Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual meeting was held jointly with the S-1045 technical committee.  Individual station reports were provided by those in attendance.  Project objective reports were also provided by attendees that were members of the S-1045 project, including proposed project objectives were discussed relative to the pending (at that time) review of that committee’s new project.  Opportunities for identifying other contributing stations were discussed.

Those in attendance expressed that a highlight of this annual meeting was the joint meeting with S-1045 committee.  This interaction resulted in much discussion of objectives and procedures in the current project and new ideas for enhancing projects and potential future collaboration.  Both groups felt this joint meeting was very beneficial, and we intend to meet together every 2 or 3 years.  The complete minutes for this joint meeting are attached at the end of the report.

As an aid to evaluate this report, our project objectives are provided:

1. Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources on the genetics of beef cattle and comparative genetics among cattle breeds and other species (e.g, sheep, wildlife) to support outreach, extension, and education activities.
2. Maintain animal populations, DNA and RNA repositories, and performance and health databases to support beef cattle phenomics research.
3. Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators.
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 joint S-1045 and WERA-1 meeting was called to order on May 28, 2014 by Dr. Andy Herring at the G. Rollie White Visitor’s Center located at the O.D. Butler Animal Teaching, Research and Extension Complex in College Station, TX.  Dr. Herring asked all participants to introduce themselves to the group then invited everyone to partake in breakfast.  Dr. Herring introduced Dr. Russell Cross, Animal Science Department Head at TAMU, who gave the official welcome to Texas and to Texas A&M University.  Dr. Cross gave an overview of enrollment for the department and discussed funding challenges for animal research in the US.  Dr. Herring assigned “volunteers” to the resolutions and nominating committees for the S-1045 group. The members assigned to the nominating committee were Dr. Bob Godfrey and Dr. Jim Sanders; and members assigned to the resolutions committee were Dr. Trent Smith and Dr. Brian Bolt. 

Station Reports for S-1045 projects were presented by objectives, beginning with discussion on Objective 1 (Estimation of genetic variation associated with susceptibility/resistance to specific measures of disease stress in cattle managed on forage).

Dr. Bob Godfrey presented a report for University of Virgin Islands regarding tick parasites and association with body weight and ADG of in Senepol cows and calves at weaning and yearling.

Dr. Andy Herring, TAMU, reported results from research evaluating killed versus modified-live BRD vaccine and subsequent gain, rectal temperature, and feed intake vaccinated calves and non-vaccinated controls.

WERA-1 reports were interspersed between S-1045 reports:

Dr. Holly Neibergs reported on 5 project areas being evaluated at Washington State University including BRD, Johne’s Disease, fertility in beef cattle, fertility in dairy cattle and feed efficiency.  The BRD study was focused on a GWAS evaluation for dairy populations including cattle in California and New Mexico.  The beef BRD research included sample collection, diagnostic processing and GWAS for 1000 feedlot respiratory cases.  Johne’s Disease research included a GWAS on 300 cattle at a slaughter facility, and a capture C on putative causal mutation.  The beef fertility project focused on crossbred cows located at Ft. Keogh, MT which included 25 fertile cows and 25 infertile cows that were evaluated 28 days post embryo transfer six different times.  They will be expanding into another study with the same cows in artificial insemination evaluation.  Fertility work on dairy cattle focused on high fertility (n=500) and low fertility (n=500) heifers and primiparous cows which will be ultimately genotyped.  Feed efficiency work included fine gene mapping for a larger collaborative study and GSEA integrated with RNA sequencing data.

Dr. Kristi Cammack, University of Wyoming, reported on feed efficiency research in sheep ongoing at their experiment station. The research focused on GWAS data, GrowSafe data, and rumen microbiota including microbe DNA sequencing in collaboration with University of Missouri.  High sulfur studies were conducted to evaluate high dietary S and individual animal tolerance to high S levels.  Research was also conducted on steers for high and low feed efficiency by evaluating small intestinal biology and gene expression differences and how those affect angiogenic factors and blood flow for nutrient absorption.   

S-1045 Objective 2 discussion (Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the US with emphasis on cow fertility and productivity in comparison to Bos indicus influenced breeds and types):

Dr. Jim Sanders gave discussion regarding heterosis in a crossbreeding program that began at TAMU in 1995. The primary emphasis was on cow productivity and comparisons were made evaluating lifetime productivity for the crossbreeding projects involving Nelore and Angus cattle.

Dr. Lauren Hanna described the research facilities and extension centers utilized by North Dakota State University throughout the state.  She also discussed her research interests including phenotypic traits of cattle, EPDs, temperament scoring bias, and genotypic relationships.

Dr. Jennifer Thomson described research interests that she is currently working on at Montana State University.  Projects currently include sheep fertility, nutritional effects on high vs. low-line Rambouillet ewes, effect of progesterone on feed efficiency, RFI relationship to carcass quality in sheep, effects of inbreeding in two lines of Hereford cattle, management of Bighorn sheep and improved objective measurements of temperament.

Dr. Michael Gonda from South Dakota State University described research projects underway in his laboratory.  These included hereditability estimate of E. coli 0157:H7 vaccine response in cattle, epigenetic relationship of high vs. low concentrate ration and effects on methylation pattern of hypothalamic tissue in feedlot calves, as well as determining genetic relationship to semen quality using flow cytometry.

S-1045 Objective 4 Updates (Evaluation of relationships between hair coat and production traits in beef cattle breed types):

Bryan Kutz reported data collected for objective 4 at University of Arkansas.  Month of first shedding of winter hair coat was related to age of cow, birth weight of calf, and body weight of cow at weaning.

Dr. Brian Bolt reported that Clemson University will be contributing in the future to hair coat shedding data collection.  He has interest in observing some Hereford cattle for coat shedding in South Carolina.

Dr. Trent Smith reported data collected at Mississippi State University to determine associations of hair coat shedding, hair length and hair numbers to production traits in beef cattle.  Angus, Herefords and Charolais beef herds were all included in the data set.  As shedding score went down, hair number went down and percent of short hair went up.  Hair shedding score was related to calf birth weight in Angus cows, but not in Hereford or Charolais. Hair shedding score was related to calf weaning weight in Herefords, but not in Angus or Charolais. 

Dr. Jim Sanders reported data from 2011 to 2014 regarding hair shedding scores and pattern in cows from the TAMU experiment station.  Coat scores were recorded for hair shedding and regrowth patterns.  He also explained some data collected by Dr. Riley that compared hair shedding and regrowth scoring to a sine wave/curve.

The meeting was called to order on May 29, 2014 by Dr. Andy Herring.  He introduced Dr. Matthew Cronin from University of Alaska as the next speaker.  Dr. Cronin shared information regarding endangered species policy.  Dr. Cronin’s discussion included information regarding how some species of wildlife such as wolves, bison and sage–grouse depending on their location across the North American continent are being designated by the federal government into separate subspecies to reinforce an environmental policy agenda.  However, these “subspecies” have overlapping genetics with limited variation which does not support the federal government’s claims for these species being sorted into separate subspecies.  

Dr. David Riley and Dr. Jim Sanders led the group on a tour through the Texas A&M AgriLife Beef Cattle Systems Research Unit on the Brazos river bottom ranch and described the current research projects they are conducting.

Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia, S-1045 administrative advisor gave an update regarding the S1045 project.  He informed the group that the current rewrite for the project is now under review.  The NIMMS system is also currently unavailable due to the host system at University of Maryland being shut down.  Dr. West emphasized the importance of multiple stations actively collaborating on each objective in the project in order to justify the projects existence.  He also reminded the group that a project report will be due 60 days following the meeting.  Dr. Herring reminded the group to send electronic copies of station reports to him to put together a final report for this year’s project meeting. Dr. Brett Hess, University of Wyoming, WERA-1 administrative advisor addressed the group indicating the importance of reporting our research findings related to our project objectives, and he provided a handout focused on writing a good report.  Dr. Hess also described how our reports are assembled into impact statements to justify funding for our land grant research mission.  Dr. Hess also indicated the Hatch funds were increased in 2014 by 3%, and AFRI may receive approximately $8 million in increased funding.  The current farm bill called for the establishment of an Agriculture Research Foundation providing funding to match extramural/industry funds to support research targeting agricultural needs.  Dr. Herring discussed opportunity regarding future collaboration or meetings between the S-1045 and WERA-1 projects.  Dr. Bob Godfrey indicated it may be favorable for the two groups to meet together every 2 or 3 years for interaction and discussion. 

The two groups met separately to discuss future meeting locations and frequency of future collaborative meetings.  The S-1045 group determined that a collaborative meeting with WERA-1 should occur around every 2-3 years.  Dr. Herring broke a tie vote for meeting location, so that the 2015 S-1045 meeting will be held at Clemson University and the 2016 meeting at University of Virgin Islands.  Proposed dates for the S-1045 2015 meeting were May 27-29. The WERA-1 group is planning to meet in Montana in 2015 and will meet with the S-1045 group at University of Virgin Islands in 2016. 

Dr. Herring invited reports from the nominating and the resolutions committee for the S-1045 project group.  Dr. Sanders indicated that the nominating committee had nominated Dr. Brian Bolt as incoming secretary for the S-1045 executive board.  His nomination was accepted by unanimous vote.  The resolution committee report was read by Dr. Brian Bolt and was accepted by unanimous vote from the group. 

Dr. David Riley further discussed his methodology regarding the hair coat shedding sinusoidal data that was introduced the previous day by Dr. Jim Sanders.  He pointed out that the younger cows exhibited hair coat shedding that was slightly delayed compared to older cows.

The group toured the new Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex located on the TAMU campus that afternoon, and toured the cattle in various b breeding research projects at the Texas A&M University AgriLife Research Center in McGregor, Texas on Friday May 30. The group adjourned at 3:00 PM.  

Regarding genetic investigation of cattle health, high density genotyping and genome wide association study (GWAS) of 1,000 feedlot steers from Colorado has been completed along with an initial analysis of health and performance phenotypes. Multiple measures of behavior, health, immune responses and individual feed intake and growth after Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus challenge, in conjunction with genetic background and DNA banked in 380 Nellore-Angus crossbred steers in Texas. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at conserved regions at the locus associated with tissue infection of Johne’s disease have been investigated. Two functional mutations have been identified with a patent filed. An additional 300 animals have been genotyped, and GWAS is ongoing for validation.  Work in these areas collectively contributes to accomplishments of Objectives 1, 2, and 3.

Investigation of genetic components contributing to differences in individual animal feed intake and feed efficiency is being pursued at several locations though evaluation of males (growing bulls or steers), or in females (replacement heifers and/or mature cows), and in some cases sheep. Data associated with these activities contribute to project objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Several structured populations are being utilized to investigate genetic influences on cattle fertility. Collection and processing of 1,500 Holstein replacement heifer samples for genotyping in addition to beef population for fertility study is ongoing at WSU. Approximately 3,000 records from 700 Bos indicus-Bos taurus females including DNA samples have been collected at TAMU. Two composite populations Bos taurus populations are being evaluated in Arizona. Montana maintains the Line 4 Hereford cattle as a component of a long-term line breeding project selecting for early growth rates and scrotal circumference; additionally, MSU and USDA-ARS maintain the Line 1 Hereford cattle that has been informative in beef cattle genetics for over 75 years. MSU also maintains two lines of Rambouillet sheep selected since 1968 for high and low reproductive rate, which are currently being used to study the genetic and molecular basis of reproductive efficiency. Accomplishments in these areas contribute to project Objectives 1, 2, and 3.

Cattle producers in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming have received research information and updates from project participants at local meetings and additional producers have been reached nationally at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Beef Improvement Federation meetings; colleague scientists have been impacted at the American Society of Animal Science and the Plant and Animal Genome meetings. Also, during the current reporting period, 18 graduate students have received training and research knowledge to aid in their career development and the advancement of knowledge about cattle breeding and genetics. Several publications in scientific outlets and industry/popular press outlets are provided under the publications list. Activities in these areas support Objectives 1 and 4.

Journal Articles:

Cronin, M.A., G. Rincon, R.W. Meredith, M.D. MacNeil, A.  Islas-Trejo, A. Canovas, and J.F. Medrano. 2014.  Molecular phylogeny and SNP variation of polar bears (Ursus maritimus), brown bears (U. arctos) and black bears (U. americanus) derived from genome sequences. Journal of Heredity. 105:312-323.

Cronin, M.A., M.M. McDonough, H.M. Huynh, and R.J. Baker. 2013. Genetic relationships of North American bears (Ursus) inferred from amplified fragment length polymorphisms and mitochondrial DNA sequences.  Canadian Journal of Zoology 91:626-634. 

Cronin, M.A., M.D. MacNeil, N. Vu, V. Leesburg, H. Blackburn, and J. Derr.  2013.  Genetic variation and differentiation of extant bison subspecies and comparison with cattle breeds and subspecies. Journal of Heredity.  104:500-509.

Cronin, M.A., and M.D. MacNeil.  2012.  Genetic relationships of extant North American brown bears (Ursus arctos) and polar bears (U. maritimus). The Journal of Heredity103:873-881.

Diaz, I.D.P.S., D. H. Crews Jr., and R. M. Enns.  2013  Cluster and meta-analyses of genetic parameters for feed intake traits in growing beef cattle.  J. Anim. Breed. Genet.   DOI=10.1111/jbg.12063&ArticleID=1235102  1-10.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L., D. J. Garrick, C. A. Gill, A. D. Herring, P. K. Riggs, R. K. Miller, J. O. Sanders, and D. G. Riley. 2014. Genome-wide association study of temperament and tenderness using different Bayesian approaches in a Nellore-Angus crossbred population. Livest. Sci. 161:17-27.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L., D. J. Garrick, C. A. Gill, A. D. Herring, J. O. Sanders, and D. G. Riley. 2014. Comparison of breeding value prediction for two traits in a Nellore-Angus crossbred population using different Bayesian modeling methodologies. Genet. Mol. Biol. In Review.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L., and D. G. Riley. 2014. Mapping genomic markers to closest feature using the R package Map2NCBI. Livest. Sci. 162:59:65.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L., J. O. Sanders, D. G. Riley, C. A. Abbey, and C. A. Gill. 2014. Identification of a major locus interacting with MC1R and modifying black coat color in an F₂ Nellore-Angus population. Genet. Sel. Evol. 46:4.

Karisa, B.K., J. Thomson, Z. Wang, C. Li, Y.R. Montanholi, S.P. Miller, S.S. Moore, and G.S. Plastow. 2014. Plasma metabolites associated with residual feed intake and other productivity performance traits in beef cattle, Livestock Science, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2014.03.002

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, T.E. Spencer. 2013. Effects of Fertility on Gene Expression and Function of the Bovine Endometrium. PLoSOne 8(8): e69444. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069444

Nielsen, M. K., M. D. MacNeil, J. C. M. Dekkers, D. H. Crews Jr., T. A. Rathje, R. M. Enns, and R. L. Weaber.  2013.  Life-cycle, total-industry genetic improvement of feed efficiency in beef cattle:  Blueprint for the Beef Improvement Federation.  Prof. An. Sci.  29:  559-565.

Peters, S. O., K. Kizilkaya, D. J. Garrick, R. L. Fernando, E. J. Pollak, R. M. Enns, M. De Donato, O. O. Ajayi, and I. G. Imumorin.  Use of robust multivariate linear mixed models for estimation of genetic parameters for carcass traits in beef cattle.  J. Anim. Breed. Genet.  DOI:10.111/jbg.12093

Riley, D. G., T. H. Welsh Jr., C. A. Gill, L. L. Hulsman, A. D. Herring, P. K. Riggs, J. E. Sawyer, and J. O. Sanders. 2013. Whole genome association of SNP with newborn calf cannon bone length. Livest. Sci. 155:186-196.

Scraggs, E, A. Wojwicz, R. Zanella, J.F. Taylor, C.T. Gaskins, J.J. Reeves, J.M. de Avila, H.L. Neibergs. 2013. Estimation of inbreeding and effective population size of full blood Wagyu cattle registered with the American Wagyu Cattle Association. Journal Animal Breeding and Genetics DOI: 10.1111.jbg.12066

Tolleson, D.R. and D.W. Schafer. 2014. Application of fecal near-infrared spectroscopy and nutritional balance software to monitor diet quality and body condition in beef cows grazing Arizona rangeland.  J. Anim. Sci. 92:349–358.

Scientific Abstracts:

Bauer, L. W., J. O. Sanders, D. G. Riley, and A. D. Herring.  2014.  Breed and sex influence on calf birth weight in purebred and crossbred Angus and Nellore calves.  J. Anim. Sci.  92(Suppl. 2):3(Abstr.).

Burns, G.W., T.W. Geary, J.I. Moss, A.C. Denicol, K.B. Dobbs, M. Sofiea Ortega, P.J. Hansen, A.J. Wojtowicz, H.L. Neibergs, P.J. Ross, T.E. Spencer. Genome-wide association study and endometrial transcriptomics of fertility-classified beef heifers. 2014. Society Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Cockrum, R. R., S. E. Speidel, J. L. Salak-Johnson, C. C. L. Chase, R. K. Peel, R. L. Weaber, H. Van Campen, G. H. Loneragan, J. J. Wagner, P. Boddhireddy, M. G. Thomas, K. Prayaga, and R. M. Enns.  2013.  Heritability and correlations of immune respons parameters in cattle treated for bovine respiratory disease.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Supl. 1. Page 70.

Garcia, J., A. D. Herring, D. G. Riley, J. O. Sanders, and D. P. Anderson. 2014. Economic analysis of cow longevity. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 65:83-86.

Downey, E.D., X. Fang, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath and A.D. Herring. 2013. Anamnestic antibody response to in BVDV 1b challenge in Angus-Nelore steers. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 650(Abstr.).

Downey, E.D., X. Fang, C. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Vaccinated Angus-Nellore yearling steers have reduced platelet and lymphocyte decline following bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1b challenge. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 20).

Fang, X., E.D. Downey, C.A. Runyan, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, W. Mwangi, C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Relationships between temperament and hematological responses of crossbred steers following bovine viral diarrhea virus challenge. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 5).

Fang, X., E. Downey, C.A. Runyan, J.E. Sawyer, T.B Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, W. Mwangi , C.A. Gill, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Relationships of temperament, exit velocity and rectal temperature of crossbred steers challenged with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 648(Abstr.).

Garrick, D.J., M. Saatchi, J. F. Taylor, US Feed Efficiency Consortium. Genome-Wide Association Study of Dry Matter Intake, Metabolic Weight, Growth and Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. 2014. Plant & Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Kidder, L., A.J. Wojtowicz, J.F. Taylor, C.M. Seavury, K.A. Johnson, H.L. Neibergs. Gene set enrichment analysis of residual feed intake in Hereford cattle. 2014. Joint American Dairy Science Association-American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri.

Long, N.M., T.A. Burns, S.K. Duckett, and D.W. Schafer. 2013. Reproductive performance of beef heifers supplemented with saturated or unsaturated rumen bypass fat. J. Anim. Sci. 91 (E-Suppl. 2):235. (Abstr.).

Long, N.M. And D.W. Schafer. 2013. Changes in plasma leptin in newborn and postnatal beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 91 (E-Suppl.2):344-345. (Abstr.).

Moss, K.D., F. Avila, T. Raudsepp, B.M. Marron, J.E. Beever, M. Neupane, S. Parish, J. Kiser, B. Cantrell, H.L. Neibergs. Polymelia in Holstein Cattle. 2014. Joint American Dairy Science Association-American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri.

Neibergs, H.L., C.M. Seabury, J.F. Taylor, A. Wojtowicz, Bovine Respiratory Disease Consortium, J.E. Womack. A multidisciplinary approach to genome wide association analysis reveals susceptibility loci for Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex. 2014. Plant & Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Neibergs, J.S., H.L. Neibergs, J.F. Taylor, C.M. Seabury, T.W. Lehenbauer, A.L. Van Eenennaam, J.E. Womack. An estimate of the economic gain from selection to reduce BRD incidence in dairy calves. 2014. Proceedings 10^th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Riley, D.G., T.H. Welsh, C.A. Gill, L.L. Hulsman, A.D. Herring, P.K. Riggs, J.E. Sawyer, and J.O. Sanders. 2013. Association of newborn calf cannon bone length with preselected SNP chosen based on proximity to genes with suspected influence. Page 9 in: American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Annual Meeting and Conference, Orlando, FL, USA.

Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E.D. Downey, T.B. Hairgrove, J.E. Sawyer, J.G. Moreno, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2013. Interactions of rectal temperature status and vaccine type with sire on weight gain and feed intake in Bos indicus crossbred steers following Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2): 168(Abstr.).

Runyan, C.A., X. Fang, E.D. Downey, J.E. Sawyer, T.B. Hairgrove, J.F. Ridpath, and A.D. Herring. 2014. Evaluation of weight gain and rectal temperature across vaccine type in Bos indicus crossbred steers challenged with bovine viral diarrhea virus. (abstract for Southern Section ASAS page 32).

Seabury, C.M., J.F. Taylor, H.L. Neibergs, BRD Consortium. GWAS for differential manifestation of clinical signs and symptoms related to bovine respiratory disease complex in Holstein calves. 2014. Plant & Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Speidel, S. E., R. R. Cockrum, J. L. Salak-Johnson, C. C. L. Chase, M. G. Thomas, K. G. Prayaga, R. K. Peel, R. L. Weaber, H. Van Campen, G. H. Loneragan, J. J. Wagner, and R. M. Enns.  2013.  Cortisol, interleukin 8, and immunoglobin G ratios predict treatment for bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Supl. 1. Page 486.

Thomas, M. G., G. R. Hagevoort, T. T. Ross, R. M. Enns, H. Van Campen, A. L. Van Eenennaam, H. L. Neibergs, C. Chase, and J. E. Womack.  2013.  Integrated program for reducing bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in cattle, coordinated agricultural project (CAP):  Translation of research into teaching programs in 2013.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Supl. 1. Page 421.

Wojtowicz, A., C.M. Seabury, J.F. Taylor, BRD Consortium, H.L. Neibergs. Gene set enrichment analysis of bovine respiratory disease SNP genotypic data. 2014. Plant & Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Womack, J.E., BRD Consortium. Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC) Coordinated Agriculture Project. 2014. Plant & Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Conference Proceedings and Research Reports:

Beard, Ashley, Colt Knight, David W. Schafer and Dan B. Faulkner. 2013. Improving range cow efficiency. Producer’s Update and Research Highlights: p57-58.

Faulkner, Dan B., David W. Schafer, Dan D. Kiesling and Michelee M. Regan. 2013. Management factors to improve range cow reproduction. Producer’s Update and Research Highlights: p15-20.

Kiesling, Daniel D., Dan B. Faulkner and David W. Schafer. 2013. Early weaning calves and its effects on two- and three-year old cows’ reproductive performance, feedlot performance and carcass traits of the calf. Producer’s Update and Research Highlights: p59-60.

Schafer, David W. 2013. New technologies in the beef business. Producer’s Update and Research Highlights: p11-14.

Thomas, M.G., N.F. Berge, G.R. Hagevoort, T. Ross, R.M. Enns, A.L. Van Eenennaam, H.L. Neibergs, J.S. Neibergs, J.E. Womack. 2014. Integrated program for reducing bovine respiratory disease complex coordinated agricultural project (BRDC-CAP): Trainee participation is a bonus to teaching aims. Proceedings 10^th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Weaber, R.L., J.E. Beever, H.C. Freetly, D.J. Garrick, S.L. Hansen, K.A. Johnson, M.S. Kerley, D.D. Loy, E. Marques, H.L. Neibergs, E.J. Pollak, R.D. Schnabel, C.M. Seabury, D.W. Shike, M.L. Spangler, J.F. Taylor. 2014. Analysis of US cow-calf producer survey data to assess knowledge, awareness and attitudes related to genetic improvement of feed efficiency. Proceedings 10^th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Non-Referred/Popular Press Articles:

Hulsman, L. 2013. Contemporary Groups: Creating fair comparisons. Brahman Journal. 41(9):34-36.

Hulsman, L., and D. Riley. 2013. BIF & You: the role of the Beef Improvement Federation with American Black Hereford Association. Black Hereford Journal 1(2):4-6. Editor: N. Hoagland. American Black Hereford Association, Leavenworth, KS.

Riley, D. G., M. R. Woolfolk, and L. H. H. Hanna. 2013. American Black Hereford Association Estimated Progeny Differences. Black Hereford Journal 2(2):8-9. Editor: N. Hoagland. American Black Hereford Association, Leavenworth, KS.

Producer and Industry Meetings and Presentations:

Herring, A.D. Genetic and Management Influences on Beef Quality. BEEF 706 (Sponsored by Texas Beef Council), College Station, Texas. 3 sessions with 120 participants.

Herring, A.D. Breed talk Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, College Station, Texas - August 3, 2013.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L. 2013. Genomic Tests: Understanding their advantages and limitations to beef cattle breeding programs. Stockmen’s Supply West Customer Appreciation Dinner. Mandan, ND. September 10, 2013.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L. 2013. Genomic Tests: Understanding their advantages and limitations to beef cattle breeding programs. Stockmen’s Supply Customer Appreciation Dinner. West Fargo, ND. September 11, 2013.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L. 2013. Genomic Predictions in Nellore-Angus Crossbreds & Future Research Interests. NCERA 225 Annual Meeting. Kansas City, MO. December 11, 2013. Meeting occurred from December 11 – 12, 2013.

Hulsman Hanna, L. L. 2014. Advances in Cattle Genetics. Precision Agriculture Action Summit 2014. Jamestown, ND. January 20 – 21, 2014.

Neibergs, H.L. 2013. Presentations for Beef 300 to cattle producers, Pullman, Washington.

Neibergs, H.L. “Genome Wide Association Analysis Reveals Susceptibility Loci for Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex; Results from the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex CAP”. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Neibergs, H.L.2014 “Multidisciplinary Approach to Genome Wide Association Analysis Reveals Susceptibility Loci for Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex”. International Plant and Animal Genome XXII, San Diego, California.

Neibergs, H.L. 2014 Presentations at WSU Beef Production Conference, Yakima, Washington.

Neibergs, H.L. 2014 BIF “Economic benefits of using genetic selection to reduce the prevalence of bovine respiratory disease complex in beef feedlot cattle”, Lincoln, Nebraska.