Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Matanuska Experiment Farm, Palmer Alaska, 28-29 June 2011 Tuesday 28 June 2011 8:30- 9:00 a.m. Introductions and welcome to Alaska and the University of Alaska Matanuska Experiment Farm: Matt Cronin/Jud Scott/Norm Harris, University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences. 0:900 a.m-1200 p.m.: Station Report Summaries (attached) 1. Cronin University of Alaska 2. Neibergs Washington State University 3. Cammacks University of Wyoming 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Lunch, 1:00 p.m. -5:00 P.M. Station Report Summaries (attached) 4. Herring Texas A&M University 5. Enns Colorado State University 6. Buckley University of Hawaii. 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. We executed a tour of the Matanuska Experiment Farm facility including cattle, forage/crop fields, and moose/caribou nutrition study animals. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Dinner meeting, general discussion. Weds 29 June 2011 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Update and discussion on old business Group Objectives and 2010-2011 accomplishments, outputs, outcomes, and upcoming renewal of the WERA01 project were discussed. 2012 WERA01 meeting dates and location possibilities were discussed. It was decided that the 2012 meeting would be held at Washington State University in June, with Dr. Neibergs coordinating. Other topics discussed included the potential utility of DNA Repositories, 50K-200K SNP Data and Phenomics. Also discussed was Alaskan livestock, including non-traditional species (reindeer, bison, musk ox) and the potential to apply breeding and genetics methods developed in cattle to them. 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Introduction and welcome from Carol Lewis, Dean, University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and Director Alaska AFES. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Discussion with Bill Collins, Alaska Department of Fish and Game about his moose nutrition research. 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. Station Report from Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University by SKYPE from Australia. 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Tour of local Musk ox farm, Palmer, Alaska. We discussed the musk ox domestication program with the farm manager. 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tour of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage, Alaska. Observed several ruminant and carnivore species (bison, elk, caribou, musk ox, moose, grizzly bear). We discussed husbandry with the facility manager, Mike Miller. 8:30 p.m. Adjourn.

Accomplishments and Impacts WERA01 for 2011 Group Totals for Education: 237 undergraduates educated in Animal Breeding courses (over 5 universities) 55 graduate students educated in upper level Animal Breeding courses 17 current graduate students mentored (M.S. and Ph.D; over 5 mentors) 9 completed graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.; over 6 mentors) University of Alaska Fairbanks, M. Cronin Outputs: One article in the Fort Keogh Researcher USDA ARS newsletter. Published one article on wolf genetics and inbreeding. One talk at a bison genetics and conservation conference. Obtained funding and began data generation and analysis of polar bear and brown bear and bison genomics in collaboration with cattle geneticists for comparative genomics and phylogenetics. Outcomes: I established collaboration and knowledge exchange between livestock geneticists and me as a member of WERA01 and as a visiting researcher at the USDA ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT. I am getting knowledge from cattle geneticists on lab and data analysis methods, and they are getting comparative genetics perspectives from wildlife (bison and bears). Impacts: The work with cattle geneticists is bringing increased rigor to wildlife genetics and empirical science to conservation/environmental issues. This will allow the livestock industry and other natural resource industries to operate with less unrealistic environmental/wildlife regulations and laws. Future Plans: Continue comparative genetics of bison subspecies and cattle breeds. Complete genomics lab work on bears and assess species relationships. Relate cattle genetics to wildlife genetics and how it relates to endangered species issues. University of Wyoming, Kristi Cammack Outputs: Two articles in the Wyoming Round-Up (feed efficiency) One talk at the Wyoming Stock Growers Convention One article in the University of Wyomings Reflections publication Conducted Wyoming Hereford Association Bull Test Conducted other regional bull tests Two field day bulletins (high dietary sulfur work) Provided bull test producers with detail performance data for selection/marketing Completed first Hereford on-line bull sale Reported data showing Molybdenum not an effective strategy for high dietary sulfur. Future Plans: Continue bull tests, including Wyoming Hereford test Use of GrowSafe system to performance test heifers for selection Collaborate with Colorado State University - ~600 samples for DNA extractions and storage Collaborate with Colorado State University  Age of puberty studies Texas A&M University, Andy Herring Future Plans: F2 and F3 Nellore-Angus calves will continue to be produced from the McGregor Genomics Project. Calf performance and cow productivity traits will continue to be collected on heifers and cows at McGregor. Contingent upon funding, another year of BVDV challenge will be accomplished with yearling F2 and F3 Nellore-Angus steers. Dissemination of research results to producers will continue through the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course and to students through beef cattle production courses (ANSC 406 and ANSC 605). Washington State University, Holly Neibergs Accomplishments: Refinement of BRD and BVD-PI loci identified that the loci differed between BVD-PI and BRD. Some loci were shared, but not all between the loci associated with the dams of the BVD-PI calves and the BVD-PI calves. Identification of loci associated with being a victim of tail biting as well as those likely to be tail biters in crossbred pigs from Norway. Short-term Outcomes: Increased knowledge base on loci associated with susceptibility to disease in bovine paratuberculosis, bovine respiratory disease and bovine viral diarrhea Increased knowledge base on genes associated with feed efficiency in cattle Increased knowledge base on loci associate with undesirable behaviors such as tail biting and being a victim of tail biting in pigs. Activities & Outputs: Results of Johnes study (fine mapping of region on BTA3) were presented to stakeholders at the annual American Jersey Cattle Club and the Washington AJCC meetings. Presentation of results from 2 abstracts at the Plant and Animal Genome meeting (San Diego) Invited presentations on nutrition and genomics at the American Association of Animal Science national meeting (New Orleans) and on animal health at the American Association of Bovine Practioners (St. Louis) Presentations for Beef 300 to cattle producers Experiential labs for middle school science classes Washington State University Beef Event, Genomic Approaches for Beef Cattle Health Improvement Washington State Cattle Feeders Association Meeting, Updates on Feed Efficiency and Bovine Respiratory Disease Milestones: Completion of tail biting project Completion of fine mapping association study on bovine paratuberculosis Future Plans: Collection of samples for BRD project: 1000 dairy calf samples will be collected in collaboration with NMSU, 2000 dairy calf samples will be collected in collaboration with UC Davis. These samples will be used for an association analysis with the HD bovine array. Collection of feedlot samples will begin in 2012 and collection of purebred bull samples will also begin in 2012. These samples will also be used for an association analysis for BRD with the HD bovine array. We will serve as the repository for the samples, genotypes and phenotypes. Collection of purebred Bos taurus samples in a grow safe system for feed efficiency association studies. We will serve as the mirror repository for the samples for this project. Begin mitochondrial feed efficiency studies. Identification of causal mutations for susceptibility to Johnes disease in Jersey and Holstein cattle. Continue to collect tissues to build the repository of tissues and phenotypes for Johnes disease and quantify the Map and strains of Map present in these individuals. Colorado State University,Mark Enns Outputs: 8 producer education presentations 4 articles for beef industry journals 3 interviews for radio/print media on genetics of cattle health Performed National Cattle Evaluations for 15 breed associations and producer groups. Conducted the CSU Beef Improvement Center Bull Test and Sale. Conducted research estimating relationships of earlier age stayability with stayability to 6 years of age. Produced EPD for residual feed intake from multiple test-stations Outcomes: Beef cattle breeders for the 15 breed associations have expected progeny differences upon which to base purchase/breeding decisions Gelbvieh breeders adopted new technology from outcomes that resulted in more accurate stayability EPD available for younger animals. The Red Angus Association of America merged pedigree and performance databases for a joint, multi-breed evaluation. This allowed comparison of animals of different breed composition and influenced the 8,200 breeders from both breed associations. Future Plans: Build collaborations with the University of Wyoming to leverage their wet-lab capabilities and the computing resources of the CSU Center for Genetic Evaluation of Livestock Prepare a manuscript addressing various approaches to evaluation of female fertility in beef cattle along with the University of Wyoming Cooperate with Washington State University to develop online courses addressing the genetic mechanisms controlling cattle health for ultimate delivery to Masters level graduate students. Complete work with New Mexico State University for the development of DNA markers affecting female fertility Continue development of genetic evaluation procedures for economically relevant traits to improve profitability of beef production

University of Wyoming Austin, K.J., R.R. Cockrum, B.M. Alexander, and K.M. Cammack. 2011. Renin mRNA is upregulated in testes and testicular cells in response to treatment with aflatoxin B1. Theriogenology. In review. Kessler, K.L., K.C. Olson, C.L. Wright, K.J. Austin, P.S. Johnson, and K.M. Cammack. 2011. Effects on performance of forage-fed steers supplemented with molybdenum and receiving high-sulfur water. J. Anim. Sci. In review. Breton, A.B., R.R. Cockrum, K.J. Austin, K.M. Cammack, S.P. Ford, B.W. Hess, G.E. Moss, P.W. Nathanielsz, and B.M. Alexander. 2011. Hypothalamic expression of genes for appetite regulators and estrogen ±, estrogen ², and leptin receptors in obese dams and their fetuses. Animal. In press. Moriel, P., V. Nayigihugu, B.I. Cappellozza, E.P. Goncalves, J.M. Krall, T. Foulke, K.M. Cammack, and B.W. Hess. 2011. Camelina meal and crude glycerin as feed supplements for developing replacement beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. In press. Rustemeyer, S.M., W.R. Lamberson, D.R. Ledoux, K. Wells, K.J. Austin, and K.M. Cammack. 2011. Effects of dietary aflatoxin on the hepatic expression of apoptosis genes in growing barrows. J. Anim. Sci. In press. Cockrum, R.R., K.J. Austin, J.W. Kim, J.R. Garbe, S.C. Fahrenkrug, J.F. Taylor and K.M. Cammack. 2010. Differential gene expression of ewes lowly tolerant and highly tolerant to elevated dietary nitrate. J. Anim. Sci. 88:3187-3197. Rustemeyer, S.M., W.R. Lamberson, D.R. Ledoux, G.E. Rottinghaus, D.P. Shaw, R.R. Cockrum, K.L. Kessler, K.J. Austin and K.M. Cammack. 2010. Effects of dietary aflatoxin on health and performance of growing barrows. J. Anim. Sci. 88:3624-3630. University of Alaska Fairbanks Mech, L.D. and M.A. Cronin. 2010. Isle Royale study affirms ability of wolves to persist. Biological Conservation 143:535-536. Washington State University Zanella, R., R.H Whitlock, H.L. Neibergs. Fine mapping of genetic regions associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis tissue infection and tolerance to Johnes disease. Journal of Dairy Science. (in press) Neibergs, H.L., R. Zanella, E. Casas, G.D. Snowder, J. Wenz, J.S. Neibergs, D. Moore. 2011. Loci on BTA2 and BTA26 are linked with bovine respiratory disease and associated with persistent infection of bovine viral diarrhea virus. Journal of Animal Science 89:907-915. Neibergs, H.L., M.L. Settles, R.H. Whitlock, J.F. Taylor. GSEA-SNP identifies genes associated with Johnes disease in cattle. 2010. Mammalian Genome Volume 21, Issue 7, Page 419. DOI 10.1007/s00335-010-9278-2 Zanella, R., M.L. Settles, S.D. McKay, R.D. Schnabel, J.F. Taylor, T. Fyock, R.H. Whitlock, Y. Schukken, J.S. Van Kessel, J.S. Karns, E. Hovingh, J.M. Smith, H.L. Neibergs. Identification of Loci Associated with Tolerance to Johne's Disease in Holstein Cattle. 2010. Animal Genetics DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02076.x Book chapter: Neibergs, H.L., R. Zanella. Genomics of reproductive diseases in cattle and swine in Reproductive Genomics in Domestic Animals. Z. Jiang and T. Ott, editors. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA (2010). Texas A&M University Runyan, C.A. 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance in steers of known genetic background vaccinated and challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M University. Olvera, I.D. 2010. Statistical and economic implications associated with precision of administering weight-based medication in cattle. M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M University. Cardin, J.M. 2011. Evaluation of gene breed type and expression of feed efficiency candidate genes, and their associations with carcass traits in F2 Nellore-Angus steers. M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M University. Cooper, A.J. 2011. Evaluation of udder conformation, weight, body condition score, reproduction, disposition, and calf growth in Bos indicus  Bos taurus cows. Ph.D. Dissertation. Texas A&M University. Editor reviewed/proceedings papers Runyan, C.A, A.D. Herring, J.F. Ridpath, and J.E. Sawyer 2010. Evaluation of immune response and performance of steers challenged with BVD virus. Proc. 55th Annual TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course. Burns, B.M., A. D. Herring, J. Allen, M. McGowan, M. Holland, and G. Fordyce. 2011. Genetic strategies for improved beef production in challenging environments such as northern Australia and related implications for the southern USA. Proc. 56th Annual TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course, College Station. Abstracts Burns, B.M., A.D. Herring, G. Fordyce, S. Hiendleder, and A. Laing. 2010. Unrecognized variation in gestation length and birth weight of Droughtmaster calves produced through fixed-time AI. 8th International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium, Sept 3-7, Anchorage, AK. Hulsman, L.L., S.O. Peters, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and D.G. Riley. 2011. Prediction of genomic estimated breeding values for temperament at weaning in Bos indicus crossbreds using Bayesian Inference. ADSA-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, July 12, 2011 Hulsman, L.L., S.O. Peters, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and D.G. Riley. 2011. QTL mapping for overall temperament at weaning in Nellore-Angus cattle using Bayesian Inference. Southern Section ASAS. Luck, J., D.G. Riley, A.D. Herring, P.K. Riggs, J.E. Sawyer, J.O. Sanders, and C. A. Gill. 2011. Identification of QTL for two measures of feed efficiency in Nellore-Angus F2 steers. Texas Genetics Society Annual Meeting, April 2, 2011. Muntean, C.T., J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D.G. Riley. 2011. Evaluation of F1 cows by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls for reproductive, maternal and longevity traits. Southern Section ASAS. Mike MacNeil, USDA ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab Jiang, Z. H., J. J. Michal, X. L. Wu, Z. X. Pan, M. D. MacNeil. The Heparan and Heparin Metabolism Pathway is Involved in Regulation of Fatty Acid Composition. Internat. J. Biol. Sci. 7:659-663. 2011. MacNeil, M. D., N. Vukasinovic. A prototype national cattle evaluation for sustained reproductive success in Hereford cattle.J. Anim. Sci. 89:1712-1718. 2011. Chitko-McKown, C. G., M. D. MacNeil. Development of fibroblast cell lines from the cow used to sequence the bovine genome Anim. Genet. 41:445. 2010. Daniels, T. F., X. L. Wu, Z. X. Pan, J. J. Michal, R. W. Wright Jr., K. M. Killinger, M. D. MacNeil, Z. H. Jiang. The Reverse Cholesterol Transport Pathway Improves Understanding of Genetic Networks for Fat Deposition and Muscle Growth in Beef Cattle. PLOS ONE 5:e15203. 2010. Geary, T. W., R. P. Ansotegui, M. D. MacNeil, A. J. Roberts, R. C. Waterman. Effects of flunixin meglumine on pregnancy establishment in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 88:943-949. 2010. MacNeil M. D., J. D. Nkrumah, B. W. Woodward, S. L. Northcutt. Genetic evaluation of Angus cattle for carcass marbling using ultrasound and genomic indicators. J. Anim. Sci. 88:517-522. 2010. Tang, G., J. Stewart-Smith, G. Plastow, S. Moore, J. Basarab, M. D. MacNeil and Z. Wang. Optimizing a beef production system using specialized sire and dam lines. Can. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted 2011). MacNeil, M. D., N. Lopez-Villalobos and S. L. Northcutt. A prototype national cattle evaluation for feed intake and efficiency of Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted 2011). MacNeil, M. D., L. E. Matjuda and J. van der Westhuisen. Breeding Objectives. In: M. M. Scholtz (ed.) Beef Breeding in South Africa. Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, Pages 11-20. South Africa. 2010. Roberts, C. A. T. W. Geary, M. D. MacNeil, R. C. Waterman, A. J. Roberts, and L. J. Alexander. Factors affecting spermatozoa morphology in beef bulls. Proc. ASAS Western Section, 61:122-125. 2010. Roberts, A. J., R. C. Waterman, T. W. Geary, L. J. Alexander, and M. D. MacNeil. Level of maternal winter supplement and feed restriction during postweaning development influences circulating concentrations of IGF-1 in heifers during the peripartum and rebreeding period. Proc. ASAS Western Section, 61:194-196. 2010. MacNeil, M. D., S. L. Northcutt, R. D. Schnabel, D. J. Garrick, B.W. Woodward and J. F. Taylor. Genetic correlations between carcass traits and molecular breeding values in Angus cattle. Proc. World Cong. Genet. Appl. Livestk. Prod. http://www.kongressband.de/wcgalp2010/assets/html/0482.htm Colorado State University Austin, K. J., J. L. Seabrook, T. E. Engle, R. K. Peel, C. M. McAllister, B. W. Brigham, R. M. Enns, R. L. Weaber, H. Van Campen, G. H. Loneragan, J. L. Salak-Johnson, and C. C. L. Chase. 2010. The effect of morbidity on feedlot performance and carcass quality in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88: 10, E-Suppl. 2. Brigham, B. W., C. M. McAllister, R. K. Peel, H. Van Campen, R. L. Weaber, G. H. Loneragan, J. L. Salak-Johnson, C. C. L.Chase, E. J. Pollak, and R. M. Enns. 2010. The relationship of bovine respiratory disease and carcass ultrasound measures. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88: 41, E-Suppl. 2. Enns, R. M., R. L. Weaber, H. Van Campen, and G. H. Loneragan. 2010. Factors influencing onset of disease and subsequent effects on feedlot performance. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88: 466, E-Suppl. 2. Pendley, C. T., R. M. Enns, and D. H. Crews, Jr. 2010. Analysis of published genetic parameter estimates for feed utilization traits in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88: 184, E-Suppl. 2. Speidel, S. E., C. M. McAllister, D. H. Crews, Jr., R. M. Enns. 2010. Techniques for sifting inconsistent data points from repeatedly weighted beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88, E-Suppl. 2. Page 39. G. C. Marquez, S. E. Speidel, R. M. Enns and D. J. Garrick. 2010. Genetic diversity and population structure of American Red Angus cattle. J Anim Sci. 88:59-68. Gruber, S. L., J. D. Tatum, T. E. Engle, P. L. Chapman, R. M. Enns, K. E. Belk, and G. C. Smith. 2010. Effects of genetic markers and implant strategy on longissimus and gluteus muscle tenderness of calf-fed steers and heifers. Published online as jas.2010-2893v1-20102893. 39 pages. S. E. Speidel, R. M. Enns and D. H. Crews. 2010. Genetic analysis of longitudinal data in beef cattle. Genet Mol Res. 9:19-33. McAllister, C.M., B. W. Brigham, S. E. Speidel, R. K. Peel, J. J. Wagner, H. Van Campen, G. H. Loneragan, R. L. Weaber, J. L. Salak-Johnson, C. C. L. Chase, and R. M. Enns. 2011. Genetic Associations Between Bovine Respiratory Disease and Carcass Traits in Feedlot Steers. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 62:89-92 Speidel, S.E., D.H. Crews Jr., and R.M. Enns. 2011. Random Regression Methodologies Used for a Days to Weight Genetic Prediction in Beef Cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 62:93-97 Huff, E.M., C. M. McAllister, D. H. Crews Jr., and R. M. Enns. 2011. Genetic Parameters for Ultrasound Measurement in Brangus Cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 62: 98-100 Zeng, X., R. M. Enns, S. Speidel, and D. H. Crews, Jr. 2011. Genetic Evaluation of Postpartum Interval in Charolais Cows. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 62: 104-107 Saad, H.M., B. W. Brigham, S. E. Speidel, D. H. Crews, Jr., and R. M. Enns. 2011. Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters for Carcass and Ultrasound Traits of American Shorthorn Beef Cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. An. Sci. 62:108-111