Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Advisor Reports Pete Burfening, CSREES, provided an update on CSREES. David Thawley, the committees new administrator, said that he thought the extension for the WERA-001 would be approved, which would mean that the committee will continue on the current petition through September, 2008. However, he encouraged the committee to submit the new petition as soon as possible  preferably by January 2008 so that it can be considered during the February/March review process. Dr. Thawley stated that WERA-001 is an information sharing body which coordinates outreach efforts. He also reminded that the E in WERA stands for education. Symposia In previous years, the WERA-001 committee had expressed interest in putting together symposia, so Janice Rumph, Montana State University, suggested that the committee consider structuring a symposium similar to what the WCC-110 (grazing) committee is doing in 2010. This symposium would publish proceedings that would be peer reviewed and considered a supplement to WSASAS proceedings. The theory used by WCC-110 is that a supplement to WSASAS proceedings has more legitimacy than individual, stand alone proceedings. There was discussion as to whether or not the resulting manuscripts would be available for e-publication on the Journal of Animal Science website. There was also discussion as to whether the peer reviewed publications would count towards promotion and tenure. The advisors did not think that these proceedings manuscripts would be considered true peer-reviewed manuscripts. David Thawley suggested that the committee focus on submitting a collaborative grant instead of focusing on symposia. Website The WERA-001 website has gone down within the last 30 days due to some changes in website administration at New Mexico State University. Mark Enns volunteered Colorado State University to serve as host and Janice Rumph volunteered to maintain the new website. Station Reports Station reports were presented for: New Mexico State University Montana State University Red Angus Association of America University of Alaska University of Arizona Texas A&M University University of Nevada University of Hawaii AgCanada University of Wyoming Colorado State University Graduate Education Mark Enns and Janice Rumph announced that they had received an USDA Challenge Grant with Ron Lewis, Virginia Tech, for graduate education modules. As modules are released, Enns and Rumph, will update the WERA-001 members. There was some discussion of contributions to the modules from other WERA-001 members. Enns and Rumph will keep this in mind.

Graduate Education Mark Enns and Janice Rumph announced that they had received an USDA Challenge Grant with Ron Lewis, Virginia Tech, for graduate education modules. As modules are released, Enns and Rumph, will update the WERA-001 members. There was some discussion of contributions to the modules from other WERA-001 members. Enns and Rumph will keep this in mind. New Petition The committee determined the objectives for the new petition. These are: 1. Develop, disseminate and maintain resources on the genetics of beef cattle to support outreach, extension and education activities. a. Will expand educational activity description in the narrative (global competitiveness, etc) 2. Maintain animal populations, DNA repositories, and performance databases to support beef cattle phenomics research. a. (phenomics as the study of optimum phenotypes for animals to elucidate information from genomics research, and gene discovery, and for use with quantitative methodologies for the design and implementation of genetic improvement programs). 3. Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic associations among economically important traits, and their indicators. 4. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University, and Andy Herring, Texas A&M, will lead the effort in developing the new petition. 2007 WERA-001 Resolutions Whereas Dr. Mark Enns did a magnificent job as the 2007 organizer of the Beef Improvement Federation meeting and, Whereas Dr. Mark Enns did an outstanding job as the 2007 Chairperson of the WERA-1 committee and, Whereas Dr. Enns planned and conducted an informative and successful meeting, Therefore be it resolved that the WERA-1 committee congratulates Dr. Mark Enns for his efforts for both of these events. Whereas Dr. Brent Buckley served as the gracious host for the WERA-001 meeting in Honolulu; and the ranch tour on Maui, Therefore be it resolved that the WERA-001 committee thanks Brent for his services. Whereas Dr. Kristi Cammack, Dr. Broc Sandelin, and Larry Keenan are new members of the WERA-001 committee and Dr. David Thawley was able to attend his first WERA-001 committee as its administrative advisor, Therefore be it resolved that the committee welcomes Dr. Thawley and the new members. 2008 Meeting The location, host, and chairperson for the 2008 WERA-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows: Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (CSU campus) and/or Saratoga, Wyoming (CSU Rouse Ranch) Date: June 22-23, 2008 (Prior to WSASAS) Host: R. Mark Enns, Colorado State University Chair: Dave Schafer, University of Arizona 2009 Meeting Alaska is tentatively planned for the 2009 WERA-001 meeting with Matt Cronin, University of Alaska serving as host. Ranch Tours On Friday, June 29, the group flew to Maui and toured the Haleakala and Ulupalakua Ranches.

Publications Alexander, L. J., M. D. MacNeil, T. W. Geary, W. M. Snelling, D. C. Rule and J. A. Scanga. Quantitative trait loci with additive effect on palatability and fatty acid composition of meat in a Wagyu-Limousin F2 population. Anim. Genet. (accepted ) Alexander, L. J., T.W. Geary, W.M. Snelling, and M.D. MacNeil. Quantitative trait loci with additive effects on growth and carcass traits in a Wagyu-Limousin F2 population. Anim. Genet. (accepted April 21, 2007) Bailey, C.R., G. C. Duff, S. R. Sanders, S. P. Cuneo, C. P. McMurphy, S. W. Limesand, J. A. Marchello, D. W. Schafer, M. L. Rhoads, and D. M. Hallford. 2007. Effects of ovariectomy and anabolic steroid implantation on the somatotropic axis in feedlot heifers. J. Anim. Sci. in preparation. Baublits, R.T., A.H. Brown, Jr., F.W. Pohlman, D.C. Rule, Z.B. Johnson, D.O. Onks, C.M. Murrieta, C.J. Richards, H.D. Loveday, B.A. Sandelin, and R.B. Pugh. 2006. Fatty acid and sensory characteristics of beef from three biological types of cattle grazing cool-season forages supplemented with soyhulls. Meat Science; 72-1, pp. 100-107 Baublits, R.T., F.W. Pohlman, A.H. Brown, Jr., D.C. Rule, Z.B. Johnson, D.O. Onks, C.M. Murrieta, B.A. Sandelin, C.J. Richards, H.D. Loveday, R.B. Pugh. 2006. Comparison of fatty acid and sensory profiles of beef from forage-fed cattle with retail United States Department of Agriculture Choice and Select beef. Journal of Muscle Foods 17 (3), 311329. Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, D.E. Franke, and G.A. Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Genet. Mol. Res. 5:438-447. Beckman, D. W., R. M. Enns, S. E. Speidel, B. W. Brigham, D. J. Garrick. 2007. Maternal effects on docility in Limousin cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 650-657. Brigham, B.W. S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2007. Stayability to alternate ages. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 58:27-30. Brown, A.H., P.K. Camfield, R.T. Baublits, F.W. Pohlman, Z.B. Johnson, C.J. Brown, G.T. Tabler, and B.A. Sandelin. 2006. Effects of size and rate of maturing on carcass composition of pasture- or feedlot- developed steers. Asian-australasian journal of animal sciences vol. 19, n5, pp. 661-671 Brown, M.A., J.H. Brown, and B.A. Sandelin. 2006. Genotype x environment interactions in Brahman, Angus, and reciprocal-cross cows and their calves. In: A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds. Southern Section of American Society of Animal Science Meeting, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas. Southern Series Cooperative Bulletin 405. p. 166-181. Crews, D. H., Jr. and Z. Wang. 2007. Illustration of the maternal animal model used for genetic evaluation of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-705. Crews, D.H., Jr., R.M. Enns, J.M. Rumph, and E.J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic evaluation of retail product percentage in Simmental cattle. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. Accepted. Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil and J. C. Patton. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and relationships with wild caribou (R. t. granti, R. t. groenlandicus, R. t. caribou). J. Heredity 97:525-530. 2006. Cronin, M. A., M. D. MacNeil, and J. C. Patton. 2006. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA variation in domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and relationships with wild caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti, Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus, and Rangifer tarandus caribou). Journal of Heredity 97:525-530. Cronin, M.A., L.A Renecker, W. Ward, and J.C. Patton. In preparation. Variation in microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA in domestic and wild elk (Cervus elaphus). To be submitted to the Journal of Animal Science. Dorton, K. L., T. E. Engle, R. M. Enns, and J. J. Wagner. 2007. Effects of trace mineral supplementation, source, and growth implants on immune response of growing and finishing feedlot steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23(1): 29-35. Enns, R.M., D.J. Garrick, and B.W. Brigham. Economic values of heifer pregnancy and stayability vary with average herd performance. 8WCGALP. Garrett, A.J., M. G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, K.L. Shirley, and G.A. Silver. 2007. Associations of sequence polymorphisms in growth hormone (gh) and its transcriptional regulators, Pit-1 and Prop-1, with growth and carcass traits in Brangus Bulls. P & An. Genomes XV Conference. P546. http://www.intl-pag.org/15/abstracts/PAG15_P05k_546.html Geary, T. W., E. E. Grings, M. D. MacNeil, D. M. de Avila, and J. J. Reeves. Use of recombinant gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antigens for immunosterilization of beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84:343:350. 2006. Geary, T. W., M. D. MacNeil, and R. P. Ansotegui. Effects of transportation stress, handling stress, and flunixin meglumine approximately 13 d after AI on pregnancy establishment. Proc. 7th Int. Symp. Repro. Dom. Ruminants. 2006. Gomez-Raya L., M. Okomo, K.Osborne, C. Beattie, W. M. Rauw. 2007. Modeling Inheritance of malignant melanoma with DNA markers in Sinclair swine. Genetics 176:585-597. Gomez-Raya L., W.M. Rauw. QTL mapping strategies for adaptability of beef cattle to rangelands. 2006. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Grings, E. E., T. W. Geary, R. E. Short, and M. D. MacNeil. Beef heifer development within three calving systems. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted April 21, 2007) K.L. Shirley, M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. Case study: 2006. A Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program: feed efficiency, metabolic hormones, and puberty in developing Brangus heifers sired by bulls with differing EPD for growth and scrotal circumference. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:48-58. Kealey, C. G., M. D. MacNeil, M. W. Tess, T. W. Geary and R. A. Bellows. Genetic parameters for scrotal circumference and semen characteristics of Line 1 Hereford bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 84:283-290. 2006. Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, J.M. Dafoe, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. The effects of safflower and vitamin E on the feedlot performance of rams divergently selected for lambing rate. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:383-386. Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, J.M. Dafoe, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. The effects of safflower and vitamin E on the feedlot performance of rams divergently selected for lambing rate. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2). Lopez, R., M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, G.A. Silver, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2006. Case study: metabolic hormone profiles and evaluation of associations of metabolic hormones with body fat and reproductive characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 22:273-282. MacNeil, M. D. and E. Matjuda. Breeding objectives for Angus and Charolais specialized sire lines for use in the emerging sector of South African beef production. South African J. Anim. Sci. 37(1):1-10. 2007. MacNeil, M. D. and T. B. Mott. Genetic analysis of gain from birth to weaning, milk production and udder conformation in Line 1 Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1639-1645. 2006. MacNeil, M. D. Retrospective analysis of selection applied to a ratio. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:85-88. 2007. MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships between feral cattle from Chirikof Island, Alaska and other breeds. Anim. Genet. 38:193-197. 2007. MacNeil, M. D., M. A. Cronin, H. D. Blackburn, and L. J. Alexander. Genetic relationships among breeds of beef cattle in the United States that originated from the British Isles, Iberian Peninsula, or West-Central Europe. Proc. 8th World Cong. Genet. Appl. Livestk. Prod. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 2006. Paper no. 32-02. 2006. MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, A. J. Roberts and L. J. Alexander. Genetic partitioning of variation in ovulatory follicle size and probability of pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1646-1650. 2006. MacNeil, M. D., V. R. Leesburg, and T. B. Mott. Validating the breeding value for maternal preweaning gain in beef cattle with measured milk production. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 36(5):1-4. 2006. MacNeil, M.D., M.A. Cronin, H.D. Blackburn, C.M. Richards, D. R. Lockwood, and L.J. Alexander. 2007. Genetic relationships between feral cattle from Chirikof Island, Alaska and other breeds. Animal Genetics 38:193-197. McAllister, C.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, D.L. Boss, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. Estimation of heterotic effects on heifer pregnancy in beef cattle. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:77-80. McAllister, C.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, D.L. Boss, and J.M. Rumph. 2007. Estimation of heterotic effects on heifer pregnancy in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2). Merrill, M. L., R. P. Ansotegui, P. D. Burns, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. Effects of flunixin meglumine and transportation on pregnancy establishment in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 85:1547-1554. 2007. Nkrumah, J. D., D. H. Keisler, D. H. Crews, Jr., J. A. Basarab, Z. Wang, C. Li, M. A. Price, E. K. Okine, and S. S. Moore. 2007. Genetic and phenotypic relationships of serum leptin concentration with performance, feed efficiency, and carcass merit of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-764. Nkrumah, J. D., E. L. Sherman, C. Li, E. Marques, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. Bartusiak, B. Murdoch, Z. Wang, J. A. Basarab, and S. S. Moore. Genome scan to identify putative QTL for feedlot growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Submitted. Nkrumah, J. D., J. A. Basarab, Z. Wang, C. Li, M A. Price, E. K. Okine, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. S. Moore. 2007. Genetic and phenotypic relationships of feed intake and different measures of feed efficiency with growth and carcass merit of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-767. Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, A. J. Roberts, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. Relationship between size of ovulatory follicle and pregnancy success in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85:684-689. 2007. Rauw W. M., H.A. Glimp, W. Jesko, M. Sandstrom, M. Okomo- Adhiambo, B. Perryman, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. New insights into grazing efficiency in range animals: examples from rafter 7 merino sheep. 8th. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Rauw W.M., H.A. Glimp, W. Jesko, L. Gómez-Raya. 2007. Weaning weights in a range purebred Merino and crossbred Merino Rambouillet flock. Sheep & Goat Research Journal. Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. Feeding time and feeding rate and its relationship with feed intake, feed efficiency, growth rate and rate of fat deposition in growing Duroc barrows". Journal of Animal Science 84: 3404-3409. Rauw W.M., J. Soler, J. Tibau, J. Reixach, L. Gomez-Raya. 2006. The relationship between residual feed intake and feed intake behavior in group housed Duroc barrows. Journal of Animal Science 84: 956-962.. Rauw, W.M., O. Portolés, J. Soler, J. Reixach, J.M. Prat Cuffi, I. Diaz and L. Gomez-Raya, 2007. Behavior influences cholesterol serum levels in a pig model. Animal Journal (in press). Roberts, A. J., E. E. Grings, M. D. MacNeil, R. C. Waterman, L. Alexander and T. W. Geary. Reproductive performance of heifers offered ad libitum or restricted access to feed for a 140-d period after weaning. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:255-258. 2007. Rumph, J. M., W. R. Shafer, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. M. Enns, R. J. Lipsey, R. L. Quaas, and E. J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic evaluation of beef carcass data using different end point adjustments. J. Anim. Sci. 85:1120-1125. Rumph, J. M., W. R. Shafer, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. M. Enns, R. J. Lipsey, R. L. Quaas, and E. J. Pollak. 2007. Genetic Evaluation of Beef Carcass Data Using Different End Point Adjustments. Proc. 39th Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, Ft. Collins, CO. pp. 1-7. Rumph, J.M., and M.A. Faust. 2006. Genetic analysis of calving ease in Holsteins in the U.K. based on data from heifers and cows. Proc. 8th World Cong. on Genetics Appl. to Livestock Prod. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. West. Sect. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 58:81-84. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2). Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, R.M. Enns, C.M. McAllister, and D.L. Boss. 2007. Genetic analysis of rebreeding to produce a calf at three years of age in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1) Rumph, J.M., W.R. Shafer, and R.J. Lipsey. 2007. Evaluation of carcass EPD using single- vs. multi-trait analyses. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2). Shafer, W. R., R. M. Bourdon, and R. M. Enns. 2007. Simulation of cow-calf production with and without realistic levels of variability. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 332-340. Speidel, S. E., R. M. Enns, D. J. Garrick. 2007. Weaning weight inheritance in above and below average environments. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 610-617. Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, B.W. Brigham, L.D. Keenan. 2007. Genetic parameter estimates for ultrasound indicators of carcass. Proc. West Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 58:39-42. Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2006. Effects of a long-acting, trace mineral, reticulorumen bolus on range cow productivity and trace mineral profiles. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1439-1453. Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, K.L. Shirley, M.D. Garcia, A.J. Garrett, and G.A. Silver. 2007. Associations of DNA polymorphisms in growth hormone and its transcriptional regulators with growth and carcass traits in two populations of Brangus bulls. Genet. Mol. Res. 6:222-237. Van Eenennaam, A.L., J. Li, R.M. Thallman, R.L. Quaas, M.E. Dikeman, C.A. Gill, D.E. Franke, and M.G. Thomas. 2007. Validation of commercial DNA tests for quantitative beef quality traits. J. Anim. Sci. 85:891-900. Waterman, R. C., E. E. Grings, T. W. Geary, A. J. Roberts, L. J. Alexander, and M. D. MacNeil. 2007. Influence of seasonal forage quality on glucose kineticsof young beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted June 27, 2007) Whitman, K. J., T. E. Engle, P. D. Burns, K L. Dorton, J. K. Ahola, R. M. Enns, and T. L. Stanton. 2007. Effects of copper and zinc source on performance, carcass characteristics, and lipid metabolism in finishing steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23(1): 36-41. Whitney, T.R., G.C. Duff, J.K. Collins, D.W. Schafer, D.M. Hallford. 2006. Effects of diet for early-weaned crossbred beef steers on metabolic profiles and febrile response to an infectious bovine herpesvirus-1 challenge. Livestock Science 101, pp 1-9. Whitney, Travis, Glenn Duff, Peder Cuneo, David Henderson, David Schafer, Dennis Halford, Robert Collier and Paula Gentry. 2006. Effects of weaning programs on serum metabolites and hepatic IGF-1 mRNA of first-calf heifers or mature cows. J. Food, Agri. & Environ., Vol.4 (2), pp 84-88.