Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

2008 NCERA  190 Annual Meeting Minutes USDA Sheep Experiment Station Dubois, ID 9  11 June 2008 Monday 9 June 2008 Greg Lewis, host of the meeting, welcomed the group to the USDA Sheep Experiment Station. He proceeded by introducing Bret Taylor and Michelle Mousel (other researchers at the station). Greg briefly outlined a tentative schedule for touring the facilities during the forthcoming days. Joan Burke called the meeting to order and allowed the participants to introduce themselves. Joan then announced that Justin Luther and Dan Waldron would serve on the resolutions committee and that Dan Morrical, Stephan Wildeus, and Jim Miller would serve on the nominations committee. Joan then outlined the schedule for station reports and breaks for the next two days. These minutes describe the order of the reports for the NCERA-190 committee. Mike Thonney chaired station reports for Objective 1 (Develop and evaluate methods to improve ewe reproductive efficiency) by Virginia State University (Stephan Wildeus), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Dave Notter), USDA Meat Animal Research Center (Kreg Leymaster), Oklahoma State University (Raluca Mateescu), North Dakota State University (Justin Luther), and Cornell University (Mike Thonney). Joan Burke chaired the station reports for Objective 2 (Develop genetic and environmental strategies to improve efficiency and consumer acceptability of lean tissue accretion in lamb) with began with a collaborative presentation by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Dave Notter) and USDA Sheep Experiment Station (Greg Lewis and Michelle Mousel), USDA U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (Kreg Leymaster), University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station (Bob Godfrey), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Dave Notter). Henry Zerby chaired the afternoon presentation of station reports for Objective 4 (Evaluate and further develop hair sheep genetic resources in easy-care production systems) by Louisiana State University (Jim Miller who also took the opportunity to provide information on Lagniappe  something extra), Texas AgriLife Research Texas A & M System (Dan Waldron), University of Kentucky (Debra Aaron), Dale Bumbers Small farm Research Center, USDA, Arkansas (Joan Burke), and USDA U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (Kreg Leymaster). The last station report for objective for was tabled until the following day. Jim Miller announced that they will be conducting a train-the-trainer program for FAMANCHA training and shared some materials that will be utilized in the program. Tuesday 11 June 2007 The meeting reconvened and the last station report for Objective 4 was presented by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Dave Notter). Then Dave Thomas of the University of Wisconsin provided the only station report for Objective 3 (Evaluate genetic resources, nutrient requirements, and production systems for milk production). Following reports by stations Paul Rodgers from the American Sheep Industry Association introduced other board members who were present (Lyndon Irwin, Guy Flora, Margaret Hinson, and Burton Pfliger). Paul expressed his appreciation on behalf of ASI and commented that the research and collaborations from the NCERA 190 group have helped move forward the objectives set by the Lamb Meat Adjustment Plan that were put in place. Paul then provided a brief summary of legislative and other issues being addressed by ASI. Jim Morgan, President of the National Sheep Improvement Program, summarized new and ongoing activities of NSIP. Then Lowell Slyter, editor of the Sheep & Goat Research journal provided n update on the active status of the journal. Our administrative advisor, Dr. Dan Schaefer of the University of Wisconsin gave a brief report. He indicated that our annual report is needed in the next 60 days and should include attendance, minutes, accomplishments, etc. He also stated that the year four of NCERA-190 Committee will expire on September 30, 2009; thus, he recommended that a writing committee be organized to draft a new proposal. Dan stated the committee is functioning well and vibrantly, collaboration and research has been very good. Dan also explained that due to changes in his current professional responsibilities he will continue to work with the committee through the submission of the new project, but then will resign from his administrative responsibilities to the committee. Dan noted that he was very pleased with continued evolution of the committee over recent years and its inclusion of scientist from other research areas, which has resulted in a very balanced committee with integrated members further facilitating collaborative research efforts. Greg Lewis agreed with Dans closing remarks and mentioned that the research conducted by the NCERA committee has contributed greatly to several FASS publications. Kreg Leymaster thanked Dan Schaefer for his service to the committee and recognized that Dans administrative duties and capacity in this area have been the best he has ever seen. Dave Thomas then recognized two members that were retiring from the committee. Howard Meyer (Oregon State University  first experience with the committee was in 1970; it was note that Howard was wearing long pants) Yves Berger (University of Wisconsin) Business meeting 1. The business meeting was called to order by Chair Joan Burke. 2. Dan Morrical moved and James Miller seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the 2007 meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. 3. On behalf of the nominations committee, Dan Morrical presented the following proposed slate of officers for 2008-2009: Chair: Mike Thonney (New York) Vice-chair: Henry Zerby (Ohio) Secretary: Justin Luther (North Dakota State University) Kreg Leymaster moved to accept the proposed slate of officers. The motion was seconded by Dan Morrical and passed unanimously. 4. On behalf of the resolutions committee (Justin Luther and Dan Waldron), Justin Luther presented the following resolutions: Resolution 1: Be it resolved, the members of the NCERA-190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production express thanks to Greg Lewis, Michele Mousel, other staff members and the 'Mess Club' of the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station for their gracious hospitality and organization of a successful annual meeting of the NCERA-190 sheep research and extension committee. (To be sent to Greg Lewis, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID and Dr. Andrew Hammond.) Mike Thonney moved and Dave Thomas seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 2: Be it resolved, the members of the NCERA-190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production wish to express appreciation to the following: a) American Sheep Industry Association for the presence of Paul Rodgers, Margaret Soulen-Hinson, Guy Flora, Lyndon Irwin, Burton Pfliger and Lowell Slyter. (To be sent to Peter Orwick, Executive Director of ASI and Burdell Johnson, President of ASI) b) The National Sheep Improvement Program for the presence of Jim Morgan. (To be sent to Jim Morgan, Chairman of NSIP) Dave Thomas moved and Dave Notter seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 3: Whereas the NCERA-190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production is composed of sheep scientists from 15 U.S. agricultural universities and three USDA Agricultural Research Service stations, who conduct a large portion of the public sheep research in the U.S., and whereas the committee members review each others research and cooperate on joint research projects for the benefit of the U.S. Sheep Industry, be it resolved, the members of the NCERA-190 committee urge the American Lamb Board to direct a portion of their producer check-off funds to the support of sheep production research to improve the competitiveness of U.S. sheep producers. (To be sent to Megan Wortman, Program Director and the ALB President) Dan Morical moved and Don Ely seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 4: Be it resolved, the members of NCERA-190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production commend the American Sheep and Goat Center on allocating funds and requesting proposals for sheep and goat research. (To be sent to Paul Lewis, Chairman of the Board, American Sheep and Goat Center) Dave Notter moved and Dan Morrical seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 5: Be it resolved, the members of the NCERA-190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production, composed of scientists from 15 agricultural universities and three USDA, Agricultural Research Service stations who conduct a large portion of the public funded sheep research in the U.S., would like to petition the National Organic Program to accept copper oxide wire particles (COWP) as a control aid for the gastrointestinal parasite, Haemonchus contortus. This nematode causes anemia and is one of the limiting factors of organic sheep production in warm, humid climates. Several scientific publications document the efficacy of COWP to control Haemonchus contortus. There are currently no acceptable measures of acute control in lambs that would retain their marketability for organic production. COWP can be packaged into organic capsules and administered to lambs at 0.5 to 1.0 grams per dose. (To be included in the official minutes of the 2008 Annual NCERA-190 meeting and available to the submitter of the petition to National Organic Program, James Miller) Mike Thonney moved and Dan Waldron seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 6: Be it resolved that the NCERA 190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production recognize the excellent contributions of Dr. Howard Meyer, Oregon State University. Congratulations and enjoy a retirement of fulfilling activities. Dan Morrical moved and Mike Thonney seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 7: Be it resolved that the NCERA 190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production acknowledges the past involvement and strong contributions made by Yves Berger, University of Wisconsin. Congratulations and enjoy a retirement of fulfilling activities. Dan Waldron moved and Dan Morrical seconded and motion was approved. Resolution 8: Be it resolved that the NCERA 190 committee on Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production recognizes the life long contributions of Dr. Eric Bradford and expresses heartfelt sympathy to his family. (To be sent to Mrs. Eric Bradford). Dan Morrical moved and Dave Notter seconded and motion was approved. 5. A committee was appointed to draft a new project proposal. Joan Burke - Committee Chair Mike Thonney Dan Waldron Discussion ensued on changing from a NCERA committee to a NC type committee. It was ultimately decided that the strength of the present committee (the multiple discipline areas, which contribute to the holistic systems approach, and facilitates the collaborative arrangements and research among the committee members) is a better fit for the NCR format. Preliminary discussion for the proposal surrounded potential modifications to Objective 4 and to invite university personnel with an extension component to enhance the outreach and technology transfer from the committee. 6. Jim Miller (Louisiana State University) proposed to host the meeting for the following year. Greg Lewis moved to accept the invitation, Bob Godfrey seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 7. Dan Morrical announced that Iowa State was developing a software to assist with balancing rations for small ruminants and that it would be available in the near future. 8. It was moved and seconded that the business meeting be adjourned and the motion passed unanimously. (End of business meeting minutes) After lunch, Henry Zerby (Ohio State University) presented a seminar on lamb carcass traits and meat quality. Then Kreg Leymaster (USDA U.S. Meat Animal Research Center) presented a seminar on genetics and their influence on sheep and lamb production. The attendees then had the opportunity to tour the USDA Sheep Experiment Station and received an update on some rangeland image analysis research being conducted at the station, to visit a nearby potato processing plant, an alfalfa hay distribution center, and a complex that utilized barley for beer processing. After the tours the participants dispersed. Respectfully submitted, Henry N. Zerby, Secretary 26 June 2008

The benefits of diets containing minimum concentrations of fermentable fiber available from by-product feeds have been documented. An initial experiment showed that fiber digestibility decreases dramatically as feed intake increases. An experiment is underway to test the effectiveness of a new vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type A to prevent abomasal hemorrhage in young, fast growing lambs. Phenotypes on ability to breed and lamb out-of-season continue to be collected for a project designed to identify DNA markers. The Cornell STAR accelerated lambing system has been shown to be a feasible way of making better use of buildings and equipment and year-round labor and increases opportunities to take advantage of optimal times to market lambs. Methods are being tested to improve reproductive rates and lamb survival under the system. Developed strategies that may improve reproductive performance in sheep. L-arginine supplementation enhances ovarian function and the number of embryos per ewe during early pregnancy. Started to generate data to investigate the use of P.G. 600 in place of eCG for estrous synchronization protocols for LAI in sheep. A study has been implemented to estimate performance differences between Dorper and Rambouillet ewes. Estimates of breed differences for fertility, number of lambs born, lamb birth weight, lamb weaning weight, and lamb carcass traits were documented from records on ewes from 2 to 5 years of age. The first year of creating an organic forage system for lamb production was completed adding both cool and warm season forages to increase protein and energy levels of existing tall fescue pasture. This is a long-term project that will lead to Best Management Practices for organic lamb production for GIN control and limited need for grain supplements throughout the year. In addition, copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are an effective method to control internal parasites in small ruminants. Haemonchus contortus causes anemia and death in sheep and goats living in warm, humid climates. Scientists at USDA, ARS in Arkansas, Louisiana State University, and Fort Valley State University continued studies on the practical use of COWP for management of H. contortus in low input systems. This finding is important to producers in warm, humid climates looking for sustainable alternatives to chemical dewormers. An experiment was started to investigate effects of myostatin and callipyge mutations on carcass and meat quality traits. Plans were approved to infuse one-quarter Texel germplasm into Composite lines fixed for alternative callipyge alleles and also to fix the myostatin mutation in each line. A flock of Polypay sheep was established at USMARC to serve as a control for future research on easy-care breeds. Obtained data to provide breed comparisons in an extensive range environment that can be used to develop breeding objectives for terminal sires. Obtained data to data indicate biological and economical incentives for increasing loin muscle area in wethers, and live-animal ultrasound can provide reliable estimates of carcass measures. These results are applicable to terminal sire breeders and producers who market sheep using carcass-merit pricing systems. A report was developed that outlines an objective approach for establishing ultrasound accuracy criteria for sheep. Needle-free injections will reduce biohazard waste, eliminate the possibility of accidental needle sticks for livestock handlers, and will likely reduce iatrogenic infection of sheep. Research continued on a forage-based production system under an 8-months mating scheduled. Research was completed on the use of induced, synchronized mating to concentrate lambing and retain ewes in the accelerated system.

Schotthofer, M A., M.L. Thonney, and D. E. Hogue. 2007. Effect of level of fermentable NDF on feed intake and production of lactating ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 85: Suppl. 1, p. 180. Thonney, M. L. and D. E. Hogue. 2007. Formulation of ruminant diets using potentially-fermentable NDF and nonstructural carbohydrates. Proc. Cornell Nutr. Conf. 69:113-123. M. L. Thonney, P. A. Martinez-Hernandez, J. B. Taylor, and D. L. Thomas. 2008. Sheep symposium: Biology and management of low-input lambing in easy-care systems. J. Anim. Sci. 86: E244-245E. Thonney, M. L., M. C. Smith, R. G. Mateescu, and C. Heuer. 2008. Vaccination of ewes and lambs against parainfluenza3 to prevent lamb pneumonia. Small Ruminant Research 74:30-36. Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Moore, D.A., Shaik, S.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Muir, J.P., Wolfe, R., 2007. Effect of pelleting on efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay as a natural dewormer in goats. Vet Parasitol 146, 117-122. Burke, J.M., Morrical, D., Miller, J.E., 2007. Control of gastrointestinal nematodes with copper oxide wire particles in a flock of Polypay ewes and offspring in Iowa. Vet Parasitol 146, 372-375. Burke, J.M., Kaplan, R.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Mobini, S., Valencia, E., Williams, M.J., Williamson, L.H., Vatta, A.F. 2007. Accuracy of the FAMACHA system for on-farm use by sheep and goat producers in the southeastern United States. Vet Parasitol 147, 89-95. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Kallu, R.R., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J. 2007. Use of copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. J Anim Sci 85, 2753-2761. Terrill, T.H., Moore, D.A., Kouakou, B., Shaik, S.A., Vanguru, M., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2007. Effect of Sericea lespedeza hay feeding on growth rate of goats infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Proc. 21st Inter Conf World Assoc Adv Vet Parasitol, 139. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2007. The effect of sericea lespedeza, fed as pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Proc. 21st Inter Conf World Assoc Adv Vet Parasitol, 262. Moore, D.A., Terrill, T.H., Shaik, S.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Muir, J.P., Wolfe, R., Mosjidis, J.A., 2007. Effect of pelleting on anthelmintic efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 29. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2007. Interaction between high protein supplement and copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in growing goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 33-34. Burke, J.M. Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2007. Low dose titration of copper oxide wire particles for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned kids. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 34. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J., 2007. Interaction between copper oxide wire particles and grazing sericea lespedeza to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 34. Whitley, N.C., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Cazac, D., Subburathinam, R., Dykes, L., 2007. Influence of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal nematode infection (GIN) in goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 35. Chafton, L.A., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2007. The effect of sericea lespedza, fed as ground hay, on existing and establishing infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 38. J.S. Luther, A.T. Grazul-Bilska, J.D. Kirsch, R.M. Weigl, K.C. Kraft, C. Navanukraw, D. Pant, L.P. Reynolds, D.A. Redmer. 2007. The effect of GnRH, eCG and progestin type on estrous synchronization following laparoscopic AI in ewes. Small Ruminant Research; 72:227-231. E.J. Windorski, C.S. Schauer, A.K. Wurst, E.K. Inskeep, and J.S. Luther. Effects of Melengestrol Acetate and P.G. 600 on fertility in Rambouillet ewes outside the natural breeding season. 2008. Theriogenology (accepted). T.J. Swanson, C.J. Hammer, J. S. Luther, D.B. Carlson, J.B. Taylor, D.A. Redmer, T.L. Neville, J.J. Reed, L.P. Reynolds, J.S. Caton, K.A. Vonnahme. Effects of plane of nutrition and selenium supplementation on colostrum quality and mammary development in pregnant ewe lambs. 2008. Journal of Animal Science (accepted). Grazul-Bilska, A.T., J. D. Kirsch, J. J. Bilski, K.C. Kraft, E. J. Windorski, J. S. Luther, K. A. Vonnahme, L. P. Reynolds and D. A. Redmer. 2007. Superovulation in sheep: Number and weight of the corpora lutea and serum progesterone. Sheet and Goat Research Journal. 22:26-31. J.S. Luther, R.P. Aitken, J.S. Milne, M. Matsuzaki, L.P. Reynolds, D.A. Redmer, J.M. Wallace. 2007. Maternal and fetal growth, body composition, endocrinology, and metabolic status in undernourished adolescent sheep. Biology of Reproduction; 77, 343-350. J.S. Luther, J.S. Milne, R.P. Aitken, M. Matsuzaki, L.P. Reynolds, D.A. Redmer, J.M. Wallace. 2007. Placental growth, angiogenic gene expression, and vascular development in undernourished adolescent sheep. Biology of Reproduction; 77, 351-357. Windorski, C.S. Schauer, D.P. Pearson, A.M. Wurst, E.K. Inskeep, and J.S. Luther. 2007. Influence of MGA and PG600 on Reproductive Performance in Rambouillet Ewes Outside the Normal Breeding Season. Western Sections, Journal of Animal Science Western section of American Society of Animal Sciences meeting, Moscow, Idaho. Abstract 91. Vonnahme, K.A., J.D. Kirsch, T.L. Neville, J.J. Reed, C.J. Hammer, J.S. Luther, D.A. Redmer, L.P. Reynolds, and J.S. Caton. 2007. Effects of maternal diet on circulating hormone concentrations during mid to late pregnancy in first parity ewes. Aspen Perinatal Biology Symposium, Aspen, CO. Abstract 33. Grazul-Bilska, A.T., C. Boehler, J.S. Luther, M.L. Johnson, D.A. Redmer, L.P. Reynolds, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2007. Protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and their receptors in ovine placentomes in single, twin and triplet pregnancies. Biol. Reprod, Special Issue, p. 102, abstr. no. 114, 40th Annual SSR Meeting, July. Reed, J. J., T. L. Neville, K. A. Vonnahme, P. P. Borowicz, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, J. S. Luther, C. J. Hammer, L. P. Reynolds, and J. S. Caton. 2007. Effects of maternal nutrition and selenium supply on visceral organ mass of pregnant ewe lambs. American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. San Antonio, TX. Abstract T375. Hammer, C. J., K. A. Vonnahme, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, J. S. Luther, T. L. Neville, J. J. Reed, J. S. Caton, and L. P. Reynolds. 2007. Effects of maternal nutrition and selenium supplementation on absorption of IgG and survival of lambs. American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. San Antonio, TX. Abstract 464. Swanson T. J. , C. J. Hammer, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, K. A. Vonnahme, J. S. Luther, T. L. Neville, J. J. Reed, J. S. Caton, and L. P. Reynolds. 2007. Effects of plane of nutrition and selenium on colostrum quality and mammary development in ewes. American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. San Antonio, TX. Abstract 968. Neville, T. L., J. J. Reed, K. A. Vonnahme, P. P. Borowicz, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, J. S. Luther, C. J. Hammer, G. P. Lardy, L. P. Reynolds, and J. S. Caton. 2007. Effects of maternal nutrition and selenium supply on ewe and lamb performance. American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. San Antonio, TX. Abstract 778. Caton, J. S., J. J. Reed, T. L. Neville, K. A. Vonnahme, P. P. Borowicz, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, J. S. Luther, C. J. Hammer, K. R. Carlin, and L. P. Reynolds. 2007. Effects of maternal nutrition and selenium supply on postnatal organ mass: Evidence for developmental programming in lambs. American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. San Antonio, TX. Abstract 777. Grazul-Bilska, A.T., E. Windorski, J.S. Luther, J.J. Bilski, J.D. Kirsch, E. Borowczyk, K.A. Vonnahme, L.P. Reynolds and D.A. Redmer. 2007. Superovulation in sheep: number and weight of the corpora lutea (CL) and serum progesterone. Western section of American Society of Animal Sciences meeting, Moscow, Idaho. Abstract 91. Effertz, C.M., J.S. Caton, C.J. Hammer, J.S. Luther, T.L. Neville, J.J. Reed, D.A. Redmer, L.P. Reynolds, K.A. Vonnahme. 2007. Glucose tolerance of offspring born from ewes receiving differing nutritional levels during pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2):79 (Abstract 247). Walker, J.W., E.S. Campbell, C.J. Lupton, C.A. Taylor, Jr., D.F. Waldron, and S.Y. Landau. 2007. Effects of breed, sex, and age on the variation and ability of fecal near-infrared reflectance spectra to predict the composition of goat diets. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 518-526. White, S., L. Herrmann, K. ORourke, D. Waldron, J. Rowe, J. Alverson. 2008. Prion gene (PRNP) haplotype variation in United States goat breeds. Genet. Sel. Evol. (accepted) Whitney, T.R., D.F. Waldron, T.D. Willingham, and B.O. Payne. 2007 Evaluating nutritional status of Dorper and Rambouillet ewes in a range sheep production system. J. Anim. Sci. 85. Suppl. 1:677(Abstr.). Arnaud, F., Caporale, M., Varela, M., Biek, R., Chessa, B., Alberti, A., Golder, M., Mura, M., Zhang, Y-P, Yu, L., DeMartini, J.C., Leymaster, K., Spencer, T.E. and Palmarini, M. 2007. A paradigm for virus-host coevolution: sequential counter-adaptations between endogenous and exogenous retroviruses. PLoS Pathogens, 3(11): e170. Kuehn, L. A., R. M. Thallman, and K. A. Leymaster. 2007. Evaluating the feasibility of fitting haplotype effects as random: Variance component estimation. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):669-670. Leymaster, K. A. 2007. Evaluation of Dorper, Dorset, Katahdin, and Rambouillet crossbred ewes in high- and low-input production systems. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):458-459. Evoniuk, J. M., P. P. Borowicz, J. S. Caton, K. A. Vonnahme, L. P. Reynolds, J. B. Taylor, C. L. Stoltenow, K. L. O'Rourke, and D. A. Redmer. 2008. Effects of nutrition and genotype on prion protein (PrPC) gene expression in the fetal and maternal sheep placenta. Placenta. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2008.02.003. Herrmann-Hoesing, L. M., S. N. White, G. S. Lewis, M. R. Mousel, and D. P. Knowles. 2007. Development and validation of an ovine progressive pneumonia virus quantitative PCR. Clin. Vaccine. Immunol. 14:1274-1278. Herrmann-Hoesing, L. M., S. N. White, G. S. Lewis, M. R. Mousel, and D. P. Knowles. 2008. Genetic analysis of Ovis aries (Ovar) MHC Class IIa loci from a Rambouillet ram. Immunogenet. In Press. Leeds, T. D., M. R. Mousel, D. R. Notter, H. N. Zerby, C. A. Moffet, and G. S. Lewis. 2008. B-mode, real-time ultrasound for estimating carcass composition in live sheep: Accuracy of ultrasound measures and their relationships with carcass composition. J. Anim. Sci. (In press). Leytem, A. B., J. B. Taylor, V. Raboy, and P. W. Plumstead. 2007. Dietary low-phytate mutant-M 955 barley grain alters phytate degradation and mineral digestion in sheep fed high-grain diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 138:13-28. Lewis, G. S., M. C. Wulster-Radcliffe, and J. H. Herbein. 2008. Fatty acid profiles, growth, and immune responses of neonatal lambs fed milk replacer and supplemented with fish oil or safflower oil. Small Rumin. Res. (In press). Mousel, M. R., T. D. Leeds, S. N. White, and L. M. Herrmann-Hoesing. 2008. Technical Note: Comparison of traditional needle vaccination with pneumatic, needle-free vaccination for sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 86:1468-1471. Neville, T. L., M. A. Ward, J. J. Reed, S. A. Soto-Navarro, S. L. Julius, P. P. Borowicz, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, L. P. Reynolds, and J. S. Caton. 2008. Effects of level and source of dietary selenium on maternal and fetal body weight, visceral organ mass, cellularity estimates, and jejunal vascularity in pregnant ewe lambs. J. Anim. Sci. doi: jas.2006-839v1. Reed, J. J., W. A. Ward, K. A. Vonnahme, T. L. Neville, S. L. Julius, P. P. Borowicz, J. B. Taylor, D. A. Redmer, A. T. Grazul-Bilska, L. P. Reynolds, J. S. Caton. 2007. Effects of selenium supply and dietary restriction on maternal and fetal body weight, visceral organ mass, cellularity estimates, and jejunal vascularity in pregnant ewe lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 85:2721-2733. Scoles, G. A. W. L. Goff, T. J. Lysyk, G. S. Lewis, and D. P. Knowles. 2008. Validation of an Anaplasma marginale cELISA for use in the diagnosis of A. ovis infections in domestic sheep and Anaplasma spp. in wild ungulates. Vet. Microbiol. Available online January 5, 2008. doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.12.020 Seefeldt, S. S., J. B. Taylor, and S. Van Vleet. 2007. Reducing Euphorbia esula with a combination of sheep grazing and imazapic. J. Arid Environ. 69:432-440. Stellflug, J. N., N. E. Cockett, and G. S. Lewis. 2008. 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