Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Kansas City, MS-9/11-12/2012 Attendance: Rick Funston, Jeff Stevenson, George Perry, Cliff Lamb, Dave Patterson + 2 students, Allen Garverick, Carl Dahlen, Jamie Larson, Paul Fricke, Hassan Khatib, Teresa Steckler, Bill Ravlin Called to order at 8:00 AM by Rick Funston Registration will be $27 per station for lunch and meeting room. Station Reports (see individual station reports for research details): Jeff Stevenson  Kansas State University Good discussion on Jeffs project #3 involving hCG in presynch as well as about the retained CL and P4 in cows that are not pregnant at d 35. Good discussion on Angus cattle and the increase in age at puberty, increase in growth, reduction in numbers of sires used and decrease in fertility. Cliff Lamb  University of Florida Discussion about AI vs. natural mating study and how that has changed even with 2012 numbers. Discussion on calf removal study, why are younger and older calves affected negatively more than medium-aged calves? Paul Fricke  University of Wisconsin Discussion about timing of AI in the accelerometer systems, what causes you to breed too early or too late. Timing of ovulation relative to start of standing estrus. Jamie Larson  Mississippi State University Discussion on the commercialization of AMH and reliability of the assay. Carl Dahlen  North Dakota State University Discussion on analysis of the natural service vs. TAI project, long term implications, etc. Discussion of the postcard survey and plans for dissemination of information. Dave Patterson  University of Missouri Discussion of their new program, Missouri Beef Project, which is just getting started but has some strong potential within the industry. Discussion of BSEs&shortage of veterinarians willing and capable of doing exams, a lack of producers doing legitimate exams, more bulls that dont produce freezable semen. Teresa Steckler  University of Illinois Discussion of BSEs and animal use. Injection site lesions and BQA. George Perry  South Dakota State University Discussion of treatment assignments of treatment based on age and BCS, assignment based on cyclicity when treatments differ in duration?? Discussion of E2 project, implications and further research. Rick Funston  University of Nebraska Bob Cushman  USDA MARC and Allen Bridges  University of Minnesota submitted electronic reports to the committee ahead of the meeting. Bill Ravlin  Administration update Bill commended us on our rewrite efforts. Our rewrite was clean and clear and easy to read. He commended our leadership and the fact we stayed longer last year to get it done. Bill discussed funding coming down the pipeline. He mentioned that USDA may be moving towards smaller dollar amount awards in an effort to make more awards. Also mentioned discussion in Congress to enact matching fund requirements. Would products, animal usage, and salary be considered matching funds? Details and whether this will be enacted is yet to be determined. Discussion regarding Small Farms granting opportunities and the ties to organic or anti other non conventional operations. How do we fit what we do into available funding mechanisms? Differences in funding amounts to plants vs. animals, will that change? Message has been communicated but we dont know if anything will change. Adele Turzillo  USDA update (report submitted electronically before meeting) Personnel updates: New director of NIFA, new program director for genetics section, expecting new poultry director. Some other changes listed on Adeles report. Combined 2012/2013 Foundational RFAs, RFAs expected out in October. The Integrated RFAs expected later this fall. Budget: See report for expected changes. Expect a one-year extension on current farm bill rather than approval of a new farm bill. Adele does not see any major changes in upcoming integrated vs. foundation funding and how they fit into the challenge areas. Doesnt expect new NIFA director to make major changes. Business Meeting 2013 meeting scheduled for September 10-11, 2013. Location is Omaha. Jamie will take care of arrangements. Carl will be the 2013 secretary. Discussion of collaborative projects Objective 1: Impact of maternal environment on progeny Bob looking for phenotypic related data and blood sample from cows we are measuring pregnancy rate, age at puberty, age at first calving, time from lutalyse to estrus, antral follicle count, postweaning ADG, birth weight, follicle diameter. He needs any treatments applied and management/dietary things but as long as we can get him the blood samples he can do the DNA work. Bob doing an experiment with the following design, hell have additional tissues that are up for grabs: Wean -210, bleed -150, US -60, US -30, PGF1 -11, PGF2 0, 16 slaughter/AFC George described some of his work relating nutrition and reproduction. Discussion of complexities of measuring nutritional status of grazing animals and things to measure in blood to assess nutritional status. Hassan discussed potential project involving putting split embryos into two dams, one on high starch and one on low starch. At birth, offspring slaughtered and tissues analyzed for gene expression. Carl described a project at NDSU involving nutrient restriction in early gestation and then realimentation during later gestation. Serial slaughters during gestation will take place to assess various tissues. To examine the use of new technologies to assist with enhancing reproductive performance Discussion of accelerometer systems and their potential use for not only reproductive management but also rumination/health status. Concerns over the idea that some are pushing these systems as an alternative to hormonal synchronization and instilling fear that the hormones are bad and will go away. Objective 2: Reproductive management of& Cliff proposed a project and is looking for additional animal numbers for the following protocol: Blood -20, blood -10 CIDR insertion with GnRH with or without PGF, -3 CIDR removal and PGF, 0 TAI and GnRH, 35 and 65 preg check Cliff, Jeff, Teresa, George, Jamie all interested in contributing animals. Paul proposed a potential project in dairy animals comparing the 5 day with 2 injections of PGF to the 7 day with 2 injections of PGF. Jeff, Paul, and Jamie will discuss further. Meeting adjourned at 11:15.

OBJECTIVE 1. To elucidate mechanisms regulating reproductive efficiency in cattle Accomplishments/Outputs South Dakota State University -Serum estradiol concentrations during the simulated preovulatory period were different (P < 0.01) between treatments. -Transrectal ultrasonography on d 29 revealed pregnancy rates of 21%, 29%, and 4% for the ECP, EB, and CON treatments, respectively. This indicated substantial pregnancy loss between d 7 and d 29. -Exposure to estradiol in the preovulatory period, whether in the ECP or EB treatment increased the odds of pregnancy at d 29 (P < 0.05). -Heifers with activated patches at time of CIDR insertion had increased pregnancy success compared to heifers with partially activated patches (P = 0.01) and tended to have increased success compared to heifers with non-activated patches (P = 0.06). -Heifers with activated patches at time of fixed-time AI had increased pregnancy success compared to heifers with partially activated (P=0.03) and not activated patches (P < 0.01). -Based on d -6 patch activity, there was no difference (P = 0.16) in the percentage of heifers with elevated concentrations of progesterone (> 1 ng/mL) on d -9, but the percentage of heifers with elevated concentrations of progesterone (> 1 ng/mL) on d -6 did differ (P < 0.01) between heifers with activated, partially activated, and non-activated patches on d-6. -Based on patch activity at time of fixed-time AI, the percentage of heifers with elevated concentrations of progesterone (> 1 ng/mL) on d -9 was different (P = 0.04) between heifers with activated, partially activated, and non-activated patches but the percentage of heifers with elevated concentrations of progesterone on d -6 did not differ (P = 0.59) between heifers with activated, partially activated, and non-activated patches at time of AI. USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center -Confirmed the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the KCND2 gene with age at puberty in beef heifers. -Validated a real-time RT-PCR assay for chemerin as a biomarker of adipose function in heifers. Future Work South Dakota State University -Further investigate the role of estradiol on the timing of embryonic loss. -Further investigate the control of estrus behavior (elevated estradiol) on pregnancy success. USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center -Extract DNA from buffy coats from the South Dakota Experiment Station and genotype to further validate the KCND2 marker in a group of heifers that have frequent blood samples and a more accurate puberty phenotype. -Granulosa cell cultures treated with chemerin to determine the influence of chemerin on steroid secretion. -Repeated adipose biopsies on cows being fluctuated in body condition score at the Minnesota Experiment Station to determine how the relative level of chemerin mRNA changes as BCS fluctuates. USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center -Initiating reproductive cycles before the start of breeding is the first hurdle that a replacement heifer must overcome. Results from this year provided further proof that a polymorphism in KCND2 that associated with age at puberty on the Bovine SNP50" could be a genetic marker for age at puberty. Age at puberty is a polygenic trait and it is unlikely that any single marker will explain all of the variation in age at puberty, but this provides a starting point for developing a panel of markers for age at puberty in beef heifers. -The development of biomarkers of fertility is as important as genetic markers, especially when one considers the high environmental influence on these traits. Immunoassays developed for use in humans are not cost effective and have potential problems in being validated for domestic species. Real time RT-PCR is used for diagnosing cancer types in humans. Developing biomarkers using real time RT-PCR and easily accessible tissues such as white blood cells and subcutaneous adipose could provide novel diagnostic tools for selecting replacement heifers. OBJECTIVE 2. To develop reliable, efficient, and economical breeding protocols for cattle Accomplishments/Outputs: University of Florida -Concluded calf removal was not able to improve pregnancy rates but did increase follicle growth rate prior to TAI. Subsequent calf performance was affected by 72 or 48 h calf removal. -Concluded pregnancy rates of heifers receiving perennial peanut hay were greater than the non-supplemented group, indicating perennial peanut hay may be a suitable alternative for development of replacement beef heifers. -Compared to traditional, single-time, 48-hour calf withdrawal, repeated 48-hour calf withdrawal resulted in greater cow pregnancy rate with a reduced period of postpartum anestrus. -Cow genotype influenced fetal size on d 62 and tended to influence concentrations of glycoprotein on d 35 and 62. Plasma glycoprotein concentration had a correlation with cow breed and plasma P4 concentrations, indicating maternal genotype may influence placental activity and early fetal development. Kansas State University -We concluded the modified 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR program in dairy heifers produced more P/AI in heifers inseminated at estrus than a standard 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR program, but when timed AI occurred at 72 h after PGF2a and CIDR insert removal, P/AI did not differ between programs. -We concluded that eCG treatment administered 3 d before insemination at the dose of 400 IU failed to increase follicle growth size and growth rate during 48 h after treatment and did not enhance pregnancy outcomes in lactating dairy cattle programmed for AI at first service. -We concluded that presynchronizing estrous cycles in lactating dairy cows with PG-3-G produced more P/AI than inseminating cows at estrus during cooler weather and was superior to Presynch-10 during summer. -In summary, more multiparous suckled beef cows in the PG-CO-Synch + CIDR treatment exhibited estrus and had greater pregnancy outcomes than primiparous suckled beef cows, but no overall treatment advantage was detected compared with the control (CO-Synch + CIDR). -In summary, presynchronization of estrous cycles with the PG-3-G treatment did not significantly increased pregnancy rates but earliest calving suckled beef cows (e 77 d since calving at AI) and those with BCS e 5.5 at onset of breeding program had greater pregnancy rates than later calving (< 77 d) and thinner (< 5.5) cows, respectively. University of Kentucky -Beginning October 2012, we will compare reproductive performance in cows bred using a standard TAI protocol versus cows bred based on activity monitored using the AfiAct activity monitoring system. -Currently determining how early pregnancy can be detected in milk using the IDEXX pregnancy detection assay University of Minnesota -The 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR (5d), PG 6-d CIDR (PG-CIDR), and 14-d CIDR-PG (CIDR-PG) protocols yield similar timed-AI pregnancy rates in virgin beef heifers. -Cow age affects the number of times a CIDR can be effectively used in the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. In mature cows, the new and once used CIDR resulted in greater timed-AI pregnancy rates. In primiparous cows however, the opposite was observed where greatest pregnancy rates were achieved using a twice-used CIDR. -PGF administration 2 d before the onset of the 5-d program did not influence ovarian dynamics in anestrous females or synchronized pregnancy rate in postpartum cows. -Within the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol, initial results suggest that failure to ovulate to GnRH at CIDR insertion may not negatively impact pregnancy success and may benefit primiparous cows. However, before these conclusions are fully accepted, this study must be repeated to increase animal numbers and endocrine data must be evaluated. Mississippi State University -Provided evidence the synchronization process (administration of GnRH, PGF2±, and progesterone) does not impact concentrations of AMH. If measuring AMH becomes a reliable and economically feasible method to predict fertility, blood samples collected after synchronization should be as valuable as a blood sample collected without synchronization. This result will impact further research in this area. Furthermore, differences were detected between the two beef breeds and the two dairy breeds investigated. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of AMH production as well as to gain understanding in any potential breed differences. University of Missouri -Long-term CIDR-based protocols facilitate fixed-time artificial insemination in postpartum beef cows. -A range in interval from CIDR removal to PG may be feasible when using long-term CIDR-based protocols. -The 14-day CIDR-PG protocol was successful in facilitating fixed-time artificial insemination in Holstein heifers; however, pregnancy rates resulting from FTAI were higher for heifers that were inseminated with conventional semen compared to those that received sex-sorted semen. -Further studies are required to develop strategies for using sex-sorted semen when inseminating heifers at predetermined fixed times. -The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program provides the opportunity to tie improvements in reproductive management and improved genetics to economic endpoints. University of Nebraska -Developing heifers in a low input system (corn residue) resulted in acceptable AI and final pregnancy rates compared to a traditional drylot development system. -Calving earlier in the calving season impacted the performance of subsequent progeny, both steer and heifer calves. -Utilizing estrus synchronization systems, whether natural service or AI, increases the proportion of calves born earlier in the calving season. -Heifers synchronized utilizing the MGA-PG had similar reproductive performance compared with heifers synchronized utilizing the 14-d CIDR-PG protocol. -Cows synchronized with the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol had increased AI and overall pregnancy rates compared to cows synchronized utilizing the CO-Synch protocol, resulting in more CO-Synch + CIDR cows calving within the first 21 d of the calving season compared to CO-Synch cows. North Dakota State University -Experiment 1 provided insight into the effects of cyclic status of cattle bred via AI systems compared with those bred with natural service. The theory that products used for estrous synchronization can positively impact reproductive success of non-cyclic females was not supported by our data. Further research is warranted to validate the findings from the first year of this multi-year project. -Calves generated from respective breeding systems in Experiment 1 will serve as experimental units for studies that focus on post-weaning performance. South Dakota State University -FTAI pregnancy success did not differ between treatments (P = 0.13) and ranged from 53% to 63%. -Heifers that had reached puberty prior to the start of synchronization had greater fixed-time AI pregnancies compared to heifers that were prepubertal at protocol initiation (60.7% vs. 47.3%, respectively).At locations 2 and 3 where estrus activity at fixed-time AI was determined by tail paint scores there was an effect of tail paint score on fixed-time AI pregnancy success (P < 0.01). -Heifers that had a tail paint score of 1 (all tail paint removed; 64%) or 2 (tail paint partially removed; 58%) had greater fixed-time AI pregnancy rates compare to heifers that had a tail paint score of 3 (no tail paint removed; 43%). -Heifers that calved with their first calf during the first 21 d period of the calving season had increased (P < 0.01) longevity compared to heifers that calved in the second 21 d period, or later. Average longevity for USMARC heifers that calved in the 1st, 2nd, and later 21 d period was 8.2 ± 0.3, 7.6 ± 0.5, and 7.2 ± 0.1 yr, respectively. -Average longevity for South Dakota heifers that calved in the 1st or later 21 d period was 5.1 ± 0.1 and 3.9 ± 0.1 yr, respectively. -Calving period influenced (P d 0.03) weaning weight of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th calf; but did not influence the weaning weight of the 6th (P = 0.24), 7th (P = 0.30), 8th (P = 0.30), or 9th (P = 0.37) calf (Figure 3). -Calving period influenced total kilograms weaned and mean weaning weight (P < 0.01), with heifers that calved during the 1st period having increased total kilograms weaned (898 ± 5.4 kg) and mean weaning weight (206 ± 0.3 kg) compared to heifers calving in the 2nd or later period, and heifers calving during the 2nd period having increased total kilograms weaned (768 ± 8.2 kg) and mean weaning weight (194 ± 0.5 kg) compared to heifers calving later (718 ± 16 kg and 174 ± 1.1 kg). USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center -Provided further evidence that maternal nutrient status in the third trimester can have positive influences on daughter performance. -Confirmed that limit feeding cows during the second and third trimester of pregnancy did not negatively impact reproductive performance in daughters. University of Wisconsin -Use of accelerometer systems for detection of estrus in lactating dairy cows can reduce the amount of synchronization to a point; however, some level of synchronization is required to deal with cows failing to be detected in estrus. -From an economic perspective, the three strategies compared for first AI using accelerometers with or without various levels of synchronization resulted in similar economic outcomes. -Use of transrectal ultrasonography to determine pregnancy status too soon after insemination is a major cause of pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows due to a high rate of false positive outcomes. We recommend that bovine practitioners not conduct pregnancy diagnosis using transrectal ultrasonography until they can reliably detect the embryo and heartbeat, which is generally > 30 d post insemination. Future Work University of Florida -Further research on refinement on manipulation of estrous cycles to incorporate fixed-time AI in beef cattle to enhance fertility and reduce time and labor associated with fixed-time AI systems. -Current studies have been initiated to determine whether estrous cycles may be effectively synchronized in heifers to induce an ovulatory follicle that grows in the absence of exogenous progesterone. Kansas State University -We have completed a study of 69 lactating dairy cows to determine LH release in response to 2 presynchronization treatments (PG-3-G and Presynch-10; see figure under experiment #3 above) administered before an Ovsynch timed AI program. Cows were either given the second GnRH injection of Ovsynch at 56 or 72 h, with timed AI administered at 72 h in both cases. Blood samples were collected during 3 periods to assess LH concentrations: (1) around the period when GnRH was administered in the PG-3-G presynchronization treatment; (2) around the time of GnRH-1 of Ovsynch; and (3) around the time of GnRH-2 of Ovsynch. Ovaries also were scanned to determine follicle diameters and ovulation incidence. Blood serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone also have been determined. Pregnancy per AI for presynchronization treatments and times of second GnRH injection are in the table below (treatment x time interaction; P = 0.085). -We are beginning a study to determine ovulation timing after increased activity (estrual) in lactating dairy cows associated with the Select Detect activity monitoring system (Dairymaster, Causeway, Co. Kerry, Ireland) to better understand when AI should be administered relative to onset of increased activity in addition to onset of standing events determined concurrently by HeatWatch. -We are conducting a study to determine whether placement of gender-biased semen ipsilateral or contralateral to the largest follicle determined 24 h after a 7-d CIDR + Lutalyse protocol will influence pregnancy outcome in dairy heifers. Semen is placed as far anterior as possible in the uterine horn either ipsilateral or contralateral to the largest follicle. Approximately 5 to 7 d after AI based on detected estrus, the side of ovulation (presence of new corpus luteum at site of previously identified largest follicle) will be verified to ensure that the semen was placed in the treatment-designated horn. University of Kentucky -Analyses of the completed experiments described above will determine the direction of future research. University of Minnesota -In collaboration with Bob Cushman at MARC, we plan on evaluating the follicular microenvironment, oocyte viability, and transcirptome changes in the oocyte, granulosa cells, and uterine endometrium in beef cows on varying planes of nutrition. -In collaboration with Bob Cushman at MARC, conduct repeated adipose biopsies on cows being fluctuated in body condition score to determine how chemerin mRNA levels change as BCS fluctuates. -In collaboration with The Ohio State University determine the impact of progesterone concentrations during follicular growth on oocyte quality as assessed via ultrasound-guided oocyte pickup and in vitro embryo production techniques. -In collaboration with South Dakota State University and University of Wyoming, assess the impact of post-AI nutrition on early embryonic development in beef heifers. -Determine if response to the initial GnRH in the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol impacts follicular dynamics and pregnancy success. Mississippi State University -A project evaluating dam nutritional stress during early gestation and the developmental programming effects to the offspring is in the first year and will continue. This project categorizes cows based on body condition score changes as well as metabolic changes measured by analysis of blood samples for leptin, glucose and NEFA. Calves born from dams in these nutritional categories will be assessed at birth and at one month of age for weight, growth, blood pressure, and blood flow in the carotid artery. Additional measurements such as age at puberty and first lactation milk production will also be assessed. This is a long-term project and year one has just been completed, calves will begin being born now. -Additional research will be conducted to improve reproductive efficiency in both dairy and beef cattle. University of Missouri -Further evaluation of methods to facilitate fixed-time artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers and postpartum beef cows. -Development of management strategies to facilitate use of sex-sorted semen in conjunction with fixed-time AI programs. -Identification, validation and characterization of the impact of recessive developmentally lethal alleles associated with reproductive failure in Angus cattle. -Development of a university/industry program that ties economic incentives back to adoption of reproductive technology and highly proven genetics. University of Nebraska -Additional research includes understanding how strategically supplementing around breeding time will impact reproduction. Heifer development research will continue to determine if heifers developed in low input systems are more efficient and/or better adapt to grazing crop residue. A project has been initiated controlling for fetal age and sire to determine amount of supplementation needed to prevent a negative fetal impact when cows graze dormant range. This study will also examine early or late weanings impact on supplementation needs. North Dakota State University -The long-tern project evaluating the impacts of incorporating artificial insemination into beef cattle breeding systems will follow calves into the post-weaning period. A backgrounding study will be conducted with steer calves to determine the intake, gain, and feed efficiency of calves from each system. In addition, a heifer development project will evaluate the intake, gain, feed efficiency, and proportion of females cyclic as the development phase progresses. -An effort to determine the sustainability of beef cattle breeding systems will be initiated with research performed on 10 commercial beef herds to determine the production, performance, and profit responses of breeding systems that incorporate artificial insemination compared with those that use only natural service. -A project has been initiated to collect real-time data at the time of pregnancy checking beef herds. Veterinary clinics will provide data and will benchmarking data and summary reports for their current clients, and data will be used to determine the impacts of several routine management practices on overall herd reproductive performance. South Dakota State University -To continue to Collaborate with USDA-MARC to try to determine selection criteria for heifer selection that will impact longevity in the herd. University of Wisconsin -We are currently working projects in four main areas: 1) the effect of mastitis on pregnancy loss and reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows; 2) the effect of rumen-protected choline on milk production and reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows; 3) use of rbFSH for superovulation in dairy cattle; and 4) development and optimization of hormonal protocols for synchronization of ovulation.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Pulley, S. L., L. D. Wallace, H. I. Mellieon, Jr., and J. S. Stevenson. 2012. Ovarian characteristics, serum concentrations, and fertility in lactating dairy cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin. Theriogenology. Accepted. Mellieon, Jr., H. I., S. L. Pulley, G. C. Lamb, J. E. Larson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2012. Evaluation of the 5- vs. a modified 7-day CIDR program in dairy heifers before artificial insemination. Theriogenology. In press. Kasimanickam, V., R. Kasimanickam, A. Arangasamy, A. Saberivand, J. S. Stevenson, and J. P. Kastelic. 2012. Association between mRNA abundance of functional sperm function proteins and fertility of Holstein bulls. Theriogenology. In press. Bridges, G. A., J. K. Ahola, C. Brauner, L. H. Cruppe, J. C. Currin, M. L. Day, P. J. Gunn, J. R. Jaeger, S. L. Lake, G. C. Lamb, G. H. L. Marquezini, R. K. Peel, A. E. Radunz, J. S. Stevenson, and W. D. Whittier.. 2011. Determination of the appropriate delivery of PGF2± in the 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol in suckling beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 90: In press. Stevenson, J. S. and S. L. Pulley. 2012. Pregnancy per artificial insemination after presynchronizing estrous cycles with the Presynch-10 protocol or prostaglandin F2± injection followed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone before Ovsynch-56 in 4 dairy herds of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95: in press. Stevenson, J. S., and S. L. Pulley. 2012. Characteristics and retention of luteal structures, extended post-insemination cycle, progesterone, and pregnancy-specific protein B in serum after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:4396-4409. Stevenson, J. S., S. L. Pulley, and H. I. Mellieon, Jr. 2012. Prostaglandin F2± and gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH administration improve progesterone status, luteal number, and proportion of ovular and anovular dairy cows with corpora lutea before a timed AI program. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1831-1844. Mundell, L.R., J.R. Jaeger, J. W. Waggoner, J.S. Stevenson, D.M. Grieger, L.A. Pacheco, J.W. Bolte, N. A. Aubel, G. J. Eckerle, M. J. Macek, S. M. Ensley, L. J. Havenga, and KC Olson. 2012. Effects of prepartum and postpartum bolus injections of trace minerals on performance of beef cows and calves grazing native range. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:82-88. El-Zarkouny, S. A., M. M. Shaaban, and J. S. Stevenson. 2011. Blood metabolites and hormone-based programmed breeding treatment in anovular lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 94:6001-6010. Stevenson, J. S., and S. L. Pulley. 2012. Pregnancy per AI after presynchronizing estrous cycles with Presynch-10 or PG-3-G before Ovsynch-56 in four dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 1):72-73 (Abstr.). Hill, S.L., S.L. Pulley, H. I. Mellieon, Jr., KC Olson, J. R. Jaeger, R.M. Breiner, G. A. Perry, G. C. Lamb, and J.S. Stevenson. 2012. Presynchronizing PGF2a injection before a fixed timed artificial insemination CO-Synch + CIDR program. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):322 (Abstr.). Pulley, S. L. 2011. Ovarian characteristics, serum concentrations, and fertility in lactating dairy cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, 87 p. Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Martins, P.G.M.A., J.D. Arthington, R.F. Cooke, C.G. Lamb, C.A.A. Torres, A.B. Mancio, J.D. Guimarães, D.B. Araújo. 2012. Evaluation of beef cow and calf separation systems to improve reproductive performance of first-calf cows. Livstock Sci. (Accepted: LIVSCI-D-12-407) Black, T.E., K.M. Bischoff, V.R.G. Mercadante, G.H.L. Marquezini, N. DiLorenzo, C.C. Chase, Jr, S.W. Coleman, T.D. Maddock, and G. C. Lamb. 2012. The relationships among performance, residual feed intake, and temperament assessed in growing beef heifers and subsequently as three-year-old suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted E-2012-5242) Bridges, G. A., J. K. Ahola, C. Brauner, L. H. Cruppe, J. C. Currin, M. L. Day, P. J. Gunn, J. R. Jaeger, S. L. Lake, G. C. Lamb, G. H. L. Marquezini, R. K. Peel, A. E. Radunz, J. S. Stevenson, W. D. Whittier. 2012. Determination of the appropriate delivery of PGF2± in the 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol in suckling beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted: E-2011-4880). Dahlen, C.R., A. DiCostanzo, A. R. Spell, and G. C. Lamb. Use of embryo transfer 7 d after artificial insemination or transferring identical demi-embryos to increase twinning in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted: E-2011-44778.R3). Mellieon, H.I., Jr., S. L. Pulley, G. C. Lamb, J. E. Larson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2012. Evaluation of the 5-day versus a modified 7-day CIDR breeding program in dairy heifers. Theriogenology (Accepted: THERIO-D-12-00319R2).. Rodgers, J. C., S. L. Bird, J. E. Larson, N. DiLorenzo, A. DiCostanzo, G. C. Lamb. 2012. An Economic Evaluation of Estrous Synchronization and Timed Artificial Insemination in Beef Cows. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted: E-2011-4836) Bischoff, K. M., T. E. Black, V. R. G. Mercadante, G. H. L. Marquezini, R. O. Myer, A. T. Adesogan, N. DiLorenzo, and G. C. Lamb. 2012. Effects of feeding perennial peanut hay on growth, development, attainment of puberty, and fertility in beef replacement heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):410 (Abstr.). Hill, S. L., S. L. Pulley, H. I. Mellieon Jr., K. C. Olson, J. R. Jaeger, R. M. Breiner, G. A. Perry, G. C. Lamb, and J. S. Stevenson. 2012, Presynchronizing PGF2± injection before a fixed time artificial insemination (TAI) CO-Synch + CIDR program. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):322 (Abstr.). Jackson, C. G., T. L. Neville, V. R. G. Mercadante, K. M. Bischoff, G. C. Lamb, C. R. Dahlen, and R. R. Redden. 2012. Out-of-season reproductive performance of ewes synchronized to estrus with various 5-d protocols. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):153 (Abstr.). Marquezini, G. H. L., F.M.C. Silva, K.M. Bischoff, T.E. Black, V.R.G. Mercadante, N. DiLorenzo, G.C. Lamb. 2012. Effects of temporary calf removal (CR) prior to fixed-time AI (TAI) on pregnancy rates and subsequent calf performance in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):91 (Abstr.). Mercadante, V. R. G., K. M. Bischoff, G. H. L. Marquezini, J. D. Arthington, N. DiLorenzo, and G. C. Lamb. 2012. Effects of anti-phospholipase A2 antibody (aPLA2) supplementation on DMI, feed efficiency and blood differentials of steers fed forage and grain-based diets. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):427 (Abstr.). Mercadante, P. M., K. M. Bischoff, V. R. G. Mercadante, G. C. Lamb, and A. D. Ealy. 2012. Influence of Bos indicus genetics on pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) and their association with fetal development. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):50 (Abstr.). Steichen, P. L., S. I. Klein, Q. P. Larson, K. M. Bischoff, V. G. R. Mercadante, G. C. Lamb, C. S. Schauer, B. W. Neville, and C. R Dahlen. 2012. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on pregnancy rates and days to conception. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):152 (Abstr.). Lamb, G.C. 2011. Embryo Transfer: Managing donors and recipients. In: Proc. 12th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Joplin, MO Lamb, G.C. and T.E. Black. 2011. Embryo transfer recipients: What works and what doesnt work? In Proc: AETA/CETA Joint Annual Convention. San Antonio, TX pp 20-22. Lamb, G.C., T.E. Black, K.M. Bischoff, V.R.G. Mercadante. 2011. Implications of Selection for RFI. 60th Beef Cattle Short Course, Gainesville FL pp37-46. Lamb, G.C., T.E. Black, K. M. Bischoff, V.R.G. Mercadante. Feed Efficiency in Beef Females. 2011. In: Proc. XV Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. pp 45-57. Lamb, G.C., G.H.L. Marquezini, V.R.G. Mercadante, T.E. Black, K.M. Bischoff. Interventions to Enhance Fertility in Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocols. 2011. In: Proc. XV Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. pp 238-249. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Publications: none University of Minnesota Sparks, B.L., S.L. Lake, P.J. Gunn, K.S. Fisher, L.A. Horstman, R.P. Lemenager, J. Berry, and G.A. Bridges. 2012. Effects of PGF2a administration at CIDR insertion on artificial insemination and pregnancy rates in beef heifers. Professional. Anim. Sci. In Press. Bridges, G.A, M.L. Mussard, J.L. Pate, T.L. Ott, T.R. Hansen, and M.L. Day. 2012. Impact of preovulatory estradiol concentrations on conceptus development and uterine gene expression. Anim. Reprod. Sci. In Press. Bridges G.A., L.H. Cruppe, J.F. Currin, M.L. Day, P.J. Gunn, J.R. Jaeger, G.C. Lamb, A.E. Radunz, P. Repenning, J.S. Stevenson, J.C. Whittier, W.D. Whittier. 2012. Determination of the appropriate delivery of PGF2a in the 5 day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol in lactating beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. In Press. Kruse, S.G., B. Funnell, S. Bird, and G.A. Bridges. Effects of change of body condition score on embryo quality and yield in postpartum beef cows. 2012. Proceedings of the 45th Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meetings, State College, PA. August 2012. Bridges, G.A., Kruse, S.G., B. Funnell, and S. Bird. Effect of change of body condition score of donor and recipient on ovarian function, endocrine status, and pregnancy success in beef cows. 2012. Proceedings of the 45th Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meetings, State College, PA. August 2012. Perry, G.A. and G.A. Bridges. 2012. Gonadotropin surge along was not significant to up-regulate matrix metalloproteinases within ovulatory sized bovine follicles. Proceedings of the 45th Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meetings, State College, PA. August 2012. Bridges, G.A. 2012. Deficiencies in the uterine environment and failure to support embryonic development. Invited presentation at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Review article in preparation. Geary, T.E., G.A. Bridges et al. 2012. Influence of follicle characteristics at ovulation on early embryo survival. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Review article in preparation. Perry, G.A., J.K. Grand, J.A. Walker, G.A. Bridges, S.G. Kruse, S. Bird, K. Heaton, R. Arias, and S.L. Lake. 2012. Comparison of three CIDR based fixed-time AI protocols for beef heifers. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., R.P. Lemenager, L.A. Horstman, and G.A. Bridges. Efficacy of a new, once-used, or twice-used CIDR in a 5 day CO-Synch + CIDR estrous synchronization protocol in suckled beef cows. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., J. P. Schoonmaker, R.P. Lemenager, and G.A. Bridges. Meta-analysis of effects of supplementation of distillers grains to beef cows during early lactation on reproductive efficiency and pre-weaning progeny growth. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., J.P. Schoonmaker, R.P. Lemenager, and G.A. Bridges. 2012. Feeding distillers grains as an energy source to gestating and lactating beef heifers: Impact on growth, puberty attainment and reproductive processes in female progeny. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., G.A. Bridges, R.P. Lemenager, and J.P. Schoonmaker. 2012. Feeding distillers grains as an energy source to gestating and lactating beef heifers: Impact on steer progeny longissimus muscle fatty acid profile. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., G.A. Bridges, R.P. Lemenager, and J.P. Schoonmaker. 2012. Feeding distillers grains as an energy source to gestating and lactating beef hefiers: Impact on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and glucose tolerance of steer progeny. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Gunn, P.J., R.P. Lemenager, and G.A. Bridges. 2012. Using corn stover and DDGS to conserve stockpiled forages and improve reproductive performance and progeny growth in fall-calving beef cows. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Abreu, F.M., L.H. Cruppe, M.V. Biehl, A.D.P. Rodrigues, M.D. Utt, G.A. Bridges, J.L.M. Vasconcelos, and M.L. Day. 2012. The requirement of GnRH at the onset of the 5-d Select-Synch + CIDR program in beef heifers. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Biehl, M.V., L.H. Cruppe, F.M Abreu, A.D.P. Rodrigues, M.L. Mussard, G.A. Bridges, A.V. Pires, and M.L. Day. 2012. Efficacy of the CoPGF approach to induce luteolysis in the the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR program in lactating beef cows. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Arias, R.P., P.J. Gunn, R.P. Lemenager, G.A. Bridges, and S.L. Lake. 2012. Effects of post-AI nutrition on reproductive and growth performance of yearling beef heifers. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. Cruppe, L.H., G.A. Bridges, M.V. Biehl, F.M. Abreu, A.D.P. Rodrigues, S.G. Kruse, M. Maquivar, J.L.M. Vasconcelos, and M.L. Day. 2012. Ovarian dynamics and AI pregnancy rates with PGF2alpha administration 2 d prior to the onset of a 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR program in beef cattle. To be presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. July 2012. University of Missouri Mallory, DA, JM Nash, MR Ellersieck, MF Smith, and DJ Patterson. 2011. Comparison of long-term progestin-based protocols to synchronize estrus prior to fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 89:1358-1365. Johnson, SK, RN Funston, JB Hall, DJ Kesler, JW Lauderdale, GC Lamb, DJ Patterson, GA Perry, and DR Strohbehn. 2011. Multi-state beef reproduction task force provides science based recommendations for the application of reproductive technologies. J. Anim. Sci. 89:29502954. Nash, JM, DA Mallory, MR. Ellersieck, SE Poock, MF Smith, and DJ Patterson. 2011. Comparison of long-term versus short-term CIDR-based protocols to synchronize estrus prior to fixed-time AI in postpartum beef cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 132:11-16. Mirando, MA, JM Bewley, J Blue, DM Amaral-Phillips, VA Corriher, KM Whittet, N Arthur, NL McGill, and DJ Patterson. 2011. Extension Education Symposium: Reinventing extension as a resource - what does the future hold? J. Anim. Sci. In press. Martin, NT, JM Thomas, JM Nash, DA Mallory, MR Ellersieck, SE Poock, MF Smith, and DJ Patterson. 2012. Comparison of long-term CIDR-based protocols to synchronize estrus and ovulation prior to fixed-time artificial insemination in postpartum beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3: 238. Nash, JM, NT Martin, JM Thomas, BD Mayhan, MF Smith, SE Poock, and DJ Patterson. 2012. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program: A retrospective on marketing and sales. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3:406. Thomas, JM, JM Nash, NT Martin, BD Mayhan, MF Smith, SE Poock, and DJ Patterson. 2012. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program: Prebreeding reproductive evaluation of heifers and subsequent pregnancy outcome after fixed-time AI. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3:406. Patterson, DJ, DS Brown, SE Poock, and MF Smith. 2012. The Missouri Beef Project: An industry partnership designed to link economic incentives with technology adoption. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3:406. Patterson, DJ, DA Mallory, JM Nash, NT Martin, and MF Smith. 2011. Strategies to optimize use of AI in cow/calf production systems: Focus on fixed-time AI protocols for heifers. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 11-40. Patterson, DJ, DA Mallory, JM Nash, NT Martin, and MF Smith. 2011. Strategies to optimize use of AI in cow/calf production systems: Focus on fixed-time AI protocols for cows. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 43-77. Smith, MF, GA Perry, JA Atkins, EM Jinks, KG Pohler, and DJ Patterson. 2011. Keys to a successful estrus synchronization and artificial insemination program. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 105-121. Patterson, DJ, DA Mallory, JL Parcell, MF Smith, RL Weber, SE Poock, JK Burton, EW Cole, AL Kennett, RL Eakins, DP Hoffman, JR Humphrey, EG Schmitz, and TC Cunningham. 2011. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 237-251. Pohler, KG, DA Mallory, DJ Patterson, MF Smith, JW Lauderdale, T Martins, RFG Peres, ER Vilela, and JLM Vasconcelos. 2011. Reproductive technology and global production of beef: Why beef producers in the US need to pay attention. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 379-396. Smith, MF, GA Perry, JA Atkins, EM Jinks, KG Pohler, and DJ Patterson. 2011. Physiological principles underlying synchronization of estrus. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 31-September 1, Joplin, MO. pp. 401-423. Patterson, DJ, DA Mallory, JM Nash, NT Martin, and MF Smith. 2011. Strategies to optimize use of AI in cow/calf production systems: Focus on fixed-time AI protocols for cows. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. September 30-October1, Boise, ID. pp. 95-129. Patterson, DJ, DA Mallory, JM Nash, NT Martin, and MF Smith. 2011. Strategies to optimize use of AI in cow/calf production systems: Focus on fixed-time AI protocols for heifers. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. September 30-October1, Boise, ID. pp. 63-92. South Dakota State University Perry, G. A., J.K. Grant, J.A. Walker, G.A. Bridges, S.G. Kruse, S. Bird, K. Heaton, R. Arias, S.L. Lake. 2012. Comparison of three CIDR based fixed-time AI protocols for beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 90: Abstr 261. Roberts, C. A., G. A. Perry, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. 2012. Effects of preovulatory estradiol concentration on embryo survival and pregnancy establishment in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 90: Abstr 39. Geary, T. W., M. F. Smith, M. D. MacNeil, M. L. Day, G. A. Bridges, G. A. Perry, F. M. Abreu, J. A. Atkins, K. G. Pohler, E. M. Jinks, and C. A. Roberts. 2012. Influence of follicle characteristics at ovulation on early embryo survival. J. Anim. Sci. 90: Abstr 12. Hill,S. L., S. L. Pulley, H. I. Mellieon, Jr., KC Olson, J. R. Jaeger, R. A. Breiner, G. A. Perry, G. C. Lamb, and J. S. Stevenson. 2012. Presynchronizing PGF2± injection before the fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) CO-Synch + CIDR program. J. Anim. Sci. 90: Abstr T196. Walker, J. A., G. A. Perry, and K. C. Olson. 2012. Inclusion of propionate salt in postpartum supplementation on young cow reproductive performance. J. Anim. Sci. 90: Abstr T230. L.K. Kill, E.M. Mousel, R.A. Cushman, G.A. Perry. 2012. Effect of heifer calving date on longevity and lifetime productivity. J. Anim Sci. 90 (supp 2) Abstr 340P. O. L. Swanson, J. K. Grant, K. L. Gebhart, L. K. Kill, G. A. Perry. 2012. Impact of initiation of standing estrus at time of a controlled internal drug releasing device insertion on fertility in beef heifers. J. Anim Sci. 90 (supp 2) Abstr 339P. K. L. Gebhart, B.L. Perry, J.A. Walker, C. L. Wright, and G. A. Perry. 2012. Influence of post-AI supplementation on weight change and pregnancy success in beef heifers. J. Anim Sci. 90 (supp 2) Abstr 92. Gonda, M. G., X. Fang, G. A. Perry, C. Maltecca. Measuring Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus vaccine response: Using a commercially available ELISA as a surrogate for serum neutralization assays. Vaccine (In Press). Pohler, K. G., T. W. Geary, J. A. Atkins, G. A. Perry, E. M. Jinks, and M. F. Smith. 2012. Follicular Determinants of Pregnancy Establishment and Maintenance. Cell and Tissue Research. In Press Perry, G. A. 2012. Harnessing basic knowledge of factors controlling puberty to improve synchronization of estrus and fertility in heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 90:1172-11-82. Perry, G. A., B. L. Perry, J. H. Krantz, and J. Rodgers. 2012. Influence of inducing luteal regression prior to a fixed-time AI CIDR protocol in postpartum beef cows on pregnancy success. J. Anim. Sci. 90:489-94. Fields, S. D., K. L. Gebhart, B. L. Perry, M. G. Gonda, C. L. Wright, R. C. Bott, and G. A. Perry. 2012. Effects of Initiation of Standing Estrus Prior to an Injection of GnRH on LH Release, Subsequent Concentrations of Progesterone, and steroidogenic enzyme expression. Dom. Anim. Endo. 42:11-19. Mississippi Ag and Forestry Experiment Station Marquezini, G. H. L., V. R. G. Mercadante, K. M. Bischoff, T. E. Black, N. DiLorenzo, S. L. Bird, B. J. Funnell, C. R. Dahlen, J. E. Larson, and G. C. Lamb. 2012. Effects of temporary calf removal prior to fixed-time AI (TAI) on pregnancy rates and subsequent calf performance in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. Submitted (E-2012-5743). Binversie, J. A., K. E. Pfeiffer, and J. E. Larson. 2012. Modifying the Double-Ovsynch protocol to include human chorionic gonadotropin to synchronize ovulation in dairy cattle. Theriogenology Accepted (THE_12252). Mellieon, Jr. H. I., S. L. Pulley, G. C. Lamb, J. E. Larson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2012. Evaluation of the 5-day versus a modified 7-day CIDR breeding program in dairy heifers. Theriogenology Accepted (THERIO-D-12-00319R2). University of Nebraska Funston, R.N., J.A. Musgrave, T.L. Meyer, and D.M. Larson. 2012. Effect of calving distribution on beef cattle progeny performance. J. Anim. Sci. 90: (accepted) Funston, R.N., and T.L. Meyer. 2012. Evaluating conventional and sexed semen in a commercial beef heifer development program. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28: (accepted) Griffin, W.A., L.A. Stalker, D.C. Adams, R.N. Funston, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2012. Calving date and wintering system effects on cow and calf performance I: A systems approach to beef production in the Nebraska Sandhills. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:249-259. Griffin, W.A., L.A. Stalker, M.C. Stockton, D.C. Adams, R.N. Funston, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2012. Calving date and wintering system effects on cow and calf performance II: Economic analysis. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:260-271. Griffin, W.A., T.J. Klopfenstein, L.A. Stalker, G.E. Erickson, J.A. Musgrave, and R.N. Funston. 2012. The effects of supplementing dried distillers grains to steers grazing cool season meadow. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:56-63. Funston, R.N., A.F. Summers, and A.J. Roberts. 2012. Implications of nutritional management for beef cow-calf systems. J. Anim. Sci. 90:23012307. Funston, R.N., J.L. Martin, D.M. Larson, and A.J. Roberts. 2012. Nutritional aspects of developing replacement heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 90:11661171. Summers, A.F., T.L. Meyer, S.P. Weber, and R.N. Funston. 2012. Effect of beef heifer development system on ADG. Reproduction, and feed efficiency during first pregnancy. North Dakota State University Dahlen, C.R., A. DiCostanzo, A. R. Spell, and G. C. Lamb. Use of embryo transfer 7 d after artificial insemination or transferring identical demi-embryos to increase twinning in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted: E-2011-44778.R3). Rodgers, J. C., S. L. Bird, J. E. Larson, N. DiLorenzo, C. R. Dahlen, A. DiCostanzo, and G.C. Lamb. 2012. An economic evaluation of estrous synchronization and timed artificial insemination in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (Epub ahead of print May 14, 2012). Dahlen, C.R., G. Marquezini, J.E. Larson, and G.C. Lamb. 2011. Human chorionic onadotropin influences ovarian function and concentrations of progesterone in prepubertal Angus heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 89:2739-2749. Dahlen, C.R., G.H.L. Marquezini, J.E. Larson, and G.C. Lamb. 2011. Fixed-time artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers after estrous synchronization with human chorionic gonadotropin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone. J. Anim. Sci. 89:2750-2758. Jackson, C.G., T.L. Neville, V.R.G. Mercadante, K.M. Bischoff, G.C. Lamb, C.R. Dahlen, and R.R. Redden. 2012. Out-of-season reproductive performance of ewes synchronized to estrus with various 5-d protocols. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):153(Abstr.). Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, K.M. Bischoff, V.G.R. Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R Dahlen. 2012. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on pregnancy rates and days to conception. J.Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 3):152 (Abstr.). Klein, S.I. and C.R. Dahlen. 2011. Incorporation of temporary calf removal into the seven-day CO-Synch+CIDR estrous synchronization protocol for suckled beef cows. 2011 NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report pp 13-15. Camacho, L.E.. C.O. Lemley, B.W. Neville, C.R. Dahlen, G.P. Lardy. And K.A. Vonnahme. 2011. Effects of realimentation after nutrient restriction during early to midgestation on umbilical blood flow in pregnant beef cows. 2011 NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report pp 6-9. Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, B.W. Neville, C.S. Schauer, and C.R. Dahlen. 2011. The Research Corner: Use of BioPRYN to Determine Pregnancy Status and Assign Calving Groups. The Ranch Hand 18 (11). Dahlen, C.R. 2012. Money Ahead Before a Calf Hits the Ground? The Ranch Hand 19(2). Dahlen, C.R. 2012. What Does the Future Hold? Cattle Breeding Techniques. The Ranch Hand 19(5). Dahlen, C.R. 2012. The First 21 Days. The Ranch Hand 19(6). Wisconsin Andreu-Vázqueza, C., I. Garcia-Ispiertob, S. Ganauc, P. M. Fricke and F. López-Gatius. 2012. Effects of twinning on the subsequent reproductive performance and productive lifespan of high-producing dairy cows. Theriogenology (Accepted). Wiltbank, M. C., A. H. Souza, J. O. Giordano, A. B. Nascimento, J. M. Vasconcelos, M. H. C. Pereira, P. M. Fricke, R. S. Surjus, F. C. S. Zinsly, P. D. Carvalho, R. W. Bender, R. Sartori. 2012. Positive and negative effects of progesterone during timed AI protocols in lactating dairy cattle. Anim. Reprod. (Accepted). Valenza, A., J. O. Giordano, G. Lopes Jr., L. Vincenti, M. C. Amundson, and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Assessment of an accelerometer system for detection of estrus and for treatment with GnRH at the time of insemination in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (Accepted). Giordano, J. O., P. M. Fricke, and V. E. Cabrera. 2012. Economics of resynchronization strategies including chemical tests to identify non-pregnant cows. J. Dairy Sci. (Accepted). Giordano, J. O., M. C. Wiltbank, J. N. Guenther, M. S. Ares, G, Lopes Jr., M. M. Herlihy, and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Effect of presynchronization with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH seven days before resynchronization of ovulation on fertility in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Giordano, J. O., A. S. Kalantari, P. M. Fricke, M. C. Wiltbank, and V. E. Cabrera. 2012. A daily herd Markov-chain model to study the reproductive and economic impact of reproductive programs combining timed artificial insemination and estrous detection. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5442-5460. Giordano, J. O., P. M. Fricke, J. N. Guenther, G. Lopes Jr., M. M. Herlihy, A. B. Nascimento, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2012. Effect of progesterone on magnitude of the luteinizing hormone surge induced by two different doses of GnRH in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:37813793. Giordano, J. O., M. C. Wiltbank, and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Humoral immune response in lactating dairy cows after repeated exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin. Theriogenology 78:218224. Giordano, J. O., M. C. Wiltbank, J. N. Guenther, R. Pawlisch, S. Bas, A. P. Cunha, and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Increased fertility in lactating dairy cows resynchronized with Double-Ovsynch when compared to Ovsynch initiated 32 d after Timed AI. J. Dairy Sci. 95:639-653. Giordano, J. O., J. N. Guenther, G. Lopes Jr., and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Changes in serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB), and progesterone concentrations before and after induction of pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:683-697. Shahinfar, S., K. Weigel, D. Page, J. Guenther, V. Cabrera, and P. Fricke. 2012. Prediction of pregnancy oucome using machine learning algorithms. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):45. Fricke, P. M., A. Valenza, J. O. Giordano, M. C. Amundson, and G. Lopes Jr. 2012. Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows managed for first service using timed artificial insemination with or without detection of estrus using an accelerometer system. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):74. Giordano, J. O., and P. M. Fricke. 2012. Accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis outcomes using transrectal ultrasonograpny 29 days after artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):75. Aguerre, M. J., J. O. Giordano, A. S. Kalantari, M. A. Wattiaux, P. M. Fricke, and V. E. Cabrera. 2012. Impact of dairy herd reproductive performance on predicted economic performance, enteric CH4 emission and excretion of N and P. using a Markov-chain model. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):90. Cordoba, M. C., P. M. Fricke, P. L. Ruegg, R. D. Shaver, K. A. Weigel, and V. E. Cabrera. 2012. Repro Money: A farmer-directed team-based extension program to improve reproductive performance in Wisconsin dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):280. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Reproductive challenges of lactating dairy cows. Proc. XIV SIVAR National Veterinary Congress. May 11-12, Cremona, Italy. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Setting up cows for first postpartum artificial insemination. Proc. XIV SIVAR National Veterinary Congress. May 11-12, Cremona, Italy. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Use of chemical tests for pregnancy diagnosis in a reproductive management program. Proc. XIV SIVAR National Veterinary Congress. May 11-12, Cremona, Italy. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Resynchronization of ovulation and timed AI in lactating dairy cows failing to conceive to a prior AI service. Proc. XIV SIVAR National Veterinary Congress. May 11-12, Cremona, Italy. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Gestaciones Gemelares en el Vacuno Lechero (Twinning in Dairy Cattle). Proc. XVII Congress of the Associación Nacional de Especialistas en Medicina Bovina de España (ANEMBE). April 19-20, Santander, Spain, pp. 32-37. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Preperación de las Vacas Para la Premera Inseminación Postparto (Setting upcows for first postpartum artificial insemination). Proc. XVII Congress of the Associación Nacional de Especialistas en Medicina Bovina de España (ANEMBE). April 19-20, Santander, Spain, pp. 41-45. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Resinchronización de la Ovulación e IA Progremada en Vacas Lecheras en Lactación Tras no Haber Concebido en un Cervicio de IA Anterior (Resynchronization of ovulation and timed AI in lactating dairy cows failing to conceive to a prior AI service). Proc. XVII Congress of the Associación Nacional de Especialistas en Medicina Bovina de España (ANEMBE). April 19-20, Santander, Spain, pp 50-54. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Twinning in Dairy Cattle. Proc. 17th Congress of the Associación Nacional de Especialistas en Medicina Bovina de España (ANEMBE). April 19-20, Santander, Spain. Fricke, P. M. 2012. The economics of reproduction in dairy cattle. Dairy Industry Seminar. March 7, Prostejov, Czech Republic. Fricke, P. M., A. Valenza, G. Lopes Jr., M. C. Amundson, and J. O. Giordano. 2012. Assessment of an accelerometer system for detection of estrus and timing of artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows. Proc. 4-State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference, June 13-14, Dubuque, IA, pp. 120-124. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Hormonal protocols for synchronizing and resynchronizing lactating dairy cows. Proc. Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Meeting, February 25, Roanoke, VA. Fricke, P. M. 2012. Seven keys of highly successful reproductive management programs. Renaissance Nutrition talks, January 24-25, Berlin and Millmont, PA.