Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The Chair, Ryan Ashley called the meeting to order at 8:00 am on Monday, June 10, 2014. Attendees were asked to introduce themselves and give updates from their institutions. The timeline and meeting’s activities were discussed by Milan Shipka. Milan stated that registration would be free since the department was providing lunch. Dinner would be at a clam bake for $20 each. At 4pm we would go on a tour of the Fairbanks Experiment Station. At 9:30 am a conference call with Mark Mirando and Adele Turzillo took place. They reviewed the documents provided (see attached reports). Two new programs (CARE and Exploratory) were empathized as well as a new program for water agriculture. At 10 am: There was discussion about output from the group through a producer symposium by the end of 2015. BIF was not an option for 2014. Suggestions for other options included a symposium at the Western Section meetings in 2015. There may need to be a focus on educating extension specialists if at the Western Section Meeting. It was suggested to do both (Symposium at Western Section and Two speakers at BIF). Motion was make by Allen Bridges to contact BIF for speakers for 2015 and work with Western Section ASAS to organize a pre-conference symposium with speakers from W2112 group. Ryan Ashley seconded the motion. Discussion: Brenda Alexander asked how travel for speakers would be funded. Alan B. said it would align with the meeting so travel to one place for both. Vote: Motion passed unanimously. Alan Bridges discussed the estrous synchronization handbook and asked if a printed publication should be distributed at meetings. It was suggested to split the handbook in sections and get a formal pdf format and bring hard copies to meetings as needed. Members were asked to edit the document Alan emailed to everyone and send edits by August 2014. At 10:30am: Milan provided more detail about meeting events. We would break at 3:15 and meet at 3:30 for a tour of the large animal research station. Dinner would follow at the Salmon Bake. Nominations for Member-at-Large: Allen Bridges (nominated by Tom G. and second by Brenda A.). Voted: motion passed The rest of the morning was spent on experiment station reports from: Wyoming, Mississippi and Louisiana 12:05: Lunch break 1:00pm: Station reports: Utah, Nebraska, Colorado, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota 3:05pm: Adjourned Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Ryan Ashley called the meeting to order at 8:10am. Janice Rowell from Fairbanks, AK joined the meeting. Station reports: Connecticut, Alaska, New Mexico 10:10: Break and discussion of collaborations Collaborations Between Stations: Nebraska and Mississippi State will evaluate liver samples from low and high A4 cows to determine potential differences in metabolism. Nebraska and Univ of Minnesota will evaluate samples of follicular fluid in cows from his herd for androstenedione levels to determine if different herds also have a sub-population of cows that might have differences in androgen in follicular fluid. Nebraska and New Mexico State University will evaluate follicular fluid from cows in the herd at New Mexico to determine androgen levels and work on VEGFA isoforms and helping with reagents related to examining VEGFA’s role in placenta development. Connecticut and New Mexico and Mississippi will collaborate to determine the effects of maternal over and under nutrition during gestation on development of placentomes during 3 time points of gestation. Connecticut and Utah will collaborate on data analysis of RNA-Seq analysis of muscle samples from offspring from mothers subjected to poor nutrition during gestation. Colorado and Montana will measure INF tau in samples from the vena cava of cows with catheter placed near site of drainage of utero-ovarian vein into vena cava. Colorado will also collaborate with Montana to develop a treatment of heifers with antiestrogens to attempt to induce early puberty Colorado will collaborate with Michigan State to measure INF tau in samples from cows treated with follistatin. Colorado will potentially collaborate with Connecticut to evaluate brain tissue in ewes subjected to over and under nutrition during gestation on changes in kisspeptin and GnRH. 11:35: Impact Statements were discussed. Final statements: 1. Improving average date of conception and reduce incidence of embryonic mortality in cattle through enhanced understanding endocrine, follicular, and managerial factors that impact reproductive competence. 2. Developed a maternal nutrition model to evaluate mechanism of impact of maternal nutrition on offspring and evaluate methods and/or therapeutics to improve production efficiency. 3. Enhanced the understanding of how phenotypical, physiology, and endocrine characteristics, including antral follicle count, nutritional, follicular growth patterns, stress response, steroidogenesis and estrous expression impacts on reproductive competence. 4. The state of anestrus (prepubertal and postpartum) has the greatest negative effect on reproductive efficiency in cattle and sheep. Therefore, the recent development of methods to shorten the duration of anestrus in livestock, such as the use of anti-estrogen compounds, could improve breeding season pregnancy rates, improve the average date of conception, and offspring performance in cattle and increase fecundity in sheep. 5. Development of a technique to cause temporary cessation of reproduction in elk to reduce over population and competition with domestic livestock to improve grazing opportunities for local producers... 12:20: Meeting was adjourned.

Objective 1: Discover and translate molecular, metabolic, genomic, endocrine, and immunologic mechanisms that influence testicular and ovarian function, reproductive behavior, conception rate, embryo and fetal development, attainment of puberty, and effects of climate/season on reproductive patterns of domestic ruminants. mvGST: Multivariate and Directional Gene Set Testing 1)Developed an R package (mvGST) p-values from multiple tests of differential expression on each gene, and identify biological processes with specific activity differences in multiple comparisons. This approach will allow greater statistical power in confirmatory identification of biological processes that are differentially active while making fewer Type I errors. Association between coefficient of inbreeding and abortion, stillbirth, and calf survival in muskoxen). Examination of the coefficient of inbreeding in this herd of muskoxen that began with capture of 16 muskox and has been managed as a closed herd for 34 years showed relatively low (< .33) calculated COI, but demonstrated little genetic variation using DNA microsatellite marker profiles. BMP receptors and their associated SMAD proteins during bovine early embryonic development: effects of exogenous BMP2 on embryo developmental progression Investigation of the role of oocyte-derived follistatin in early embryogenesis support the utility of follistatin treatment as a potential tool to increase efficiency of in vitro embryo production and embryo quality and provides a viable platform to aid studies of the contribution of poor oocyte quality to infertility in cattle in a production setting. Evaluate the cytokine response pre and post experimental challenge of Epizootic Bovine Abortion in a group of naïve cattle and a group previously exposed to the pathogen. Expression of nitric oxide synthase is elevated by day three of infection with the agent of Epizootic Bovine Abortion (aoEBA) in heifers that abort as compared to heifers producing live calves. In heifers with successful pregnancies, TNFa and Il-4 expression became elevated during the first week of pregnancy and remained higher during the remainder of the experiment. aoEBA prior to pregnancy and determine if bacterial load prior to pregnancy can have an effect on maintenance of pregnancy. A serum titer of <200 appears to correlate with abortion of the fetus in pregnant cattle following infection with the aoEBA, while titers of >800 may be indicative of a protective immune response. Titers concentrations and a humoral immune response alone may not protect a developing bovine fetus from abortion following infection with the aoEBA. Hepatic steroid metabolizing enzyme activity during early, mid, and late bovine pregnancy Contrary to expected results, hepatic glucuronosyltransferase and liver blood flow were increased in pregnant versus non-pregnant dairy cows, while luteal blood perfusion was unaltered. Effects of dietary melatonin supplementation during late gestation on uterine artery hemodynamics in Holstein heifers Dietary melatonin supplementation increased total uterine artery blood flow and serum antioxidant capacity in late pregnant Holstein heifers. This pathway could be used to improve uterine blood flow during periods of oxidative stress. Pre-breeding beef heifer management on mid to late gestation uteroplacental hemodynamics Late gestation uterine blood flow is unaltered in heifers bred at 50 to 55% mature body weight compared to traditionally developed heifers. Uterine blood flow during late gestation appears to be enhanced by distillers grain supplementation when forage quality is low. Nutritional inputs to beef cows have the potential to alter the expression patterns of various genes in the uterine endometrium, which may contribute to reduced fertility in beef cows in inadequate body condition. Effects of change in body composition on oocyte competence When assessed by in vitro embryo production procedures, fluctuating body composition in beef cows did not impact oocyte competence. Chemokine ligand twelve (CXCL12) protein in ovine placenta increases during early gestation and may play a role in maternal-fetal crosstalk. The increase of CXCL12 expression in fetal extraembryonic membranes suggests CXCL12 plays a role in communication at the fetal-maternal interface. Because CXCL12 promotes proper invasiveness in an autocrine manner and stimulates cell proliferation in human trophoblast cells, we suggest CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling is playing a role in maternal-fetal communication and possibly contributing to fetal attachment and subsequent placentation. hCG administration in ewes post mating on production of proteins important for steroidogenesis and placentation. Treatment of ewes with hCG increase serum progesterone concentrations and several factors associated with implantation and placentation. Systemic delivery of interferon-tau (IFNT) protects the ovine corpus luteum against lytic actions of prostaglandin F2? (PGF) and Activation of interferon-gamma and associated signal transduction pathways during establishment of fetal persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus. FNT protects early pregnancy in ruminants through paracrine action on the endometrium and also through endocrine action on the CL and peripheral blood cells through enhancing luteal resistance to PGF. A highly specific radioimmunoassay has been developed for ovine IFNT, which has different levels of detection in uterine flushing compared to serum. Induction of IFN-? coincides with a decrease in BVDV RNA concentrations in blood and tissues from fetuses persistently infected with BVDV. Presence of an adaptive immune response in persistent BVDV infection may contribute to reduction of viremia, but is not robust enough to clear the virus in PI fetuses. Placental-fetal interactions Placental lactogen has been investigated for nearly 50 years, yet a direct function or relative importance has never been established. We now have the tools in hand to create transgenic placenta in sheep that we utilized for the direct assessment of the impact of placental lactogen deficiency on sheep fetal growth near term (135 dGA). This technology can also be applied to other genes expressed within the ruminant placenta and/or fetus. Investigate molecular, cellular, and endocrine mechanisms that limit or control reproductive efficiency in domestic ruminants. Seasonal anestrus limits the reproductive capacity of sheep to a single pregnancy per year. We have shown that an anti-estrogen is capable of inhibiting the hypersensitivity of the hypothalamus to estradiol at the end of seasonal anestrus, and has the potential to extend the length of breeding season. This treatment might be a reasonably simple mechanism for obtaining two lamb crops in one year. Elk and deer populations are substantial in many parts of the west and often utilize much of the same habitat as domestic livestock. This leads to the potential for disease transmission. Treatment with Gonacon inhibits the females ability to reproduce for 2-3 years. It has the potential for remote (dart) delivery and could be used to manage wildlife populations in areas where there is interaction with domestic livestock. Decreased Expression of Cholesterol Uptake and Increased Expression of Cholesterol Efflux Genes are Associated with the Late Stages of Luteolysis in Sheep In agriculturally important species PGF2? is the known luteolysin and these data implicate a mechanism that may mediate PGF2?-induced luteolysis. Effects of environmental contaminants on ovarian function Appropriate levels of 17?-estradiol are required for overall female reproduction. A phthalate known to be present in feed disrupts steroidogenesis and expression of genes involved in DNA damage and cell cycle regulation in mice without affecting weight gain and organ weights. Transcriptome Expression Profiles Identify Proliferation and Metabolic Dysfunction in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetal Sheep Islets High throughput RNA sequencing identified multiple pathways that reduced ?-cell mass and impair insulin secretion responsiveness in IUGR fetal sheep islets. Elevated norepinephrine protects from greater loss of ?-cell mass in intrauterine growth restricted ovine fetuses High plasma norepinephrine concentrations protect ?-cells from adverse conditions in placental insufficiency-induced IUGR fetuses. Late gestation adiposity and increased expression of brown adipose tissue (BAT) linked genes in fetuses of obese sheep are returned to control levels by diet reduction Maternal obesity resulted in increased fetal adiposity, and brown adipose tissue (BAT), which could be returned to control levels by an early diet reduction (OBI) during gestation. The development of a greater amount of BAT prior to birth may confer a survival advantage to newborn OB offspring in cold environments, but this remains to be tested. Correction of maternal obesity (MO) in pregnant sheep by diet reduction increases adipocyte expression of leptin, and up regulates the growth hormone (GH) / insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis to control levels. Pituitary GH, liver IGF-1, and PAT leptin expression were reduced (P < 0.05), and IGF-1 Receptor expression elevated (P < 0.05) in OB fetuses when compared to control fed and OBI fetuses which were similar. Increased adiposity experienced by MO offspring may be programmed by reduced in utero leptin stimulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis, which can be corrected by gestational diet reduction.Multi-generational Impact of Maternal Overnutrition/Obesity in the Sheep on the Neonatal Leptin Surge in Granddaughters Newborn lambs born to OB vs. control fed (CON, 100% of NRC) ewes exhibited greater adiposity, increased blood cortisol, insulin and glucose and the elimination of the postnatal leptin spike seen in lambs born to CON ewes. This early postnatal leptin peak is necessary for development of hypothalamic circuits which program appetite in later life. Blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, and cortisol were higher in OBF2 lambs than CONF2 lambs at birth, in association with increased adiposity. Importantly, OBF2 lambs failed to exhibit the early postnatal leptin peak exhibited by CONF2 lambs. Maternal overnutrition/obesity (MO) has multigenerational metabolic programming effects on adult grandsons (F2). In sheep, a large monotocous, precocial species with similarities to humans, maternal obesity has multigenerational effects in which the F2 generation exhibit increased weight gain and insulin resistance in response to ad libitum feeding as adults. These studies provide strong evidence that the optimization of maternal nutrition and the associated uterine environment will contribute to the birth of healthy, growth-efficient offspring, which is vital to livestock production efficiency. Further, recent data demonstrate that the negative metabolic effects of maternal obesity are observed in their children and grandchildren. Dopamine Synthesis in the Ventral Tegmental Area in Rams with High or Low Libido Although differences in dopamine synthesis do not appear to be the cause of poor sexual performance in rams, differences in dopamine synthesis appear to differ due to exposure to sexual stimuli in sexually active rams. If these differences hold with increased observations, poor sexual behavior is likely not due to a lack of dopamine synthesis. Quality of the sexual stimuli may influence dopamine synthesis and subsequent reward. Simulated self-enurination induces flehmen but does not affect serum LH concentrations in male goats Self-urination in buck goats increases flehmen response, but does not increase serum concentrations of LH. Self-urination does not appear to act through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to increase sexual excitement. Temporal patterns of energy-related metabolites, metabolic hormones, and progesterone concentrations, and intake and lambing rates in Rambouillet ewes selected for high and low reproductive rate.Genomic differences between Rambouillet sheep selected for high and low reproductive rate Continued selection for high and low reproductive rate in Rambouillet sheep appears to be related to distinct genetic differences between these lines. Perhaps the outcome of these genetic differences influence litter size and alter circulation concentrations of progesterone during gestation. Whatever the mechanism(s) it now appears that selection for high reproductive rate has increased the efficiency of production, in that, it required less nutrient input to produce more kilograms of lamb per ewe. Use of bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (bPAGs) to predict late embryonic mortality in beef cows. Late embryonic mortality (> d 28 of gestation) has been reported in both beef/dairy cattle and may vary from 3.2 to 42.7%. The majority of these losses occur around the time that placentomes are beginning to form (~d 35-40 of gestation). The use of a monoclonal antibody to rapidly purify bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Our preliminary studies revealed that cows that exhibited late embryonic mortality after day 28 of gestation had decreased circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (bPAG) on day 28. These observations permitted the development of a cutoff model to accurately predict late embryonic mortality. The use of magnetic nanoparticles for bull semen purification and improvement of AI outcome. The objective of semen purification experiments is to enhance bull semen quality by removing defective and/or prematurely capacitated spermatozoa prior to cryopreserving semen for artificial insemination. To achieve this depletion with anti-ubiquitin antibody and/or lectin conjugated magnetic particles, we have developed and validated an industrial scale protocol for magnetic depletion of defective spermatozoa from bull semen, prior to dilution of semen in cryoprotectants. This technology can increase conception rates after AI and allow for the reduction of sperm number per AI dose. The use of PAWP protein as a biomarker of sperm quality and fertility in bulls. Correlations between sperm PAWP protein levels and conventional semen and fertility parameters indicate that it will be possible to standardize the PAWP-based assay and to establish a threshold and a range for acceptable PAWP content in individual sires—any sires producing semen with values above or below this level would be considered abnormal and likely have decreased fertility. Thus, PAWP is a suitable candidate-biomarker of sperm quality and fertility due to its correlations with standard fertility parameters in the AI industry.. Expression of the long form of the leptin receptor in bovine oviduct epithelial, uterine epithelial and blastocyst stage embryos.Bovine oviduct and uterine epithelial cells and blastocyst stage bovine embryos express the long form of the leptin receptor. This indicates that there may communication and between the embryo and the gravid uterus utilizing the long form of the leptin receptor. Cooperativity among uterine paracrine factors in promoting bovine trophoblast cell proliferation Multiple hormones found in the uterus during early pregnancy act cooperatively to impact several key facets of early conceptus development. Potential role of leptin as a mediator of placental development and function in cattle Leptin impacts the expression of several trophoblast genes involved with peri- and post-implantation events. Maturation of bovine oocytes in the presence of bovine follicular fluid appears to benefit cumulus expansion but its effects on fertilization and subsequent embryonic development is not apparent. Creation of Equine Trophoblast Cells by somatic cell reprogramming An equine trophoblast cell line has been established through the spontaneous differentiation of mesenchymal cells provided a cocktail of stemness factors. PGRMC1 Mediates Progesterone-­?Induced Chemoresistance in Breast Cancer Cells and Facilitates Tumor Growth In Vivo and Conditional Pgrmc1 Deletion Results in Subfertility in the Female and Progression toward Endometrial Cancer. Conditional deletion of this gene in the uterus results in a subfertility phenotype stemming from faulty endometrial function shortly after embryo implantation. Female mice also display with cystic hyperplasia starting at 3 months of age. Conditional mutagenesis of Pgrmc1 from ovarian granuolosa cells results in increased follicular atresia and a concomitant decrease in the number of large antral follicles. Using endometrial and breast cell lines, PGRMC1 was shown to mediate the anti-­?mitotic and anti-­?apoptotic actions of progesterone. Stromal Derived Factor-­?1 Gene and Its Role in Early Mammalian Pregnancy. E2A and HEB are Indispensable Transcriptional Regulators of Pituitary and Uterine Physiology. The helix-­?loop-­?helix transcription factors encoded by the E2a and Heb genes are functionally required for female fertility. Conditional deletion of E2a and Heb results in disruption of LH production by the pituitary. Both the alpha and beta subunits of LH are blunted in E2a/Heb knockout mice. ChIP-­?PCR determined that the E2a protein product (i.e., E47) bound to E-­?box elements in critical genes that have been shown to be functionally necessary for uterine decidualization through mouse mutagenesis studies. Some of these genes include Wnt4, Hand2, Pgr, Foxo1A and Hoxa10. Understanding the Transcriptome and Secrotome of Uterine Glands in Mice During Early Pregnancy. The uterine and pregnancy-­?specific gene Mrgprg was found to be expressed in the gravid uterus in conjunction with several enzymes commonly associated with the renin-­?angiotensin-­?system (RAS). It is hypothesized that MRGPRG coordinates vascular changes at the implantation site. Dynamic changes in the gland transcriptome in the endometrium produce factors that govern uterine functions important for establishment of pregnancy. The identified genes and proteins may be useful as biomarkers of uterine receptivity and competency for pregnancy. Hydroxysteroid (11-­?Beta) Dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) and HSD11B2 Loss-­?of-­?Function on Conceptus Survival and Elongation in Sheep. Inhibition of prostaglandin and cortisol synthesis compromised conceptus elongation during early pregnancy in sheep. PTGS2-­?derived prostaglandins and HSD11B1-­?derived cortisol mediates actions of ovarian progesterone and the conceptus on endometrial function and support the hypothesis that IFNT, PG, and cortisol coordinately regulate endometrial functions important for conceptus elongation and implantation during early pregnancy in sheep. Regeneration of the endometrium likely involves distinct mechanisms that include: 1) activation of a unique population of stem cells; and 2) mesenchymal-­?to-­?epithelial transition. An orthotopic transplantation model was developed to evaluate the functional characteristics of putative endometrial stem/progenitor cells. Prenatal stress influences the insulin response to a glucose challenge in yearling Brahman heifers Prenatal stress results in calves which are less insulin resistant than are normal control calves. Therefore they have lower insulinogenic indicators and return to basal glucose and insulin concentrations earlier following a glucose challenge. The effects of prenatal stress and temperament on feeding behavior in post-weaning Brahman bulls Prenatal stress failed to alter feeding behavior of Brahman bulls. Temperament did influence feeding behavior. As prenatal stress results in increased excitability of calves long term performance consequences of prenatal stress are possible. Factors influencing preweaning ultrasound body composition of Brahman calves The major factors influencing preweaning body composition and growth are gender, temperament and prenatal stress. A bovine model for polycycstic ovary High A4 have 13% reduced calving rate than low A4 and wean calves with 26lbs greater weaning weight. We are further characterizing these cows to determine if there is altered gonadotropin secretion, theca and granulosa cell gene expression or abnormal negative feedback of steroid hormones. These are models for women with PCOS and are looking at ability to translate what we find in the cow to human disorders of androgen excess. Effect of high and low antral follicle count in pubertal beef heifers on in vitro fertilization (IVF) We are continuing to determine how Antral Follicle counts affects fertility by evaluating IVF on heifers with high and low AFCs. We will need to increase the number of cows utilized in the study in order to determine differences.Antral follicle counts have been demonstrated to be involved in increasing a females fertility but our studies could provide a mechanism of how AFC’s affect IVF and oocyte quality/competence. Granulosa Cell Gene Expression Profiling in Cows with Divergent Follicular Fluid Concentrations of Androgens We have conducted microarray analysis on granulosa cells from high and low A4 cows within our herd to determine differences in gene expression and pathway analysis. These data have given us some avenues to evaluate differences in granulosa cell mechanisms which may affect androgen production and thus fertility in these cows. Transient treatment of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) isoforms in vivo affects testis composition and mRNA abundance of genes that regulate the self-renewal of undifferentiated spermatogonia and survival in the perinatal rat testes. Rats treated transiently during the perinatal period with either angiogenic VEGFA isoforms or antiangiogenic isoforms had differences in testis composition (seminiferous cords vs intersitium) had alterations in genes regulating the spermatogonial stem cell niche and apoptotic processes. We may be able to manipulate male fertility by understanding how administration of VEGFA angiogenic or antiangiogenic isoforms affects SSC homeostasis and how this then can increase spermatogenic capacity of males. Male-specific region of the bovine Y chromosome is gene rich with a high transcriptomic activity in testis development and Male fertility evaluation with a custom-made 384-SNP chip in cattle. Characterization of the bovine and ovine Y chromosome sequence, organization, gene content, and gene copy number variations provides important comparative mapping information for studying Y chromosome biology and evolution, and resources for developing male-specific genetic markers that will allow us to identify high and low fertility bulls in a sire selection program. The PRAME/PRAMEY gene family is essential for acrosome formation and male fertility, which provide insights into the molecular mechanism of acrosome biogenesis and spermiogenesis. Objective 2: Development and application of methodologies to improve animal health, well-being, and reproductive efficiency of domestic ruminants in order to allow sustainable operation of production systems in the western United States. Evaluation of uterine capacity for pregnancy in beef heifers. Associations on BTA3 (P=2.3x10-5) and BTA6 (P=5.8x10-5) differentially exist between highly fertile and infertile heifers using an allelic test. Using these fertility-selected heifers should be useful to discover and understand the hormonal, cellular, and molecular mechanisms governing uterine receptivity and pregnancy success and provide biomarkers of uterine competency for pregnancy and fertility. Evaluation of increasing longevity of females on cow herd productivity. Cow age specific culling and BW data from commercial and research herds demonstrate a potential for annual increases of 20% weight of total calf crop and 10% in cull cow weight by reducing replacement rate from 20 to 15% clearly justify the need improve cow retention rates. The Effect of the Initial GnRH and Dose of PGF2? on Pregnancy Rate to TAI in Beef Heifers Submitted to the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR Program Omission of the initial GnRH treatment in the 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR program did not influence TAI pregnancy rate in yearling beef heifers. Moreover, an additional dose of PGF at CIDR removal did not improved fertility in these yearling beef heifers, regardless of whether or not the initial GnRH treatment was given. Comparison of two gonadorelin formulations and two luteolytic agents on pregnancy rates in beef cattle synchronized with a 5-d CO-Synch + CIDR program The use of gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate plus dinoprost tromethamine (CON) resulted in similar FTAI PR when compared to gonadorelin acetate plus cloprostenol sodium (PAR). Serum hormone profiles and pregnancy rates in Rambouillet ewes treated with dexamethasone during early pregnancy Administering 1 mg of dexamethasone daily for 5 d to ewes beginning 10 d after breeding resulted in reduced pre-weaning weight responses of offspring. Evaluating pregnancy rates from timed? artificial insemination with or without GnRH at timed AI as a response to a heat mount detector patch in beef cattle. Timed AI pregnancy rates are similar for cows that receiving a second injection of GnRH at TAI compared with cows exhibiting estrus prior to insemination and not receiving a second GnRH injection in a CO?SYNCH plus CIDR protocol. Mature beef cows exhibiting estrus prior to insemination tended to have greater pregnancy rates compared with those females not exhibiting estrus. The effect of follicle stimulating hormone in a modified CO?Synch synchronization protocol on subsequent pregnancy rates of crossbred beef cattle. Administration of FSH ten days prior to FTAI in CO?Synch plus CIDR synchronized mature crossbred beef cows failed increase subsequent pregnancy rates as has been reported in heifers. Comparison of Two artificial insemination methods for white?tailed deer Laparoscopic insemination pregnancy rates tended to be greater than transcervical pregnancy rates in white?tailed deer. Genome-­?wide Association Study and Endometrial Transcriptomics of Fertility-­? Classified Beef Heifers. Identification of genomic loci associated with fertility in beef and dairy heifers and cows is useful to create genetic tools to increase the fertility of cattle and thus profitability of cattle enterprises. Milestones: Regional, national and international interactions with producer groups 1. Global perspectives on beef production: Where do we go from here? Presented at 1st International Meeting on Animal Reproduction. Fazenda Esplanada, BR (2013). Presentation to approximately 100 large producers and veterinarians. 2. Fertility of heterospermic semen in vivo and in vitro. Presented at The XVII Course on New Approaches to Production and Reproduction in Cattle. Uberlandia, BR (2013). Presentation to approximately 800 producers, veterinarians, students and allied industry. 3. Should Nelore or Nelore crossbred heifers calve at 2 years of age or later? Presented at The XVII Course on New Approaches to Production and Reproduction in Cattle. Uberlandia, BR (2013). Presentation to approximately 900 producers, veterinarians, students and allied industry. 4. Beef Industry Perspectives. Presented at 2013 Select Sires National Sales Conference. Columbus, OH(2013). Presentation to approximately 400 AI industry personnel. 5. Cattle physiology and the CO-Synch + CIDR synchronization program. Presented at Society for Theriogenology Annual Conference and Symposia. Lexington, KY (2013). Presentation to approximately 100 veterinarians. 6. Management factors that affect the success of AI programs in beef cattle. Presented at Society for Theriogenology Annual Conference and Symposia. Lexington, KY (2013). Presentation to approximately 100 veterinarians. 7. Teglas - Cattlemen's Update, January 6 - 10, 2014. Reno, Fallon, Ely, Elko, Winnemucca, Nevada. 8. Lachman, M. M., J. D. Swartz, J. G. Berardinelli, and C. J. Yeoman. 2014. Probiotic supplemented bum lambs perform as well as natural lambs in 95 d feed trial. 2014 Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum, Bozeman, MT. Poster. 9. Herrygers, M. R., R. Garrott, C. Butler, and J. G. Berardinelli. 2014. Pregnancy rate and metabolites in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) at the end of breeding season and in mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) before the breeding season and the first trimester of pregnancy. 2014 Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum, Bozeman, MT. Poster. 10. Spence, K., A. Vogstad, K. Perz , M. Hoyt , B. Stokes, J. G. Berardinelli, J. G. P. Bowman, P. A. Grieco, and G. C. Duff. 2014. Effects of feeding high-linoleic acid supplement on the distribution of estrus and temporal concentrations of PGFM in pubertal beef heifers. 2014 Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum, Bozeman, MT. Poster. 11. Swartz, J. D., J. G. Berardinelli, J. M. Thomson, M. Lachman, K. Westveer, M. R. Herrygers. R. W. Kott, P. G. Hatfield, and C. J. Yeoman. 2014. Rambouillet ewes bred for improved reproductive rate consume less TDN per kg of lamb born. 2014 Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum, Bozeman, MT. Poster. 12. Cattle Reproduction takes another step toward a brighter future by Jasmine Rogers; Nebraska: The Epicenter of Global Beef Production. Strategic Discussions for Nebraska. P. 28-29. 13. The Future is Bright- Dr. Andrea Cupp- YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kPl-UbXMkg. Strategic Discussion for Nebraska. 14. McFee RM, RA Artac, AF Summers, WE Pohlmeier, VM Brauer, SG Kurz, RA Cushman, FR Wood, AS Cupp. Follicular vascular endothelial growth factor A expression before and after the LH surge. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. 2014. 15. Summers AF, WE Pohlmeier, FM Brauer, KM Sargent RM McFee, SG Kurz, RA Cushman, JR Wood, AS Cupp. Androgen Excess in Beef Cows Results in Altered Theca Cell Gene Expression and Fertility. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. 2014. 16. Summers AF, DM Larson, AS Cupp. Preconception Distillers Grains Supplementation Improves Mature Beef Cow Return to Estrous. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2014.

1. Abreu, F. M., L. H. Cruppe, M. Maquivar, M. D. Utt, C. A. Madsen, M. L. Mussard, J. L. M. Vasconcelos, M. L. Day and T. W. Geary. 2014. The effect of follicle age on conception rate in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1022-1028. 2. Abreu, F. M., T. W. Geary, L. H. Cruppe, C. A. Madsen, E. M. Jinks, K. G. Pohler, J. L. M. Vasconcelos, and M. L. Day. 2014. The effect of follicle age on pregnancy rate in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1015-1021. 3. Alvarez-Gallardo, H., M.E. Kjelland, J.F. Moreno, T.H. Welsh, Jr., R.D. Randel, M. Perez-Martinez, A.V. Lara-Saghan, A.E. Esperon-Sumano and S. Romo. 2013. Gamete Therapeutics: Recombinant protein adsorption for increasing fertility via artificial insemination. PLOSONE 8(6)e 65083 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065083. 4. Antoniazzi, A.Q., B.T. Webb, J.J. Romero, R.L. Ashley, N.P. Smirnova, L.E. Henkes, R.C. Bott, J.F. Oliveira, G.D. Niswender, F.W. Bazer, and T.R. Hansen. 2013. Endocrine delivery of interferon-tau protects the corpus luteum from prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced luteolysis in ewes. Biology of Reproduction. 88(6):144. 5. Atkins, J.A., M. F. Smith, M. D. MacNeil, E. M. Jinks, F. M. Abreu, L. J. Alexander, and T.W. Geary, 2013, Pregnancy establishment and maintenance in cattle, J. Anima. Sci. 91:722- 733. 6. Atkins J.A., K.G. Pohler, and M.F. Smith. 2013. Physiology and endocrinology of puberty in heifers. In: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. D.J. Patterson and M.F. Smith (Eds.) R.A. Smith Consulting Editor, Elsevier, Philadelphia, p 479-492. 7. Bas S., Maquivar M.G., Coutinho da Silva M.A., Day M.L., Daglio M.C., Harguindeguy S., Titler M., and G.M. Schuenemann, "Effect of intrauterine administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone with glycerol on serum LH concentrations in lactating dairy cows". Anim. Reprod. Sci. 145:15-22. 2014. 8. Blanchard, M.T., M.L. Anderson, B.R. Hoar, A. Pires, P. Blanchard, B. Yeargan, M.B. Teglas, M. Belshaw, J.L. Stott. (2014). Assessment of an immunofluorescence assay for the detection of antibodies against epizootic bovine abortion (EBA). Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. Accepted – revisions submitted 9. Bridges, G. A., M. L. Day, T. W. Geary, and L. H. Cruppe. 2013. Deficiencies in the uterine environment and failure to support embryo development. J. Anim. Sci. 91:3002-3013. 10. Bridges G.A., Mussard M. L., Helser L. A. and M. L. Day, "Comparison of follicular dynamics and hormone concentrations between the 7-day and 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR program in primiparous beef cows". Theriogenology 81:632-638. 2014. 11. Bridges, G.A., S.L. Lake, S.G. Kruse, S.L. Bird, B.J. Funnell, R. Arias, J.A. Walker, J.K. Grant, and G.A. Perry. Comparison of three CIDR-based fixed-time AI protocols in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. 12. Burns G, Brooks K, Wildung M, Navakanitworakul R, Christenson L, Spencer TE. Extracellular vesicles in luminal fluid of the ovine uterus. PLoS One 2014; Mar ?10;9(3):e90913. 13. D. J. Burton, P. A. Ludden, R. H. Stobart, B.M. Alexander. Fifty years of the Wyoming Ram Test: How sheep have changed. Professional Animal Scientist. In Review. 14. Caldwell, J. D., K. P. Coffey, J. A. Jennings, D. Philipp, A. N. Young, J. D. Tucker, D. S. Hubbell, T. Hess, M. L. Looper, C. P. West, M. C. Savin, M. P. Popp, D. L. Kreider, D. M. Hallford, and C. F. Rosenkrans. 2013. Performance by spring and fall-calving cows grazing with full, limited, or no access to toxic Neotyphodium coenophialum-infected tall fescue. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 465-476. 15. Chang, T.-C., Yang, Y., Retzel, E., Liu, W.-S. (2013) Male-specific region of the bovine Y chromosome is gene rich with a high transcriptomic activity in testis development. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 110(30), 12373-12378. 16. Craig ZR, Singh J, Gupta RK, Flaws, JA. Co-treatment of mouse antral follicles with 17?-estradiol interferes with mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP)-induced atresia and altered apoptosis gene expression. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 45:45-51. 17. Chen, X., A.S. Green, A.R. Macko, D.T. Yates, A.C. Kelly, S.W. Limesand (2014). Enhanced Insulin Responsiveness and Islet Adrenergic Desensitization after Discontinuing Chronic Norepinephrine Suppression in Fetal Sheep. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism 306(1):E58-64. 18. Cooke PS, Bartol FF, Hayashi K, Spencer TE. Uterine glands: development, function ?and experimental model systems. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19(9):547-­?558. 19. Day ML and Nogueira GP, "Management of age at puberty in beef heifers to optimize efficiency of beef production". Animal Frontiers. Vol. 3, 6-11. 2013. 20. Dobbs KB, Khan FA, Sakatani M, Moss JI, Ozawa M, Ealy AD and Hansen PJ (2013). Regulation of pluiripotency of inner cell mass and growth and differentiation of trophectoderm of the bovine embryo by colony stimulating factor 2. Biol. Reprod. 89:141 21. Dorniak P, Welsh TH Jr, Bazer FW, Spencer TE. Cortisol and interferon tau ?regulation of endometrial function and conceptus development in female sheep. ?Endocrinology 2013; 154:931-­?941. 22. Dorniak P, Bazer FW, Spencer TE. Physiology and Endocrinology Symposium: ?biological role of interferon tau in endometrial function and conceptus elongation. J ?Animal Sci 2013; 91:1627-­?16 23. Dorniak P, Spencer TE. Biological roles of progesterone, prostaglandins and interferon tau in endometrial function and conceptus elongation in ruminants. ?Animal Reproduction 2013; 10(3):239-­?251. 38. 24. Elliott, L. M., J. L. Parcell, D. J. Patterson, M. F. Smith, and S. E. Poock. 2013. Factors influencing beef reproductive technology adoption. Journal of the ASFMRA 76:100-119. 25. Filant J, Spencer TE. Endometrial glands are essential for blastocyst implantation ?and decidualization in the mouse uterus. Biol Reprod 2013; 88(4):93. 26. Filant J, Spencer TE. Cell-­?specific transcriptional profiling reveals candidate genetic mechanisms regulating development and function of the uterine glands in mice. Biol ?Reprod 2013; 89:86. 27. Filant J, DeMayo FJ, Pru JK, Lydon JP, Spencer TE. Fibroblast growth factor two ?(FGFR2) regulates uterine epithelial integrity and fertility in mice. Biol Reprod ?2013; 90:1-­?11. 28. Filant J, Lydon JP, Spencer TE. Integrated chromatin immunoprecipitation ?sequencing and microarray analysis. FASEB J 2014; 28:230-­?243. 29. Forde N, McGettigan PA, Mehta JP, O’Hara L, Mamo S, Bazer FW, Spencer TE, Lonergan P. Global proteomic analysis of uterine luminal fluid during the pre-­? implantation period of pregnancy in cattle. Reproduction 2014; (accepted and in ?press). 30. Forde N, Simintiras C, Sturmey R, Mamo S, Kelly A, Spencer TE, Bazer FW, Lonergan ?P. Amino acid composition of uterine luminal fluid reflects temporal changes in expression of their transporters in the endometrium and conceptus during early pregnancy in cattle. PLoS One 2014; (accepted). 31. Forde N, Mehta JP, McGettigan PA, Mamo S, Bazer FW, Spencer TE, Lonergan P. ?Alterations in expression of endometrial genes coding for proteins secreted into the ?uterine lumen during conceptus elongation in cattle. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:321. 32. Folger JK, Jimenez-Krassel F, Ireland JJ, Lv L, Smith GW. Regulation of granulosa cell cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) binding and effect of CART signaling inhibitor on granulosa cell estradiol production during dominant follicle selection in cattle. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:137. 33. Ge W., N. Hu, L.A. George, S.P. Ford, P.W. Nathanielsz, X.M. Wang, J. Ren. 2013. Maternal nutrient restriction predisposes ventricular remodeling in adult sheep offspring. J. Nutr. Biochem. 24(7):1258-65. 34. 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. Madsen. 2013. Influence of follicular characteristics at ovulation on early embryo survival. J. Anim. Sci. 91:3014-3021. 35. Gentry, G., L. Gentry and R.Godke. 2013. The effect of exogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and endogenous plasma leptin concentrations on the pregnancy rate of beef heifers subjected to fixed? timed artificial insemination (FTAI). Anim. Reprod. Sci. 138: 49?54. 36. Gonzalez, J.M., L.E. Camacho, S.M. Ebarb, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Vonnahme, A.M. Stelzleni, and S.E. Johnson. 2013. Realimentation of nutrient restricted pregnant beef cows support compensatory fetal muscle growth. Journal of Animal Science. 91:4797-4806. 37. Grant, J. K., P. L. Steichen, C. L. Wright, K.A. Vonnahme, M. L. Bauer, J.S. Jennings, and G. A. Perry. 2013. Influence of nitrogen and sulfur intake on bovine uterine pH throughout the luteal phase. Journal of Animal Science. 91:1186-1192. 38. Gunn, P.J. R.P. Lemenager, G.A. Bridges. 2014. Using corn stover and dried distiller’s grains with solubles to conserve stockpiled forages and improve reproductive performance and progeny growth fall-calving beef cows. Professional Anim. Sci. Accepted. 39. Gunn, P.J., J.P. Schoonmaker, R.P. Lemenager, and G.A. Bridges. Feeding excess crude protein to gestating and lactating beef heifers: Impact on parturition, milk composition, ovarian function, reproductive efficiency and pre-weaning progeny growth. Livestock Science. Accepted. 40. Gunter, S. A., P. A. Beck, and D. M. Hallford. 2013. Effects of supplementary selenium source on the blood parameters in beef cows and their nursing calves. Biol. Trace Elements Res. 152: 204-211. 41. Hansen, T.R., J.J. Romero, A.Q. Antoniazzi, R.C. Bott, R.L. Ashley, B.T. Webb, L.E. Henkes, N.P. Smirnova. 2013. Endocrine conceptus signaling in ruminants. Animal Reproduction. (3):311-321. 42. Hansen TR, Pru JK. Isgylation: A conserved pathway in mamallian pregnancy. In: Posttanslational modifications in reproductive system. Springer 2014; In Press. 43. Harris, E.K., E.P. Berg, E.K. Berg, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2013. Effect of maternal activity during gestation on maternal behavior, fetal growth, umbilical blood flow, and farrowing characteristics in pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 91:734-744. 44. Hart, N.J., W.J. Chung, K. Ananthakrishnan, M. Anderson, R. Patek, Z. Zhang, S.W. Limesand, J. Vagner, and Ronald M. Lynch (2014). Heterobivalent GLP-1/Glibenclamide for Targeting Pancreatic Beta-cells. ChemBioChem 15(1):135-45. doi: 10.1002/cbic.201300375. 45. Hoffman, M. L., Rokossa, M. A., Zinn, S., Hoagland, T., Govoni, K. Poor maternal nutrition during gestation in sheep reduces circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in offspring. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. Accepted May 2014. In Press. 46. Isom S.C., Stevens J.R., Li R., Spollen W., Cox L., Spate L., Murphy C., and Prather R. (2013) “Transcriptional profiling by RNA-Seq of peri-attachment porcine embryos generated using a variety of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).” Physiological Genomics 45(14):577-589. 47. Jinks, E. M., M. F. Smith, J. A. Atkins, K. G. Pohler, G. A. Perry, M. D. MacNeil, A. J. Roberts, R. C. Waterman and T. W. Geary, 2013, Preovulatory estradiol and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in suckled beef cows, J. Anim. Sci. 91:1176-1185. 48. Kandadi M.R., Y. Hua, M. Zhu, S. Turdi, P.W. Nathanielsz, S.P. Ford, S. Nair, J. Ren. 2013. Influence of gestational overfeeding on myocardial proinflammatory mediators in fetal sheep heart. J. Nutr. Biochem. 24(11):1982-1990. 49. Kelly, A.C., L.V. Steyn, M.J. Anderson, J. Kitzmann, K. Mueller, N.J. Hart, R.M. Lynch, K.K. Papas, and S.W. Limesand (2014). Function and Expression of Sulfonylurea, Adrenergic, and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptors in Isolated Porcine Islets. Xenotransplantation (Epub). doi: 10.1111/xen.12101. 50. Kennedy CE, Krieger KB3, Sutovsky M, Xu W, Vargovic? P, Didion BA, Ellersieck MR, Hennessy ME, Verstegen J, Oko R, Sutovsky P (2014) Protein expression pattern of PAWP in bull spermatozoa is associated with sperm quality and fertility following artificial insemination. Mol Reprod. Dev., 81(5): 436-49. 51. Kurz, SG, KL Dennison, NM Samanas, MP Hickman, TL Walker, AS Cupp and JD. Shull. Ept7 Influences Estrogen Action in the Pituitary Gland and Body Weight of Rats. Mamm Genome. 2014 Jan 22. . [Epub ahead of print]. 52. Lee KB, Wee G, Zhang K, Folger JK, Knott JG, Smith GW. 2014. Functional role of the bovine oocyte-specific protein JY-1 in meiotic maturation, cumulus expansion and subsequent embryonic development. Biol Reprod 90:69. 53. Lekatz, L.A., J.S. Luther, J.S. Caton, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2013. Impacts of maternal nutritional plane on umbilical artery hemodynamics, fetal and placentome growth in sheep. Animal Reproduction. 10:99-105. 54. Lemley, C. O., L. E. Camacho, and K. A. Vonnahme. 2013. Uterine infusion of melatonin or melatonin receptor antagonist alters ovine feto-placental hemodynamics during mid-gestation. Biology of Reproduction. 89:40, 1-9. 55. Lemley, C. O., L. E. Camacho, A. M. Meyer, M. Kapphahn, J. S. Caton, and K. A. Vonnahme. 2013. Dietary melatonin supplementation alters uteroplacental amino acid flux during intrauterine growth restriction in ewes. Animal. 7:1500-1507. 56. Lemley, C. O., A. M. Meyer, T. L. Neville, D. M. Hallford, L. E. Camacho, K. R. Maddock-Carlin, T. A. Wilmoth, M. E. Wilson, G. A. Perry, D. A. Redmer, L. P. Reynolds, J. S. Caton, and K. A. Vonnahme. 2014. Dietary selenium and nutritional plane alter specific aspects of maternal endocrine status during pregnancy and lactation. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 46: 1-11. 57. Long N.M., D.T. Smith, S.P. Ford, P.W. Nathanielsz. 2013. Elevated glucocorticoids during ovine pregnancy increase appetite and produce glucose dysregulation and adiposity in their granddaughters in response to ad libitum feeding at 1 year of age. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 209(4):353.e1-9. 58. Long, N. M., N. Tuersunjiang, L. A. George, C. O. Lemley, Y. Ma, W. J. Murdoch, P. W. Nathanielsz, S. P. Ford. 2013. Maternal nutrient restriction in the ewe from early to midgestation programs reduced steroidogenic enzyme expression and tended to reduce progesterone content of corpora lutea, as well as circulating progesterone in nonpregnant aged female offspring. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 11:34. 59. Long N.M., S.P. Ford, P.W. Nathanielsz. 2013. Multigenerational effects of fetal dexamethasone exposure on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of first- and second-generation female offspring. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 208(3):217.e1-8. 60. Lu, N, KM Sargent, DT Clopton, WE Pohlmeier, VM Brauer, RM McFee, JS Weber, N Ferrara, DW Silversides, AS Cupp. Conditional loss of Sertoli and germ cell vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoforms causes alterations in genes regulating spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis in male mice Endocrinology. 2013 Dec;154(12):4790-802. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1363. Epub 2013 Oct 29. PMCID:PMC3836063. 61. Mao, D, H. Xiaoying, H. Talbott, R Cushman, A Cupp, JS Davis. ATF3 Expression in the Corpus Luteum: Possible Role in Luteal Regression. Mol Endocrinol. 2013 Dec;27(12):2066-79. doi: 10.1210/me.2013-1274. Epub 2013 Nov 6. 62. Martins T, Peres R.F., Rodrigues A.D., Pohler K.G., Pereira M.H., Day M.L., Vasconcelos J.L., "Effect of progesterone concentrations, follicle diameter, timing of artificial insemination, and ovulatory stimulus on pregnancy rate to synchronized artificial insemination in postpubertal Nellore heifers". Theriogenology 81:446-453. 2014. 63. McCoski SR, Xie M, Hall EB, Mercadante PM, Spencer TE, Lonergan P and Ealy AD (2014). Validation of an interferon stimulatory response element reporter gene assay for quantifying type I interferons. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 47:22-26. 64. McFee, RM, Bott RC, Lu NX, AS Cupp. Role of Angiogenesis in development of the ovary. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2013;25(2):333-42.. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID:23021322. No PMCID because open access.? 65. Mercadante PM, Waters KM, Mercadante VR, Lamb GC, Elzo MA, Johnson SE, Rae DO, Yelich JV and Ealy AD (2013). Subspecies differences in early fetal development and plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 91:3693-3701. 66. Meyer, A.M., T.L. Neville, J.J. Reed, J.B. Taylor, L.P. Reynolds, D.A. Redmer, C.J. Hammer, K.A. Vonnahme, and J.S. Caton. 2013. Maternal nutritional plane and selenium supply during gestation impacts visceral organ mass and intestinal growth and vascularity of neonatal lamb offspring. Journal of Animal Science. 91:2628-2639. 67. Minten MA, Bilby TR, Bruno RGS, Allen CC, Madsen CA, Wang Z, Sawyer JE, Bauersachs S, Neibergs HL, Geary TW, Spencer TE. Effects of fertility on gene ?expression and function of the bovine endometrium. PLoS One 2013; 8(8): e69444. 68. Mottet, R. S., C. O. Lemley, K. A. Vonnahme, and E. L. Berg. 2013. Lipoic acid decreases progesterone clearance in ovariectomized ewes. Animal Reproduction. 10:112-118. 69. Mulliniks, J. T., R. C. Waterman, and T. W. Geary. 2013. Economics of early weaning in Northern Great Plains beef cattle production system. Agricultural Science 4:219-233. 70. Minten, M. A., T. R. Bilby, R. G. S. Bruno, C. C. Allen, C. A. Madsen, Z. Wang, J. E. Sawyer, A. Tibary, H. L. Neibergs, T. W. Geary, S. Bauersachs, and T. E. Spencer. 2013. Effects of Fertility on Gene Expression and Function of the Bovine Endometrium. PLoS ONE 8(8):e69444. 71. Nash, J.M., D.A. Mallory, M.R. Ellersieck, S.E. Poock, M.F. Smith, and D.J. Patterson. 2013. Comparison of long-term controlled internal drug release-based protocols to synchronize estrus and ovulation in postpartum beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 91:3168-3176 72. Nathanielsz P.W., S.P. Ford, N.M. Long, C.C. Vega, L.A. Reyes-Castro, E. Zambrano. 2013. Interventions to prevent adverse fetal programming due to maternal obesity during pregnancy. Nutr. Rev. 71 (Suppl 1):S78-87. 73. Neville, T.L, A.M. Meyer, A. Reyaz, D.A. Redmer, P.P. Borowicz, L. P. Reynolds, J.S. Caton, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2013. Effects of dietary selenium and nutritional plane during gestation on mammary gland growth, cellular proliferation, and vascularity in ewe lambs. Journal of Animal Science Biotechnology. 4:6 (http://www.jasbsci.com/content/4/1/6) 74. O’Hara L, Forde N, Carter F, Rizos D, Maillo V, Ealy AD, Kelly AK, Rodriguez P, Isaka N, Evans AC and Lonergan P (2014). 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Long-­?term label retaining cells localize to distinct regions within the female reproductive epithelium. Cell Cycle. 2013; 12:2888-­?2898. PMID: 24018418 79. Peluso JJ, Pru JK. Non-­?canonical progesterone signaling in granulosa cell function. Reproduction 2014;147:R169-­?178. PMID: 24516175 80. Pohler, K. G., M. F. Smith, C. L. Johnson, J. A. Atkins, E. M. Jinks, D. C. Busch J. A. Green, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. 2013. Circulating bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (bPAGs) are associated with late embryonic/fetal survival but not ovulatory follicle size in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 91:4158–4167. 81. Powers JG, Monello RJ, Wild MA, Spraker TR, Gionfriddo JP, Nett TM, Baker DL. 2014. Effects of GonaCon immunocontraceptive vaccine in free-ranging female Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). Wildlifde Soc Bull. May 19, 2014 epub ahead of print. 82. Prezotto, L.D., C.O. Lemley, L.E. Camacho, F.E. Doscher, A.M. Meyer, J.S. Caton, K.A. Vonnahme, and K.C. 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Welsh, Jr. and R.D. Randel. 2014. Genetic parameters of three methods of temperament evaluation of Brahman calves. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1-6. doi:10.2527/jas2014-7494. 91. Scheffler, J.M., M.A. McCann, S.P. Greiner, H. Jiang, M.D. Hanigan, G.A. Bridges, S.L. Lake, and D.E. Gerrard. 2014. Early metabolic imprinting events increase marbling scores in fed cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92:320-324. 92. Schueler, J.L,. B.M. Alexander, A.M. Hart, K.J. Austin, and D.E.Larson-Meyer. 2013. Presence and Dynamics of Leptin, GLP-1, and PYY in Human Breast Milk at Early Postpartum. Obesity. 21(7):1451- 1458 Epub ahead of print http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23408760. 93. Seabrook, J.L., J.D. Cantlon, A.J. Cooney E.E. McWhorter, B.A. Fromme, G.J. Bouma, 94. R.V. Anthony, and Q.A. Winger. 2013. Role of LIN28A in mouse and human trophoblast cell differentiation. Biol Reprod 89(4):95, 1–13. 95. Shipka, MP, JE Rowell, SC Gerlach, J Greenberg, and T Paragi. 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