Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Individual station progress was reported for current objectives. Proposed project objectives were discussed relative to the pending (at that time) review. Opportunities for identifying other contributing stations were discussed. A highlight of this annual meeting was the joint meeting with WERA-1 committee. This resulted in much discussion of objectives and procedures in the current and proposed project and new ideas for enhancing projects and initiating collaboration. Both groups felt this was very beneficial and we intend to meet together every 2 or 3 years. Minutes of the Joint S-1045 and WERA-1 Multi-State Research Projects, College Station, TX May 28-30, 2014 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: 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. Objective 2 – 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. Objective 4 – 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 yesterday 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. Resolution Committee Whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is committed to improving beef cattle production systems in the southern region and other regions of the United States; And whereas the S-1045 Technical Committee is improved by exchange of research findings and approaches at different institutions and locations as well as observing different beef cattle production systems; Therefore, be it resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee expresses its gratitude to Drs. David Riley, Andy Herring and Jim Sanders of Texas A&M University for hosting, planning, and coordinating its 2014 annual meeting in College Station, TX. We would also like to thank Dr. Russell Cross, Department Head of Animal Science, for his support and welcome. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank the faculty and staff of the Texas AgriLife Beef Cattle Systems Research Unit on the Brazos River, the Texas A&M Research Center in McGregor and the Texas A&M equestrian facility for hosting facility tours for the committee. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. Andy Herring and the members of the WERA-1 committee for their contributions to the annual meeting. Be it also resolved that we would like to thank Dr. David Riley for serving as Chair to the 2014 technical committee as well as coordinating the submission of the new multi-state/regional project; S temp 3302, Genetic improvement in adaptation and reproduction for enhanced sustainability of cow-calf production in the Southern United States Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee extends its thanks to Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia-Tifton, for his enthusiasm and willingness to serve as administrative advisor and his leadership and guidance with this project. Be it also resolved that the S-1045 Technical Committee would like to extend out deepest condolences to the family and friends of long-term committee member Dr. Hayden Brown of the University of Arkansas upon his passing on May 26, 2014. Be it also resolved that we would like to recognize Dr. Brown for his commitment, service and contribution to the group for over 35 years. The committee unanimously accepts invitation from Clemson University to hold 2015 meetings in Clemson, SC, May 26-29, 2015. Passed unanimously. Respectively submitted May 30, 2014 T. Smith B. Bolt Nominating Committee nominated these officers: Chairman—Dr. Rhonda C. Vann, Mississippi State University, Chairman-Elect—Dr. Jeremy G. Powell, University of Arkansas, Secretary—Dr. Brian Bolt, Clemson University. Approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Jeremy Powell, DVM, PhD, S-1045 Secretary

Senepol yearling bulls were heavier and had rougher coats and more ticks than females of the same age. There was little effect of sire on traits in bulls and heifers. Senepol cow efficiency of was not impacted by hair coat or tick burden. Large individual variation was observed AUC for serum titers indicate that both genetic and environmental factors impact the anamnestic antibody response mounted to this BVDV challenge in crossbred steers. Performance measures such as steer ADG, feed intake and feed efficiency show substantial reduction in the first 14 days post-BVDV challenge, but also show large variability. Steer temperament may be a primary influence on rectal temperature after BVDV challenge. Rectal temperature in steers challenged with BVDV appears to be associated with infection or a coping mechanism. Hereford cows that shed earlier in the year weaned heavier calves while Angus cows that shed earlier had heavier calves at birth. Differences in body surface temperature of cows were seen when comparing average visual hair shedding scores at certain times of the year. Month of first shedding score had a tendency to impact pregnancy rates. Shedding of the winter hair coat was related to cow age, maternal body weight at weaning, and calf birth weight.

Abstracts: Bauer, L. W., J. O. Sanders, D. G. Riley, and A. D. Herring. 2014. Breed and sex influence on calf birth weightin purebred and crossbred Angus and Nellore calves. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):3(Abstr.). 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.). Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Production traits of spring- and fall-calving Senepol cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):417. Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Evaluation of hair coat, tick burden and production traits of Senepol cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):417. Godfrey, R.W. and A. J. Weis. 2013. Production traits of spring- and fall-calving Senepol calves in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91(E-Suppl. 2):418. Plank, S.R., N.B. Simmons, S.T. Willard, and T. Smith, 2014. Effect of hair shedding on performance in Angus, Hereford, and Charolais dams and the relationship to surface temperatures. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):5 (Abstr) Southern Section, ASAS. Riley, D. G., A. D. Herring, P. K. Riggs, C. A. Gill, J. E. Sawyer, and J. O. Sanders. 2014. Influence of genomic or pedigree relatedness and designed family structure on association analyses of calf birth weight. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.). 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). Watson, L. D., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, K. S. Anschutz, B. R. Lindsey, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2014. Hair shedding scores relating to maternal traits and productivity in beef cattle. Proc of Southern Section of ASAS. Dallas, TX. Feb., 2014. Woolfolk, M. R., D. G. Riley, F. M. Rouquette, R. D. Randel, and C. R. Long. 2014. Estimation of genetic parameters for performance traits in Brahman stocker cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.). Theses completed: Plank, S.R. 2014. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for hair shedding score and relationship to performance in Angus, Charolais, and Hereford dams. Mississippi State University, Starkville. Dillon, J.A. 2013 Investigation of genetic effects on birth weight in Brahman-Simmental crosses. Texas A&M University, College Station. Dissertations completed: Runyan, C.A. 2013. Evaluation of performance in yearling crossbred steers following Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus challenge. Texas A&M University, College Station. Obeidat, M.D.T. 2013. Heterosis and heterosis retention for reproductive and maternal traits in Nellore-Angus crossbred cows. Texas A&M University, College Station. Journal Articles: Huson, H.J., E.S. Kim, R.W. Godfrey, T.A. Olson, M. McClure, C.C. Chase, R. Rizzi, A.M. O’Brien-Perez, C. Van Tassell, J.F. Garcia, T.S. Sonstegard. 2014. Genome-wide association study and ancestral origins of the slick-hair coat in tropically adapted cattle. Front. Genet., 5:101. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00101 Riley, D.G., T.H.Welsh Jr., C.A.Gill, L.L.Hulsman, A.D.Herring, P.K.Riggs, J.E. Sawyer, J.O.Sanders. 2013. Whole genome association of SNP with newborn calf cannon bone length. Livestock Science 155: 186-196. Hulsman Hanna, L.L., D.J. Garrick, C.A Gill; A.D. Herring, P.K. Riggs; R.K. Miller; J.O. Sanders; 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 L.L., J.O. Sanders, D.G. Riley, C.A. Abbey, C.A. Gill. 2014. Identification of loci interacting with MC1R to modify black coat color in an F2 Nellore-Angus population. Genet. Sel. Evol. 46:4. Other Williams, A. L., A. H. Brown, Jr., J. G. Powell, C. M. Turner, K. S. Anschutz, B. R. Lindsey, R. W. Shofner, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2013. Evaluation of hair shedding scores in relation to maternal traits and productivity in beef cattle. Arkansas Department of ANSC Report.