Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Location of Meeting: Las Cruces, NM Date of Meeting: June 20-21, 2005 Host: Milt Thomas, New Mexico State University Chair: Andy Herring, Texas A&M University Administrative Advisor: Don Kress, Montana State University MINUTES The Western Education/Extension and Research Activity Committee for Beef Cattle Breeding Research (WERA-1) convened in Las Cruces, New Mexico June 20-21, 2005. Twenty-four people were in attendance. Bell Ranch/Commercial Ranch Project Keith Long from the Bell Ranch gave an informative presentation about the Bell Ranch/Commercial Ranch project. Station Reports Station reports were presented by members in attendance. NBCEC Update John Pollak gave an update of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC). He discussed the efforts that NBCEC is making toward: " Listing potential resource populations that are available for validation of gene tests " Decision support tools, including the web based tool that is being developed at Colorado State University and the multibreed evaluation procedures being developed by Cornell " Education activities including the upcoming Sire Evaluation Manual and efforts toward distance education Graduate Education Rumph and Enns had drafted a letter following last years meeting that went out to the department heads in the western region concerning distance education at the graduate level. No grants were submitted for this effort, but Rumph will be looking for grants that fit this effort over the next year. John Pollak would like the committee to keep NBCEC updated on their efforts because this is a goal of the NBCEC. Kress Report The WCC-1 committee is now WERA-1 which stands for Western Education/Extension and Research Activity. A new administrator is needed for the committee because Kress retired as associate dean March 31, 2005. As of the meeting, no new administrator had been named. The current project is a 5-year project and expires September 30, 2007. Kress reminded the group to provide Andy Herring with impact statements that can be included in the annual report. Kress wanted to thank the group for their gift for his retirement. He also wanted to share with the younger members of the group that, in looking back, WCC-1 was a wonderful, productive, collaborative committee and he hoped that it would continue as such. CSREES Report Pete Burfening updated the group on CSREES issues. Extension Members One of the shortfalls of the current committee membership is the lack of an extension representation. Brent Buckley has been a participant in the meetings, but is not an official member. Benton Glaze (Idaho) was suggested as a potential member and has expressed interest in the group in the past. Rick Funston (Nebraska) was also mentioned as a potential member of the committee with an extension appointment. Herring will contact Glaze and Funston during the Western Section American Society of Animal Science (WSASAS) meeting to see if they are interested in becoming members and if so, will draft a formal invitation to their directors. Publications/Symposia Discussion concerning a new WERA-1 publication took place. Some ideas were a lab manual for use in undergraduate animal breeding courses and review publications for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. In following the model of the southern committees (S-1013) recent symposium, the committee discussed the possibility of holding symposia in conjunction with WSASAS meetings or the Beef Improvement Federation meetings. The advantage of WSASAS would be the possibility of peer reviewed symposia proceedings on the Journal of Animal Science (JAS) website. Thomas was going to check on the details necessary for having JAS electronic proceedings of the symposia. Gaskins, Thomas, and Rumph were appointed to the committee to further investigate the possibility of symposia and the most appropriate time/place to have them. 2006 Meeting The location, host, and chairperson for the 2006 WERA-1 meeting were agreed upon as follows: Location: Miles City, Montana (date to be determined) Host: Mike MacNeil, USDA-ARS Miles City Chair: Charley Gaskins, Washington State University 2007 Meeting Hawaii is tentatively planned for the 2007 WERA-001 meeting with Brent Buckley, University of Hawaii serving as host.

Objective 1: Maintain and disseminate educational resources on the genetics of beef cattle including WCC-1 publications. The website is active and the current address is: http://www.nmsu.edu/~wcc1. Some arrangements have been made to possibly change the hosting of the website from New Mexico State to the University of Hawaii. The website contains most WERA-1 (previously WCC-1 and W-1) publications in pdf form for easy download. Additionally, numerous extension and service presentations are made by members of the group each year. The group is currently planning a symposium to highlight important research areas. Objective 2: Conduct research to contribute to the understanding of genetic association among economically important traits and their indicators. A member of the committee organized a session at the Beef Improvement Federation on applications of multiple trait selection technology in the beef industry. A second member of the committee made an invited presentation at the Beef Meeting envisioning the future implementations of multiple trait section technologies. Current users of multiple trait selection technologies developed by members of the committee include: Circle A Angus Sire Alliance, American International Charolais Association, and Beefbooster Alberta Ltd (Canada). Related developmental efforts are underway for American Hereford Association, American Simmental Association, Agricultural Research Council , Animal Improvement Institute (South Africa), and Circle A Angus Sire Alliance. ABS Global Inc. has derived revenues in excess of $1.5 million from semen of Angus bulls identified as high value terminal sires. Objective 3: Maintain a record of resources on pedigreed populations that could be used in quantitative and/or molecular studies. The database is progressing and that a group of students at Colorado State are working on its development. Objective 4: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding. The annual WERA-1 meeting is the forum in which all of these are addressed.

A. Refereed Journal Articles Walburger, A.M. And D. H. Crews, Jr. 2004. Improving market selection for fed beef cattle: The value of real time ultrasound (RTU) and relations data. Can J. Ag. Econ. 51:1-16 Crews, D. H., Jr., E. J. Pollak and R. L. Quaas. 2004. Evaluation of Simmental carcass EPD estimated using live and carcass data. J. Anim. Sci. 82:661-667 Crews. D. H., Jr., N. H. Shannon, B.M.A. Genswein, R. E. Crews, C.M. Johnson, and B. A. Kendrick. 2004. Residual feed intake during postweaning growing versus finishing periods and carcass composition of been steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. Accepted. Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. 2004. Genetic parameters among growth and carcass traits of Canadian Charolais cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 84:589-597. Valle. E., F. A. Habermann, S. S. Moore, D. H. Crews, Jr. and B.F. Benkel. 2004. Genomic localization and SNP discovery in the bovine melanocortin receptor 4 gene (MCR4). Anim. Genet. 35 (4) 351-352. Valle, E., D.H. Crews, Jr., and B.F. Benkel. 2005. The bovine cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) locus: gene characterization and SNP discovery. Anim. Genet. 36: 74-75. Crews, D. H., Jr. 2005. Genetics of efficient feed utilization and national cattle evaluation: A review. Genetics and Molecular Research 4 (2) 152-165. (www.funpecrp.com.br) Cleveland, M.A., H.D. Blackburn, R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Changes in inbreeding of U.S. Herefords during the twentieth century. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 992-1001. MacLeay, J.M., J.D. Olson, R.M. Enns, C.M. Les, C.A. Toth, D.L. Wheeler, A.S. Turner. 2004. Dietary-Induced metabolic acidosis decreases bone mineral density in mature ovariectomized ewes. Calcif. Tissue Int. 75: 431-437. Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2± synthesis in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1832-1838. Ahola, J.K., D. S. Baker, P. D. Burns, R. G. Mortimer, R. M. Enns, J. C. Whittier, T. W. Geary, and T. E. Engle. 2004. Effect of copper, zinc, and manganese supplementation and source on reproduction, mineral status, and performance in grazing beef cattle over a two-year period. J. Anim. Sci. 82: 2375-2383. Miller, K.E., J.C. Whittier, R.K. Peel, R.M. Enns, J.E. Bruemmer, and W.J. Umberger. 2004. Case Study: Comparison of breeding and marketing systems for Red Angus cattle using an integrated computer-based spreadsheet. The Professional Animal Scientist 20: 429-436. Sanders, J.O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas. Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas. Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses Proc. Symposium on tropically adapted breeds, S-1013 Regional Project. Southern Section ASAS, February 8, 2005, Little Rock, Arkansas. Henderson, D.A., M.G. Thomas, and Y. Da. 2005. Conference review: bovine genomics from academia to industry. Cattle and sheep workshop, International Plant and Animal Genomes Conference 2005. Comp. Funct. Genom. 6:174-180. Lopez, R., M.G. Thomas, D.M Hallford, D.H. Keisler, B.S. Obeidat, M.D. Garcia, and C.R. Krehbiel. 2005. Growth, reproduction, and metabolic hormone characteristics of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman heifers of similar age and pen-fed managed. Accepted with revisions J. Anim. Sci. 10/25/2004. Kane, K.K., D.E. Hawkins, GD. Pulsipher, D.J. Denniston, C. R. Krehbiel, M.G. Thomas, M.K. Petersen, D.M. Hallford, M.D. Remmenga, A.J. Roberts, and D.H. Keisler. 2004. Effect of increasing levels of undegradable intake protein on metabolic and endocrine factors in estrous cycling beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 82:283-291. Flores, R., M.L. Looper, M.G. Thomas, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Influence of bovine somatotropin on characteristics of estrus and reproduction of Holstein cows during summer months. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:191-197. Bailey, D.W. 2005. Invited synthesis paper: Identification and creation of optimal habitat conditions for livestock. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 58:109-118. Bailey, D.W. and F.D. Provenza. 2005. Mechanisms determining herbivore distribution. In: H.T Prins and F. Van Langevelde (eds.), Large Herbivore Dynamics in Fragmented Landscapes. Frontis, Wageningen, Netherlands (in press). Haley, D.B., D.W. Bailey, J.M. Stookey. 2005. The effects of weaning calves in two stages on their behavior and growth rate. J. Anim. Sci. 83:2205-2214. VanWagoner, H.C., D.W. Bailey, D.D. Kress, D.C. Anderson, and K.C. Davis. 2005. Differences among beef sire breeds and relationships between terrain use and performance when daughters graze foothill rangelands as cows. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. (accepted 2/05). Bailey, D.W. 2004. Management strategies for optimal grazing distribution and use of arid rangelands. J. Anim. Sci. 82(E. Suppl.):E147-E153. Bailey, D.W., M.R. Keil, and L.R. Rittenhouse. 2004. Research observation: Daily movement patterns of hill climbing and bottom dwelling cows. J. Range Manage. 57:20-28. Griffin, K. B., J. J. Michal, L. F. Fox, C.T. Gaskin sand Z Jiang. 2005. Fine mapping of the bovine chromosome 22q24 region that harbors the lactoferrin gene and a QTL linked marker for clinical mastitis. Animal Genetics (Accepted). Wu X-L, MacNeil MD, De S, Xiao QJ, Michal JJ, Gaskins CT, Reeves JJ, Busboom JR, Wright Jr, RW, Jiang Z. 2005. Evaluation of candidate gene effects for beef backfat via Bayesian model selection. Genetica. (Accepted). Zhihua Jiang, Xiao-Lin Wu, Matthew D. Garcia, Kirsten B. Griffin, Jennifer J. Michal, Troy L. Ott, Charley T. Gaskins, and Raymond W. Wright Jr. (2004) Comparative gene-based in silico analysis of transcriptomes in different bovine tissues/organs. Genome 47:1164-1172. B. Scientific Abstracts and Proceedings Crews, D. H., Jr., M. Lowerison, N. Caron, and R. A. Kemp. 2004. Genetic correlations of growth with carcass traits from Charolais field data. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:74-77. Crews, D. H., Jr. Genetic evaluation of efficient feed utilization in beef cattle. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl.1): 119 (Abstr.) Crews, D. H., Jr., J. D. Nkrumah, J. Yu and S. S. Moore. 2004. Associations of single nucleotide polymorphism in the bovine leptin gene with feedlot and carcass characteristics of crossbred steers. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meet., Edmonton AB. P. 161. Li, C., E. Valle, B. Murdoch, D. H. Crews, Jr., S. S. Moore and B. F. Benkel. 2004. Evalustion of two genes affected by the mouse hg deletion as candidates for growth in exprimental commercial lines of beef cattle. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meet., Edmonton, AB. P. 98. McKay, S. D., M. Elisabete J. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. Hansen, C. Li, Y. Meng, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Wand, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2004. Towards a bovine chromosomal linkage disequilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. Proc. Can. Soc. Anim. Sci. 2004 Ann. Meeti., Edmonton, AB. P. 101. McKay. S. D., M. E. Amaral. B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews. Jr., C. A. Gill, C. Hansen. C. Li, E. Marques, Y. Meng. B. Murdoch, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Wang, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womack and S. S. Moore. 2005. Towards a bovine chromosomal linkage diseuilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. 29th Conference of the International Society for Animal Genetics, Tokyo, Japan. McKay, S. D., M. E. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. A. Gill, C. Hansen. C. Li, E. Marques. Y. Meng. B. Murdoch, B. G. D. Urquhart. Z. Qang. J. L. Williams. J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2005. An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14: The foundation for a whole chromosomal linkage disequilibrium map. Proc. Can. Soc. Ani m. Sci. 2005 Ann. Meet., Cincinnati, OH. McKay, S. D., M. E. Amaral, B. P. Chowdhary, D. H. Crews, Jr., C. A. Gill. C. Hansen, C. Li, E. Marques, Y. Meng. B. Murdoch. B. G. D. Urguhard. Z. Wang, J. L. Williams, J. E. Womak and S. S. Moore. 2005. Towards a bovine choromosomal linkage disequilibrium map: An integrated radiation hybrid map of Bos Taurus chromosome 14. Plant, Animal And Microbe Genomes XIII Conference, San Diego, CA. Crews, D. H., Jr. G. E. Carstens, and P. A. Lancaster, 2005. Development of a multiple trait selection index for feedlot traits in beef cattle including feed efficiency. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:71-74. Lancaster. P. A., G. E. Carstens, D. H. Crews, Jr., and S. A. Woods. 2005. Evalustion of feed efficiency traits in growing bulls and relationships with feeding behavior and ultrasound carcass estimates. Proc. West Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:461-464. Crews, D. H., Jr. 2005. Multiple Trait Selection for Maternal Productivity: The Hereford Maternal Productivity Index. Proc. Beef Improvement Federation 37th Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting. In Press. Speidel, S.E., R.M. Enns, and D.J. Garrick. 2005. Weaning weight heritability estimates in different environments. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:83-86. Brigham, B.W., R.M. Enns and D.J. Garric. 2005. Using additional phenotypic information in data poor analyses. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:105-108. Beckman, D., S.E. Speidel, B.W. Brigham, D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2005. Genetic parameter estimates for docility in Limousin cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:109-111. Brigham, B.W., D.J. Garrick, and R.M. Enns. 2004. Development of web-based cow-calf decision support software. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):391(Abstr.). Cleveland, M.A. R.M. Enns, D.J. Garrick and H.D. Blackburn. 2004. Examining the genetic diversity of Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):451(Abstr.). Maiwashe, A. D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Weighting of information when predicting breeding values using the standard or marker-based inverse of the numerator relationship matrix. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):243(Abstr.). Olson, K.M., D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Predicting breeding values for feed intake from individual or pen-fed data. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):452(Abstr.). Speidel, S.E., D.J. Garrick and R.M. Enns. 2004. Genetic prediction for estimating mature cow maintenance energy requirements. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.1):450(Abstr.). Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):379(Abstr.). Thomas, M., M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsivenesss to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Plant and Anim. Genome XII, 229. Walker, R.S., R.M. Enns, T.W. Geary, N.W.Wamsley, E. R. Downing, R. G. Mortimer, B. A. LaShell, and D. D. Zalesky. 2004. Fertility in beef heifers synchronized using a modified Co-Synch plus CIDR protocol with or without GnRH at timed AI. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 117 (Abstr). Sprinkle, J.E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. B. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of a long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow and calf trace mineral profiles. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 132 (Abstr). Sprinkle, J.E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. B. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of a long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow productivity. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2): 132 (Abstr). Garrick, D.J. and R.M. Enns. 2004. Selecting for economically relevant traits. Proceedings of the Beef Seedstock Conference on Genetic Innovations for Breeding Programs held by the Iowa Beef Center in Ames Iowa, 2 December 2004. Amen, T.S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders and C. A. Gill. 2004. Investigation of birth weight in Bos indicus-Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1): 449(Abstr.). Amen, T.S., A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders and C. A. Gill. 2004. Investigation of gestation length in Bos indicus-Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1): 449(Abstr.). Sanders, J..O., S.F. Cunningham, A. Ducoing, A.D. Herring, and D.K. Lunt. 2005. Evaluation of the F1 crosses of the Tuli, Boran, and Brahman with Hereford and Angus for birth, growth, carcass, cow productivity and longevity characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.). Herring, A. D., S. F. Cunningham, L. V. Cundiff, J. O. Sanders, C. C. Chase, Jr., W. A. Phillips, J. F. Baker, J. W. Holloway, B. G. Warrington and S. W. Coleman. 2005. Varying differences between sexes in birth weight and weaning weight of calves sired by tropically adapted breeds at six diverse U.S. locations. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.). Gill, C. A. T. S. Amen, J. O. Sanders, and A. D. Herring. 2005. Reciprocal differences in gestation length and birth weight in Bos indicus/Bos taurus crosses. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):(Abstr.). Herring, A.D., J. O. Sanders, D. K. Lunt, J. E. Sawyer, M. A. Wegenhoft, and C. A. Gill. 2005. Segregation of disposition scores among families of Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:91-94. Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:70-73. Davis, K.C., D.C. Anderson, D.D. Kress, J.M. Rumph, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Changes in body weight, pelvic measures and semen characteristics of Hereford cattle due to selection for scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):108. Davis, K.C., M.W. Tess, J.M. Rumph, R.P. Ansotegui, and H.C. VanWagoner. 2005. Reproduction traits and calf performance of first calf heifers sired by bulls with high marbling or high retail product EPD. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2 Davis, K.C., M.W. Tess, J.M. Rumph, R.P. Ansotegui, and H.C. VanWagoner. 2005. Reproduction traits and calf performance of first calf heifers sired by bulls with high marbling or high retail product EPD. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:102-104. Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004 Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:67-69. Ilse, B.R., J.M. Rumph, K.C. Davis, and S.L. Wallin. 2004 Genetic analysis of two lines of Rambouillet sheep divergently selected for lambing rate. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):108. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:78-81. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, and D.L. Boss. 2004. Genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl.2):109. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Influence of incorrect estimates of inbreeding on the genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2 Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Characterization of the Montana Line 4 inbred Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2 Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Age-of-dam adjustment factors for scrotal circumference in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 2 Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Influence of incorrect estimates of inbreeding on the genetic analysis of mature cow weights in a population of inbred Hereford cattle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:121-124. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Characterization of the Montana Line 4 inbred Hereford herd. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:116-120. Rumph, J.M., D.D. Kress, K.C. Davis, D.C. Anderson, H.C. Van Wagoner, and D.L. Boss. 2005. Age-of-dam adjustment factors for scrotal circumference in the Montana Line 4 Hereford herd. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:125-127. Rumph, J.M., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, and R.W. Kott. 2005. Estimation of genetic parameters for body weight in Rambouillet and Targhee lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Suppl. 1. Beck, R., R. McNeely, M. Thomas, and C. Bailey. 2004. Seasonal and yearlong grazing in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert: Impacts on forage and cow-calf production. N.M. Ag. Exp. Stat. Res. Rep. (in press). Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D.J. Garrick, M.G. Thomas, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Sire and dam effects on distribution patterns of cows grazing mountainous rangeland. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56: (in press) Bailey, D.W. 2004. Integrating management practices to improve uniformity and sustainability of grazing, Proc., 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands, Nashville, TN, p 628-636. Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:75-78. Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, L.J. Slay, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow productivity. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. West. Sec. 54:362-366. Sprinkle, J.E., S.P. Cuneo, H.M. Frederick, R.M. Enns, D.W. Schafer, G.E. Carstens, L.J. Slay, S.B. Daugherty, T.H. Noon, B.M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004. Effects of long acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow and calf trace mineral profiles. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. West. Sec. 54:357-361. Marsh, S.E., B.J. Orr, W.J.D. van Leeuwen, C.F. Hutchinson, A-M White, W. Grunberg, L. Baker, G. Casady, Y. Yang, C. Kuo, E. vander Leeuw, D. Tuttle, A. Thwaits, B.S. Hutchinson, L.D. Howery, M. Pepper, G.B. Ruyle, P.R. Krausman, J. Cain, D. Schafer, K. Jain, and C. Baker. 2004. Final report: Synergy IV: Extending and operationalizing rangeview for natural resource management. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. Beauchemin, V.R. and M.G. Thomas. 2005. Associative relationships of GH gene polymorphisms to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. NMSU  Grad. Arts and Res. Symp. 31. Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):(in press). Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.L. Shirley, and D.E. Franke. 2005. Variance of growth and carcass measures in Bos indicus steers appears to be attributed to sire rather than polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) gene or its transcriptional regulators. Int. Plant Anim. Genome XIII:205. Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):379. Thomas, M.G., and K.L. Shirley. 2004. Mechanisms regulating feed intake: role of appetite-regulating peptides. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):118. Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. 2004. Residual feed intake and serum concentrations of insulin in developing Brangus heifers from sires with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):62. Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G. Silver, M. Garcia, K. Shirley, V. Beauchemin, and D. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to differentially influence pituitary responsiveness to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. Int. Plant Anim. Genome XII:229. Bailey, D.W. 2005. Using nutritional supplementation to improve grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX. Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D. Jensen, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Effects of low-moisture blocks and liquid molasses supplement on cattle grazing patterns. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX. DelCurto, T. and D.W. Bailey. 2005. Effects of season of use and herding to improve grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Fort Worth, TX. Bailey, D.W. 2004. Management of cattle distribution patterns through strategic supplement placement and herding to protect riparian areas and increase uniformity of grazing on rugged rangeland. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT. Bailey, D.W., D. Jensen, and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Effects of self-fed and hand-fed protein supplements on cattle grazing patterns: low-moisture blocks vs. range cake. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT. Bailey, D.W., D. Jensen, and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Effects of self-fed and hand-fed protein supplements on cattle grazing patterns: low-moisture blocks vs. range cake. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT. Bailey, D.W., K. Long, and B. Long. 2004. Evaluation of low-moisture blocks and pressed blocks for manipulating cattle grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT. Bailey, D.W. and H. VanWagoner. 2004. Can we improve livestock grazing distribution through selection? Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT. De, M. D. MacNeil, X. L. Wu, J. J. Michal, Q. Xiao, M. D. Garcia, K. B. Griffin, C. T. Gaskins, J. J. Reeves, J. R. Busboom, R. W. Wright Jr. and Z. Jiang. 2004. Detection Of Quantitative Trait Loci For Marbling And Backfat In Wagyu X Limousin F2 Crosses Using A Candidate Gene Approach. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):55 (Abstr.). C. Electronic publications Walker, R.S., E.R. Downing, R.M. Enns, and D.D. Zalesky. 2004. Improving fertility in beef heifers with GnRH at timed AI using a modified Co-Synch plus CIDR protocol. 2004 Beef Program Report. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University Wamsley, N.E., P.D. Burns, T.E. Engle, and R.M. Enns. 2004. Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2 synthesis in beef heifers having low luteal phase progesterone. 2004 Beef Program Report. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University D. Extension Presentations and Publications: Thomas, M.G. New Advances in Genetic Tracking. New Mexico Joint Stockmens Convention, Cattlemens College, Albuquerque, NM. 2004. Thomas, M.G. Beef Industry Overview: become aware of new technologies that will affect our business. Presentation to the Board of Directors of the International Brangus Breeders Association, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, 2004. Also served as Chair of the Breed Improvement Committee 2004 to 2005. Thomas, M.G. Understanding the Current Status of Genetic Markers. Presentation to the Breed Improvement Committee of the International Brangus Breeders Association, Houston, TX , 2004. Bailey, D.W., H.C. VanWagoner, D.J. Garrick, M.G. Thomas, and R. Weinmeister. 2005. Sire and dam effects on distribution patterns of cows grazing mountainous rangeland. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.94. Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.M. Hallford, G.A. Silver, V.R. Beauchemin, R. Steiner, and R.M. Enns. 2005. Prediction of reproductive traits in Brangus heifers using a SNP and the translated product of the IGF-I gene. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.84. Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, G.A. Silver, K.L. Shirley, and D.E. Franke. 2005. Variance of growth and carcass measures in Bos indicus steers appears to be attributed to sire rather than polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) gene or its transcriptional regulators. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.85. Shirley, K.L., and M.G. Thomas. 2004. Case study in Brangus heifers suggests important consideration of the trait of residual feed intake (RFI). Commercial Brangus Edition 11:12-13. Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, and G.A. Silver. 2004. Early weaning and cow/calf performance: Recent observations in desert Brangus. Commercial Brangus Edition 11:15-17. Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphisms appear to be differentially influence pituitary responsiveness to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) among Bos taurus and Bos indicus-derivative cattle. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.78. Beauchemin, V.R., M.G. Thomas, C.C. Bailey, and G.A. Silver. 2004. Early weaning and cow/calf performance: Recent observations in desert Brangus. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.79. Shirley, K.L., M.G. Thomas, D.H. Keisler, D.M. Hallford, D.M. Montrose, G.A. Silver, and M.D. Garcia. 2004. Evaluation of residual feed intake (RFI) and concentrations of metabolic hormones in developing heifers from sires with differing EPDs for growth and scrotal circumference in a Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.80. Burcham, L.N. and M.G. Thomas. 2004. Selection for maternal performance in the New Mexico State University Purebred Angus herd yielded steer progeny with profitable feedlot performance. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p. 81. Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, G.A. Silver, M.D. Garcia, K.L. Shirley, V.R. Beauchemin, and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Growth hormone gene polymorphisms differentially predict ADG and carcass traits in performance tested Angus and Brangus bulls selected for semi-arid climates. NMSU Res. Brf. & Cattle Grow. Short Cor. p.82. Herring, A. D. Heifer development and cow culling criteria. Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Rosenberg, Texas, September 25, 2004. Herring, A. D. Use of ultrasound data for genetic improvement of carcass traits. American Brahman Breeders Association International Field Day. Santa Elena Ranch, Madisonville, Texas, October 15, 2004. Herring, A.D. Development of EPDs for Beefmaster cattle. Beefmaster Breeders United Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas October 23, 2004. Field, T., and A. D. Herring. Use of heterosis and structured crossbreeding systems. Cattlemans College, National Cattlemens Beef Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, February 2, 2005. Herring, A.D. Transition of beef industry to efficiency traits. International Brangus Breeders Association annual meeting, Houston, March 3, 2005.