Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The fourth annual S-1045 Regional meeting for conducting the research project titled Genetic considerations for beef cattle production in challenging environments was called to order on May 29-31, 2013 by Dr. Gary Hansen at the Pauline Whitaker Arena, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. Dr. Hayden Brown, committee member and location host for the meeting welcomed the group and introduced Dr. Mike Looper, Department Head of Animal Science, who gave the official welcome to the state and university. Dr. Looper gave an overview of the university enrollment for the department and discussed the agriculture statistics in Arkansas. Dr. Hansen announced members of the resolutions and nominating committees by asking for volunteers. This years members of the nominating committee consisted of Dr. Bob Godfrey, Dr. Jeremy Powell, and Dr. Jim Sanders; and members of the resolutions committee consisted of Dr. Trent Smith, Dr. Andy Herring and Dr. David Riley. In addition, Dr. Hansen asked all participants to introduce themselves and indicate location. Station Reports were presented by objectives. Objective 1A: Mr. Eric Oxford presented Arkansas report on evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period at 3 locations in Arkansas. Dr. Rhonda Vann indicated that evidence of IBK in MS was very minimal in the Brown Loam Research Station herd. Objective 1b: Dr. Andy Herring, Texas A&M University, reported on the results from evaluation of two vaccines for BVD (killed vs. modified live) and the subsequent titers in animals vaccinated. He also presented information on association with ADG and vaccine type and he indicated that there their appeared to be more relationships with temperament and rectal temperature during processing. Objective 1c: Dr. Bob Godfrey presented report for University of Virgin Islands on specific external parasites and association with body weights and ADG of cows and calves at weaning and yearling due to tick burden. Objective 2: Dr. Gary Hansen, North Carolina State University, went over the spreadsheet for data collection regarding this objective for cow fertility and productivity. He also asked contributors to send him information in this spreadsheet so that he could start analysis. Discussion ensued about number of columns and information included in spreadsheet. Dr. Hansen was asked to re email the spreadsheet. All participants agreed that they could provide their 2012 data to this objective. Dr. Hansen indicated that he currently has over 3,000 records in the data file. Dr. Jim Sanders, Texas A&M University presented a report on summary of data from heterosis retention project as it related to cow productivity and hybrid vigor. Objective 3: Dr. Charlie Rosenkrans gave the report for Arkansas for their contribution to Objective 3 on their work with genetic markers for profitability traits. Objective 4: Dr. Jeremy Powell gave report for Arkansas on hair coat and hair shedding of the Savoy research animals (n=199). Amanda Starnes gave report on some data from internal parasites for combined data from LA and AR. Dr. Bob Godfrey gave the report for the University of Virgin Islands for hair coat scores as described as slick, rough, and hairy and related to production efficiency of the cow and weights of calves at weaning and yearling. Slick cows and calves had greater body weights and ADG but did not see differences in BCS. Michelle Thomas gave report for AR on some research on balking behavior prior to harvesting and its relation with temperament and effects on carcass characteristics and economics. Additionally, Dr. Joan Burke with USDA-Booneville, AR presented a report on fForage systems to finish steers for grass fed beef in Arkansas. On the afternoon of May 29, 2013 the group traveled to Ozark Pasture Beef, LLC for a tour and presentation on how they raise and market forage fed beef. On Thursday, May 30, 2013, the meeting was called to order By Dr. Gary Hansen, NCSU, and station reports resumed. Dr. Trent Smith, Mississippi State University, presented information pertaining to Objective 3, table and spreadsheet of DNA collections from last years meeting and asked everyone to resubmit information on DNA collection for this past year. Representatives from Clemson University, Dr. Brian Bolt and Oklahoma State University, Megan Rolf, indicated that this was an objective that they would be able to contribute to in the upcoming year. Objective 4; Dr. Jim Sanders, Texas A&M University, presented information from McGregor cattle pertaining to hair coat and hair shedding. Dr. Sanders indicated that they had incorporated a new scoring method for new hair growth and discussed some of the challenges associated with identifying new hair growth when it begins and ends. Dr. Trent Smith, Mississippi State University, presented information pertaining to data collected for their contribution to objective 4. Dr. Smith indicated that they evaluated hair samples year round, and they saw a trend for cows that shed early to wean heavier calves and there was a high correlation between winter hair growth, length and hair weight which indicates validity in scoring system used. The group left for tour of the Tysons World Headquarters Discovery Center for a tour of their facility and presentation on research discovery at Tysons in Springdale, AR. After the tour and lunch the group reconvened for discussion on what some new members could contribute to the group. Megan Rolf, Oklahoma State University, discussed an external parasite - horn fly study, as well as some of the research centers with cattle available from Oklahoma State University and a new livestock intake feeding system that is soon becoming operational that will allow for evaluation of water intake by beef cattle. Brian Bolt, Clemson University, discussed the new direction for a herd of Hereford cattle at the university research and teaching facility and some other cattle that could be available within the Clemson University system. Earlier the group had asked for clarification on a one year extension for a re-write of the current project. Dr. Joe West, Administrative Advisor, indicated that the rules have changed and that NIFA would no longer allow a one year extension. He indicated the timeline for this project which ends August 30, 2014; and also gave deadlines for re-write of a new project with a request for new project proposal due November 1, 2013; and new project proposal due March 1, 2014. There was a motion for the group to follow protocols for implementing a new multi-state research project by Dr. Hayden Brown and seconded by Dr. Jim Sanders, and the motion passed unanimously. The group discussed some new objectives for a new project and elected individuals to serve on committees for the new project proposal objectives. Objective 1: Coordinator /committee- Jeremy Powell, David Riley, Megan Rolf, Rhonda Vann , Bob Godfrey; Objective 2: Coordinator /committee-Gary Hansen, Hayden Brown, Andy Herring; Objective 3: Coordinator/committee-Trent Smith, Jim Sanders, Rhonda Vann, Brian Bolt, Bob Godfrey; Objective 4: Coordinator/committee-David Riley, Rhonda Vann, Matt Garcia, Maurico Elzo, Charles Long. For the business meeting, Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia, Administrative Advisor, gave his report and expressed appreciation to Arkansas representatives: Dr. Hayden Brown and Dr. Jeremy Powell for their hospitality as hosts. He also indicated the need to have true multi-state objectives and involvement for collaboration and new additions to the project. Also, he expressed that there would be encouragement for collaborations within the group for some solicitation of external funding and that there was a proposed increase in AFRI funding availability for animal science focused research projects. Dr. West asked for assistance with a clean-up of Appendix E participants and also people that needed to be added. He also indicated that the report from this meeting was due 60 days from today May 30, 2013. Dates were outlined that included a Nov. 1 deadline for request for a re-write with final proposal due March 1, 2014. Dr. West said he was willing to set up a S-1045 list serve so that communication would be easier within the group. The nominating committee report was given by Dr. Bob Godfrey; he indicated that the nominating committee selected Dr. Jeremy Powell as the secretary elect. Megan Rolf proposed acceptance of Jeremy as officer elect with all officers moving up, this motion was seconded by Dr. Jim Sanders, with the motion passing unanimously. The resolutions committee report was given by Dr. Andy Herring, Dr. Jim Sanders proposed the resolutions be accepted as read, Dr. Bob Godfrey seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Resolutions Committee Report 2103 Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States; And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems; Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Drs. Hayden Brown and Jeremy Powell and Ms. Dianna Watson and Ms. Lensey Watson of the University of Arkansas for hosting, planning, and coordinating its 2013 annual meeting in Fayetteville, AR. We would also like to thank Dr. Mike Looper, Department Head of Animal Science, Dr. Charles Rosenkrans, Ms. M. L. Thomas, Ms. Amber Starnes, Mr. Eric Oxford and Dr. Joan Burke, USDA-ARS Booneville for their presentations. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Ron Morrow and Dr. Ann Wells, Ozark Pasture Beef, LLC. for providing tour and dinner. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Ty Baublits and Mr. Eric Oxford, Tyson Foods for tour and lunch. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Fred Pohlman for preparing prime rib dinner. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Gary Hansen for serving as Chair to the 2013 technical committee. Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia-Tifton, for his enthusiasm and willingness to serve as administrative advisor and his leadership and guidance with this project. Passed unanimously. Committee unanimously accepts invitation from Texas to hold 2014 meetings in College Station, May 28-30, 2014. The final discussion of the meeting involved a proposal by Dr. Andy Herring, Texas A&M University that this S-1045 group meet in conjunction with the WERA group of beef cattle breeding in College Station, Texas. The proposed dates of the 2014 meeting were May 27-30, 2014. In addition, it was proposed that this S-1045 group would meet Monday morning at the SAAS meeting February 3, 2014 to finalize the new multi-state project proposal. Additionally, Dr. Jeremy Powell indicated that any participants interested would be able to tour the University of Arkansas beef cattle center on Friday, May 31, 2013. Part of the group toured the University of Arkansas beef cattle center on Friday, May 31, 2013 prior to departure to their various destinations.

This section of the report is presented by objective and highlights new data that have been collected to date. Objective 1: Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage Objective 1a - Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis Arkansas Station Report Calves will be evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) during the preweaning period at 3 locations in northwest Arkansas using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. Angus will be the predominant genetic type evaluated at three locations. Two locations have purebred Angus while the third location is an Angus based commercial herd. Variance Components (direct and permanent environment) for resistance to IBK will be estimated using a derivative-free REML algorithm (Graser et al., 1987) facilitated by the computer programs of Boldman et al. (1995). From these variance components, genetic parameters for direct effects associated with IBK will be calculated. Pre-weaning records in Angus calves (n=1484) were used to obtain genetic parameter estimates for susceptibility/resistance to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Calves were born in the spring and fall at three Arkansas locations in 2009 thru 2012 under procedures of objective 1a, Southern Regional Research Project, S1045. All calves were sired by purebred Angus bulls registered with the American Angus Association, one of which was Bon View New Design 878, the in common sire among locations. At weaning incidence of IBK was determined using a subjective scoring system where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. Scarring occurred in 11.8% of calves. Heritability, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic correlations were determined using variance component obtained with a single and two-trait animal model and MTDFREML. Fixed effects of contemporary group generated by birth year, season of birth, location and sex were included in the mixed model procedures. Age of dam and age of calf at weaning were included as covariates. Standard errors for the phenotypic correlations were estimated using residuals from the mixed model analysis. The single trait analysis, genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variances for IBK were 0.00376, 0.05747, and 0.06122, respectively. Estimates of heritability and environmental portion of total variance were 0.06 ± 0.05 and 0.94 ± 0.05, respectively. From the two trait analysis, genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlation of IBK with birth weight were 0.09 ± 0.33, 0.00 ± 0.053, and 0.03 ± 0.02, respectively. The environmental and phenotypic correlations of IBK with weaning weight were 0.12 ± 0.25, -0.10 ± 0.081 and -0.04 ± 0.02, respectively. In these data, the heritability of IBK is low, however, because of the small sample size additional data may be required to further explain the inheritance of resistance/susceptibility in calves to IBK. Identification of animals found to be genetically resistant to Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) could provide the basis for selection programs for cattle resistant to the disease. Typically 750,000 calves are weaned annually in Arkansas. Elimination of the price reduction ($30.00/hd) due to IBK could be worth $7,875,000 to Arkansas producers independent of the cost of treating the malady. Mississippi Station Report Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State Purebred Angus (88), Hereford (4), and Charolais (33) calves were evaluated for evidence of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis at weaning. Calves were born September through December and were weaned the first week of May at approximately 205 days of age. A subjective scoring system was used where 0 = no evidence of IBK in either eye and 1 = evidence of IBK in one or both eyes. All calves were given a score of zero which indicates no incidence of pink eye. Data are being stored in electronic files for later analysis for pooling with other stations for an overall analysis. Objective 1b: Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccination Response Arkansas Station Report Data will incorporate external physical dimensions charting both hip height and pelvic area (height by width). Procedures for the obtainment of the aforementioned physical factors will utilize the instrumentation of the sliding caliper for hip height (Brown, et al. 1983) and Rice Pelvimeter, by which measurements are done via the rectum as seen within Looper, et al. (2002). Dimensions are to be recorded at intervals of approximately three months beginning at time of weaning. Investigating immunological effects of LDHA/LDHB single nucleotide polymorphisms is to be determined via cell moderated immunity utilizing measurement of skin fold thickness prior and post injection via micrometric calipers (Ata, 2011). Inoculation is to be administered in the caudal fold beneath the tail head. Post measurements will be carried out at six hour intervals (twice within the first twelve hours) and subsequently at twenty-four and forty-eight hour markers. Objectives of this research were to determine the effects of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymatic activity and circulating prolactin (PRL) on immune response; and to determine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL on immune response of replacement heifers grazing mixed stands of endophyte infected tall fescue. Angus based heifers (n = 89) underwent a 48h delayed hypersensitivity trial at 10 mo of age. Heifers received an injection of 1 cc phytohemagglutinin diluted in saline within the caudal fold at 0 h. Skin fold thickness was measured at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Blood samples were taken at 24 h and 48 h. Blood cell concentrations were determined using the Hemavet 950. Genomic DNA prepared from buffy coat was sequenced for single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL using Sequenom technology. Physical measurement correlations ranged from -0.33 to 0.50. All physical parameters showed similar correlations, except for coat score which held inverse relationships. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDHB affected or tended to affect multiple blood cell markers at different times. Prolactin single nucleotide polymorphisms did not affect immune response except for mean corpuscular volume. An improvement of reproductive rate would significantly increase returns to Arkansas producers. Currently, the weaning rate in Arkansas is about 75% which results in the production of approximately 750,000 calves annually. If weaning rate was increased by 20% annually there would be approximately 200,000 more calves weaned, these additional calves would be worth approximately $150,000,000. to Arkansas producers if they average weaning weight was 277 kg and cattle averaged $3.30/kg. Texas Station Report In 2010 (n = 78), 2011 (n = 104), 2012 (n = 106), and 2013 (n = 95) yearling, half-blood Angus-Nelore (F2 and F3) steers have been evaluated for immune, health and performance responses following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). In all years, steers have been tested to be free of BVD persistent infection and stratified by sire and composition type (F2 and F3) across three vaccine treatments of killed vaccine (KV), modified live vaccine (MLV), and non-vaccinated (NON). At d 0, all steers have been challenged intranasally with BVDV Type 1b strain CA0401186a from USDA-ARS National Animal Disease Center, Ames IA (Julia Ridpath lab). Data have been collected (2010-2012, 2013 in progress) for serum neutralizing antibody titers (days -56 to -49, -35 to -28, 0, 14, 28 and 42), hematology profile (days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42), rectal temperature (days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 28 and 42), visual clinical signs (twice daily for 14 days following challenge), individual feed intake and feeding behavior were recorded for 70 days (14 to 28 days prior to challenge and 42 days following challenge), temperament (subjective scoring 1 to 9 scale after weaning) and exit velocity (all weight collection days). Following the 42-d evaluation period, steers are shipped to a commercial feedyard in south Texas, and carcass data including liver abscess and lung color scores are collected at harvest in November or December. The anamnestic response was measured as the log2 titer of the area under the curve (AUC) for 42 dpi, calculated using the trapezoid rule for each of the 4 viral responses (IBR, BVDV 1a, 1b, and 2). The measured anamnestic response appeared lowest for IBR and greatest for BVDV 1b, with the largest range in antibody response to BVDV 1b. Factors influencing AUC for the 4 viral pathogens were investigated using mixed model analyses with fixed effects of vaccine treatment, year, composition (F2 or F3), and sire nested within composition along with covariates of d0 titer (log2), weaning temperament score and d0 weight; pen nested within year was a random effect. The 4 antibody responses were affected (P < 0.05) by vaccine treatment and d0 titer. Animals vaccinated with the killed vaccine had significantly higher BDVD 1b AUC responses to the challenge than MLV or non-vaccinated animals (values of 405.6, 256.2, and 183.3, respectfully). Similar trends were seen for the other viruses. A 1-point log2 increase in titer at time of challenge increased the anamnestic response (AUC) by 15.7, 17.9, 17.4, and 26.5 for BVDV 1b, 1a, 2 and IBR, respectively. Sire nested within composition affected (P < 0.05) for BVDV 1a and b and approaching significance for BVDV2 (P = 0.08), however no trends across sires were apparent. Pearson correlations among temperament score (TS), exit velocity (EV) and rectal temperature (RT) were evaluated. Mean TS was 4.2, 5.9 and 4.5 in 2009, 2010 and 2011-born steers, respectively; some sires were only represented in one year. Correlations (0.17 to 0.37, P < 0.05) between TS and EV were observed after first vaccination day. Correlations (0.19 to 0.31, P < 0.005) between TS and RT were observed. Correlations (-0.12 to -0.28, P < 0.005) between EV and RT on the same day were observed after 7 days following challenge. Mixed model analyses of EV and RT as repeated measures incorporated fixed effects of year (YR), vaccine group (VAC), sire nested within YR, pen nested within YR, and day, along with potential interactions involving YR, VAC and day. Sire, YR and day were significant influences on EV and RT. VAC x day influenced RT, but not EV. The interaction of YR x VAC x day influenced both EV and RT, but without obvious patterns. Analyses of feed intake and ADG have been completed individually by year, and a rectal temperature threshold over 40° C on evaluation days has been used to classify steers for rectal temperature status (RTEMP). Mixed model procedures, with repeated measures were used to analyze 2012 DFI with a model that included fixed effects of vaccine group (VAC), pen, day, sire, RTEMP, and two-factor interactions for VAC x RTEMP, sire x RTEMP, Sire x VAC and day x VAC; all were significant except VAC. ADG was calculated for the three 14-d periods as well as the 42-day period and was analyzed with a model containing similar fixed effects plus d-0 weight as a covariate. There was Sire × RTEMP interaction for DFI (P < 0.01) and ADG from d 0-42 (P = 0.03), and most sires had progeny rank higher for DFI and ADG when below RTEMP threshold, but some sires had higher DFI and ADG for progeny above RTEMP threshold. There was not consistent trend across sires for the Sire × VAC interaction for DFI (P < 0.01) or ADG from d 0-42 (P = 0.05), implying that DFI and ADG may be impacted by quite differently across genetic backgrounds following BRD vaccination and subsequent pathogen exposure. These data also illustrate the complexity in interpretation of rectal temperature when used as health status indicator. There has been an interaction of RTEMP status and d (P < 0.01) where in general, steers exhibiting over 40o C during d 3 to 14 had DFI depressed 0.2 to 0.6 kg/d from about d 3 to 10 but appeared to compensate after d 14. A pattern has also existed in DFI where NON steers consistently ranked lower than KV and MLV steers for approximately d 6-11 post challenge, but without obvious effects on ADG. The results in regard to the multi-year analyses of AUC for serum titers indicate that both genetic and environmental factors impact the anamnestic antibody response mounted to this BVDV challenge and that the d0 titer from the vaccine treatment pre-challenge has significant influence on the response. Large individual variation has been observed in all years, and seems to dominate the differences among individual sires. Regarding relationships involving temperament, rectal temperature and immune responses, it appears temperament may be a primary influence on rectal temperature in these cattle. Interpretation of rectal temperature for cattle health is complex and should perhaps involve assessment of temperament score and/or exit velocity, at least in some circumstances. The interpretation of rectal temperature status and its relationship with ADG in these cattle does not follow expected patterns. A great deal of individual variation exists for all health and immune responses that have been evaluated. As far as can be determined, this project is the largest challenge trial that has been conducted with BVDV. The multiple measures of behavior, health, immune responses and individual feed intake and growth in conjunction with genetic background and DNA banked in this population provide unique opportunities for genomics-based animal health research. Four Ph.D. dissertations will utilize data from this project. Results from this work should provide new insights into investigation of sub-clinical illness in beef cattle. Objective 1c: Specific External Parasites Virgin Island Station Report This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between hair coat, tick burden and production traits of Senepol cows and calves under tropical conditions. Multiparous (n = 141) and primiparous (n = 19) Senepol cows calving in the fall of 2010 and 2011 and the spring of 2011 and 2012 on St. Croix were evaluated for hair coat phenotype, tick burden, BW and condition score (CS; 1 = thin, 9 = fat) at weaning. Hair coat was scored using 1 = slick, 2 = rough and 3 = hairy. Tick burden was scored using 1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate and 4 = heavy. Senepol calves born in fall 2010 and 2011 and spring 2011 and 2012 on St. Croix were evaluated for BW, hair coat phenotype and tick burden at weaning (n = 80) and as yearlings (n = 50). Hair coat was scored using 1 = slick or 2 = non-slick. Tick burden was scored using 1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate and 4 = heavy. The majority of calves (~60%) had rough hair coats at weaning and as yearlings. Almost half of the calves had a light tick burden at weaning and 33% as yearlings. There was no effect of gender on tick burden. At yearling, slick calves had a lower tick score than non-slick calves (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.2, respectively). Calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning had lower weaning weight than calves classified as either light or clean (Figure 3). ADG from birth to weaning was lowest in calves with a heavy tick burden at weaning (Figure 4). There was no clear effect of tick burned on yearling weight but ADG from weaning to yearling was greatest in clean calves. At weaning slick calves were heavier than non-slick (241 ± 6 vs. 219 ± 5 kg, respectively) but there was no difference at yearling (308 ± 8 vs. 292 ± 6 kg, respectively). ADG was not different between slick and rough claves at weaning (0.91 ± 0.03 vs. 0.85 ± 0.02 kg/d, respectively) or yearling (0.42 ± 0.03 vs. 0.37 ± 0.03 kg/d, respectively). The majority of cows (82%) had a slick hair coat at weaning. 10 percent of cows had a light tick burden and 32.5 % were clean at weaning. Slick cows were heavier and had higher condition scores than non-slick cows (Table 1). There was no difference in BW or condition score between tick burdens (Table 2). Table 1. Cow traits at weaning by hair coat score Hair Coat Trait Slick Non-slick Weight, kg 607 ± 8a 575 ± 17b Condition Score 6.9 ± 0.1c 6.5 ± 0.2d a,b P = 0.09; c,d P = 0.08 Table 2. Cow traits at weaning by tick score Tick Score Trait 1  Clean 2  Slight 3  Medium 4 - Heavy Weight, kg 599 ± 13 602 ± 12 604 ± 17 599 ± 23 Condition Score 6.9 ± 0.2 6.8 ± 0.1 6.7 ± 0.2 6.6 ± 0.3 Heavy tick burdens appeared to have a negative impact on weaning weight and ADG of calves. Calves with a slick hair coat had higher weaning weights than calves with a rough coat. There was no effect of tick burden on cow weight at the time of weaning, but slick cows were heavier than non-slick cows. Objective 2: Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States for cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types. Arkansas Station Report Data continues to be collected on research cows at the various research stations. Information will be stored and merged into the projects main database at a later date for meta-analysis. Mississippi Station Report Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State Data were collected on 131 fall calving Angus, Hereford, and Charolais cows. Cows were managed for two A.I. breedings and placed with clean-up bulls for approximately 30 days. Cows calved from September to December (Fall 2011). The following data were collected on the cows: breed, sire/sire breed and dam/ dam breed of cow, birth date, mating information, predominant forage in pastures and if females were culled or died during production, reasons were documented. The following information was taken during calving season on all cows: calving date, calving difficulty (1 = normal; 2 = easy pull; 3 = hard pull; 4 = caesarian section; note the abnormal presentation of calf), and calf vigor issues (1 = normal; 2 = weak but nursed without assistance; 3 = weak and assisted to nurse; add any notes). Calf records included sire/sire breed of calf, birth weight within 24 hrs, weaning date, weaning weight, and documentation if calf died during the preweaning period or had health issues. Fall Calving 2011 Breed n Angus 93 Charolais 34 Hereford 4 North Carolina State Report Data was collected on 152 fall calving cows and calves. Cows were artificially inseminated for 42 days to Charolais, Angus, Braunvieh, Hereford and Simmental bulls followed by clean-up bulls for 30 days. Cows calved from October to December, 2012. Data collected followed the objective spreadsheet. Over 3071 previous years cow/calf records were entered into the objective spreadsheet. Texas Station Report Breeding herds were established, starting in 1995, at the McGregor station to evaluate heterosis retention in cattle produced from the inter se mating of Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. Primary emphasis is on cow productivity. Comparison herds are made up of a minimum of 50 cows each in 14 different groups; the cows have been retained to evaluate lifetime productivity. All females in the comparison herds were produced at the McGregor station. The 14 breeding groups include four purebred groups A, Brahman (B), H and Nellore (N)), three F1 groups (B/A (BA), B/H (BH) and N/ A (NA)), two F2 groups (BA and BH), two first-generation groups of 3/8 Bos indicus / 5/8 British breeding (3/8 B / 5/8 A and 3/8 N / 5/8 A), two second-generation groups of the same 3/8 Bos indicus / 5/8 British breed composition and one four-breed crossbred group (BANH, which is 25% of each breed in the purebred groups). The BH F1 group includes both reciprocal crosses. The BA and NA F1 groups include only cows out of A dams and by B and N bulls, respectively. The BH F2 group includes all four possible combinations of F1 matings, giving the opportunity to evaluate cows differing in source of X chromosomes and maternal cytoplasm. All cows in the BA F2 group are out B sired F1 cows, but the group includes cows sired by both B sired and A sired F1 bulls. First females for the comparison groups were produced in 1994. A genomics project was initiated in 2002 with the primary objective of finding genes with major effects on cow productivity traits and secondary objectives of finding genes with major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. Embryo transfer families of F2 Nellore-Angus calves were produced, with the goal of twenty heifers per family in ten families. The families are out of ten donor cows (some donors were replaced because of poor embryo production) and by a total of four bulls. The first calves from this study were born in the spring 2003, with calves born in both the spring and fall, up through the spring of 2007. In addition to the embryo transfer full-sib families, four half-sib families were produced by mating F1 Nellore-Angus sires, by natural service, to F1 and F2 Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Angus dams. These calves were produced in multiple-sire breeding pastures and required DNA identification of their sires. The four sires of the embryo transfer families are included in the bulls that produce these natural service calves. The natural service calves identified as being sired by these four bulls are evaluated in the same way as the embryo transfer calves. Note that the calves within any one of these half sib families are also half sibs to the calves in at least two of the embryo transfer full-sib families. Three additional cycles of the genomics project have been started. Cycle 2 involves the production by natural service of all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses, to continue our evaluation of reciprocal differences in Bos indicus - Bos taurus crosses. Cycle 3 involves the production of F3 crossbreds from animals produced in Cycle 1. Cycle 4 involves the production of F4 crossbreds from animals produced in Cycle 3. All nine calf crops of Cycle 1 of the Genomics project (spring and fall of 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and spring of 2007 for embryo transfer calves and spring of 2003 to 2007 for natural service calves) calves have been produced, and the steers from all nine calf crops have been fed individually and slaughtered. The heifers produced in the project were exposed to Angus bulls (at about 14 months of age) to calve at two years of age; fall-born heifers were exposed again at about 20 months of age. The two year-old fall-born females that calved in the fall at two years of age were held over to have their second calf in the spring when they were 3 ½ years of age. Thereafter, all cows are bred for spring calves. All of these calves were sired by Angus bulls, until the 2009 calf crop. Starting with that calf crop, all cows that were three years old and older have produced F3 calves sired by F2 bulls produced in the 2006 spring and fall calf crops of the Cycle 1. The cattle from these matings (the F3s) are the cattle of Cycle 3 of the project. Cows in the oldest group of Cycle 1 (i.e., the cows born in the spring 2003) currently are raising their ninth calves. The last calves in Cycle 3 were produced in the spring 2013; the Cycle 1 cows are currently being bred by natural service to Charolais bulls. Starting in 2006, reciprocal F1 NA bulls and heifers have been retained and combined with the Nellore-sired F1 NA cows and bulls from earlier studies to produce all four types of Nellore - Angus reciprocal F2 crosses in cycle 2 of the Genomics project. Only matings of Nellore-sired bulls to Nellore-sired cows were used to produce the NS F2 calves that were born in 2008. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to Nellore-sired F1 cows in 2008 to produce the calves that born in 2009. Both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 bulls were mated to both Nellore-sired and Angus-sired F1 cows in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and are currently being mated the same way in 2013. These matings will be continued until fifty females of each of the four reciprocal types of F2s are available for the evaluation of cow productivity. To the extent possible, animals of the four reciprocal types will be produced and evaluated as contemporaries. The oldest Cycle 3 (F3) females were produced in 2009. All of the F3 females are bred to Angus bulls to produce their first calves. Those born in 2009 were also bred to Angus bulls to produce their second calves. Currently, the F3 cows that are two years of age and older are being bred to F3 bulls to produce F4 calves; these matings will be continued until approximately 200 F4 females have been produced for the evaluation of cow productivity. Cattle from three cycles of the McGregor Genomics project and the Heterosis Retention project are being evaluated for female productivity traits. Virgin Island Station Report This study was conducted to evaluate production traits of Senepol cows calving in the spring or fall on St. Croix. Cows were bred by natural service for a 60-d period each year starting in June or December and calved in the spring of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (n = 332 data points) or the fall of 2009, 2010 and 2011 (n = 93 data points). Cow data collected at breeding, calving and weaning was BW, hip height (HHT) and condition score (CS; 1 = thin, 9 = fat). Calf data (n = 190 data points) included birth (BRWT), weaning weight (WWT) and 205-d adjusted weaning weight (AWWT). Cow efficiency was calculated as the ratio of calf WWT to cow BW at weaning. Fall calving cows were heavier at breeding, calving and weaning but the weaning weight of calves was similar resulting in a greater efficiency for the spring calving cows. Objective 3: Establish a DNA bank for characterization of molecular markers, genetic parameter estimation and future discovery of genes that influence economically important traits in pedigreed beef cattle populations. Arkansas Station Report Objectives of this research were to determine effects of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymatic activity and circulating prolactin (PRL) on growth, composition, and reproduction; and to determine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH and PRL on growth, carcass traits, cyclicity and fecundity of replacement heifers grazing endophyte infected tall fescue. Angus based heifers (n = 89), maintained on mixed stands of tall fescue with corn gluten and free choice mineral supplement, had physical and ultrasound measurements with blood samples collected at weaning (d0), yearling (d108), and prebreeding (d177). Estrus detection was conducted for 10 d post each collection, except prebreeding. Pregnancy status was verified after artificial insemination (d 203) and again after bull removal (d 272). Genomic DNA prepared from buffy coat was sequenced for single nucleotide polymorphisms using Sequenom technology. Lactate dehydrogenase activity (forward and reverse) was determined from plasma stored at -20ºC. Forward and reverse activity were run in triplicate and measured at 340nm. Prolactin and other hormonal concentrations, processed through New Mexico State University, were determined from serum stored at -20ºC. Enzymatic activity of LDH (forward and reverse) correlated to: hormonal and enzymatic activity, growth, and carcass traits. Concentrations of PRL were associated with growth responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of LDH were related to: hormonal and enzymatic activities, growth, carcass traits, and reproductive measures. Polymorphisms of PRL were related to enzymatic and hormonal activity, carcass traits and pregnancy status. Canonical correlations found no association between LDH activity or PRL concentration to physical set 1 traits of: body weight, hip height, and hip width, and subsequently no correlation to set 2 traits of: pelvic height, pelvic width, Longissimus dorsi area, and rib fat found in other studies. Mississippi Station Report Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State DNA samples have been collected via whole blood and hair cards on fall 2011 weaned calves (n=125). Whole blood was collected and placed in 2ml cryotubes and stored in a -80°C freezer. Both blood samples and hair cards were cataloged for future reference. Information on each animal includes animal, sire and dam identification, breed, and location. DNA will be extracted in the future to find genetic markers associated with cow reproductive and maternal traits and calf traits. North Carolina Station Report DNA Samples have been collected through whole blood samples on fall 2011 weaned calves (n = 152). Whole blood was collected in purple top vacutainer tubes, transferred to 10 ml cryotubes and stored at -800 C. Texas Station Report All cattle at the McGregor Station were bled for DNA extraction in the fall of 2001; calves born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 were bled prior to weaning. Cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project were bled at birth and shortly before weaning; in Cycle 1, base of scrotum and testicles were also saved from males. The DNA will be available to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. Objective 4: Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types Arkansas Station Report Cattle will be evaluated for hair shedding scores from March through July (28 day intervals, 5 scores) of each year. Shedding scores will be 1 through 5: where 1 = slick short summer coat (100% shed); 2 = hair coat is mostly shed (75% shed); 3 = hair coat is halfway shed (50% shed); 4 = hair coat exhibits initial shedding (25% shed); and 5 = full winter coat (0% shed). In addition, cow traits related to reproductive performance, behavior, to health issues, and culling will be recorded. Calf traits to be recorded include sire/sire breed of calf, calf vigor, birth weight and date, weaning weight and date, and post weaning growth. The objective of this study was to measure variation in hair coat shedding and determine if any relationships existed between coat shedding and production traits in cows housed at the University of Arkansas beef research unit near Fayetteville. An Angus based commercial beef cattle herd (n = 199) were observed over a five-month period in 2012. Once monthly, at approximately 28-day intervals, mature cows and replacement heifers were evaluated for shedding on a scale from 1 to 5. A score of 5 indicated the cow/heifer had a full winter coat and a score of 1 represents a slick, short summer coat. For each cow, the first month a score of 3 (approximately 50% shed) or less was reached was considered the month of first shedding (MFS), and 4 levels were recognized reflecting MFS in April, May, June or July. Phenotypic data for calf weaning weight, BCS of cow at weaning, BW of cow at weaning, BCS of cow pre-breeding, BW of cow pre-breeding, pregnancy rate, birth weight of calf and age of the cow were collected and analyzed in PROC MIXED of SAS. Frequency for MFS was highest for June, followed by May, July and April, respectively. Calf birth weight was highest (P = 0.015) for cows exhibiting MFS in May and lowest for cows exhibiting MFS in July. Calf weaning weight was similar (P = 0.8) for all MFS categories with April, May, June and July cows exhibiting calf weaning weights of 220, 205, 198 and 197 kg, respectively. Cow body weight at weaning was highest (P = 0.05) in cows exhibiting MFS in May (541 kg) and lowest in cows with MFS in June (474 kg). No differences were noted in BCS of cows at weaning or in BCS of cows pre-breeding. Cow body weight at pre-breeding was highest (P = 0.01) for cows exhibiting MFS in May (537 kg) and lowest in cows with MFS in June (43 kg). In these data, shedding score had no impact on pregnancy rates. Shedding of the winter hair coats were noted to be related to maternal body weight at two different points during the production and year and also related to calf birth weight. Hair shedding scores, although subjective, are well within the reach of both commercial and seedstock breeders. By using these scores and understanding their implications in cattle production will aid them in the match of genetic resource to production resources. This could easily increase current production by 10%. Mississippi Station Report Leveck Animal Research Station, Mississippi State The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effectiveness of a visual hair scoring system for fall and winter hair growth and length and (2) evaluate the effect of rate of winter hair growth on beef cattle performance in Angus females. Data were collected on Angus females (n=98) every 28 d from August 2011 to February of 2012. Animals were observed by trained technicians for winter hair growth (WG) and winter hair length (WL) and were given a visual numeric rating of 1 to 5 respectively. A score of 1 for hair growth indicated no winter growth and a 5 indicated a full winter coat. A score of 1 for hair length was rated as short and a 5 rated as long. A 5.08 cm by 10.16 cm hair sample was clipped directly behind the left shoulder below the top line and weighed. Month of first winter growth (MFWG) was determined when the female reached a winter growth score of 3 or higher. Phenotypic correlations were estimated on WG, WL, and hair weight. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure in SAS with birth weight and d205wt as the response variable and included fixed effects of sex of calf and MFWG with sire as a random effect. Birth weight and d205wt were considered traits of the dam. BCS was evaluated excluding sex of the calf in the mixed model. In a separate analysis, age of the dam was not significant for winter coat growth. Positive correlations were found between WG and WL (0.86), WG and hair weight (0.44) and WL and hair weight (0.64). Visual scores for WG and WL were found to be significant for hair weight (P<.0001). MFWG was not significant for d205wt (P<.28), BCS (P<.06), and birth weight(P<). Results indicate validity of the visual method for determining hair growth and do not suggest an association between winter growth scores and performance traits in Angus dams. Texas Station Report Starting in March 2011, Angus heifers and cows were scored by two separate evaluators. Numerical hair shedding scores were assigned using the following scale: 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete 2) Hair coat not completely slick but more than halfway shed from the initial winter coat 3) Hair coat halfway shed from the initial winter coat 4) Hair coat shedding initiated but not halfway complete to a final slick coat 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding By the time of the July 2011 scoring, it was clear that we needed to be scoring the cattle for both any old hair that had not been shed as well as for any new hair growth. Therefore, starting with the August 2011 scoring, cattle were scored for both the amount of old hair (that present from the previous winter) and the amount of new hair that they had grown. For both scores, the intention was to represent amounts of the full winter coat that remained (for old hair) and that had grown in since the middle of the summer. One of the challenges of scoring the amount of the previous winters hair that has not been shed is that (1) some parts of the body can be completely shed while other parts have old hair that has not been completely shed and (2) the parts of the body that have not completely shed can differ in the amount of hair that has been shed. The part of the body that is completely shed follows a fairly consistent pattern, with (1) a strip down the topline shedding first, (2) as this strip widens, the shedding continues in a strip down the back of the hindquarters and the front of the forequarters, and (3) as the shedding continues, the part of the hair coat that has not shed becomes a smaller and smaller area on the lower rib cage of the animal. Therefore, as we started our scoring of hair shedding in 2012, we scored the cattle for both the amount of old hair remaining and the amount of complete shedding that has occurred in the above pattern. Starting in February 2012, shedding pattern has been scored using the following scale: 1) Slick, summer hair coat, shedding complete 2) The animal has shed off to below the middle of the rib cage 3) The slick strip covers the full topline and (a) the back of the hindquarters and (b) the front of the forequarters 4) Shedding has started and there is a completely slick strip down the topline of the animal 5) Winter hair coat with no evidence of shedding, even down the topline Angus cows and heifers have been assigned hair shedding scores each month starting in March 2011 by two separate evaluators. The results of this evaluation should allow for the estimation of genetic parameters associated with heat tolerance and adaptation to hot climates.

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