetal skeletal muscle development, reduces the muscle mass of offspring, and increases fat accumulation. <br /> <br /> Objective 2 <br /> <br /> Michigan State: Work is under review regarding US, Canadian, Japanese, and Mexican preferences for food safety and tenderness beef attributes. Additional work under review which includes an examination of factors influencing US, Canadian, and Japanese consumer food safety risk perceptions and attitudes. <br /> Colorado State University: Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef subprimal cuts intended for mechanical tenderization was evaluated (Heller et al., 2007). This evaluation was followed by the assessment of five antimicrobial interventions at minimizing the risk of transferring E. coli O157:H7 to the interior of inoculated subprimal cuts during blade tenderization (BT) or moisture enhancement (ME). Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 on 1,014 beef subprimals collected from six packing facilities was 0.2% before inoculation. Results of this study demonstrate that the incidence of E. coli O157:H7 on the surface of beef subprimal cuts is low and that interventions applied before mechanical tenderization can effectively reduce the transfer of low concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 to the interior of beef subprimal cuts. Two studies (Rovira et al., 2007) were conducted to assess the risk of central nervous system (CNS) material dissemination to edible tissues via blood circulation following stunning of cattle with non-air injecting, penetrating captive bolt (PCB) devices. In one study, an electric shock was applied with a heart defibrillator (HD) after rendering cattle insensible by use of a cartridge-fired PCB gun to stop heart activity and subsequent blood circulation. In a second study, baseline levels of CNS tissue-marker Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) were established in blood from cattle following pneumatic-PCB stunning and Kosher slaughter (without stunning) in twelve and one commercial beef packing plants, respectively. Electric shock after stunning produced heart fibrillation, which reduced heart rate and therefore blood circulation between stunning and sticking. Marker GFAP was not detected in blood of cattle before or after stunning with or without HD. GFAP was detected in the blood of 1 (.28%) and 0 carcasses out of 360 (pneumatic-PCB) and 30 (Kosher) carcasses, respectively. Post-stunning mitigation practices to reduce the likelihood of CNS tissue dissemination in blood should not be necessary, as the risk of CNS tissue being present is low when non-air injecting PCB stunning protocols are employed. Four experiments (Bowling et al., 2008) were conducted in commercial beef-packing facilities. Objectives included: (i) determine and validate a carcass sampling technique and location to determine if central nervous system (CNS) cross-contamination exists/occurs; (ii) determine if residual CNS tissue contamination remains on beef carcass splitting saws after sanitation procedures; (iii) determine the prevalence of CNS cross-contamination in commercial beef slaughter facilities; (iv) determine whether washing treatments reduce or eliminate CNS tissue presence in beef carcass-splitting saws; (v) determine the effectiveness of commercial beef spray-washing systems in removing CNS tissue from beef carcasses; and (vi) compare residual CNS tissue levels on the blade and in the housings of the Jarvis Buster IX and Buster IV beef carcass-splitting saws. CNS tissue remained, albeit at very low levels, in the housings and on the blades of carcass-splitting saws after carcass splitting and operational sanitation. Additionally, after splitting carcasses, CNS tissue remaining in the splitting saw housings and on saw blades was found to cross-contaminate subsequent carcasses during splitting. Most splitting saw operational sanitation procedures reduced the amount of CNS tissue remaining in the splitting saw housings and on splitting saw blades, but no treatment completely eliminated CNS tissue to levels below the detection limit of the assay (6 ng/100 cm2). Washing in carcass spray-washing cabinets at three of the five commercial beef-packing facilities reduced, but did not eliminate, presence of CNS tissue in the aitch bone area of carcasses. Carcass spray washing in cabinets at three of the five facilities reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of CNS tissue in the fourth thoracic vertebra area. While extremely low concentrations of CNS tissue remained in the splitting saw housings, on the splitting saw blades, and on carcasses, it is unknown whether these levels would pose a human food safety risk because the exact amount of bovine spongiform encephalopathy infected spinal cord capable of transmitting the disease to humans is dependent on the infectivity titer, which is not readily known. A study was conducted (Dewell et al., 2008 a, b) to investigate the influence of transportation and lairage on shedding and hide contamination of E. coli O157 and Salmonella enterica. Fecal and hide samples were obtained from forty pens of harvest ready beef cattle at the feedlot prior to transport and again at the slaughter plant immediately after slaughter. Potential risk factors for hide contamination at the feedlot, during transport and at slaughter were evaluated. Findings suggest that transportation and lairage should be considered in foodborne pathogen control strategies. Studies (Carlson et al., 2008) were conducted to identify effective antimicrobials and application parameters that could be used as decontamination interventions to reduce microbial loads on cattle hides before removal from carcasses. In Study I, Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated hide swatches were sprayed with acetic acid (10%; 23 and 55°C), lactic acid (10%; 23 and 55°C), sodium hydroxide (3%; 23°C) or sodium metasilicate (4 and 5%; 23°C). All antimicrobials were evaluated independently after being applied alone, following a water rinse, or followed by a water rinse. Treatments evaluating an antimicrobial followed by a water rinse lowered E. coli O157:H7 populations by 0.6 to 2.4 log CFU/cm2 and resulted in hides with a surface pH of 6.3 to 9.2. Treatments involving a water rinse followed by an antimicrobial application lowered E. coli O157:H7 populations by 1.5 to 5.1 log CFU/cm2, but resulted in hides with a surface pH of 3.9 to 10.5. In Study II, whole hides were treated with one of four antimicrobials (acetic acid, lactic acid, sodium hydroxide or sodium metasilicate) followed by a water rinse. Hides were evaluated for aerobic plate count (APC), total coliform count (TCC) and E. coli count (ECC). Generally, all antimicrobials resulted in greater (P < 0.05) reductions of ECC when compared to the control; however, only acetic and lactic acids resulted in greater (P < 0.05) reductions of APC and TCC compared to controls. These antimicrobials could reduce microbial contamination on hides, potentially reducing microbiological contamination transferred to carcasses or the plant environment. Kansas State University In November 2007, Dr. Kastner and two others from the Frontier program (Frontier co-coordinator Dr. Jason Ackleson of New Mexico State University, and K-State PhD student Ms. Aisha Salazar) were invited to participate in a Kansas Beef trade mission to Mexico City and speak at the Kansas-Mexico Food Safety Forum. This trade mission permitted Drs. Kastner and Ackleson and Ms. Salazar to conduct interview-based research with Mexico-based animal health and food safety officials responsible for implementing regionalization and compartmentalization both of which are World Trade Organization (WTO)-affirmed means by which nation-states (including the United States) can through geographical means (in regionalization) or through supply-chain management practices (in compartmentalization) certify the biosecurity of animals and/or meat products and, significantly, continue to export meat products when outbreaks occur outside of the certified regions and/or supply chains. More research is needed for the beef sector, and Dr. Kastners work on regionalization and compartmentalization was the subject of an unsuccessful June 2007 USDA NRI submission (in partnership with W2177 committee member Dr. Mariah Ehmke). <br /> Dr. Kastner and other Frontier research assistants have authored several online commentaries (podcasted at http://frontier.k-state.edu). In January 2008, at the Border Regions in Transition conference held in British Columbia, Canada and the state of Washington, USA, a conference paper, entitled Regions, Borders and Regulation: The Food Safety & Security Case, a paper which is presently web-posted at the Frontier website (http://frontier.k-state.edu) and under review for publication in a special proceedings to the conference. At the April 2008 meeting of the W2177 committee, Dr. Kastner argued that the U.S. beef sector ought to continue to explore how implementation of regionalization and, potentially, compartmentalization can help the U.S. beef industry retain export markets when isolated outbreaks occur. University of Wyoming: Dr. Mariah Ehmke collaborated with Dr. Justin Kastner of Kansas State University and Dr. Jason Ackelson of New Mexico State University in a grant proposal to study the implementation of regionalization and compartmentalization on the United States meat supply chain. This work is described in the Kansas State University report above. <br /> <br /> Objective 3 <br /> <br /> Michigan State: Work is under review regarding US, Canadian, Japanese, and Mexican preferences for food safety and tenderness beef attributes. Additional work is under review which includes an examination of factors influencing US, Canadian, and Japanese consumer food safety risk perceptions and attitudes. <br /> University of California, Davis: Empirical models were developed to convert carcass characteristics into kilograms of fat or vice versa to be used in the Davis Growth Model of fat deposition and distribution in beef steers. The model was shown to be superior to the French INRA model for predicting amount of body fat. The inclusion of frame size is an important addition to the subcutaneous fat vs. fat thickness model. Also, empirical models were developed to predict initial conditions for first-order differential equations to be used in the Davis Growth Model of fat deposition and distribution in beef steers. These equations are then used to initialize the DNA and fat depot differential equations in our ongoing program for modeling beef cattle growth and carcass quality. Our work suggests that fat depots are not metabolically different between frame sizes and implant status at the level of aggregation used to simulate fat deposition in beef steers. Therefore the mean of the 4 fat depot parameter coefficients can be used in the first-order differential equations in the Davis Growth Model. The first-order differential equations for intermuscular, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and visceral fat depots in the Davis Growth Model of fat deposition and distribution in beef steers were then evaluated, and the model over predicts for INTRA, SUB, and VIS however the model tends to under-predict fat as fat increases in the carcass. This under-prediction as fat increases in all 4 fat depots could possibly be due to a secondary phase of hyperplasia that is not currently represented. <br /> University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Multivariate analysis was used to determine demographic, knowledge, habits, and sensory preferences that influence a consumers opinion about the acceptability of steaks from corn-fed, barley-fed, and grass-feed beef. Sensory ratings for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability of steaks from domestic (corn-fed, n=76), Canadian (barley-fed, n=39) and Australian (grass-finished, n=30) beef strip loins were obtained from 273 consumers in two cities. Consumers also completed a beef knowledge quiz, and surveys of demographic information, eating preferences, and purchasing behavior. The statistical analyses helped categorize consumers into three groups for each of the three types of strip steaks (those that liked the steak, those that disliked, and those that were neutral). For domestic steaks, important factors to categorize the consumers were sensory ratings, marital status, whether no not they used magazines to get information about beef, and preference for frozen meat. For Canadian steaks, the important factors were sensory ratings of tenderness and flavor and the number of people in their household. Consumer preference group for Australian steaks was predominately determined by the palatability traits, without significant contribution from their demographics, beef knowledge or beef buying habits. These data clearly indicate consumer preference for various domestic and imported steaks is highly influenced by the sensory scores applied for tenderness and flavor. Iowa State University: This study utilizes an analysis technique commonly used in marketing, the conjoint analysis method, to examine the relative utilities of a set of beef steak characteristics considered by a national sample of 1,432 US consumers, as well as additional localized samples representing undergraduate students at a business college and in an animal science department. The analyses indicate that among all respondents, region of origin is by far the most important characteristic; this is followed by animal breed, traceability, animal feed, and beef quality. Alternatively, the cost of cut, farm ownership, the use (or nonuse) of growth promoters, and whether the product is guaranteed tender were the least important factors. Results for animal science undergraduates are similar to the aggregate results, except that these students emphasized beef quality at the expense of traceability and the nonuse of growth promoters. Business students also emphasized region of origin but then emphasized traceability and cost. The ideal steak for the national sample is from a locally produced, choice Angus fed a mixture of grain and grass that is traceable to the farm of origin. If the product was not produced locally, respondents indicated that their preferred production states are, in order from most to least preferred, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas. Economic Research Service-United States Department of Agriculture: Next Years Work: Hahn at ERS is working on three projects that are relevant to this objective. The first is a meat demand study (with Davis and Stephanova) using cross-sectional data and examining the relationship between meat demand and the demand for complimentary foods. At present we are working with aggregate meats; we plan to look at specific meat cuts soon. The second is an attempt to measure the effect of ethanol (high feed prices) on consumer demand for beef and other meats. There is a potential project on non-tariff barriers and their effects on U.S. beef imports and exports. <br /> Colorado State University: Cookery traits, consumer sensory ratings and Warner-Bratzler shear force values (WBS) for U.S. Choice-or-higher (IMPORTED) biceps femoris (BF, n = 12) and longissimus dorsii thoracis (LDT, n = 10) were compared with 15-day-aged equivalent cuts derived from 10 Venezuelan AA and 10 A grade steer carcasses (Huerta-Montauti et al., 2008). IMPORTED samples required shorter (P < 0.05) cooking times. IMPORTED LDT received the highest sensory scores, different (P < 0.01) from Venezuelan equivalents. IMPORTED LDT and BF generated higher levels of consumer acceptability (80% and 56%, respectively). IMPORTED had lower (P = 0.05) WBS (2.67 kg) compared with Venezuelan counterparts (3.53 and 3.15 kg for A and AA grade, respectively), and exhibited a superior proportion (94%) of tender steaks. U.S. imported beef was more desirable to consumers, had lower WBS, required less cooking time and generated a greater proportion of tender steaks compared with steaks from domestic Venezuelan carcasses. <br /> <br /> Objective 4 <br /> <br /> Colorado State University: The National Beef Quality Audit 2005 was conducted by Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University to assess the current status of the quality and consistency of U.S. fed steers and heifers (Garcia et al., 2008). Two visits each to 16 beef packing plants were made June through September 2005 and March through June 2006. Hide colors or breed-type were black (56.3%), red (18.6%), Holstein (7.9%), gray (6.0%), yellow (4.9%), brown (3.0%), white (2.3%), and brindle (1.0%). Method of identification and frequency were lot visual tags (63.2%), individual visual tags (38.7%), metal-clip tags (11.8%), electronic tags (3.5%), bar-coded tags (0.3%), by other means (2.5%), and without identification (9.7%). There were 22.3% of the cattle without horns, and the majority of those with horns (52.2%) were between 2.54 and 12.7 cm in length. Brand frequencies were no (62.0%), one (33.3%), and two or more (4.7%), and brands were located on the butt 23 (26.8%), side (7.5%), and shoulder (1.9%). Percentages of animals with mud/manure on specific body locations were none (25.8%), legs (61.4%), belly (55.9%), side (22.6%), and top-line (10.0%). Permanent incisor number and occurrence were zero (82.2%), one (5.2%), two (9.9%), three (0.4%), four (1.2%), five (0.1%), six (0.3%), seven (0.0%), and eight (0.7%). Most carcasses (64.8%) were not bruised, 25.8% had one bruise, and 9.4% had multiple bruises. Bruise location and incidence were round (10.6%), loin (32.6%), rib (19.5%), chuck (27.0%), and brisket, flank, and plate (10.3%). Condemnation item and incidence were liver (24.7%), lungs (11.5%), tripe (11.6%), heads (6.0%), tongues (9.7%), and carcasses (0.0%). Carcass evaluation revealed these traits and frequencies: steer (63.7%), heifer (36.2%), bullock (0.05%), and cow (0.04%) sex-classes; dark cutters (1.9%); A (97.1%), B (1.7%), and C or older (1.2%) overall maturities; and native (90.9%), dairy-type (8.3%), and Bos indicus (0.8%) estimated breed-types. Mean USDA yield grade traits were USDA yield grade (2.9), HCW (359.9 kg), adjusted fat thickness (1.3 cm), LM area (86.4 cm2), and KPH (2.3%). USDA yield grades were Yield Grade 1 (16.5%), Yield Grade 2 (36.3%), Yield Grade 3 (33.1%), Yield Grade 4 (11.8%), and Yield Grade 5 (2.3%). Mean USDA quality grade traits were USDA quality grade (Select90), marbling score (Small32), overall maturity (A64), lean maturity (A57), and skeletal maturity (A68). Marbling score distribution was Slightly Abundant or higher (2.7%), Moderate (4.3%), Modest (14.4%), Small (34.5%), Slight (41.2%), and Traces or lower (2.9%). Information will help the beef industry measure progress and will provide a benchmark for future educational and research activities. Texas A&M University: Miller has conducted research in cooperation with a beef cattle nutritionist to examine the relationship between live animal growth, temperament and eating behavior on beef carcass quality and tenderness were completed with 120 Santa Gertrudis steers. A new project utilizing four biological types developed for southern and midwestern environments will be used to examine these interrelationships. This project will be conducted using steers and heifers over a three year period with approximately 626 animals per year evaluated. From the completed work, exit velocity was negatively correlated with DMI (-0.18 to -0.34) and ADG (-0.25 to -0.27) in three studies. Calves with calmer temperaments tended to consume less DMI and gain slower then calves with more excitable temperaments. Exit velocity was not significantly correlated with feed:gain ratio or RFI and exit velocity was negatively correlated to REA (bulls and steer studies) and 12th rib fat thickness (heifer study). Research examining the effect of forage source/location/season, supplementation, days on feed (0 or 90), electrical stimulation, blade tenderization and aging on grass-fed beef was completed. Cattle fed forages during the warm season (May to August) in Overton, TX had less backfat and small ribeye areas than cattle fed forages during the cool season (October to March) in either Overton or Uvalde, TX. Steers that were fed on a high concentrate diet had more positive Quality and Yield Grade factors and were more tender than steers harvested immediately off grass. Blade tenderization and aging in combination with electrical stimulation improved beef tenderness. Research to improve value of devalued beef was implemented. New cutting strategies were examined for beef from heavy carcasses and processing technologies to improve the palatability of beef from dark cutting carcasses was conducted. This research is being analyzed and results will be reported next year. <br /> <br /> Objective 5 <br /> <br /> Colorado State University: Dustin Pendell is part of a team that is working on analyzing the benefits and costs of NAIS. The primary purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the economic benefits and costs of a NAIS in the U.S., including premise registration, animal identification systems and animal movement reporting for major species of cattle, hogs, sheep, equine, and poultry and, to a limited extent, minor species of bison, goats, cervids, and camelids. Specific objectives are to (a) determine similar and different attributes and methods of NAIS across species, (b) determine direct benefits and costs for livestock producers who adopt NAIS practices and standards, (c) determine direct benefits and costs for livestock marketing institutions as applicable of adopting NAIS practices and standards (benefits and costs will be estimated by operation size category and by species mix typically marketed to evaluate differences across alternative operation sizes and species), (d) determine direct benefits and costs to livestock slaughtering operations associated with adoption of NAIS practices and standards (benefits and costs will be estimated by operation size to assess scale neutrality), (e) determine costs to livestock producers, marketing institutions, slaughtering and rendering facilities, and state and federal government agencies of interfacing with animal identification device distribution databases, and (f) determine overall distribution of benefits and costs of NAIS among producers, marketing firms, processors, consumers, and state and federal government agencies. This project is underway and will be finished later in the fall. Different industry sub-sectors for each species will be analyzed separately because benefits and costs can differ for different production phases. Furthermore, benefits and costs will be estimated separately for different operation size categories for each major production phase because benefits and costs may not be scale-neutral. Texas A&M University: Data were reanalyzed from Beef Customer Satisfaction using Logit models from SAS to examine the probability of consumer purchase. These data will be used in combination with other data sets to assist the Agricultural Marketing Service in determining thresholds for beef tenderness label claims. Michigan State University: Work is under review assessing investment incentives (and implications) of cattle producers voluntarily adopting traceability systems. Cow-calf producer perceptions of traceability costs, benefits, and implications are being measured. Montana State University: Several studies were conducted to evaluate the long-term retention and readability of RFID ear tags. In addition to potential accuracy and possibility of using group lot systems in controlled situations for traceability purposes, lambs in retained ownership situation in commercial feedlots were identified and traced through a group lot system. In excess of 98% of lambs were traced through feedlot channels and to slaughter. <br />

Publications

Publications and Output Pertaining to Objective 1<br /> <br /> Anderson, M. J., K. Mou, E. Steadham, C. Fedler, K. Prusa, S. M. Lonergan and E. Huff-Lonergan. 2007. Round Muscle Profiling: Influence of aging on palatability of specific wholesale round cuts. Proceedings, 60th Reciprocal Meat Conference, June 17-20, 2007 South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota. <br /> <br /> *Heller, C. E., J. A. Scanga, J. N. Sofos, K. E. Belk, W. Warren-Serna, G. R. Bellinger, R. T. Bacon, M. I. Rossman, and G. C. Smith. 2007. Decontamination of beef subprimal cuts intended for blade-tenderization or moisture-enhancement. J. Food Prot. 70:1174-1180. <br /> <br /> Shook, J. N., D. L. VanOverbeke, J. A. Scanga, K. E. Belk, J. W. Savell, T. E. Lawrence, J. B. Morgan, D. B. Griffin, D. S. Hale, and G. C. Smith. 2008. The National Beef Quality Audit 2005, Phase I: Views of Producers, Packers, and Merchandisers on Current Quality Characteristics of the Beef Industry. The Prof. Anim. Scientist. (In Press). <br /> <br /> *Bass, P. D., J. D. Tatum, J. A. Scanga, P. L. Chapman, G. C. Smith, and K. E. Belk. 2008. Adding value to dark-cutting carcasses. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press). <br /> <br /> Garcia, L.G., K.L. Nicholson, T.W. Hoffman, T.E. Lawrence, D.S. Hale, D.B. Griffin, J.W. Savell, D.L. VanOverbeke, J.B. Morgan, K.E. Belk, T.G. Field, J.A. Scanga, J.D. Tatum and G.C. Smith. 2008. National Beef Quality Audit 2005: Survey of targeted cattle and carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. (Submitted). <br /> <br /> Behrens, S.M., R.K. Miller, J.W. Holloway, F.M. Rouquette, Jr., R.D. Randel, B.G. Warrington, T.D.A. Forbes, and H. Lippke. . 2007. Relationship of temperament, growth, carcass characteristics and tenderness in beef steers. Beef Cattle Research In Texas. <br /> <br /> Gomez, R.R., B.M. Bourg, Z. Paddock, G.E. Carstens, P.A. Lancaster, R.K. Miller, L.O. Tedeschi, D.K. Lunt, S.A. Moore, D.S. DeLaney. 2007. Evaluation of feed efficiency in Santa Gertrudis steers and relationships with temperament and feeding behavior traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):454 <br /> <br /> Hawks, K.R., R.K. Miller, T.D.A. Forbes, F.M. Rouquette, Jr., J.W. Holloway and B.G. Warrington. 2007. Grass and limited grain feeding production systems with post-harvest treatment to maximize carcass and tenderness characteristics of Bonsmara steers. Proceeding of Reciprocal Meat Conference. <br /> <br /> Hawks, K.R., R.K. Miller, T.D.A. Forbes, F.M. Rouquette, Jr., J.W. Holloway and B.G. Warrington. 2007. Maximizing carcass characteristics of Bonsmara steers produced on grass- or grain-based production s systems using electrical stimulation. J. Anim ASci. 85 (Suppl. 1):601. <br /> <br /> Ribeiro, F.R.B., G.E. Carstens, R.K. Miller, E.G. Brown and P.A. Lancaster. 2007. Relationships between temperament, carcass traits and tenderness in finishing steers. Proceeding of Reciprocal Meat Conference. <br /> <br /> Rouquette, Jr., F.M., I.T. Brigman, G.E. Castens and R.K. Miller. 2007. Winter pasture stocking rate effects on carcass composition and meat tenderness of two breedtypes. Beef Cattle Research in Texas.<br /> <br /> Voges, K.L., C.L. Mason, J.c. brooks, R.J. Deimore, D.B. Griffin, D.S. Hale, W.R. Henning, D.D. Johnson, C.L. Lorenzen, R.J. Maddock, R.K. Miller, J.B. Morgan, B.E. Baird, B.L. Gwartney and J.W. Savell. 2007. National Beef Tenderness Survey 2006: Assessment of Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory panel ratings for beef from US retail and foodservice establishments. Meat Sci. 77:357-364. <br /> <br /> Publications and Output Pertaining to Objective 2 <br /> <br /> Schroeder, T.C., G.T. Tonsor, J.M.E. Pennings, and J. Mintert (2007). Consumer Food Safety Risk Perceptions and Attitudes: Impacts on Beef Consumption across Countries. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy. Vol. 7: Iss. 1(Contributions): Article 65. <br /> <br /> Rovira, P. J., J. A. Scanga, T. Grandin, K. L. Hossner, R. S. Yemm, K. E. Belk, J. D. Tatum, J. N. Sofos, and G. C. Smith. 2007. Central nervous system tissue contamination of the circulatory system following humane cattle stunning procedures. Food Prot. Trends. 27:524-529. <br /> <br /> Bowling, M.B., R.S. Yemm, K.E. Belk, J.N. Sofos, G.C. Smith and J.A. Scanga. 2008. An evaluation of central nervous system cross-contamination due to carcass splitting in commercial beef-packing plants. J. Food Prot. 71:83-92. <br /> <br /> Carlson, B.A., I. Geornaras, Y. Yoon, J.A. Scanga, K.E. Belk, J.N. Sofos and G.C. Smith. 2008. Studies to evaluate chemicals/condition ns for reducing microbial counts on cattle hides. J. Food Prot. (In Press). <br /> <br /> Dewell, G., C. Simpson, R. Dewell, D. Hyatt, K. Belk, J. Scanga, P. Morley, T. Grandin, G. Smith, D. Dargatz, B. Wagner, and M. Salman. 2008a. Impact of transportation and lairage on hide contamination with Escherichia coli O157 in finished beef cattle. J. Food Prot. (In Press). <br /> <br /> Dewell, G.A., C.A. Simpson, R.D. Dewell, D.R. Hyatt, K.E. Belk, J.A. Scanga, P.S. Morley, T. Grandin, G.C. Smith, D.A. Dargatz, B.A. Wagner and M.D. Salman. 2008b. Impact of transportation and lairage on hide contamination with Salmonella enterica in finished beef cattle. J. Food Prot. (Submitted). <br /> <br /> Bowling, M.B., R.S. Yemm, K.E. Belk, J.N. Sofos, and J.A. Scanga. 2007. An Evaluation of Central Nervous System Cross-Contamination Due to Carcass Splitting in Commercial Beef Packing Plants. 3rd place poster at Reciprocal Meats Conference, Brookings, SD. <br /> <br /> Carlson, B.A., K.K. Nightingale, J.N. Sofos, J.A. Scanga, G.C. Smith, and K.E. Belk. 2007a. Pre-Harvest Carriage and Diversity of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Feedlot Cattle. 94th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Food Protection, July 8-11, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Abstract No. T6-06. <br /> <br /> Carlson, B.A., K.K. Nightingale, J.N. Sofos, J.A. Scanga, G.C. Smith and K.E. Belk. 2007b. Pre-Harvest Investigation and Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Persistence in a Population of Feedlot Cattle. 107th General Meeting of the American Society of Microbiology, May 21-25, Toronto, ON, Canada. Abstract No. Z-056. <br /> <br /> Bowling, M.B., K.E. Belk, K.K. Nightingale, L.D. Goodridge, J.A. Scanga, J.N. Sofos, J.D. Tatum, and G.C. Smith. 2007 (peer reviewed). Chapter 2. Central nervous system tissue in meat products: An evaluation of risk, prevention strategies, and testing procedures. In: Advances In Food And Nutrition Research. Elsevier Inc., Oxford, U.K. ISSN 1043-4526, pp. 39-64. <br /> <br /> Ackleson, J., and Kastner, J. Regions, Borders and Regulation: The Food Safety & Security Case. Paper for the Border Regions in Transition (BRIT IX) conference, North American and European Border Regions in Comparative Perspective: Markets, States, Border Communities and Security, to be held 12-15 January 2008 in Victoria, British Columbia, and Bellingham, Washington. Webposted at http://frontier.k-state.edu, and under review for publication in conference proceedings. <br /> <br /> J. Ackleson and J. Kastner. Routinising Cooperation and Changing Narratives: The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. Journal of Borderlands Studies (2008, in press). <br /> <br /> R. Kassatly and J. Kastner. Technical Barriers to Trade, Agricultural Protectionism, and Political Economy. 2008. Podcasted audio commentary, archived at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> E. Nyambok and J. Kastner. Phytosanitary measures and international trade: the case of wood packaging material. 2007. Podcasted audio commentary, archived at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> E. Nyambok. Rift Valley Fever, Regionalization, and Trade. 2007. Podcasted audio commentary, archived at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> J. Kastner. Compartmentalization and International Trade.2007. Podcasted audio commentary, archived at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> J. Kastner and J. Ackleson. Regionalization in History: International Trade Policy. 2007. Podcasted audio commentary, archived at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> Julianne Jensby, Steve Toburen, Justin Kastner, and Abbey Nutsch. Bioterrorism Act Reference Tool: Overlap Agents, 27 November 2007, http://frontier.k-state.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=33 The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, trade, and food safety and security, 13 November 2007. Presentation at the Kansas-Mexico Food Safety Forum, organized by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Mexico City, Mexico (invited). <br /> <br /> Justin Kastner, 30 July 2007, Food Safety and Food Security Initiatives at K-State. Presentation to faculty and administrators visiting K-State from Tianjin University, China. <br /> <br /> Justin Kastner, 21 June 2007, Opportunities for Kansas at the State-Market Interface. Presentation and planning session to the leadership of Kansas State University food safety & security and trade officials from the Kansas Department of Commerce. <br /> <br /> Justin Kastner, Interview, 19 June 2007, Mens Health magazine. With regard to trade-related aspects of BSE, BSE testing, and other food safety and security issues, interviewed by writer Tom Groneberg for magazine article. <br /> <br /> Justin Kastner, Interview, 7 June 2007, National Public Radio. With regard to trade- and history-related perspectives on biosecurity, and with other K-State faculty members, interviewed by reporter Laura Ziegler of NPR-affiliate UMKC KCUR-FM. <br /> <br /> Publications Pertaining to Objective 3 <br /> <br /> Schroeder, T.C., G.T. Tonsor, J.M.E. Pennings, and J. Mintert (2007). Consumer Food Safety Risk Perceptions and Attitudes: Impacts on Beef Consumption across Countries. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy. Vol. 7: Iss. 1(Contributions): Article 65. <br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T. and T.L. Marsh. Comparing Heterogeneous Consumption in US and Japanese Meat and Fish Demand. Agricultural Economics. 37:1(July 2007):81-91. <br /> Hahn and Mathews. Characteristics and Hedonic Pricing of Differentiated Beef Demands. Agricultural Economics, May 2007 volume 36 pages 377-393.<br /> <br /> Pritchett, Johnson, Thilmany, and Hahn. Consumer Response to Recent BSE Events. Journal of Food Distribution Research July 2007, Volume 38, number 2, pages 57-68. The Food Distribution Research Societys 2006-07 Presidential Award for Excellence in Research and Communication.<br /> <br /> Huerta-Montauti, D., A. Rodas-González, K. E. Belk, L. Arenas de Moreno, N. Huerta-Leidenz. 2008. Comparison of U.S. versus Venezuelan beef cuts on cookery traits, consumer impressions and shear force. J. Musc. Foods. 19:140-156.<br /> <br /> Publications Pertaining to Objective 5 <br /> <br /> *Bass, P.D., D.L. Pendell, D.L. Morris, J.A. Scanga, K.E. Belk, T.G. Field, J.N. Sofos, J.D. Tatum and G.C. Smith. 2008. Review of sheep traceability systems in countries outside of North America. The Prof. Anim. Scientist (In Press). <br /> <br /> *Murphy, R. G. L., D. L. Pendell, J. A. Scanga, K. E. Belk, and G. C. Smith. 2008. Evaluation of Animal Identification Systems in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Prof. Anim. Scientist (In Press). <br /> <br /> *Meisinger, J.L., D. L. Pendell, K. E. Belk, G. C. Smith. 2008. Review of swine traceability systems in countries outside of North America. Prof. Anim. Scientist (Submitted). <br /> <br /> Hoffman, T.W., K.E. Belk, J.A. Scanga, J.D. Tatum, T.G. Field and G.C. Smith. 2007. Economic Impacts of Dairy Cows Affected by DBQA. Fact Sheet prepared for the Dairy Beef Quality Assurance program of the National Cattlemens Beef Association. <br /> <br /> Belk, K.E. 2007. Biosecurity for animal health and food safety. In: Temple Grandin (Ed.) Livestock Handling and Transport, 3rd Edition. CAB International, Cambridge, MA. ISBN-13: 978-1-84593-219-0 (book). <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Qasmi, B.A., Lanblom, D.G., Beutler, M.A., Johnson, P., Gates, R., Patterson, H., and Salverson, R., Spring 2007, "Public Price Reporting, Marketing Channel Selection, and Price Discovery: The Perspectives of Cow/Calf Producers in the Dakotas." Journal of Agribusiness: Volume 25, No. 1, pp. 59-76. <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Diersen, M., and Qasmi, B.A., 2007, "Public Price Reporting in the Cash Market for Live Cattle: A Spatial Market Approach." Agricultural and Resource Economics Review: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 336-348. <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Lanblom, D.G., Beutler, M.A., Johnson, P., Gates, R., Patterson, H., S. I. Paisley and Salverson, R., 2007,"The Effect of Early Vs. Normal Calf Weaning on Feedlot Performance and Herd Management: A Northern Plains Case Study." Journal of ASFMRA, Vol.70, No.1, pp.128-132. <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Lanblom, D.G., Beutler, M.A., Johnson, P., Gates, R., Patterson, H., and Salverson, R., 2007, "The Effect of Early Vs. Normal Calf Weaning on Feedlot Performance and Herd Management: A Cross-Discipline Case Study." Abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol.39, No.2, p.414. <br /> <br /> Marty Beutler, S. Fausti, & B. Qasmi, January 2007,"Perspectives of Cow/Calf Producers in the Dakotas on the Price Discovery Process", Economics Commentator, No.482, South Dakota State University.<br /> <br /> Marty Beutler, S. Fausti, & B. Qasmi, July 2007, "The Perspective of Cow/Calf Producers in the Dakotas: Mandatory Price Reporting for Slaughter Cattle" Economics Commentator, No.490, South Dakota State University. <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Qasmi, B.A., and Diersen, M., April 2007,"Public Reporting of Fed Cattle Grid Prices: Policy Reform Consequences" Economics Staff Paper 2007-1, Department of Economics, South Dakota State University. <br />

Impact Statements

1. In 2007, Dr. Kastner helped authored a history- and IPE-rooted manuscript on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, a trilateral (Mexico-U.S.-Canada) agreement meant to promote both trade and security in North America. The manuscript has been accepted for publication in 2008. Dr. Savell has implemented cooperative research to examine the effect of cook cycle and chilling time on the survivability of two major pathogens in cooked beef and ham. This project is being conducted and results will be available next year.
2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed guidelines for the Korean beef market.
3. Colorado State University used the results of the NBQA 2005, Beef Quality Assurance programs can continue to develop and implement beef quality assurance principles to allow the beef industry to stay on track.
4. Colorado State University Dustin Pendell was part of a team at Colorado State University that completed a study entitled Assessing The Impact Of The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) With Regard To Beef, Pork And Lamb Harvesting And Rendering Facilities In The US. The final report has been prepared and submitted to USDA-APHIS, but the findings have not been released by the USDA. At South Dakota State University, a three year ranch to rail study, based on 845 weaned steer calves, found that retained ownership provided a 5.5% annualized rate of return. Economic analysis demonstrated that retained ownership can be profitable for cow/calf producers and ranch herd management is an important determinant of retained ownership profitability.

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Report Information

Participants

Miller, Rhonda (rmiller@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Oltjen, Jim (jwoltjen@ucdavis.edu) - University of California Davis;
Fausti, Scott (Scott.Fausti@SDSTATE.EDU) - South Dakota State University;
Stockton, Matthew (mstockton2@unl.edu) - University of Nebraska;
Pendell, Dustin (dustin.pendell@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Tonsor, Glynn (gtonsor@anr.msu.edu) - Michigan State University;
Calkins, Chris (ccalkins@unlnotes.unl.edu) - University of Nebraska Lincoln;
Paterson, John (johnp@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Kastner, Justin (jkastner@ksu.edu) - Kansas State University;
Mancini, Richard (richard.mancini@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut;
Ehmke, Mariah (mehmke@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;

Brief Summary of Minutes

April 2, 2009
Officers for 2008-09 were - Chair: Rhonda Miller; Vice-Chair: Mariah Ehmke; and Secretary: Dennis Olson who was unable to attend and Glynn Tonsor volunteered to be acting secretary in his absence.


Dr. J.O. Reagan of the National Cattlemens Beef Association gave an introduction and welcome.


Glynn Tonsor was elected secretary for the upcoming year. The officer team for 2009-2010 will be - Chair: Mariah Ehmke; Vice Chair: Dennis Olson; Secretary: Glynn Tonsor.


The W2177 2010 meeting will be held at Kansas State University with tentative dates of April 1 and 2, 2010. Justin Kastner agreed to work with Denny Olson to coordinate the meeting. Reports and guest speakers followed. Main accomplishments discussed in reports are identified in Accomplishments and Impacts section by objective for the project.


Jim Oltjen report.


NCBA Overview
Dr. J.O. Reagan  REI (Research, Education, Innovation) Update
Dr. Tom Fields  Producer Education, Beef Quality Assurance: Tom gave a timeline history of these pre-harvest programs, noting the core efforts (e.g., National Beef Quality audits). He noted BQA has been successful in initial issues such as residue control; new efforts are needed on animal welfare, environmental impact and others. On discussion on changes in cow-calf farm size, Tom made points on bimodal development (economies of scale in large operations; lifestyle drivers for smaller operations)
Dr. Mandy Carr  Safety Program Leader, overviewed timeline of efforts for improving beef safety. There was discussion on e-coli vaccine use; noted that feedlots are most likely to use.
Ellen Gibson  Beef Innovations Group Leader, discussed the adding value through the chuck roll program and summarized the success of several new products.


Ching Yuan Hu (called in from Hawaii)
Noted next year will be mid-term evaluation of 2007-2012 project (new chair will lead this review. Annual reports may not be reviewed by directors, but mid-year review likely is; enhancing the need to document impact in mid-year reports.
Noted multi-state project impacts are needed in report; which goes further than individual projects and impact statements. Suggested the group work on noting collective impacts not feasible through individual efforts. In publication/output list clarify which ones are joint efforts and results of this committee.


Also make sure attendance at meetings is solid. Membership vs. attendance is something to be managed. Maybe need to note the proportion of universities that were represented (this may be more accurate than the proportion of individual members).


Noted Rhonda will submit project report, within 30 days of tomorrow.
Mariah will be responsible for next years reports.
Discussed lack of CSREES representative at this meeting. Noted that additional contact with CSREES to establish who the representative for next years meeting. This is important to maintain USDA support for the committee.
Noted that 25% of Hatch funds must be spent on multi-state projects.


Sentiment within the western directors group: 1) Budget cuts are top discussion and common across states (HA, WA, MI, FL examples); 2)Efforts ongoing to increase federal support of formula funds Believes Hatch funding may experience a small increase over the next few years
Last comment was that CY was going to nominate the group for an award; further emphasizes the need to think about outputs/impact while together today.


Chris Calkins report.


Matt Stockton report: Overviewed his work as it relates to this committee group
noted a couple production oriented issues that may be relevant briefly listed 3 possible projects regarding: 1) beef imports; 2) product development and issue of displacement w/I beef vs. outside of beef displacement;3) beef carcass value & relationship to cattle inventory changes


Mariah Ehmke report.


APHIS report from invited speaker Ann Seitzinger. Highlights of the NAHMS Beef 2007-2008 Survey. Overviewed methods and history of related surveys. Presented a summary of the findings; particularly regarding impacts of region and size of operation. Ann noted that input on NAHMS surveys are open to web-survey to solicit ideas; needs assessment


Scott Fausti report.


Justin Kastner report.


Paul Clayton, invited speaker from US Meat Export Federation: Summarized historical beef and pork exports. Commented on new administration/ Discussed market access issues


April 3, 2009


Jim Oltjen initiated a discussion on next steps of the committee and reporting our successes. Integration can occur in planning/actual research and/or in outputs (joint publications or symposiums).


Ideas discussed included:
Hold symposium at Western Agricultural Economics Association (WAEA) &/or equivalent Animal Science meeting.
Chris noted a multi-institute instrument grading project that should be noted in our reports. Mariah noted a ranch to consumer information transfer symposium. Scott noted a meat demand symposium possibility.
Jim noted that pulling off a symposium is challenging, so doing an annual symposium may be unrealistic.
Chris noted the need for a champion to lead the integration efforts, particularly on planning symposiums.


Collaborative effort possibilities:
Jon noted the availability of MT data on several years of NAIS tagging animals and associated carcass data on some animals and some price/sales data. Matt and Scott noted an interest in working with Jon
Chris raised issue on how the industry can/should use information on tenderness; in particular on how the supply chain should adjust. Issues on how signals are sent; if mean tenderness is appropriate; change the grading system to reflect tenderness; marketing to consumers
There was a wealth of discussion on a wide range of sub-components of this issue.
Rhonda noted that Keith, Chris, and she are working on issues related to this. Particularly, work on DNA markers for tenderness research and corresponding production oriented issues.
Matt raised a range of institutional and consumer side issues that are inherent in this problem.
Mariah elaborated on the current issue being an information transfer system, linking up signals/incentives throughout the chain.
Jon noted the ability of MT breeding program to give preliminary data validating tenderness impacts. Jon also noted the need for decisions to be made within the next 30 days regarding his triggering a tenderness breeding of 200 cows in MT.
Mariah laid out the approach of identifying the incentives that are needed to obtain different producer surplus, consumer surplus, and societal surplus.


Funding options include: AFRI Small- & Medium-Sized Farms program noted by Matt & Mariah; 5-state program noted by Scott; Mariah noted WY funds on campus that might be a fit;
Jon noted the need for $10k to deal with loins
Rhonda suggested she may have resources to cover shear testing work
Chris succeeded in getting agreement that this broader issue is worthy of collaborative work by this group.
Chris suggested that someone needs to champion this effort. Rhonda noted she will lead an effort to go to the next step. Rhonda ended with need to pull in economists to the current production/genetic side of this discussion.
Mariah asked for a non-economist leader and an economist leader to keep this moving forward.


A non-economist and an economist leader for each issue were identified as:
1. Traceability: Jim & Dustin
2. Tenderness  primarily meat project (reflective of Rhondas discussion): Jon & Matt
3. Industry structure study  incentives for adoption & scenarios for market structure: Scott & Rhonda


Glynn Tonsor gave his report.


John Paterson gave his report.


Dustin Pendall gave his report.


Randy Blach invited speaker from CattleFax. Noted the notable expansion of research abilities of CattleFax over the past 10 years. Noted the +/- 55 page report which goes out every 2 weeks summarizing the situation in the protein complex. Overviewed macro effects using several indices/charts. Randy noted the sheer lack of young talent for the beef industry; noted CattleFaxs increasing interest in working with possible candidates earlier and earlier.


Rhonda Miller gave her report.


WRAP-UP DISCUSSION
Rhonda must submit a report within 30 days. Everyone needs to send station reports
Mariah will email everyone with bullet statements on collaborative efforts that have occurred since project initiation
Follow-up on 3 areas for collaborative action.
Also discussed efforts to get other universities involved
Mid-term review is due after next meeting
Justin suggestion was also made about on-campus ag-radio being another unique way to get outputs listed. Would be an example of proactive engagement.

Accomplishments

Short-term Outcomes:<br /> 1. Enhance palatability, processing, and marketing of beef by studying instrument grading, beef flavor and tenderness technologies, and carcass cutting strategies <br /> <br /> <br /> Research at the University of Nebraska helped to identify innovative cutting strategies for beef carcasses. An industry-wide workshop was held in 2008 to get the word out to the industry. Additional Nebraska research demonstrated that feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles to cattle causes an increase in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the tissue, resulting in reduced oxidative stability, an increased rate of discoloration in the retail case, and development of off flavors. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E helped to mitigate these effects. <br /> <br /> <br /> Texas A&M University researchers evaluated 625 commercial steers and heifers in the first year of a three year project to evaluate the relationship between animal behavior, eating behavior, growth characteristics, and live animal performance with carcass characteristics and beef tenderness. Additional work to validate commercially available tenderness genetic markers is being conducted using these cattle.<br /> <br /> <br /> Cooperative research with scientists at the University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Texas A&M University was conducted to evaluate automated grading tenderness assessment instruments. This research is on-going and results will be reported.<br /> <br /> <br /> Researchers at Colorado State University have evaluated large numbers of finished beef cattle marketed on grid-based pricing systems. Carcasses that did not conform to mainstream specifications generally did not achieve full value due to failure to achieve premium prices. Research was conducted to evaluate beef carcass ribeye area at the 12th and 13th rib interface (LMA) and its relationship to portion sizing acceptability of other muscles in the carcass. Sixty beef carcass sides of varying LMA sizes (between 67.74 and 166.13 cm2) were fabricated into 14 individual cuts. Retail portion size (g/1.27-cm steak), along with cut surface area and dimensions, were recorded from steaks cut perpendicular at the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of each muscle. Subsequently, a nationwide survey was conducted with foodservice chefs and retail meat merchandisers to evaluate acceptability of portion sizes and dimensions of individual muscle cuts. Results showed that LMA was not associated with retail portion size for 6 of the 14 muscles. Similarly, LMA did not affect surface area of the face of the steak from 6 of the 14 muscles. Muscles for which portion characteristics were related to carcass LMA were further evaluated in the survey. Many muscles were still acceptable to retail merchandisers and foodservice chefs in portion size, even though carcass LMA was outside the range of commercially acceptable sizes. This study demonstrated that carcass LMA is not an accurate determinant of the size, and subsequent acceptability, of other muscles in the carcasses and may not be a good determinant of the remaining value of the beef carcass; data will be used by industry to modify current beef pricing practices.<br /> <br /> <br /> At Iowa State University, biochemical mechanisms that influence beef tenderness, specifically ¼-calpain activation, calpastatin activity and subsequent muscle protein proteolysis in six specific muscles of the beef rounds from ten carcasses were determined after 24 hrs and compared with the longissimus dorsi (LD). None of the muscles had the same biochemical changes as the LD, although some had greater protein degradation than the LD. These biochemical changes will be used to further study the sensory properties of some of these muscles to determine their potential for added value if used as individual cuts.<br /> <br /> <br /> Michigan State University researchers are evaluating the perceptions and preferences of cow-calf producers and regarding individual animal traceability. They have two publications in review publications.<br /> <br /> <br /> 2. Develop science-rooted strategies and technologies to reduce foodborne illness and improve the effectiveness of policies related to food safety and trade. <br /> <br /> <br /> Research at Kansas State University examined trade policy concepts of regionalization and compartmentalization. Regionalization and compartmentalization are international trade policy concepts that have caught the attention of the Frontier program. Regionalization and compartmentalizationboth of which are World Trade Organization (WTO)-affirmed means by which nation-states (including the United States) can through geographical means (in regionalization) or through supply-chain management practices (in compartmentalization) certify the biosecurity of animals and/or meat products and, significantly, continue to export meat products when outbreaks occur outside of the certified regions and/or supply chains. For geographically large countries like the U.S., the trade policy concepts of regionalization and compartmentalization present a WTO-endorsed policy opportunity to limit trade disruptions when isolated food safety or animal disease outbreaks occur. Another area of research has been to describe how agricultural protectionism, consumer awareness, and political-institutional strength affect global participation in the rules-based multilateral trading system; this included research on institutional capacity and implementation of the provisions of the World Trade Organization Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. With Frontier research assistant and a political science graduate student, Dr. Kastner used (a) development and trade indicators from the World Bank, (b) sanitary and phytosanitary notification data from the WTOs SPS Information Management System (http://spsims.wto.org/web/pages/search/other/Search.aspx), and (c) other institutional strength indicators to examine the capacity needs to facilitate trade and regulatory cooperation in food safety and animal health.<br /> <br /> <br /> At Iowa State University, irradiation was used to control pathogenic bacteria in ground beef. They found that at higher doses (2.5 kGy) lipid oxidation and discoloration increased. Inclusion of ascorbic acid, tocopherol and sesamol mitigated these changes. All beef bologna and frankfurters were manufactured from the same emulsion batch and irradiated. No differences in physical, chemical and sensory properties were found between the two products, which was contrary to some undocumented reports from processing companies.<br /> <br /> <br /> Work at Michigan State University is examining consumer demand for food safety, animal welfare, healthiness, convenience, and sustainability production practices in beef products and they have published results that are forthcoming in the Journal of Agricultural Economics on factors impacting food safety risk attitudes and perceptions.<br /> <br /> <br /> Researchers at Montana State University evaluated the level of E. coli 0157:H7 in Montana cattle and the subsequent effect of feeding colostrums to calves on the incidence of the pathogen. They found colostrums feeding decreases level of pathogen in calves.<br /> <br /> <br /> 3. Determine factors influencing domestic and international consumer preferences for beef. <br /> <br /> <br /> University of Nebraska researchers, working with natives of Japan and Korea, were able to identify alternative cuts of beef that provide an acceptable substitute for beef cuts commonly imported into those countries. Expanding the variety of acceptable cuts should increase the value of carcasses that qualify for export. <br /> <br /> <br /> Researchers at Michigan State University have examined consumer formation of beef safety risk perceptions and have determined consumer valuations of beef steak food safety enhancements in Canada, Japan, Mexico and the United States.<br /> <br /> <br /> Two research studies at Texas A&M University evaluated the effect of dry versus wet aging on consumer preferences. The effect of aging time and cut was determined. About two-thirds of consumers did not know what dry-aging was; however, between 70 and 80% understood the general concept of aging. Consumer did not differentiate dry versus wet aged steaks; however, they preferred Choice steaks and juiciness like decreased with aging period up to 35 days. Additional research evaluated four tenderness treatment applied to seven under-utilized beef cuts for beef fajita application. Treatment tended not to affect the consumer palatability scores of the M. diaphragma pars costalis and M. serratus ventralis and these muscles were preferred over other muscles evaluated. Consumers were willing to purchase the M. latissimus and M. serratus ventralis treated with papain + blade tenderized and papain, respectively, and these muscles performed well enough to be considered as alternatives in the beef fajita market.<br /> <br /> <br /> 4. Assess supply chain management strategies to identify and overcome barriers that interfere with the transmission of consumer preferences to producers. <br /> <br /> <br /> University of Wyoming researchers are working on a meta-analysis of country of origin labeling (COOL) studies. Their analysis covers 18 individual studies reporting 51 different measures of consumers willingness to pay for COOL. To test the hypotheses that the format of the study, number of other attributes included, and location of the study, as well as the origin of products, influences individuals valuation for COOL. Initial results show study construction can significantly influence COOL valuation. Studies which ask consumers about their preferences for organic production and animal welfare also report higher COOL valuation rankings. Products sourced from the EU and US are typically valued above those from other countries. <br /> <br /> <br /> 5. Evaluate the cost/benefit of traceability and assess its value in market-based programs. <br /> <br /> <br /> Research at the University of California Davis has compared producers costs and benefits associated with participating in animal identification programs such as the voluntary NAIS or market-driven programs. The analysis used conventional or electronic ID technologies for livestock operations of different sizes (scale), types, and types of certifications. This has resulted in a regional analysis of costs and benefits associated with animal ID programs. Based on publications and extension work using the outputs above, beef producers should improve their understanding of animal ID issues and be encouraged to implement appropriate participation in animal identification programs. Additional animal performance research has examined the impact of beef genetics and production systems on beef quality. Researchers have published analytical results of production and economic relationships between genetics, management, and beef quality. Producers will gain greater control over beef quality and improve profitability due to our academic papers on the affect of cattle health, management practices, and carcass characteristics on producer profitability. <br /> <br /> <br /> Research at South Dakota State University evaluated the national marketing pattern for slaughter steers to determine the market share and the trend share of individual animal pricing marketing channels versus pen level marketing channels. They found that on average, steers prices as individual animals accounted for 14.7% of steers sold in the cash market and 77.8% of steers sold in the forward contract and formula market. Combined cash and contract grid marketing averaged 41.48% and the overall trend in grid market share during this period was flat. Additional research evaluated the effect of mandatory livestock price reporting (MPR). Empirical evidence indicated a significant change in the weekly variability of publicly reported fed cattle grid premiums and discounts after MPR was implemented and there was increased transparency that was compatible with either an increase or a decrease in dispersion. A four-state study was implemented to evaluate normal verses early weaning management strategy and high versus low input feeding programs of calves. Initial results indicated that feed cost per pound of gain was lowest for normal weaned control steers that grazed native pasture and highest for normal weaned steers that grazed stockpiled unharvested standing corn.<br /> <br /> <br /> The University of Wyoming researchers used experimental economic methods to examine the effects of information reporting on buyer and seller transactions in private negotiation environments. They found that increased information sharing increased the bargaining power of buyers and market efficiency. Additional work considered the effect of different buyer groups and bidding rings and their effect on market prices. Information from these projects will assist in more effective coordination and market transactions along the beef supply chain. Research on maternal beef nutrition also was conducted this year. Drought is a major concern for cow-calf producers in the west and decreases the quality of beef available for market consumption. Investigators from animal science and agricultural and applied economics are analyzing the ability of a maternal protein supplement to improve fetal development in gestation and increase the quality of beef yields in drought conditions. The experiment includes three treatments: a control, drought ration, and drought ration with protein supplement. Initial results show that a protein supplement for cows in drought conditions affects calf muscle development and finishing. They are developing enterprise budgets to measure the potential profitability of these supplements for cow-calf producers in the region.<br /> <br /> <br /> Researchers at Colorado State University analyzed the benefits and costs of the national animal identification system (NAIS) and submitted results to USDA-APHIS in early October 2008. The primary purpose of this project was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the economic benefits and costs of NAIS in the U.S., including premise registration, animal identification systems, and animal movement reporting for major species of cattle, hogs, sheep, equine, and poultry and, to a limited extent, minor species of bison, goats, cervids, and camelids. The final report currently is under review.<br /> <br /> <br /> Montana State University researchers collected data form 400 producers that represented approximately 100,000 calves to understand perception of electronic identification programs. Data includes time of adaptation and costs. <br /> <br /> Outputs:<br /> Multiple publications are defined as outputs for the outcomes defined above. Producers meetings were conducted for research on traceability and information related to the application of this research is being disseminated to end-users. Consumer research is being used by the beef industry and marketing groups within the beef industry to correctly position beef within the US and in Japan and Korea. This research is closely aligned with marketing objectives of the National Cattlemens' Beef Association and the US Meat Export Federation. <br /> <br /> Activities:<br /> Research within each objective defined above will continue within each institution and across institutions.<br /> <br /> Three new areas of research collaboration were initiated for the next year:<br /> <br /> 1. Traceability research collabortion<br /> 2. Tenderness research, genetic markers, live animal performance data and automated grading research<br /> 3. Industry structure study  incentives for adoption & scenarios for market structure. <br /> <br /> <br /> Milestones:<br /> Research has been initiated within the 5 objectives defined for the project. Data has been reported and are being disseminated into the scientific and public arena for implementation. <br /> <br /> Initial research on the cost of traceability and producer ID systems has spurred additional cooperative research to assist beef producers in understanding the costs and benefits of individual animal ID and trace-back systems. <br /> <br /> Understanding marketing channels for beef and how producers utilize these channels will assist in development of education programs to assist beef producers in more effectively marketing their beef and improving beef's competitiveness.<br /> <br /> Understanding how to sort cattle into outcome groups based on expected live animal performance, carcass characteristics and tenderness will assist beef producers in more efficient production of beef.<br /> <br /> Development of automated grading systems to assess beef tenderness will assist in more effective target marketing of beef.<br /> <br /> Use of irradiation of ground beef improved beef safety.<br /> <br /> Under utilized beef cuts are being more clearly characterized and applications for there use are being determined.

Publications

Ackleson, J. and J. Kastner. Routinising Cooperation and Changing Narratives: The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. Journal of Borderlands Studies 23, no. 1 Spring 2008.<br /> <br /> <br /> Ackleson, Jason, Julianne Jensby, and Justin Kastner Factors that Influence Cross-Border Cooperation: A Preliminary Inductive Analysis. Paper for the 2009 International Studies Association Annual Convention (Panel: The Future of North American Integration), 15 January 2009 in New York City. Webposted at http://frontier.k-state.edu. <br /> <br /> <br /> Anderson, M. J., E. Steadham, C. Fedler, K. Prusa, S. M. Lonergan,<br /> E. Huff-Lonergan. 2008. Influence of fiber type on palatability of beef<br /> round muscles. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 2): 43.<br /> <br /> <br /> Babcock, Bruce A., Dermot J. Hayes, John D. Lawrence, and Roxanne L. Clemens. Creating a Geographically Linked Collective Brand for High-Quality Beef: A Case Study. Journal of Innovative Marketing. Vol. 4, issue 2, 2008.<br /> <br /> <br /> Bass, P. D., J. A. Scanga, P. L. Chapman, G. C. Smith, J. D. Tatum, and K. E. Belk. 2008. Recovering value from beef carcasses classified as dark cutters by United States Department of Agriculture graders. J Anim. Sci. 86: 1658-1668.<br /> <br /> <br /> Bass, P.D., D.L. Pendell, D.L. Morris, J.A. Scanga, K.E. Belk, T.G. Field, J.N. Sofos, J.D. Tatum and G.C. Smith. 2008. Review: Sheep traceability systems in selected countries outside of North America. The Prof. Anim. Scientist. 24:302-307.<br /> <br /> <br /> Bowling, M.B., R.S. Yemm, K.E. Belk, J.N. Sofos, G.C. Smith and J.A. Scanga. 2008. An evaluation of central nervous system cross-contamination due to carcass splitting in commercial beef-packing plants. J. Food Prot. 71:83-92.<br /> <br /> <br /> Bowling, M.B., D.L. Pendell, D.L. Morris, Y. Yoon, K. Katoh, K.E. Belk and G.C. Smith. 2008. Review: Identification and traceability of cattle in selected countries outside of North America. The Prof. Anim. Scientist. 24:287-294.<br /> <br /> <br /> Bulut, Harun and John D. Lawrence. Meat Slaughter and Processing Plants Traceability Levels: Evidence From Iowa. ISU Economics Working Paper #08015, April 24, 2008 <br /> <br /> <br /> Byelashov, O. A, P. A. Kendall, K. E. Belk, J. A. Scanga, and J. N. Sofos. 2008. Control of Listeria monocytogenes on vacuum-packaged frankfurters sprayed with lactic acid alone or in combination with sodium lauryl sulfate. J. Food Prot. 71:728-734.<br /> <br /> <br /> Carlson, B.A., I. Geornaras, Y. Yoon, J.A. Scanga, J.N. Sofos, G.C. Smith and K.E. Belk. 2008. Studies to evaluate chemicals and conditions with low-pressure applications for reducing microbial counts on cattle hides. J. Food Prot. 71:1343-1348.<br /> <br /> <br /> Carlson, B. A., J. Ruby, G. C. Smith, J. N. Sofos, G. R. Bellinger, W. Warren-Serna, B. Centrella, R. A. Bowling, and K. E. Belk. 2008. Comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of multiple beef hide decontamination strategies to reduce levels of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. J. Food Prot. 71:2223-2227.<br /> <br /> <br /> Dewell, G. A., C. A. Simpson, R. D. Dewell, D. R. Hyatt, K. E. Belk, J. A. Scanga, P. S. Morley, T. Grandin, G. C. Smith, D. A. Dargatz, B. A. Wagner and M. D. Salman. 2008. Risk associated with transportation and lairage on hide contamination with Salmonella enterica in finished beef cattle at slaughter. J. Food Prot. 71:2228-2232.<br /> <br /> <br /> Dewell R.D., T.W. Hoffman, D.R. Woerner, K.E. Belk, L.R. Whalen, A.D. Fails, J.A. Scanga, G.C. Smith, and M.D. Salman. 2008. Estimated compliance for removal of specified risk materials from 18 U.S. beef packing plants. J Food Prot. 71:573-577.<br /> <br /> <br /> Dewell, G. A., C. Simpson, R. Dewell, D. Hyatt, K. Belk, J. Scanga, P. Morley, T. Grandin, G. Smith, D. Dargatz, B. Wagner, and M. Salman. 2008. Impact of transportation and lairage on hide contamination with Escherichia coli O157 in finished beef cattle. J. Food Prot. 71:1114-1118.<br /> <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., B.A. Qasmi, and M.A. Diersen, 2008. the Efficacy of the Grid Marketing Channel for Fed Cattle. Abstract I nthe Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol. 40, No. 2, 2008: p. 724.<br /> <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., B.A. Qasmi, J. Li, and M.A. Diersen, 2008. Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting, Market Transparency and Price olatility. Abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Vol. 33, no. 3, p. 491-92.<br /> <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., B.A. Qasmi, and M.A. Diersen, Grid Marketing and Beef Carcass Quality: A Discussion of Issues and Trends, Economics Staff Paper 2008-3, April 2007. Department of Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.<br /> <br /> <br /> Garcia, F., R.D. Sainz, J. Agabriel, L.G. Barioni and J.W. Oltjen. 2008. Comparative analysis of two dynamic mechanistic models of beef cattle growth. Animal Feed Science and Technology 143:220-241.<br /> <br /> <br /> Garcia, L. G., K. L. Nicholson, T. W. Hoffman, T. E. Lawrence, D. S. Hale, D. B. Griffin, J. W. Savell, D. L. VanOverbeke, J. B. Morgan, K. E. Belk, T. G. Field, J. A. Scanga, J. D. Tatum and G. C. Smith. 2008. National Beef Quality Audit2005: Survey of targeted cattle and carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 86:3533-3543.<br /> <br /> <br /> Haque and L.J. Butler. 2008. Management simulation tool for estimating value of individual identification of beef cattle. In: Proceedings of Western Sec. American Society of Animal Science 59:140-141.<br /> <br /> <br /> Huerta-Montauti, D., A. Rodas-González, K. E. Belk, L. Arenas de Moreno, N. Huerta-Leidenz. 2008. Comparison of U.S. versus Venezuelan beef cuts on cookery traits, consumer impressions and shear force. J. Musc. Foods. 19:140-156.<br /> <br /> <br /> Huerta-Montauti, D., R.K. Miller, C.E. Schuehle Pfeiffer, K.D. Pfeiffer, K.L. Nicholson, W.N. Osburn and J.W. Savell. 2008. Identifying muscle and processing combination suitable for use as beef fajitas. Meat Sci. 80:259-271.<br /> <br /> <br /> Kassatly, Raymond, Andrew Long, and Justin Kastner. The Political Economy of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulatory Notifications of World Trade Organization Members, The World Economy (submitted December 2008, in review).<br /> <br /> <br /> Kastner, Justin and Cobus Block. The Global Food Supply Chain. In Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, edited by John Voeller. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (submitted October 2008, accepted December 2008, in press).<br /> <br /> <br /> Kastner, Justin, Abbey Nutsch, and Curtis Kastner. The Role of Food Safety in Food Security/Defense. In Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, edited by John Voeller. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (submitted September 2008, accepted December 2008, in press).<br /> <br /> <br /> Kastner, Justin, Jason Ackleson, and Abbey Nutsch. Frontier Interdisciplinary eXperiences in Border Security, Food Protection, Food Defense, Food Security, and Trade. Abstract prepared for the National Center for Food Protection and Defense Annual Meeting, Chaska, Minnesota, September 2008.<br /> <br /> <br /> Landblom, S.I. Paisley, K.C. Olson, P.S. Johnson, .N. Gates, M.K. Beutler, S.W. Fausti, G.A. Perry, A. Smart, R.R. Salverson, and H.H. Patterson, Alernative Beef Systems Grazing Strategies, Dickson Research Station, Noth Dakota State University: <br /> http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/dickinso/research/2007/tocweb.htm#g<br /> <br /> <br /> Landblom, D.G., S.I. Paisley, K.C. Olson, P.S. Johnson, R.N. Gates, M.K. Beutler, S.W. Fausti, G.A. Perry, A. Smart, R.R. Salverson, and H.H. Patterson, Beef Systems Research: Effect of Weaning Date, Weaning Method, and Cow Wintering Method on Beef Cow and Calf Performance, Dickson Research Station, North Dakota State University:<br /> http://www.ag.ndsu, nodak. Edu/dickinso/research/2007/tocweb.htm#g<br /> <br /> <br /> Laster, M.A., R.D. Smith, K.L. Nicholson, J.D.W. Nicholson, K.B. Harris, R.K. Miller, D.B. Griffin and J.W. Savell. 2008. Tenderness, flavor and yield assessment of dry-aged beef. Meat Sci. 80:795-804.<br /> <br /> <br /> Lawrence, John D,. James Mintert, John D. Anderson and David P. Anderson. Feed Grains and Livestock: Impacts on Meat Supplies and Prices. Choices 2nd Quarter 2008 " 23(2). Pp. 11-15<br /> <br /> <br /> McPhee, M. J., J. W. Oltjen, J. G. Fadel, D. Perry, and R. D. Sainz. 2008. Development and evaluation of empirical equations to interconvert between twelfth-rib fat and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat respective fat weights and to predict initial conditions of fat deposition models for beef cattle. J. Anim Sci. 86: 1984-1995. <br /> <br /> <br /> McPhee, M.J., Oltjen, J.W., Fadel, J.G., Mayer, D.G., Sainz, R.D. (2008). Parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis of fat deposition models in beef steers using acslXtreme. Mathematics and Computers in Simulation. doi: 10.1016/j.matcom.2008.08.011<br /> <br /> <br /> Meisinger, J.L., D. L. Pendell, D.L. Morris, K. E. Belk and G. C. Smith. 2008. Review: Swine traceability systems in selected countries outside of North America. Prof. Anim. Scientist. 24:295-301.<br /> <br /> <br /> Menkhaus, D.J., O.R. Phillips, and A.V. Yakunina. 2009. Inventories and Public Information in Private Negotiation: A Laboratory Market Study, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 91, In Press.<br /> <br /> <br /> Mukherjee, A., Y. Yoon, K. E. Belk, J. A. Scanga, G. C. Smith, and J. N. Sofos. 2008. Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef treated with marination and tenderization ingredients. J. Food Prot. 71:1349-1356.<br /> <br /> <br /> Murphy, R. G. L., D. L. Pendell, D.L. Morris, J. A. Scanga, K. E. Belk and G. C. Smith. 2008. Review: Animal Identification Systems in North America. The Prof. Anim. Scientist. 24:277-286.<br /> <br /> <br /> Murphy, R.G.L., D.L. Pendell, G.C. Smith. Lessons from the Canadian Cattle Industry for Developing the National Animal Identification System. In Press: International Food and Agribusiness Management Review.<br /> <br /> <br /> Muth, Mary K. Yanyan Liu, Stephen R. Koontz, and John D. Lawrence Evidence of the Role of Marketing Arrangements and Valuation Methods in Improving Beef Quality. Forthcoming Agribusiness: An International Journal, Vol. 25, Issue No. 2, Spring 2009. April 2009.<br /> <br /> <br /> Muth, Mary K. Yanyan Liu, Stephen R. Koontz, and John D. Lawrence, "Differences in Prices and Price Risk Across Alternative Marketing Arrangements Used in the Fed Cattle Industry," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Vol. 33, No.1, pp. 118-135, April 2008<br /> <br /> <br /> Nyambok, E., J. Kastner, and T. Sabo. CREMe Case Study: Aquaculture Chemical Contaminants and Import Risk Analysis. Abstract for the CREMe Software Ltd. Conference, Dublin, Ireland. September 2008. <br /> <br /> <br /> Oddy, V. H., R.C. Dobos, M. J. McPhee, W. McKiernan, J. W. Oltjen and R. D. Sainz 2008. A new tool to predict beef cattle fatness in the field. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 88[4], 735.<br /> <br /> <br /> Oltjen, J.W., A. Ahmadi, A.J. Romera, D.J. Drake and S.J.R.Woodward. 2008. PRANCH: Cow-calf herd simulation system. In: Agricultural Information and Information Technology Proceedings of IAALD AFITA WCCA (T. Nagatsuka and S. Ninomiya, Eds.) pp. 123-126. <br /> <br /> <br /> Oltjen, J.W., D.J. Drake, A.B. Ahmadi, A.J. Romera, S.J.R. Woodward, L.N. Bennett, F. Haque and L.J. Butler. 2008. Management simulation tool for estimating value of individual identification of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 86(E-Suppl. 3):139.<br /> <br /> <br /> Patton, B.S., S.M. Lonergan, S. A. Cutler, C. H. Stahl, and J. S.<br /> Dickson. 2008. Application of Colicin E1 as a pre-fabrication intervention<br /> strategy. Journal of Food Protection 71:2519-2522.<br /> <br /> <br /> Phillips, O.R. and D.J. Menkhaus. 2009. Maintaining Tacit Collusion in Repeated Ascending Auctions, Journal of Law and Economics, Vol. 52, In Press.<br /> <br /> <br /> Schulz, L. and G.T. Tonsor. Cow-Calf Producer Perceptions Regarding Individual Animal Traceability. Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. First Submission, November 2008. (primarily tied to objective 4)<br /> <br /> <br /> Schulz, L. and G.T. Tonsor. Cow-Calf Producer Preferences for Voluntary Traceability <br /> Systems. American Journal of Agricultural<br /> <br /> <br /> Shook, J. N., D. L. VanOverbeke, J. A. Scanga, K. E. Belk, J. W. Savell, T. E. Lawrence, J. B. Morgan, D. B. Griffin, D. S. Hale, and G. C. Smith. 2008. The National Beef Quality Audit  2005, Phase I: Views of Producers, Packers, and Merchandisers on Current Quality Characteristics of the Beef Industry. The Prof. Anim. Scientist. 24:189-197.<br /> <br /> <br /> Smith, G. C., D. L. Pendell, J. D. Tatum, K. E. Belk, J. N. Sofos. 2008. Post-slaughter traceability. Meat Sci. 80:66-74.<br /> <br /> <br /> Smith, G. C., J. D. Tatum and K. E. Belk. 2008. International perspective: characterization of United States Department of Agriculture and Meat Standards Australia systems for assessing beef quality. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 48:1465-1480.<br /> <br /> <br /> Smith, R.D., K.L. Nicholson, J.D.W. Nicholson, K.B. Harris, R.K. Miller, D.B. Griffin, and J.W. Savell. 2008. Dry versus wet aging of beef: Retail cutting yields and consumer palatability evaluations of steaks from U.S. Choice and U.S. Select short loins. Meat Sci. 79:631-639.<br /> <br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T. and R. Shupp. Valuations of Sustainably Produced Labels on Beef, Tomato, and Apple Products. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review (special issue). Invited resubmission, March 2009.<br /> <br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T., T.C. Schroeder, J.M.E. Pennings, and J. Mintert. Consumer Valuations of <br /> Beef Steak Food Safety Enhancements in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics. Forthcoming<br /> <br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T., T.C. Schroeder, and J.M.E. Pennings. Factors Impacting Food Safety Risk Attitudes and Perceptions. Journal of Agricultural Economics. Forthcoming. (primarily tied to objective 2)<br /> <br /> <br /> Yoon, Y. P. A. Kendall, K. E. Belk, J. A. Scanga, G. C. Smith, and J. N. Sofos. 2009. Modeling the growth/no-growth boundaries of postprocessing Listeria monocytogenes contamination on frankfurters and bologna treated with lactic acid. Appl. Envir. Micro. 75:353-358.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Implementation of automated grading for beef tenderness is occurring. Research to document efficacy of automated systems was conducted and this information is being used in collaboration with the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service to facilitate accuracy and validity of these instruments. This research will impact beef producers, beef processors, beef retailers and foodservice establishments, and beef consumers by allowing more accurate segmentation of beef based on tenderness. Our research will assist companies to market beef based on tenderness claims and to provide consumers with less variable beef for tenderness. The final results will be increased beef demand and improved customer satisfaction.
2. Development of new beef cuts that utilize beef muscles that are traditionally merchandised as multiple muscle cuts and have lower value was accomplished. Research has characterized new muscle cuts and these are now being merchandised by the National Cattlemens Beef Association. As a result, consumers will be provided new cuts of beef that have targeted preparation methods. These cuts are targeted at mid-level price points and provide high quality, tender, flavorful beef cuts that have easy preparation methods. Most of these cuts are traditionally merchandised as multi-muscle cuts and cooked as roasts. These cuts fit into consumer life-style choices for ease of preparation and are conducive for varying flavor or ethnic food preparation.
3. Understanding the impact of foodborne illness outbreaks on trade policy decisions using concepts of regionalization and compartmentalization was conducted. These data will be used to assist the US beef industry in addressing trade disruptions when isolated food safety or animal disease outbreaks occur. This information can be used by government officials and individuals involved in trade disputes to maintain open trade for areas within the US not affected by the agent defined in the barrier dispute. This will assist the beef industry in maintaining international trade during food safety and animal disease outbreaks.
4. Understanding marketing channels for beef and the effect of food safety, animal welfare, healthiness, convenience and sustainability production practices on consumer demands assists the beef industry in development of information to educate producers on alternative marketing strategies and to improve communication tools to consumer on beef production. Data generated in the last two years for this project will be used by the end of the project to accomplish this task.

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Report Information

Participants

Mariah Ehmke, University of Wyoming; Jim Oltjen, University of California-Davis; Justin Kastner, Kansas State University; Jessica Hansen, University of Wyoming; C.Y. Hu, University of Hawaii; Chris Calkins, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Scott Fausti, South Dakota State University; Matt Stockton, University of Nebraska; Rodney Kott, Montana State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

The committee met at Kansas State University on April 1 and 2, 2010. There were eight committee members and two graduate students attending. Dr. C. Y. Hu presented an overview of the regional committee process. He also reported on recent changes in the USDA's AFRI funding system. Member provided station reports from their respective stations. We also worked on the mid-term review report for AES directors. Members discussed results of current collaborative research and plans for more work in the future. The committee also proposed meeting in China next year, to gain detailed insight into this growing international market.

Accomplishments

W-2177 2010 Annual Report Information<br /> <br /> Short-term outputs<br /> Dr. Oltjen (UC-D) lead a study of producers costs and benefits associated with participating in animal identification programs showed that benefits of ID for management are ill defined. They developed a model of the cow-calf production system to address this deficiency, and have preliminary results showing the interaction of management decisions and use of individual records associated with animal identification. They have also initiated work that will show the impact of beef production systems on beef quality. In particular, we are linking a ruminant digestion system with our beef and sheep composition models. <p><br /> Drs. Oltjen (UC-D), Pendell (CSU), and Tonsor (KSU) contributed to work on the costs of a national animal identification system for APHIS. They informed APHISs decision to discontinue a national animal identification system with this report. <br /> <p><br /> Outputs include 26 research publications (Please see end of report).<br /> <br /> Activities<br /> " Drs. Pendell (CSU), Oltjen (UCD), and Paterson (MSU) researched ways to use industry data to predict the value of quality assurance practices. Their results were shared and used by industry. <p><br /> " Dr. Justin Kastner (KSU) and collaborators have published the Frontier website, http://frontier.k-state.edu. This resource provides information on issues related to international trade policy, food security, veterinary history, the history of public health, and the history of trade disputes regarding food safety and animal disease. <p><br /> " Dr. Justin Kastner (KSU) and colleagues lead a unique multidisciplinary education/mentoring program for undergraduate and graduate students; that program, the Frontier Interdisciplinary eXperiences (FIX) program, has received funding from several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. <p><br /> " Colleagues at Iowa State University facilitated extension programs on beef product innovation, beef carcass fabrication, specialty cuts from the beef chuck, and slaughter and fabrication of beef and pork carcasses. These programs were presented to industry professionals. <p><br /> " Dr. Mariah Ehmke presented a poster entitled Maternal Nutrition Management and Profitability of Cow/Calf Operation in Small Farms at the 2009 Agricultural and Applied Economics Meetings, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. <p><br /> <br /> Milestones<br /> <br /> The overall objectives of this project are to 1) evaluate the cost/benefit of traceability and assess its value in market-based programs; 2) develop science-rooted strategies and technologies to reduce food-borne illness and improve the effectiveness of policies related to food safety and trade; 3) assess supply chain management strategies to identify and overcome barriers that interfere with the transmission of consumer preferences to producers; 4) enhance palatability, processing, and marketing of beef by studying instrument grading, beef flavor and tenderness technologies, and carcass cutting strategies; and 5) determine factors influencing domestic and international consumer preferences for beef. <p><br /> Members have completed substantial gains with regard to objective one. Reports coauthored by Pendell, Tonsor, and Oltjen on the costs of a national animal identification system (NAIS) were used my APHIS in their decision to stop the NAIS program. With regard to objective two, work by Olsen at ISU has increased the palatability of irradiated beef, which also utilizes a food safety technology. Dr. Kastner at KSU has led efforts to disseminate research on policies related to food safety and trade. He co-directs the Frontier program which also provides valuable professional training in this area. This year, less work was focused on objective three. Dr. Calkins at UNL conducted a survey of students to measure their preferences for alternative muscle cuts. We plan more work in the future to understand the links between consumer preferences for beef tenderness and producer breeding capabilities. A great deal of work contributed to the accomplishment of objective four. Drs. Calkins and Belks work on new carcass quality grading technologies will increase the efficiency of government grading procedures and improve the consistency of beef products. Finally, Dr. Calkins work at UNL also contributes to domestic and international consumer preferences for beef.<br />

Publications

<br /> Butler, L.J., Oltjen, J.W., Velez, V.J., Evans, J.L., Haque, F., Bennett, L.H., Caja, G. 2009. Cost-benefit analysis of the U.S. National Animal Identification System in California. Book of Abstracts No. 15, 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production, p.488. <p><br /> Gaspar, P., Oltjen, J.W., Drake, D.J., Ahmadi, A.B., Romera, A.J., Woodward, S.J.R., Bennett, L.N, Haque, F. and Butler, L. 2009. Management simulation tool for evaluating individual identification of beef cattle Book of Abstracts No. 15, 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production, p. 326. <p><br /> McPhee, M., J. Oltjen, J. Fadel, D. Mayer and R. Sainz. 2009. Parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis of fat deposition models in beef steers using acslXtreme. Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 79 :27012712. <p><br /> Oltjen, J. W., Ahmadi, A., Romera, A.J. and Drake, D.J. 2009. Interfacing CCFARM Simulation Engine with Microsoft Excels VBA Engine to Generate On-Demand Outputs. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress of Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources (WCCA2009), June 22-24, 2009, Reno, Nevada, USA. <p><br /> Oltjen, J.W., A. Ahmadi, A.J. Romera, D.J. Drake, P. Gaspar and S.J.R. Woodward. 2009. PCRANCH: Cow-Calf Herd Simulation System. 7th International Workship Modelling Nutrient Digestion and Utilization in Farm Animals, Paris, September 10-12. p. 64. <p><br /> Anderson, M. J., T. J. Grevengoed, S. M Lonergan and E. Huff-Lonergan. 2009. Proteomic Analysis of bovine muscels during aging. Proceedings of the 2009 Reciprocal Meat Conference, Abstract #59. <p><br /> Ismail, H.A., E.J. Lee, K.Y. Ko and D.U. Ahn, (2009). Fat content influences the color, lipid oxidation and volatiles of irradiated ground beef. J. Food Sci. 74(6):C432-C440. <p><br /> Ismail, H.A., E.J. Lee, K.Y. Ko, H. D. Paik and D.U. Ahn, (2009). Effect of antioxidant application methods on the color, lipid oxidation and volatiles of irradiated ground beef. J. Food Sci. 74(1/2):C25-32. <p><br /> P. Costa, L. C. Roseiro, V. Alves, C. R. Calkins, R. J. B. Bessa, and C. Santos. 2009. Nutrient and fiber type relationships in Barrosa muscles. Livestock Science 125:50-59. <p><br /> Yong, Eskridge, Calkins. 2009. Assessing consumer preferences for rib-eye steak characteristics using confounded factorial conjoint choice experiments. J. Musc. Foods (In press). <p><br /> C. R. Calkins, A. S. de Mello Jr., L. S. Senaratne, and K. Watanabe. 2009. Alternative muscles for traditional Japanese and Korean beef recipes. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Supp. 2):246. <p><br /> Calkins, C. R. and Johnson, D.D. 2009. Characterizing muscle properties to develop muscle-specific intervention strategies and improve meat cuts for the consumer. In Improving the Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Fresh Meat. D. Ledward and J. Kerry, Eds. ISBN 978-1-84569-343-5. Woodhead Publishing, Inc., Cambridge, U.K. p. 605-627. <p><br /> Hinkle, J., C.R. Calkins, A.S. de Mello Jr., L.S. Senaratne, and S. Pokharel. 2009. Tenderness and color of beef m. biceps femoris after marination with different acids. Proc. Recip. Meat Conf., Amer. Meat Sci. Assoc. p. 69. <p><br /> Pokharel, S., C.R. Calkins, A.S. de Mello Jr., L.S. Senaratne, and J. Hinkle. 2009. Characterization of beef heel muscle under different cooking conditions. Proc. Recip. Meat Conf, Amer. Meat Sci. Assoc. p. 69. <p><br /> de Mello Jr., A.S., Calkins, C.R., Jenschke, B.E., Senaratne, L.S., Dugan, M.E.R., Carr, T.P. and Erickson, G.E. 2009. Fatty acid profile of three beef muscles from yearlings and calf-fed steers fed wet distillers grains plus solubles. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. P. 107-109. <p><br /> Calkins, C. R., A.S. de Mello Jr., and L.S. Senaratne. 2009. Effects of distillers grains on beef carcass quality and palatability. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-supp. 2):328. <p><br /> L. S. Senaratne, C. R. Calkins, A. S. de Mello Jr., T. P. Carr, and G. A. Sullivan. 2009. Effects of wet distillers grains feeding supplemented with vitamin E on fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of beef steaks. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Supp. 2):245. <p><br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Qasmi, B.A., and Li, J., "Carcass Quality Volume and Grid Pricing: An Investigation of Cause and Effect." Abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol.41, No.2, 2009: p.534. <p><br /> <br /> Bashir A. Qasmi, Yonas Hamda, and Scott W. Fausti., "Impacts of Dramatic Increases in Corn Based Ethanol Production on Grain Production and Marketing Patterns in South Dakota." Abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, forthcoming, in Vol. 34, no. 3. (2009). <p><br /> <br /> D.G. Landblom, K.C. Olson, P. Johnson, R. Gates, M.K. Beutler, M. Hubert, S.W. Fausti, G.A. Perry, R.R. Salverson, I. Rush, S. Furman, J. Vasconcelos., "BEEF SYSTEM METHODS IMPACT BACKGROUNDING AND FINISHING NET RETURNS" Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 60, 2009. <p><br /> <br /> Pendell, D.L., G.W. Brester, T.C. Schroeder, K.C. Dhuyvetter, and G.T. Tonsor. "Animal Identification and Tracing in the United States." Forthcoming American Journal of Agricultural Economics. <p><br /> <br /> Jason Ackleson and Justin Kastner. Territoriality and Functionality in Health Regulation and the Agri-Food Trade, Geopolitics (submitted 2009, revised and resubmitted September 2009; accepted, in press for 2010). <p><br /> Ethel Taylor, Justin Kastner (corresponding author), and David Renter. Challenges involved in the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak and lessons learned, Journal of Public Health Management and Practice 16, no. 3 (2010): 221-231. <p><br /> Justin Kastner (corresponding author) and Cobus Block. The Global Food Supply Chain. In Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, edited by John Voeller. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (2009). <p><br /> Justin Kastner (corresponding author), Abbey Nutsch, and Curtis Kastner. The Role of Food Safety in Food Security/Defense. In Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, edited by John Voeller. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (2009). <p><br /> Tarrie Crnic and Justin Kastner. Veterinary Capacity Analysis: United Kingdom. Report prepared for Dr. Barry Erlick for U.S. Department of Defense and National Agricultural Biosecurity Center project, Development of Veterinary Response Capacity Templates for Intelligence Analysts (May 2009). <p><br /> Tarrie Crnic and Justin Kastner. Veterinary Capacity Analysis: Taiwan. Report prepared for Dr. Barry Erlick for U.S. Department of Defense and National Agricultural Biosecurity Center project, Development of Veterinary Response Capacity Templates for Intelligence Analysts (30 September 2009). <p><br />

Impact Statements

1. Provided information on the market potential for traditionally unused cuts of beef in the global market place to the meat industry and producers.
2. Provided the beef industry with new research information on the viability of feeding distillers grain to beef.
3. Informed public on issues of trade regionalization and compartmentalization through the Frontier website (http://frontier.k-state.edu).
4. Reported on research to improve the shelf life and palatability of US beef.
5. Disseminated new carcass grading technology to beef processors.
6. Provided government policy makers with cost and benefit information on a proposed animal identification program. Government used information to discontinue the program.

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Report Information

Participants

Busboom, Jan (busboom@wsu.edu) - Washington State University;
Calkins, Chris (ccalkins1@unl.edu) - University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
Fausti, Scott (scott.fausti@sdstate.edu) - South Dakota State University;
Hess, Bret (brethess@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Kott, Rodney (rkott@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Nelson, Mark L. (nelsonm@wsu.edu) - Washington State University;
Oltjen, Jim (jwoltjen@ucdavis.edu) - University of California Davis;
Parcell, Joe (parcellj@missouri.edu) - University of Missouri;
Paterson, John (johnp@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Pendell, Dustin (dustin.pendell@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Tonsor, Glynn (gtt@agecon.ksu.edu) - Kansas State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The committee met at Montana State University on May 31 and June 1, 2011. There were ten committee members present at the meeting. The W-2177 annual meeting was held in conjunction with regional committee W-1010. Dr. Bret Hess, AES Director at the University of Wyoming and the administrative advisor for W-1010, acted as administrative advisor for the W-2177. Joint committee station reports were provided by members from their respective stations. Project renewal discussions were conducted given that the project expires September 30, 2012. Committee members discussed the long history of collaborative research that has been conducted by past and present members of W-2177. It was decided that a sub group of committee members led by Drs. Tonsor and Oltjen would meet in the fall of 2011 to develop a new five-year proposal for the project.

Accomplishments

Outputs include 43 publications.<br /> <br /> Activities:<br /> <br /> Bailey (USU) led an analysis of the impact of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) announcement on the stock prices of agribusiness firms. The impact of the BSE announcement on prices in the chicken, pork, and beef markets was also conducted. Another analysis examined whether or not the U.S. BSE announcement had led to structural changes in the export demand for U.S. beef products in our major trading partners.<br /> <br /> Belk (CSU) continues to develop new high-resolution imaging technologies to more accurately predict beef eating quality.<br /> <br /> Calkins (UNL) conducted a restaurant consumer preference study involving source verified Nebraska beef conducted in restaurants located on the east coast and the southwestern part of the United States. Additional work determined if Warner-Bratzler shear force methodology for measurement of meat tenderness could be conducted on the same steaks subjected to slice shear force, determined alternative muscles for traditional Japanese and Korean beef recipes. <br /> <br /> Fausti (SDSU) led an analysis of the national marketing pattern for slaughter steers and heifers was undertaken to determine the market share and the trend in market share of individual animal pricing marketing channels versus pen level marketing channels. <br /> <br /> Miller (Texas A&M) examined exit velocity as an indication of animal temperament, eating behavior, live animal performance and efficiency, RFI, carcass characteristics, and tenderness. Temperament class impacted carcass characteristics and tenderness of heifers while RFI classification had minimal effects on carcass and tenderness characteristics. Additional work determined if growth-enhancement technologies affect carcass and tenderness characteristics in feedlot heifers with divergent tenderness genotypes. <br /> <br /> Nelson and Busboom (WSU) have conducted substantial work with regard to objective four. They have extensively researched fatty acid composition of adipose depots of raw and cooked muscle steaks, examined impacts of diet and aging on palatability of steaks, and determined the threshold level of detection of EPA and DHA in grain-fed ground beef after refrigerated storage.<br /> <br /> Oltjen (UC-Davis) evaluated producers' costs and benefits associated with participating in animal identification programs. A model of the cow-calf production system was developed showing the interaction of management decisions and use of individual records associated with animal identification. Additional work will show the impact of beef production systems on beef quality. <br /> <br /> Parcell (U-Missouri) evaluated economics involving the timing of A/I breeding trials in Missouri cow-calf operations.<br /> <br /> Paterson and Kott (MSU) examined relative feed efficiency of feedlot cattle, beef mineral supplement cyclical behavior, and identifying bull genetic traits that affect feedlot performance.<br /> <br /> Pendell (CSU) examined the impacts of animal identification and tracing systems adoption on the U.S. meat and livestock industry.<br /> <br /> Tonsor (KSU) assessed cow-calf preferences for animal identification and traceability. Additional work contributed to animal welfare discussions and associated media impacts on beef demand. <br /> <br /> Milestones:<br /> <br /> The overall objectives of this project are to 1) evaluate the cost/benefit of traceability and assess its value in market-based programs; 2) develop science-rooted strategies and technologies to reduce food-borne illness and improve the effectiveness of policies related to food safety and trade; 3) assess supply chain management strategies to identify and overcome barriers that interfere with the transmission of consumer preferences to producers; 4) enhance palatability, processing, and marketing of beef by studying instrument grading, beef flavor and tenderness technologies, and carcass cutting strategies; and 5) determine factors influencing domestic and international consumer preferences for beef.<br /> <br /> Members have completed substantial gains with regard to objective one. Reports and ongoing work by Oltjen, Pendell, and Tonsor on the costs and benefits of animal identification systems were used by USDA in their decision to stop the NAIS program and in subsequent assessments shaping voluntary identification and traceability systems. Less work this year focused on objectives two and three. Substantial work by Belk, Calkins, Nelson, and Busboom has contributed to objective four. Finally, consumer preferences for beef have been assessed by Calkins and Tonsor in several venues.<br />

Publications

Bass, P.D. , T.E. Engle, K.E. Belk, P.L. Chapman, S.L. Archibeque, G.C. Smith, and J.D.Tatum. 2010. Effects of sex and short-term magnesium supplementation on stress responses and longissimus muscle quality characteristics of crossbred cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 88: 349-360.<br /> <br /> Brodie, Allison, Reserve Prices and Tacit Collusion in English Auctions, MS Thesis, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, December 2010 <br /> <br /> Byelashov, O.A. of brining ingredients and antimicrobials for effects on thermal destruction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a meat model system. J. Food Sci.75:M209-M217.<br /> <br /> Byelashov, O. A., H. Daskalov, I. Geornaras, P. A. Kendall, K. E. Belk, J. A. Scanga, G. C. Smith, and J. N. Sofos. 2010. Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters treated with lactic acid solutions of various temperatures. Food Micro. 27:783-790.<br /> <br /> Calkins, Chris R., Amilton S. de Mello Jr., Lasika S. Senaratne, and Kanae Watanabe. 2010. Alternative muscles for traditional Japanese and Korean beef recipes. Nebraska Beef cattle Report. P. 112-114. <br /> <br /> Cannas, A., A.S. Atzori, I.A.M.A. Teixeira, R.D. Sainz and J.W. Oltjen. 2010. The energetic cost of maintenan ce in ruminants: from classical to new concepts and prediction systems. In: Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition (G.M. Crovetto, Ed.) pp. 531-542. European Assoc. for Anim. Prod. Publ. No. 127.<br /> <br /> Cannata, S., T.E. Engle, S.J. Moeller, H.N. Zerby, A.E. Radunz, M.D. Green, P.D. Bass, and K.E. Belk. 2010. Effect of visual marbling on sensory properties and quality traits of pork loin. Meat Sci. 85:428-434.<br /> <br /> Cluff, Kim, Govindaragan Konda Naganathan, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, Chris Calkins, and Ashok Samal. 2010. Pork tenderness evaluation using optical scattering with near-infra-red (NIR) hyperspectral imaging. Paper No. 1009905. Amer. Soc. Ag. Biological Engineers annual mtg. <br /> <br /> Coatney, Kalyn, Sherrill Shaffer, and Dale Menkhaus, Auction Prices, Market Share, and a Common Agent,  Working Paper, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, March 2011.<br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Qasmi, B.A., Li, J., and Diersen, M., The Effect of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act on Market Transparency and Grid Price Dispersion. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review: Vol. 39, No. 3, 2010: pp. 457-67. <br /> <br /> Fausti, S.W., Qasmi, B.A., Diersen, M., and Li, J., Value Based Marketing: A Discussion of Issues and Trends in the Slaughter Cattle Market. Journal of Agribusiness: 2010 (in press).<br /> <br /> Gruber, S.L., J.D. Tatum, T.E. Engle, P.L. Chapman, K.E. Belk, and G.C. Smith. 2010. Relationships of behavioral and physiological symptoms of pre-slaughter stress to beef LM tenderness. J. Anim. Sci. Online jas.2009-2183v1-20092183.<br /> Hinkle, J.B., C.R. Calkins, A.S. de Mello Jr., L.S. Senaratne, and S. Pokharel. 2010. Acid marination for tenderness enhancement of the beef round. Midwest Section, American Society of Animal Science. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Supp. 3):73.<br /> <br /> Hinkle, J.S. M.S. Thesis. 2010. Acid marination for tenderness enhancement of beef bottom round. Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln. <br /> <br /> Jiang, T., J.R. Busboom, M.L. Nelson, J. OFallon, T.P. Ringkob, K.R. Roger, Klette, D. Joos and K. Piper. 2010. The influence of forage diets and aging on beef palatability. Meat Sci. 86:642  650.<br /> <br /> Jiang, T., J.R. Busboom, M.L. Nelson, J. OFallon, T.P. Ringkob, D. Joos and K. Piper. 2010. Effect of sampling location and cooking on fatty acid composition of beef steaks. Meat Sci. 84: 86-92.<br /> <br /> Jiang, T., J.R. Busboom, M.L. Nelson and R. Mengarelli. 2010. How do n-3 fatty acids affect human perception of ground beef? J. Anim. Sci. 88, E-Supplement 2: 68.<br /> <br /> Jiang, T., C.J. Mueller, J.R. Busboom, M.L. Nelson, J. OFallon and G. Tishida. 2010. Fatty acid composition of jersey beef was affected by finishing diet and tissue type. J. Anim. Sci. 88, E-Supplement 2: 111.<br /> <br /> Lorenzen, C.L., C.R. Calkins, M.D. Green, R.K. Miller, J.B. Morgan and B.E. Wasser. 2010. Efficacy of performing Warner-Bratzler and slice shear force on the same beef steak following rapid cooking. Meat Sci. 85:792-794.<br /> <br /> Naganathan, Govindaragan Konda, Kim Cluff, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, Ashok Samal, Carol Lorenzen, and Chris Calkins. 2010. An on-line hyperspectral imaging system for tenderness-based grading of beef. Abstract presented at 2010 Mid-Central Conference of Amer. Soc. Ag. Biological Engineers annual mtg. <br /> <br /> Nelson, M.L. 2010. Utilization and Application of Wet Potato Processing Co- Products for Finishing Cattle. J. Anim Sci. jas.20010 88:E133  142E.<br /> <br /> Oltjen, J.W., A. Cannas, A., A.S. Atzori, L.O. Tedeschi, R.D. Sainz and D.G. Fox. 2010. Integration of the Small Ruminant Nutrition System and of the UC Davis sheep growth model for improved predictions. In: Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition (G.M. Crovetto, Ed.) pp. 553-554. European Assoc. for Anim. Prod. Publ. No. 127.<br /> <br /> Pendell, D.L., G.W. Brester, T.C. Schroeder, K.C. Dhuyvetter, and G.T. Tonsor. Animal Identification and Tracing in the United States. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 92(4):927-940.<br /> <br /> Ribeiro, P., Scavarda, A., Chudoba, K., Bailey, D., Batalha, M. 2010. ICT evaluation method and supply chain: Case studies in American cattle chain. 8th International Meeting on Logistics Research, USA.<br /> Rodriguez-Marval, M., P.A. Kendall, K.E. Belk, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes during reheating of frankfurters with hot water before consumption. Food Prot. Trends. 30(1):14-24.<br /> <br /> Rodriguez-Marval, M., P.A. Kendall, J.T. Lejeune, K.E. Belk, L.C. Medeiros, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Risk factors associated with prevalence of foodborne pathogens in rural house-holds of Colorado with and without ruminant animals. Food. Prot. Trends. 30(12):803-815.<br /> <br /> Sabasi, Darlington, The Impact of Captive Supplies on Spot Market Outcomes: Evidence from Laboratory Market Experiments, MS Thesis, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, May 2011.<br /> <br /> Schulz, L. and G.T. Tonsor. (2010). Cow-Calf Producer Perceptions Regarding Individual Animal Traceability. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics. 42:659-677. <br /> <br /> Senaratne, L., C. Calkins, J. Vasconcelos, A. de Mello Jr., M. Andersen, S. Furman, S. Pokharel, J. Hinkle, K. Varnold, and J. Hergenreder. 2010. Effects of feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles supplemented with synthetic antioxidant, ethoxyquin, on discoloration and lipid oxidation in beef Psoas major and Triceps brachii muscles. Prox. Reciprocal Meat Conf. p. 58.<br /> <br /> Senaratne, L.S., C.R. Calkins, A.S. de Mello Jr., S. Pokharel, and J.B. Hinkle. 2010. Mapping of intramuscular tenderness and muscle fiber orientation of major muscles in the beef round. Midwest Section, American Society of Animal Science. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Supp. 3):75.<br /> <br /> Senaratne, L.S., C.R. Calkins, J.T. Vanconcelor, A.S. de Mello Jr., M.A. Andersen, S.A. Furman, and S. Pokharel. 2010. Shelf life of meat from beef fed antioxidant and wet distillers grains. Internat. Congress Meat Sci. Technol., Jeju, South Korea. <br /> <br /> Shen, C., J.M. Adler, I. Geornaras, K.E. Belk, G.C. Smith, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in nonintact beef steaks of different thickness by pan-broiling, double pan-broiling or roasting using five types of cooking appliances. J. Food Prot. 73:461 469.<br /> <br /> Simpson-Beauchamp, C., O.A. Byelashov, I. Geornaras, P.A. Kendall, J.A. Scanga, K.E. Belk, G.C. Smith, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Fate of Listeria monocytogenes during freezing, thawing and home storage of frankfurters. Food Microbiol. 27:144-149.<br /> <br /> Simpson-Beauchamp, C., O.A. Byelashov, I. Geornaras, P.A. Kendall, J.A. Scanga, K.E. Belk, G.C. Smith, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Fate of Listeria monocytogenes during freezing, thawing and home storage of frankfurters. Food Microbiology. 27:144-149.<br /> <br /> Siroj Pokharel, Chris R. Calkins, Amilton S. de Mello Jr., Lasika S. Senaratne, and Jeremey B. Hinkle. 2010. Steak-quality meat from the beef heel. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. P. 115-116.<br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T., J. Mintert, and T.C. Schroeder. (2010). U.S. Meat Demand: Household Dynamics and Media Information Impacts. Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics.<br /> 35:1-17.<br /> Tonsor, G.T. and N.J. Olynk. U.S. Meat Demand: The Influence of Animal Welfare Media Coverage. Kansas State University, MF-2951. 2010.<br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T. and L.L. Schulz. National Survey of Cow-Calf Producers' Beliefs about Traceability. Kansas State University, MF-2944. 2010.<br /> <br /> Tonsor, G.T. and L.L. Schulz. Cow-Calf Producer Preferences for Voluntary Animal Identification and Traceability Systems. Kansas State University, MF-2943. 2010.<br /> <br /> Varnold, K., C. Calkins, B. Gordon, and W. Umberger. 2010. Marketing source-verified beef to restaurant patrons. Proc. Reciprocal Meat Conf. p. 42.<br /> <br /> Yang, H., O.A. Byelashov, I. Geornaras, L. D. Goodridge, K.K. Nightingale, K.E. Belk, G.C. Smith, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Presence of antibiotic-resistant commensal bacteria in samples from agricultural, city, and national park environments evaluated by standard culture and real time PCR methods. Can. J. Microbiol. 56:761-770.<br /> <br /> Yang, H., O.A. Byelashov, I. Geornaras, L.D. Goodridge, K.K. Nightingale, K.E. Belk, G.C. Smith, and J.N. Sofos. 2010. Characterization and transferability of class 1 integrons in commensal bacteria isolated from farm and nonfarm environments. Foodborne Pathogens. 7(12):1441-1451.<br /> <br /> Young, C.K., Kent. M. Eskridge, Chris R. Calkins and Wendy J. Umberger. 2010. Assessing consumer preferences for rib-eye steak characteristics using confounded factorial conjoint choice experiments. J. of Muscle Foods. 21 (2):224-242.

Impact Statements

1. This year unique evidence of impact was provided by Chris Calkins being named by the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) as the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Research Award. Calkins was honored at a reception and awards presentation at the AMSA 64th Reciprocal Meat Conference June 21 in Manhattan, Kansas. Much of Calkins work resulting in this reward directly relates to W2177 objectives.
2. Niche marketers often age beef on the carcass (dry aging). Finding no difference between wet and dry aging and that cuts destined for ground beef should not be aged could save millions in losses due to shrink, spoilage, and off flavors.
3. Finding beef palatability to be negatively affected by omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids may allow screening of beef for palatability by measuring fatty acid composition. This could be an economically viable approach to improve the image and value of beef.
4. Development of an empirical accounting methodology to estimate market share of weekly slaughter volume for slaughter cattle, by marketing channel, using USDA public price reports provides a new published methodology.
5. Empirical evidence was generated that the passage of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act had a positive impact on the level of price transparency in publically reported USDA weekly grid premium and discount data.
6. Benefits of animal identification for management were documented as being ill defined. Development of new tools should improve producer understanding of how herd management may be improved and encourage appropriate participation in animal identification programs.
7. Identification of alternative muscles for traditional Japanese and Korean beef recipes was shared with the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

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