Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual S-1013 regional project meeting entitled Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically adapted breeds was called to order on June 1 and 2, 2005 at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, located in Raymond, MS. Welcome was given my Mr. Butch Withers, Head of the Central MS Research and Extension Center, providing an overview of MAFES units and centers. Dr. Don Parker, Interim Facilities Coordinator, for the MAFES-Brown Loam Experiment Station, highlighted some of his research with the Southwestern corn borer, insect refuges for crops and host-plant resistance. Dr. Bisoondat Macoon, Forage Agronomist, discussed several of his research projects involving perennial peanuts, fescue, forage variety trials, and bacterial loading in intermittent streams. Chairman, Dr. Mike Brown (El Reno, OK), gave his opening remarks and asked all attendees to introduce themselves and location. There were 24 attendees representing 9 states and including one USDA representative. He announced members of this years nominating committee which included: Larry Cundiff, Zelpha Johnson, and Bill Holloway; resolutions committee: Sid DeRouen, Andy Herring, and Johnny Rossi. He announced that member reports would be given in alphabetical order by state. Dr. Hayden Brown gave the research report for Arkansas, highlighting their contribution to Objective 3. Dr. David Riley gave the research report for Florida, highlighting their contribution to Objective 1, 2, 3 and 4, involving the Romosinuano cattle breed and crosses with Angus. Dr. Johnny Rossi, provided the report for Georgia (Tifton), for their contribution to Objective 3. Dr. Fred Thrift from Kentucky was not in attendance but forwarded his report by e-mail to the committee. Dr. Don Franke from LSU gave the first report for Louisiana for their contribution to Objective 2 and 3. Dr. Wayne Wyatt, provided the Iberia Station report for LA and discussed their contribution to objective 3. Dr. Sid DeRouen provided the Hill Farm Station report for LA for their contribution to objective 3. Dr. Rhonda Vann, provided the Brown Loam Experiment Station report for MS for their contribution to objective 3 and provided a summarization of method of pen score evaluation. Dr. Larry Cundiff, provided the MARC report for their contribution to objectives 1 and 2, and highlighted some cooperative research with LSU. Dr. Mike A. Brown, provided the USDA-ARS, GRL (El Reno) report for Oklahoma for their contribution to objectives 1 and 2, highlighting extensive and intensive native range grazing. Dr. Jim Sanders provided the first Texas A&M University report highlighting work done at the McGregor Station on their contributions to objectives 2, 3 and 4. In addition, he discussed in further detail their pen score evaluation method. Dr. Bill Holloway provided the second Texas A&M University report representing TAES-Uvalde and their contributions to objectives 2 and 3, he highlighted some research involving phenotype x environment interactions with cows equipped with GPS units. Dr. Bob Godfrey provided the final station report for the University of the Virgin Islands for their contribution to objective 3 involving Senepol cattle. Chairman, Mike Brown then directed the committee to be thinking about tomorrows discussions concerning the S-1013 publication on Tropically Adapted Breeds symposium at last years Southern Section meeting; how to go about pooling data between and across units and objectives and the milk EPD data. The committee broke for lunch and for tours of the MAFES-Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station (Raymond, MS) and Gaddis Farms in Bolton, MS. On June 2, 2005, the meeting as called to order and resumed by Chairman, Mike Brown, and was opened with discussion on location of next years meeting. First choice was Kentucky, and second was Arkansas, it was suggested to contact Dr. Thrift on his willingness to host next years meeting and otherwise would meet in Arkansas if Kentucky was unavailable, the motion was moved my Dr. Jim Sanders and seconded by Dr. Hayden Brown, with all attendees in favor with no opposition. Possible dates would be the week of June 5 to 9, 2006. Dr. Larry Cundiff discussed the S-1013 publication on the Tropically Adapted Breeds symposium and method of publication as well as dedication of publication to Dr. Gregory, all committee members were in unanimous agreement to this dedication. In addition, be sure that this publication highlights that these research data were contributions from the S-243, S-277 and etc, regional projects. The next discussion involved the previous regional project work, S-277, on milk production and stress data. Discussion of any remaining publications needed on the data and which areas were of highest priority for publication. Dr. Don Franke suggested that Dr. Mike Boyd and Dr. Andy Herring be involved with final analyses of the milk and stress data and make a presentation at next years meeting. S-1013 objective coordinators were assigned as follows: Objective 1  Drs. David Riley and Mike Brown; Objective 2  Drs. Jim Sanders and Andy Herring; Objective 3  Dr. Hayden Brown; and Objective 4  Dr. Jim Sanders. Also standardization of the temperament data was discussed. Dr. David Morrison provided the administrative advisor comments. He highlighted that the station report handouts were very important and to make sure and send an electronic copy to the chairman to aid in formation of his annual report and to provide important accomplishments and impact statements in reports. Dr. Peter Burfening provided the USDA-CSREES report highlighting CSREES budgets, funding opportunities and deadlines, staff changes and assignments. Mike Brown pointed out that the current offices were as follows: Chaiman  Dr. Mike Brown, Chair-elect  Dr. David Riley, and Secretary  Dr. Rhonda Vann. Dr. Bill Holloway provided the nominating committees decision to nominate Dr. Sid DeRouen for secretary, the motion was moved by Dr. Hayden Brown and seconded by Dr. Don Franke, with all members in favor of motion. Next years offices will be as follows: Chaiman  Dr. David Riley, Chair-elect  Dr. Rhonda Vann and secretary  Dr. Sid DeRouen. Dr. Sid DeRouen read the Resolutions report, the motion was made my Dr. Mike Boyd for acceptance of resolutions and seconded by Dr. Hayden Brown with all members in agreement. Dr. Mike Brown stated appreciation to Dr. Vann and members of the CMREC and Brown Loam staff for their hospitality. He assigned Dr. Riley to contact Fred Thrift about hosting next years meeting. Dr. Don Franke made the motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Dr. Andy Herring, with all members in agreement. Meeting was adjourned, lunch provided and a tour of the Hinds Community College Bull Evaluation Center was available to interested individuals.

Objective 1. Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. ARS-Florida There has been recent interest in non-Zebu tropically-adapted breeds such as the Criollo Romosinuano cattle from South America. In 2001, Angus (n=150, Brahman (n~180, and Romosinuano (n~190) were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status. Breeding herds of about 30 cows each (10 of each breed) were exposed to a single sire for 90 days beginning March 20. Calves were born from late December through April of each year. In this three-way diallel for most calf traits, estimates of heterosis for Angus-Romosinuano were about 6% of the straightbred average, and those for Romosinuano-Brahman and Brahman-Angus were about 10%. These estimates of breed direct and maternal genetic effects and heterosis will facilitate performance prediction for crossbred cattle in subtropical areas of the United States, and will help cow-calf producers make breed selection decisions. ARS-Nebraska To limit costs of production and improve efficiency of production a strong influence of tropically adapted germplasm is needed in subtropical regions of the U.S. In the hotter and more humid climates of the Gulf Coast, about 50:50 ratios of Bos indicus to Bos taurus inheritance may be optimal. A little further north (e.g., Southeastern Oklahoma, central Arkansas, Tennessee and parts of North Carolina), 25:75 ratios of Bos indicus: Bos taurus inheritance may be optimal in cowherds. In temperate climates (e.g., Nebraska), crosses with 50% or more Bos indicus inheritance suffer increased mortality when calves are born in colder seasons and reduced average daily gains in feedlots during winter months. Use of F1 Brahman cross cows, Nellore, or Boran Fl cross cows or rotational crossing of composite breeds such as Beefmaster, Brangus, Bonsmara, or Santa Gertrudis are especiaHy appropriate in subtropical environments. If replacement requirements for suitably adapted females are met and terminal crossing is feasible, then a Bos taurus breed can be used to optimize carcass and meat characteristics and increase market value of terminal cross slaughter progeny. In developing composite populations with an overall level of 50% tropical adaptation, it may be appropriate to substitute a portion (e.g., 25%) of non Bos indicus germplasm for Bos indicus germplasm from such breeds as the Tuli, Romosinuano, or Senepole to maintain tropical adaptation and improve meat tenderness, provided they are crossed with other breeds that optimize size and growth rate. However, additional research is needed to determine optimum contributions of Bos indicus, British Bos taurus, Continental Bos taurus, tropically adapted Sanga breeds, and tropically adapted Criollo breeds from Central and South America in beef production in subtropical environments of the U.S. Objective 2. Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States ARS-Florida The accomplishments for Objective 2 are incorporated into the discussion for objective 1 above. Louisiana Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuana-sired cows had similar calving rates at two years of age. Brahman x Angus F1 cows had a lower calving rate for the first calf because most of these heifers were purchased at younger ages and they had not reached puberty by the end of the first breeding season. Bonsmara- and Romosinuana-sired cows required more calving assistance at two years of age than Beefmaster-, Brangus- and Brahman-sired F1 females. MARC 3-sired calves from Brahman x Angus F1 cows gained faster during the preweaning period and were heavier at weaning than calves from the other breed types of dams. Calving rates for the second calf by Charolais bulls were higher for Beefmaster and Bonsmara-sired cows than other breed types of cows. No difference in calving assistance due to sire breed of cow was noted for the second calf. The Brahman x Angus F1 cow is considered one of the best types for Louisiana commercial cow-calf production. If one of the other breed types of cows being evaluated is competitive with the Brahman x Angus F1 cow then this breed type should be considered by Louisiana producers. Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuana sired females will produce calves from Charolais sires in 2006. Cows will be 4 and 5 years old at this time. Reproductive, birth, weaning, feedlot and carcass data will be collected on these calves. ARS-Nebraska The accomplishments for Objective 2 are incorporated into the discussion for objective 1 above. ARS-Oklahoma Preweaning and postweaning performance has been evaluated for the 2002, 2003, and 2004 calf crops. Differences in 205-d weights were nominal with a trend for Charolais-sired calves to be heaviest at weaning and Brangus- and Romosinuano-sired calves lightest. Differences in postweaning ADG in drylot were small with a trend for Hereford to be lowest in ADG. Trends in wheat pasture gains suggested lower ADG in Bonsmara and Romosinuano sire calves. The 2005 calf crop is on the ground. Other preliminary analyses of calf data are in progress. Sire breed has an important influence on both preweaning and postweaning performance. These preliminary results provide information on potential preweaning and postweaning performance of calves sired by Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Brangus, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano breeds bred to Brangus cows. Phase II heifers (n=200) will be synchronized and bred AI to Maine-Anjou sires in the spring and summer of 2005. Fifty Phase II cows will be milked to determine relationships between dam maternal performance and calf stocker performance. Texas McGregor Station: There has been recent interest in non-Zebu tropically-adapted breeds such as the Boran and Tuli breeds. Of the cows born in 1992 and 1993 and sired by Tuli, Boran and Brahman bulls, productivity has been highest in the Boran cross cows. Although they have also had higher calf crop born than the Brahman and Tuli crosses, much of their advantage in calf crop weaned has been due to higher survival rates in their calves. Of the cows born in 1997 and 1998, productivity has been higher in the Nellore crosses than the Brahman crosses. Cows sired by Nellore and Boran bulls and out of cows of the British beef breeds have been found to be extremely productive under central Texas conditions. Evaluation of calf performance and cow productivity will be continued. The cows in the Tuli / Boran / Brahman comparison are currently being bred to Angus bulls. The Brahman / Angus F1 females in the heterosis retention study that were born in 1997 and 1998 are being mated to Nellore / Angus F1 bulls. The Nellore / Angus F1 cows that were born in 1997 and 1998 are being mated to Angus bulls. Uvalde Station: Brahman-, Senepol-,and Tuli-sired females, born in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995, are being evaluated as to their longevity. The performance of Bonsmara-influenced females is being evaluated in terms of reproductive rate, survivability, growth characteristics, and meat quality. Tuli-Angus females weaned more kg of calf/100 kg of cow exposed than Brahman-Angus or Senepol-Angus females. Objective 3. Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. Parasite resistance: Arkansas In the first year of a five-year study, 96 purebred Angus calves were available for the study. Calves were the progeny of 11 sires, one of which is New Design 878, the in common sire among participating locations in the Southeast. The pedigree of each calf and the pedigrees of its sire and dam are recorded in the herd book of the American Angus Association. Performance data for each calf are recorded in the Angus Herd Improvement Program. In the fall of 2004, at weaning (WN) fecal egg count, temperament score, weight, hip height were determined for each calf. At weaning each calf received 4.6-mL/100 lb body weight of fenbendazole anthelmintic. Body weight, fecal egg count, and temperament score were determined at WN, WN + 21 d, and WN + 66 d. Mean calf body weight and hip height at WN were 264.44 kg and 116.84 cm, respectively. Mean temperament scores at WN and WN +66 d were 1.75 and 1.6, respectively, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being most docile. Mean fecal egg counts at WN, WN + 21 d, and WN + 66 d were 143 with a range of 0 to 827, 22 with a range of 0 to 104, and 90 with a range of 0 to 582, respectively. Mean calf body weight at WN + 66 d was 648 lb, which represented an 11% increase in mean body weight. These observations will continue to be recorded through July of 2005. This one-year of data suggest individual animal variation for temperament score and fecal egg count. Louisiana At the Iberia Research Station, data were collected for the second year of the study. A decision was made to include both Angus and Brangus heifers in the second year of the study. Determination of the exact parentage of the Brangus heifers will have to be determined by DNA analyses. Results based upon preliminary data and analyses preclude conclusive statements regarding the data. Beef animals characterized (low or high) for periodic fecal egg count, hair luster score, and hair length score may differ in terms of productivity. The project entered the second year (i.e., the second set of weaned heifers) in October, 2004 and findings to-date should be regarded as preliminary and inconclusive. However, the extent to which nematode parasitism in beef cattle is affected by host genetics should be of great importance to beef producers. In accordance with the study protocol, additional liveweight, fecal egg count, hair coat luster and length, temperament, and reproductive data will be collected (days 270 and 600) on the current Angus and Brangus heifers. Similar data will be collected on weanling Angus and Brangus heifers, beginning in October, 2005. A common AI sire was used in the 2004 and 2005 spring breeding seasons for the purpose of generating Angus heifers to be born in 2005 and 2006 and subsequently included in the study as replacement heifers. At the Central Research Station, differences in fecal egg counts were not detected between Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers, most likely due to small numbers of heifers. Additional data will be added each year and as numbers increase differences in fecal egg counts may emerge if they are real. Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers born in 2006 will be evaluated for temperament and fecal egg counts. The identification of genetic variation and genetic markers for parasite resistance could result in a reduction in use of deworming agents in the beef industry. Disposition/Temperament: Florida Although significant heterosis was detected for chute score in both Angus-Romosinuano and Brahman-Angus crosses, and for pen score in Brahman-Romosinuano crosses, direct breed effects appeared to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. Georgia Exit speed velocity has no correlation with feedlot ADG, carcass marbling, or yield grade. Cattle with greater exit speed velocities have an increased dressing percent and lower shear force values (Trial 1). Future plans for the coming year are to continue to collect exit speed data on Angus, Braford, and Brangus heifers through weaning of their first calf. Collect exit speed data for Angus, Braford, and Brangus steer calves through yearling age and collect feedlot performance and carcass data. Collect exit speed data and feedlot and carcass characteristics on Angus and Angus Charolais crossbred calves. Collect exit speed data and performance and pregnancy data of developing heifers. Kentucky A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 200 cows is being utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and traits of economic importance. To gain experience utilizing the temperament scoring system, temperament of 151 2003 spring-born calves was evaluated at weaning utilizing the following scoring system outlined in the regional project proposal: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. Preliminary results indicate little association of temperament scores with weaning weight. It is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament is associated with traits of economic importance Louisiana At the Central Research Station in Baton Rouge, temperament score data were completed on 5 Angus, 10 Braford, and 7 Brahman heifers in 2004. It is difficult to determine differences or trends due to small numbers in the first year of this study. At the Hill Farm Research Station, chute score (CS) and exit velocity (EV) in July by sire breed were: 2.02 and 2.11 m/s for Angus-sired (n=55) and 2.08 and 2.49 m/s for Charolais-sired calves (n=98) with EV differing (P<0.04) by sire breed. Chute score, EV, and 205-d weights by sire breed at weaning were: 2.24, 2.21 m/s, and 242 kg for Angus-sired and 1.99, 2.21 m/s, and 256 kg for Charolais-sired calves with 205-d weight differing by sire breed (P<0.03) but not for CS and EV. Postweaning chute score and EV in April were similar among sire breeds and were: 1.98 and 2.12 m/s for Angus-sired and 2.04 and 2.31 m/s for Charolais-sired stockers. Associations among temperament measurements and growth traits indicated no significant correlations except for July chute score with 205-d weight which resulted in a positive association. Chute score and EV in July for yearling replacement heifers were: 2.19 and 2.15 m/s for Angus-sired heifers and 2.44 and 2.40 m/s for BH heifers and were similar. Chute score and EV at palpation were: 2.19 and 1.93 m/s for Angus-sired heifers and 2.12 and 2.11 m/s for BH heifers with these traits not differing by breed type. Summer weight gains, September body weights, and pregnancy rates among Angus-sired and BH heifers did not differ. Associations among temperament measurements, body weight, growth rate, and pregnancy rate were studied and no correlation coefficients were important. Temperament measurements, in general, were similar during the pre- and postweaning phase for Angus- and Charolais-sired calves. With the exception of July chute score being positively associated with 205-d weight, there were no important associations between growth traits and temperament measurements. Temperament measurements were similar for Angus-sired and F1 Brahman-Hereford replacement heifers. There were no important correlations between heifer growth and pregnancy rate with temperament measurements. Temperament, growth, and reproductive traits will be evaluated in 2005-06 production year. Replacement heifers (n=44) born in spring 2004 will continue to be evaluated for temperament, growth and first exposure reproductive performance. Calves born in spring 2005 (n=183) will be evaluated for temperament and growth performance during the preweaning phase. Approximately 75 calves will be sold at weaning in September and the remaining calves will be retained and evaluated during the postweaning phase in 2005-06. At the Iberia Research Station, 40 weaned Angus heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 0, 181, 228, and 270 after weaning in 2003. In 2004, 29 Angus and 31 Brangus heifers were evaluated on days 0, 143, and 190 following weaning. Beef animals characterized (low or high) for periodic chute temperament score and chute exit velocity may differ in terms of productivity. The extent of genetic variation affecting temperament in beef cattle should also be of importance to beef producers. In accordance with the study protocol, additional liveweight, temperament, and reproductive data will be collected (days 270 and 600) on the current Angus and Brangus heifers. Mississippi Study 1: Breed of sire was not a significant source of variation in chute exit velocity however differences existed between steers and heifers. Although the correlation coefficients between exit velocity and temperament score were significantly different from zero the magnitudes were only moderate. In this case, pen score had a better correlation with exit velocity than chute score. Exit velocity may be the preferred method of measurement due to the subjective nature of the chute and pen temperament scores. Study 2: Breed of sire was not a significant source of variation in chute exit velocity; however differences existed between steers and heifers. Individual sire and gender of calf did influence body composition traits at weaning. The moderate association between measurements of temperament and body composition would suggest that larger calves tended to be faster and less calm. Although correlation coefficients between exit velocity and temperament score were significantly different from zero, the magnitudes were only moderate. In this case, dam EV had the strongest correlation with calf EV. This would indicate that selection for EV within the cow herd would improve temperament of calves produced. Texas McGregor Station: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare temperament assessments, using multiple techniques, over repeated observations to gauge temperament over the long-term and (2) to evaluate the relationship of the temperament appraisals with serum concentrations of cortisol (CS). Measures of temperament were gathered over 3 repeated observations (60-d interval) of yearling, fall-born Brahman bulls (initial BW=320 ± 4 kg; n=66). Temperament assessments included exit velocity (EV), the rate at which the bulls exited the squeeze chute and traversed a fixed distance (1.83 m); pen scores (PEN; 1=quiet to 5=excited), ascertained from animal behavior while penned in small groups (n=5); and chute scores (CHUTE; 1=quiet to 5=exited), determined from behavioral responses to restraint on the scale. All serial EV measures were positively correlated (r > 0.31, P < 0.02). All PEN were positively correlated (r > 0.31, P < 0.01), while serial measures of CHUTE were not (P > 0.3). EV was positively correlated with CS within times 1 and 3; EV1 to CS1 (r=0.26, P=0.04), and EV3 to CS3 (r=0.44, P < 0.01). The EV data obtained at Time 1 were transformed into a discrete variable, exit velocity ranking (EV RANK; 1 to 3 scale) where 1 equated to < 1 SD below the mean, and 3 equated to > 1 SD above the mean). Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS for a factorial analysis of time and EV RANK effects on EV and CS. EV was influenced (P < 0.01) by time as mean EV decreased from Time 1 (2.82 ± 0.07 m/sec) to Time 3(2.11 ± 0.10 m/sec). Time also influenced (P < 0.01) CS, as mean CS dropped between Time 1 (14.56 ± 0.65 ng/mL) and Time 3 (11.12 ± 0.82 ng/mL). A time by EV RANK interaction (P < 0.01) was also observed. Measures of EV can be a valuable tool for both the assessment of cattle temperament and a possible predictor of both temperament and stress responsiveness to future handling events. Uvalde Station: The relationship of temperament to performance and meat quality is being evaluated for Bonsmara crossbred calves. University of the Virgin Islands Preliminary data show that there are differences among Senepol cattle on St. Croix in chute exit velocity, an objective measure, but there is not as much difference in chute score, a subjective measure. Future studies will compare temperament and exit velocity to production traits of Senepol cattle under the extensive management systems used on St Croix. Evaluation of temperament using exit velocity will be used in future studies. By July 2005 UVI-AES will have its own Senepol herd and will be able to collect more data on temperament scores, exit velocity and relate them to production traits under the extensive management systems used on St Croix. Begin data collection on UVI Senepol herd and determine relationship between temperament scores, exit velocity and production traits of cows, calves and bulls. Objective 4. Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. ARS-Florida White blood cells were isolated and stored from calves born in 2004. Texas A genomics project has been initiated with the primary objective of finding genes with major effects on cow fertility traits and secondary objectives of finding genes with major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. The genomics project is well under way, and the variability in disposition both within and between families seem to indicate that the search for genes with major effects on disposition should be successful. If the information on disposition leads to the identification of loci with major effects on disposition, this could lead to tests that would allow genotyping at these loci for use in marker assisted selection. Embryo collection and transfer will be continued in the Genomics Project. Genome scans will be initiated for the disposition traits. All calves at the McGregor station will be bled in the fall prior to weaning for DNA extraction. For the cattle in the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) is collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles are saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample is collected for each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objective 2 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. As discussed earlier, all cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall 2001; this includes all the cattle used in Objective 2 of this regional project. In 2002 and 2003, all calves at the station were bled prior to weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets in College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for the first two calf crops (spring and fall 2003) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning (5 and 200 cc collections, respectively). As discussed earlier, the base of the scrotum and the testicles are also saved from male calves. The spring 2004 calves were bled shortly after birth and will be bled again in the fall prior to weaning.

Brown, M. A., Coleman, S. W., and Lalman, D. L., 2005. Relationship of sire expected progeny differences to milk yield in Brangus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 1194-1201. Casas, E., White, S. N., Riley, D. G., Smith, T. P. L., Brenneman, R. A., Olson, T. A., Johnson, D. D., Coleman, S. W., Bennett, G. L. and Chase, C. C., Jr. Assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes residing on chromosomes 14 and 29 for association with carcass composition traits in Bos indicus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1315. 2005. Liu, X.H., Marquez, A.P., Cundiff, L.V., and Van Vleck, L.D. Comparison of Longhorn- and Red Poll-sired calves from crossbred dams calving at 2 or 3 years of age. Prof. Anim. Sci. 2004. 20:330-335. Riley, D. G., Johnson, D. D., Chase, C. C., Jr., West, R. L., Coleman, S. W., Olson, T. A. and Hammond, A. C. Factors influencing tenderness in steaks from Brahman cattle. Meat Sci. 70:347356. 2005. Thrift, F. A. and S. M. DeRouen. 2005. Impact of weaning productivity, as mediated through sire selection, on subsequent pregnancy rate of the cow herd. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:81-87. Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2004. Investigation of birth weight and gestation length in Bos indicus  Bos taurus cross calves produced through embryo transfer. 2004 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 1-3. Brown, M. A., and Brown, Jr., A. H. 2005. Genotype x environment interactions in Brahman, Angus, and reciprocal-cross cows and their calves. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 166-181. Chase, C. C, Jr., Riley, D. G., Olson, T. A. and Coleman, S. W. Evaluation of Brahman and tropically adapted Bos taurus breeds in the humid subtropics. In: Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds. Regional Project S-1013. ASAS Southern Section. Little Rock, AR, February 8, 2005. pp. 100109. 2005. (Conference Proceedings) Cunningham, S.F., K.L. Key, A.E. Ducoing, J.O. Sanders, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2004. Evaluation of F1 cows sired by Brahman, Boran, and Tuli for reproductive performance and maternal performance. 2004 Beef Cattle Research in Texas. Pp 5-7. DeRouen, S. M. 2005. Impact of moderate and high weaning weight EPD sires on cow productivity. 2005 Louisiana Beef Rep., Louisiana Agric. Exp. Sta. 33. DeRouen, S. M. 2005. Impact of weaning weight EPDs on cow-calf productivity. The Louisiana Cattleman. 38(2):5, 13. Gill, C.A., T.S. Amen, J.O. Sanders, and A.D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Proceedings of the Symposium on Tropically Adapted Breeds, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting, Little Rock, AR, Feb. 8, 2005. Pp 75-80. Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. 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