Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Meeting started at 6:30 pm by Dr. Mark Petersen (New Mexico St University) Attendees included: Gary Cromwell (University of Kentucky, CREES Repesentative), Jim Sprinkle (University of Arizona), Elaine Grings, (USDA-ARS, Miles City), Lisa Ivey, (New Mexico St University), David Bohnert, Tim Del Curto (Oregon St University), Ken Olson, (Utah St University), Brett Hess (University of Wyoming), Bill Pinchak (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station), Jack C. Whittier (Colorado State University) and many graduate students from various universities. Dr. Cromwell provided a detailed update on the USDA-CREES Program and Budgets. He updated the group on the Secretary Johanns appointment, U. S> Supreme Court ruling on the Beef Checkoff Program, Farm animal genome sequencing, NRC Nutrient Requirement Series updates, CREES Staffing, Portfolio reviews of CREES Programs, Web site and e-mail developments and NIMSS. Elaine Grings asked Bill Pinchak to provide an update on the WERC-110 web page. The structure of the page is completed and up on Pinchaks web site. There is a lack of information on individual states activities that will require input from each state coordinator to complete. All members will be contacted by e-mail requesting the information to complete the page by November. Pinchak discussed the formation of a Nutritional Ecology Technical Work Group within the Society for Range Management. He discussed the role of the group as a focal point for livestock and wildlife nutritionists to present contemporary research findings in a multi-disciplinary forum to foster collaboration and enhance information exchange. Members of WERC-110 will be extended an invitation to become members of this Technical Work Group. Elaine Grings requested input from the group as to the value and need for a national database for forages and range vegetation. The concept was discussed but there was no consensus for it to be a WERC activity at this time. Discussion was held on the need for developing a contemporary hand book of grazing animal nutrition techniques. The decision was made to revisit this idea over the next year and decide on a course of action in 2006. Bill Pinchak was elected chair for the upcoming year. The 2006 meeting will be held in Vernon, Texas May 22-24 at the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

Oregon State University Report Objective 1 Identify Issues and Develop Research on Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Production Systems EASTERN OREGON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, BURNS, OR THE ABILITY OF A MODIFIED GLUCOMANNAN, FEB-200", TO MINIMIZE TOXIC EFFECTS OF HIGH-ALKALOID TALL FESCUE GRASS SEED STRAW M. L. Merrill and D. W. Bohnert OBJECTIVES We have designed two experiments that will evaluate the ability of FEB-200" to alleviate, or minimize, the potential negative effects of fescue toxicosis. The first experiment will be a steer digestion/physiology study that will attempt to determine the most effective level of FEB-200" to minimize the negative effects of fescue toxicosis in steers consuming tall fescue straw containing approximately 550 ppb ergovaline. The second experiment will be a cow performance study to evaluate the effect of FEB-200" on cows consuming a similar high-alkaloid tall fescue straw. Specific objectives include: A. Determine the optimum FEB-200" supplementation level that decreases the clinical symptoms of fescue toxicosis in beef steers consuming high-alkaloid tall fescue straw B. Determine the affect of FEB-200" supplementation level on forage intake and digestibility of high-alkaloid tall fescue straw by beef steers C. Determine the affect of FEB-200" supplementation level on ruminal fermentation characteristics of beef steers consuming high-alkaloid tall fescue straw D. Determine the affect of FEB-200" supplementation level on serum prolactin and prolactin stores in beef steers consuming high-alkaloid tall fescue straw E. Determine the affect of FEB-200" supplementation level on weight and body condition score change in beef cows consuming high-alkaloid tall fescue straw during the last third of gestation If effective, FEB-200" will provide grass seed straw producers and consumers with needed information that will allow for the safe and effective use of high-alkaloid tall fescue straw. In addition, this research will be directly applicable to ruminant livestock producers in the eastern United States that rely on endophyte-infected tall fescue as a forage base. CURRENT STATUS Research will be initiated in the fall of 2005 and conclude in the spring of 2006. Objective 1 Identify Issues and Develop Research on Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Production Systems EASTERN OREGON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, USDA-ARS, BURNS, OR THE USE OF A RUSSIAN KNAPWEED AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FOR BEEF COWS CONDUMING LOW-QUALITY FORAGE D. W. Bohnert and R. L. Sheley OBJECTIVES Russian knapweed has protein values similar to alfalfa and may have potential as a protein supplement for beef cattle consuming low-quality forages. Therefore, we will compare Russian knapweed and alfalfa as protein supplements to beef cows consuming low-quality forage. If cattle supplemented with Russian knapweed perform similar to cattle supplemented with alfalfa, use of Russian knapweed as a protein supplement may provide natural resource managers with another tool to assist in the control of Russian knapweed. CURRENT STATUS This research will be initiated in the fall of 2005. Objective 2 Innovative Extension Programs UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, TUCSON1 NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY, LAS CRUCES2 RANGE LIVESTOCK NUTRITION FOR THE SOUTHWEST: WHAT WEVE LEARNED AND HOW TO APPLY IT J. E. Sprinkle1, M. K. Petersen2, L. D. Howery1, D. W. Schafer1, S. P. Cuneo1, K. H. McReynolds1, R. D. Fish1, M. W. Hauser1, G. C. Duff1, E. A. Didier1, R. J. Collier1, R. L. Gumbles1, and J. W. Schalau1 EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE Range livestock nutrition education was the highest ranked need identified within all the animal system programs in the University of Arizona Animal Science Strategy Survey conducted in February 2002. In April 2004, we met with faculty and extension personnel from New Mexico and shared information and research in the area of range livestock nutrition. We obtained a commitment from Dr. Mark Petersen to travel to Arizona and present some recent NM research on supplementation http://spectre.nmsu.edu/media/news2.lasso?i=452 to Arizona. Our goal was to present to the Arizona ranching community recent range livestock nutrition research conducted in both AZ and NM. In addition to the NM research referred to earlier, in 2004 we summarized research on trace mineral supplementation for a three year project on the University of Arizona V-V Ranch. Our goal was to meet as a group to develop an agenda and present a program on Range Livestock Nutrition Research for the Southwest: What Weve Learned and How to Apply It at two to four locations in Arizona in November or December 2004. POTENTIAL APPLICATION A total of 72 people attended the three workshops. Handouts summarizing recent research in range livestock nutrition were provided to all attendees. Extensive questions were asked in the panel sessions and of the featured speaker. The knowledge level of ranchers who participated in the workshops has increased for economic, physiological, and biological efficiency of range livestock supplementation. Another important product of these Extension programs is the cross-state programming which occurred. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, TUCSON1 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, FORT COLLINS2 TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE STATION3 EFFECTS OF A LONG ACTING TRACE MINERAL RETICULO-RUMEN BOLUS UPON RANGE COW PRODUCTIVITY AND TRACE MINERAL PROFILES J. E. Sprinkle1, S. P. Cuneo1, H. M. Frederick1, R. M. Enns2, D. W. Schafer1, G. E. Carstens3, S. R. Daugherty3, T. H. Noon1, B. M. Rickert1, and C. Reggiardo1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objectives were to determine if strategic supplementation of range cows in Arizona during the last trimester of gestation with a long acting (six mo) reticulo-rumen bolus containing Cu, Se, and Co would (1) increase cow body condition and body weights, and calf birth weights, weaning weights, post weaning weights, or weight per day of age (WDA); (2) increase liver Cu or Zn in cows, or blood Se, Cu, or Zn in cows and calves; and (3) vary by cow breeds for any of these traits. APPLICATION Strategic supplementation of copper and selenium via a long acting trace mineral bolus in late gestation was successful in increasing liver copper in cows and blood selenium in cows and calves, but varied by year for Cu and Se, and for cow Se, by breed. When favorable growing season moisture occurs, it is critical to evaluate Cu status in forage and supplement accordingly. Breeds of cattle and different age classes of cattle differ in their ability to metabolize supplemental Se. Suggested dietary requirements for Zn for range cows or the method of assessing adequacy may need to be reevaluated. Cow and calf responses to added Cu and Se varied by year, necessitating careful monitoring of levels of these trace minerals in the forage during different growing conditions and altering trace mineral supplementation programs accordingly. Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT 59301 Use of gas production techniques to evaluate microbial efficiency in silage-based diets E. E. Grings, M. Blümmel and K.-H. Südekum RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Development of in vitro techniques to estimate the efficiency of microbial biomass production in the rumen would aid in developing comprehensive feeding strategies for ruminant livestock. Gas production techniques have been combined with substrate degradability measures to estimate microbial efficiency. A study was conducted to 1) evaluate the relationship between in vivo and in vitro estimates of microbial efficiency (EMP) when the in vitro estimate was made at substrate specific times, to compare in vivo estimates of EMP with in vitro determinations of microbial nitrogen production, and 3) to determine if N level in the incubation medium altered these relationships. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Efficiency of microbial biomass production estimated from gas production and true substrate degradability at substrate specific times was well related to in vivo measures of microbial efficiency. N-supplementation of incubation medium can influence substrate use for microbial growth, and attempts should be made to simulate in vivo N availability. It was possible to rank silage-based diets for microbial efficiency using combined gas volume and true substrate degradability measures conducted at substrate-specific times (t½) and this technique may also be beneficial for ranking other ruminant diets. Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT 59301 Milk Yield of Beef Heifers from Three Calving Systems E. E. Grings. A. J. Roberts and T. W Geary RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the milk yield of first-calf heifers born and raised within three calving systems and the impact on growth of their calves. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Season of calving and its associated management affects time and amount of milk yield in heifers, corresponding to varied weight gains in their calves. Understanding the impacts of calving date on amounts and patterns of milk production can aid in developing management systems to best match nutrient needs of cow-calf pairs in different calving systems. Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT 59301 Inoculum source effects on in vitro gas production of forages E. E. Grings and R. C. Waterman RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Buffer N concentration and forage protein fermentability can both influence in vitro gas production profiles. Therefore, we tested the impact of using inoculum from cattle fed grass or grass and alfalfa on in vitro gas production profiles of forages and ruminal extrusa. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Feeding a single feed source, ie grass hay, may improve precision of gas production techniques when testing quality of forages. Increasing the volume of ruminal fluid per unit of substrate tested did not consistently alter precision of the technique, therefore this change is not recommended. Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT 59301 Predicting Forage Quality in the Northern Mixed-Grass Prairie M. R. Haferkamp, M. D. MacNeil, and E. E. Grings RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objective of this research was to assess the potential for estimating nitrogen (N) content of rangeland forage using dead-to-green ratio and accumulated growing-degree days (DD). POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Rangeland forage resources used in this research were heterogeneous with respect to species composition. Variation among individual species in morphological development and senescence with respect to accumulated DD was anticipated. Additionally, the relationship between forage quality and time has been shown to be non-linear across a growing season. These factors likely contribute to the significance of quadratic and interaction terms in the prediction of %N. This procedure could easily be conducted by a single individual. Temperature information needed to calculate DD can be obtained by the use of a maximum-minimum thermometer or access to on-line weather information. Other supplies needed would include scissors or gardening shears for clipping and a small scale, such as a kitchen scale, for weighing live and dead components. Samples could be air-dried or dried in ovens. Percent N can be calculated from the regression equation using a programmable hand calculator or computer spread sheet. Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT 59301 Heifer Production on Rangeland and Seeded Forages in the Northern Great Plains M. R. Haferkamp, M. D. MacNeil, E. E. Grings, and K. D. Klement RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Pastures seeded to perennial cool-season grasses may be used to reduce grazing pressure on native rangelands and provide quality forage for livestock during selected seasons. Seasonally, weight gains per head and per acre are often, but not always, greater on seeded pastures compared to native rangeland. To better understand responses in a Northern Great Plains environment we compared performance of yearling heifers grazing seeded forages in spring and autumn to those grazing native rangelands. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Findings of this study and others clearly show that seasonal livestock gains may be better on seeded pastures than on native rangeland even with increased stocking pressure. Results of this study suggest Hycrest crested wheatgrass would be the best among the cultivars evaluated for grazing in spring and Prairieland Altai wildrye would be the most productive pasture for autumn. Luna, Alkar, and Bozoisky were probably not the best adapted cultivars for the proposed use on the soils at this location. Livestock performance results validate recommendations regarding use of complimentary forages based on their agronomic characteristics. However, early spring gains may not be maintained when cattle are moved from seeded pastures to native rangeland for the summer grazing season, and the increased gains may not occur every year. Livestock managers may need to modify their tactics to take full advantage of increased gains on seeded pastures. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT R. C. Waterman, E.E. Grings, T.W. Geary, and A.J. Roberts RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objective of the present study was to evaluate differences in energy utilization and subsequent nutrient uptake by tissues via a glucose tolerance test on heifers developed at two levels of intake from weaning to breeding. APPLICATION Continued research is warranted in the area of identifying differences in energy utilization after the heifer development period and following lifetime productivity of heifers developed on both programs. Furthermore, determining if efficiencies in nutrient utilization that occurred during heifer development are manifested throughout the lifespan of the cow. Current plans include evaluations via glucose tolerance tests of heifers used in this study during subsequent parturitions. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY SUPPLEMENT INTAKE VARIATION IN GRAZING BEEF COWS J. J. Kincheloe, J.G.P. Bowman, B. F. Sowell, R. P. Ansotegui, and L.M.M. Surber RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objectives were to determine the effects of herd size and cow age on individual supplement intake, variation in supplement intake, individual forage intake, and performance. A further objective was to investigate the effectiveness of titanium dioxide as a supplement intake marker. APPLICATION Results suggest it may be beneficial to manage 3-year-old cows separately from older cows in order to obtain maximum benefit from supplementation. The CV for hand-fed supplement (avg. 21%) was lower than reports found in the literature for self-fed supplements, indicating that hand-feeding may reduce variation in supplement intake. Titanium dioxide is an economical alternative to intake markers such as Yb, and could be used for large-scale supplementation studies in commercial production situations. Further research is needed to assess diurnal variation and marker recovery of Ti. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems EASTERN OREGON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, USDA-ARS, BURNS, OR THE EFFECTS OF EARLY WEANING ON COW PERFORMANCE AND GRAZING BEHAVIOR IN THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST D. W. Bohnert, D. C. Ganskopp, D. D. Johnson, and S. J. Falck OBJECTIVES Our objective was to determine the influence of early weaning (130 ± 2 d; EW) and traditional weaning (209 ± 2 d; TW) on cow performance and grazing behavior within three 810-ha pastures. In addition, cow winter feed costs were compared. APPLICATION Early weaning calves of spring calving cows at approximately 130 days of age will improve cow body condition score entering the winter feeding period and decrease winter feed costs compared with cows traditionally weaned at approximately 205 days of age in the Intermountain West. However, the overall economic effect of early weaning is dependent on a number of factors including timing and amount of precipitation, calf performance during the late summer and early fall, calf prices, and costs associated with winter feeding (feedstuffs, labor, and fuel). Objective 3A & B Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems Enhance or Maintain Ecological Sustainability of Forage-based Livestock Production Systems EASTERN OREGON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, UNION, OR THE EFFECTS OF HERBIVORY AND TIMBER HARVEST ON UNDERSTORY PRODUCTION IN NORTHEASTERN OREGON Kenric Walburger, Timothy DelCurto, Martin Vavra and Abe A. Clark Much is known about how quantity of vegetation responds to canopy cover and how herbivory can affect plant community structure. However, little is known about how plant communities are influenced by both timber harvest, herbivory and fuels reduction. Therefore, the objectives of these studies were to document the effects of timber harvest, herbivory and fuels reduction on individual species, plant community structure, understory production and botanical composition of cattle diets. Study 3. Fuels Reduction at Starkey Experimental Forest and Range The objectives of this study are first to determine the initial effects of fuels reduction on the botanical composition of cattle diets at different levels of forage utilization. Secondly, determine the initial effects of fuels reduction on the diet quality of cattle at different levels of forage utilization. Applications Low impact logging, as represented with the Hall Ranch study, may not have a profound effect on changing plant communities. The results from this study indicate that following timber harvest, forage production increased. This increase on production was mainly due to the increase in perennial grass and perennial forbs species. Timber harvest had a greater effect on understory production than did herbivory. Even though cattle grazing would be considered heavy on these sites, elk and deer also influenced shrub production within Ponderosa pine sites. Our combined data sets will quantify species responses to habitat, successional stage, and tree density. We believe, that these data sets will provide the most thorough characterizing of Blue Mountain eco-region forest and how overstory manipulation changes the understory vegetation, biological diversity of vegetation, and nutritional opportunities for grazing herbivores. In fact, these data will provide a solid basis to demonstrate that overstory manipulation and, in turn, the creation of early and mid-seral vegetation is critical in developing ideal habitat for grazing herbivores. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY OPTIMIZATION OF REPRODUCTION IN 2 AND 3 YEAR OLD RANGE COWS FED SUPPLEMENTS WITH INCREASING GLUCOGENIC POTENTIAL M. K. Petersen, R. L. Endecott, S. H. Cox, C. A. Löest, and D. E. Hawkins RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objectives were to investigate if benefits would occur if the amount of glucogenic precursors in the supplements was increased. We wished to evaluate return to estrus, milk production, weight change responses, and insulin sensitivity of postpartum 2- and 3-year-old range beef cows to supplements with increasing glucogenic potential (GP) provided as 0, 80, or 160 g/d propionate salt. APPLICATION Cows fed the moderate level of glucogenic potential partitioned nutrients away from milk production and towards reproduction. A combination of supplemental glucogenic precursors may be best suited to shift nutrient partitioning in young postpartum range cows grazing dormant forage. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY EFFICACY OF A SELF-FED SMALL SUPPLEMENT FOR PREPARTUM COWS GRAZING DORMANT PINON-JUNIPER RANGELAND J.E. Sawyer1, S.H. Cox2, R.L. Endecott2, M.R. Rubio2, S.L. Ivey2 and M.K. Petersen2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to field validate these previous findings by evaluating the efficacy of a small package size, self-fed protein supplement for maintaining body weight and body condition score (BCS) of gestating cows grazing dormant rangeland forage. APPLICATION A self-fed, small package supplement was equally effective for maintaining BW and BCS in prepartum gestating cows as a traditional hand-fed, oilseed-based supplement. This supplement was used with higher efficiency and was more cost effective. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Plan of Work: Studies on Interactions among Livestock, Wildlife, and Aspen K.C. Olson, and C. Stonecipher RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate livestock grazing management practices, particularly strategic supplement placement, to redistribute grazing away from aspen. APPLICATION Livestock prefer aspen communities, particularly early in the growing season (Taylor, 2004, USU MS thesis). Livestock management strategies that reduce livestock impact to levels that allow aspen regeneration are needed, such as redistributing grazing away from aspen. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies in Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Plan of Work: Perennial Forage Kochia for Improved Sustainability of Grass-Dominated Ecosystems K.C. Olson, D.R. Zobell, B.L. Waldron, and M. Palmer. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The greatest limitation for acceptance of forage kochia by livestock producers is our limited knowledge of its value as a forage resource. Thus, our research objective is to evaluate livestock nutrient intake and performance responses to rangeland with or without forage kochia. This will include an economic evaluation. APPLICATION Forage kochia has potential for rehabilitating degraded rangelands in the Intermountain West. Evaluation of its impact on livestock performance and livestock enterprise economics will be valuable to promote its adoption. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies In Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE PERFORMANCE AND SERUM GLUCOSE, INSULIN, IGF-1, AND NEFA CONCENTRATIONS OF CALVES NURSING BEEF COWS CONSUMING HIGH-LINOLEATE OR HIGH-OLEATE SAFFLOWER SEED SUPPLEMENTS S. L. Lake1, E. J. Scholljegerdes1, V. Nayigihugu1, R. L. Atkinson1, G. E. Moss1, E. A. Van Kirk1, D. M. Hallford2, D. C. Rule1, and B. W. Hess1 1Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming 2Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Determine the effects of maternal dietary lipid supplementation on suckling calf ADG and calf serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, IGF-1, and NEFA. POTENTIAL APPLICATION Although calves nursing cows supplemented with lipid appeared to be less sensitive to insulin, calf ADG was not affected by altering cow diet. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies In Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE BODY CONDITION SCORE AT PARTURITION AND POSTPARTUM SUPPLEMENTAL FAT EFFECTS ON METABOLITE AND HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS OF BEEF COWS S. L. Lake*, E. J. Scholljegerdes*, V. Nayigihugu*, R. L. Atkinson*, E. A. Van Kirk*, D. C. Rule*, D. M. Hallford , G. E. Moss, and B. W. Hess* *Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY Department of Animal and Range Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Determine the effects of body condition score at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on blood metabolite and hormone concentrations. POTENTIAL APPLICATION Postpartum dietary lipid supplementation did not appear to impact metabolic signals associated with nutrient partitioning in beef cows during early lactation. Cows in BCS of 4 at parturition had lower circulating NEFA and greater serum GH; however, an uncoupling of the IGF/GH axis in cows managed to achieve a BCS of 4 at parturition may have detrimental impacts on postpartum cow performance. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies In Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE EVALUATION OF MILK SOMATIC CELLS AS A SOURCE OF mRNA FOR STUDY OF MAMMARY GLAND LIPOGENESIS IN LACTATING BEEF COWS C. M. Murrieta1, E.J. Scholljegerdes1, B. W. Hess1, D. C. Rule1, T.E. Engle2, and K.L. Hossner2 1Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, 82071 2Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, 80523 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To compare mRNA levels for acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) extracted from mammary gland and from somatic cell pellets of the milk from each mammary gland of cows fed a low-fat control or high-linoleate diet. POTENTIAL APPLICATION The use of milk somatic cells as a reliable source of mRNA will provide many advantages over mammary biopsy or dissection. This source of mRNA will allow repetitive sampling and larger studies of feeding influences on mammary gland metabolism. Using milk somatic cells as a source for mRNA will be a valuable tool in evaluating the regulation of lipogenic enzymes in the mammary gland of lactating beef cows using lipid supplementation and likely other dietary treatments. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies In Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF PLASMA, MEDIAL BASAL HYPOTHALAMUS, AND UTERINE TISSUE IN PRIMIPAROUS BEEF COWS FED HIGH-LINOLEATE SAFFLOWER SEEDS E. J. Scholljegerdes*, S. L. Lake*, T. R. Weston*, D. C. Rule*, G. E. Moss*, T. M. Nett , and B. W. Hess* *Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071 and Department of Physiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of supplemental high-linoleate safflower seeds on fatty acid concentrations in plasma, brain, and reproductive tissues and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2a metabolite (PGFM) in serum of primiparous beef cows during early lactation. POTENTIAL APPLICATION The provision of supplemental high-linoleate safflower seeds increased circulating levels of fatty acids; however, plasma fatty acid concentrations were not always indicative of reproductive tract tissue fatty acid composition. The subtle differences in tissue fatty acid concentrations may evoke physiological responses that could improve or hinder reproductive success, but more research is needed to evaluate changes in reproductive tract tissue fatty acid composition as beef cows come into estrus. Objective 3a Optimize Livestock Responses and Efficiencies In Sustainable Forage-Based Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE MAMMARY LIPID METABOLISM IN PRIMIPAROUS BEEF COWS FED HIGH-LINOLEATE SAFFLOWER SEEDS C. M. Murrieta1, E.J. Scholljegerdes1, B. W. Hess1, D. C. Rule1, T.E. Engle2, and K.L. Hossner2 1Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming 2Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To evaluate mammary gland fatty acid metabolism in lactating beef cows fed a high-linoleate supplement. POTENTIAL APPLICATION Supplementing diets of lactating beef cows with high-linoleate safflower seeds altered fatty acid composition of milk fat and may affect lipid metabolism at the genetic level of the mammary gland. Objective 3b Enhance or Maintain Ecological Sustainability of Forage-Based Livestock Production Systems MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG EFFECTS ON MONTANAS MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE C. M. Johnson-Nistler, B. F. Sowell, H. W. Sherwood, and C. L. Wambolt RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objective of this study were to compare total plant biomass, plant species richness, cover, nutritional differences, and shrub dynamics between prairie dog colonies and adjacent uncolonized sites in Montana. APPLICATION Activities associated with prairie dog colonies reduced plant productivity and plant species richness of the mixed-grass prairie by reducing cool-season perennial grasses and titter, increasing bare ground, and eliminating big sagebrush. Objective 3b Enhance or Maintain Ecological Sustainability of Forage-Based Livestock Production Systems UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, LARAMIE CHARACTERISTICS AND POTENTIAL NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SAGEBRUSH-GRASSLAND VEGETATION COLLECTED FROM SITES CONTINUOUSLY GRAZED, RESTED FOR ONE YEAR AND ONE YEAR AFTER INTERSEEDING WITH YELLOW-FLOWERING ALFALFA (MEDICAGO SATIVA SSP. FALCATA) T. R. Weston1, R. A. Olson2, V. Nayigihugu1, S. L. Lake1, J. D. Derner3, G. E. Schuman3, and B. W. Hess1 1Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, 82072 2Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, 82072 3High Plains Grasslands Research Station, USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 82009 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Objectives were to assess initial impacts of rangeland management practices on characteristics and nutritive value of native sagebrush-grassland vegetation. POTENTIAL APPLICATION Disturbing sagebrush-grassland rangelands by interseeding with yellow-flowering alfalfa altered the physical structure of sagebrush-grasslands, but forage production was largely unaffected because of compensatory responses by some perennial grasses. Livestock managers should be aware of differences in potential digestibility of crude protein among the various prominent grasses when designing feed supplements.

University of Arizona  Jim Sprinkle Manuscripts in Peer Review Sprinkle, J. E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, S. R. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2005. Effects of a long-acting trace mineral reticulo-rumen bolus upon range cow productivity and trace mineral profiles. J. Anim. Sci. (In review). Proceedings Sprinkle, J. E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. R. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004a. Effects of a long acting trace mineral bolus upon range cow and calf trace mineral profiles. Proceedings Western Section American Society of Animal Science. 54:357-361. Sprinkle, J. E., S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, L. J. Slay, S. R. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo. 2004b. Effects of a long acting trace mineral bolus upon range cow productivity. Proceedings Western Section American Society of Animal Science. 54:362-366. Other Published Papers and Reports Sprinkle, J. E., K. J. Eldredge, and K. A. Cline. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Cross F Ranch. 301 pp. Sprinkle, J. E., K. J. Eldredge, and P. M. Browning. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the OX Ranch. 286 pp. Sprinkle, J. E., and K. J. Eldredge 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Buzzard Roost Ranch. 242 pp. Sprinkle, J. E., and K. J. Eldredge. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Dutchwoman Allotment. 173 pp. Sprinkle, J. E., and K. J. Eldredge. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Greenback Allotment. 140 pp. Sprinkle, J. E. and K. J. Eldredge. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Layton Ranch. 125 pp. Sprinkle, J. E. and K. J. Eldredge. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the OW Ranch. 121 pp. Sprinkle, J. E. and K. J. Eldredge. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Bohme Allotment. 38 pp. Sprinkle, J. E. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Flying H Ranch. 19 pp. Sprinkle, J. E. 2003 Report - Range Monitoring on the Lyons Fork Allotment. 15 pp. Invited Papers or Presentations Supplementation of Cattle; Breeding Seasons of Cattle. Stockperson of the Year (Makase Nandán) Workshop # 1: Cow Nutrition and Management. Dripping Springs, San Carlos Reservation. March 6, 2004. Crossbreeding for Arizona. Arizona Rez to Rail. V-V Ranch, Camp Verde. March 14, 2004. Statistical Considerations for Rangeland. A Workshop and Update on Rangeland Monitoring in Arizona. St Johns. April 1, 2004. Sampling Considerations: Techniques and Sample Size; Using the Utilization Wheel; What to Do If a Species Is Not on the Wheel. Forage Utilization Workshop. Globe. April 3, 2004. Utilization and Utilization Studies; Sampling Techniques for Forage Utilization (Theory); Using the USFS Utilization Gauge; Constructing Your Own Forage Curve. Rangeland Monitoring Workshop. Peaks Ranch, Flagstaff. August 3, 2004. Reading the Range. Range Management and Monitoring Workshop-Educational Campaign Workshop # 5. Point of Pines, San Carlos Reservation. August 7, 2004. Understanding Statistics. Rangeland Monitoring Workshop. Prescott. August 26, 2004. Understanding Statistics. Rangeland Monitoring Workshop. Globe. August 27, 2004. Utilization and Utilization Studies; Forage Production and Stocking Capacity; Using the USFS Utilization Wheel. Range Monitoring Workshop-New Lands. Navajo. October 19, 2004. Strategies for Cow and Heifer Replacement. Intertribal Council of Arizona, Inc Environmental Quality Workshop. Moenkopi. October 20, 2004. Reading the Range: Using Rangeland Monitoring to Help Establish Partnerships for Range Livestock Operations in Arizona. Seminar. University of Arizona Department of Animal Science. October 26, 2004. Trace Mineral Research on the V-V Ranch: Effects of a Long Acting Trace Mineral Bolus Upon Range Cow Productivity and Trace Mineral Profiles. Range Livestock Nutrition for the Southwest: What We've Learned and How to Apply It. Tucson; Camp Verde; St Johns. Dec 1, 2, and 3, 2004. PUBLICATIONS USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City MT Peer-reviewed Haferkamp, M.R., M.D. MacNeil, E.E. Grings. 2005. Predicting nitrogen content in the northern mixed-grass prairie. Rangeland Ecol. and Manage. 58:155-160. Phillips, W. A., E. E. Grings, J. W. Holloway. 2005. Effects of a single dose of direct-fed microbials on performance of stocker calves grazing annual cool season grasses. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:88-92. Grings, E. E., M. Blümmel, and K.-H. Südekum. 2005. Methodological considerations in using gas production techniques for estimating ruminal microbial efficiencies for silage-based diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 19 pp (available on-line May 31, 2005). Technical proceedings Grings, E. E., A. J. Roberts, and T. W. Geary. 2005. Milk yield of beef heifers from three calving systems. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56 (in press). Abstracts Grings, E. E. and R. C. Waterman. 2005. Inoculum source effects on in vitro gas production of forages. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Mtg Abstracts Blümmel, M., and E. E. Grings. 2005. Application of rates of fermentation to prediction of forage intake. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Mtg Abstracts Publications from Montana State University Manuscripts In Peer Review Bhatti, S. A., J.G.P. Bowman, J. L. Firkins, A. V. Grove, and C. W. Hunt. 2005. Effect of feed intake level and forage source on kinetics of fiber digestion in situ and nutrient digestibility in beef cattle. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. Swan, C. G., J. G. P. Bowman, J. M. Martin, and M. J. Giroux. 2005. Increased puroindoline levels slow ruminal digestion of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) starch in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Peer Reviewed Journal Publications Bowman, J.G.P., B. F. Sowell, L.M.M. Surber, and T. K. Daniels. 2004. Nonstructural carbohydrate supplementation of yearling heifers and range beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82:2724-2733. Boles, J. A., J. G. Bowman, L. M. M. Surber, and D. L. Boss. 2004. Effects of barley variety fed to steers on carcass characteristics and color of meat. J. Anim Sci. 82: 2087-2091. Gibbs, M. C., J. A. Jenks, C. S. Deperno, B. F. Sowell, and K. J. Jenkins. 2004. Cervid forage utilization in noncommercially thinned ponderosa pine forests. J. Range Manage. 57:435-441. Johnson-Nistler, C. M., B. F. Sowell, H. W. Sherwood, and C. L. Wambolt. 2004. Black-tailed prairie dog effects on Montanas mixed-grass prairie. J. Range Manage. 57:641-648. Kaiser, C. R., J.G.P. Bowman, L.M.M. Surber, T. K. Blake, and J. J. Borkowski. 2004. Variation in apparent component digestibility of barley in the rat from the core collection of the USDA National Small Grains Collection. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 113: 97-112. Vermeire, L. T., R. K. Heitschmidt, P. S. Johnson, and B. F. Sowell. 2004. The prairie dog story: do we have it right? BioScience 54:689-695. Proceedings Kincheloe, J. J., J.G.P. Bowman, B. F. Sowell, R. P. Ansotegui, L.M.M. Surber, and B. L. Robinson. 2004. Supplement intake variation in grazing beef cows. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:331-334. McDonnell, M. F., J.G.P. Bowman, and C. W. Labbe. 2004. Effects of barley cultivar and growing environment on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:53-56. Abstracts Abdel-Haleem, H., M. Giroux, H. Talbert, J. Bowman, V. Kanazin, and T. Blake. 2004. Identification of QTLs controlling the feed quality of barley. Plant & Animal Genome XII Conf., Jan. 10-14, 2004, San Diego, CA. p. 468. (Abstract) Fox, G., J. Bowman, A. Inkerman, D. Poulsen, and R. Henry. 2004. Enzymes: the difference between malt and feed barley. World Brewing Congress, July 24-28, 2004, San Diego, CA. p. 62. (Abstract) Swan, C. G., J.G.P. Bowman, J. M. Martin, and M. J. Giroux. 2004. Increased expression of puroindolines slows wheat digestion in the rumen. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Seattle, WA. (Abstract) Popular Press Invited papers or presentations Theses and dissertations Kincheloe, J. J. 2004. Variation in Supplement Intake by Grazing Beef Cows. MS. Thesis. Montana State University. McDonnell, M. F. 2004. Effects of Barley Cultivar and Growing Environment on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Beef Cattle. MS. Thesis. Montana State University. NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY Manuscripts In Peer Review J.E. Sawyer, R.C. Waterman, G.D. Pulsipher, G.B. Donart, D.E. Hawkins, and M.K. Petersen. 2005 . Altering the ration or amount of undegradable intake protein in range supplements influences nutrient partitioning in young postpartum cows. J. Anim. Sci. : J.E. Sawyer, R.C. Waterman, and M.K. Petersen. 2005. Small quantities of supplemental undegradable intake protein are efficiently used with low quality forage diets. Submitted August 2004. Feed Sci. Tech. Peer Reviewed Journal Publications K. K. Kane, D. E. Hawkins, G. D. 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 Effect of increasing levels of undegradable intake protein on metabolic and endocrine factors in estrous cycling beef heifers. J. Anim Sci. 2004 82: 283-291. Shanna L. Lodge-Ivey, Tammy May, Mark K. Petersen and James R. Strickland.2004. Determination of Methylglyoxlal in Ruminal Fluid by HPLC Using Flurometric Detection. J. Agric. Food Chem. 52:6875-6878 R. C. Waterman, J. E. Sawyer, C. P. Mathis, D. E. Hawkins, G. B. Donart, and M. K. Petersen. 2005. Range supplements that contain increasing amounts of glucose precursors shorten postpartum interval and improve nutrient utilization in young beef cows. Accepted for publication 2005. J.Anim. Sci. Rachel L. Endecott, Jason E. Sawyer, Clint A. Löest, and Mark K. Petersen. 2005 Feeding Value of Singed Cholla Cactus. J. Range.Ecology. (in press) Proceedings M.K. Petersen, E. Guiterrez, . Y E. M. ROMERO, R.L. Endecott, C.A. Löest and D.E. Hawkins. 2004. Alimentación de Bovines Productores de Carne en el Norte de Mexico. In Proc: IX Reunion del Grupo Norte Mexicano GNMNA, XXXIIReunion Anual Asociacion Mexicana de Produccion Animal 2004. Conferencias MagistralesAMP.PDF Conferencias Magistrales AMPA. PDF Conferencias Magistrales AMPA. PDF R. L. Endecott, C. M. Black, K. A. Notah, J. L. Duffey, K. L. Shirley, S. H. Cox, J. A. Hartung, C. A. Löest, and M. K. Petersen. 2004. Glucose half-life of young postpartum lactating cows was half that of non-lactating herdmates. Proc. Western Section, American Society of Animal Science Vol. 55;15-17 J. van E. Nolte, C.A. Löest, N.K. Nolte, M.K. Petersen and D.M. Hallford. 2004. Methionine, and at least one branched-chain amino acid are limiting in lambs. Proc. Western Section, American Society of Animal Science Vol. 55;412-425 M.K. Petersen. 2004. ANIMAL RESEARCH IN ANIMAL AND RANGE SCIENCES. Cattle Growers' Short Course Sally Port Inn Roswell, NM March 25, 2004 M.K. Petersen, R.L. Endecott, C. Löest and C. Mathis. 2004. ASPECTS OF WATER NUTRITION FOR BEEF CATTLE. Cattle Growers' Short Course Sally Port Inn Roswell, NM March 25, 2004 Abstracts R. L. Endecott, C. M. Black, K. A. Notah, and M. K. Petersen. 2004. Blood Ketone Levels of Young Postpartum Range Cows Increased After Supplementation Ceased. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 82, Suppl. 1;114 R. L. Endecott, C. M. Black, K. A. Notah, S. H. Cox, and M. K. Petersen. 2004. Moving Cows to Fresh Pasture and Feeding Range Supplements Containing Propionate Salt Improved Diet Digestibility. Proc. Society of Range Management R. L. Endecott, C. M. Black, K. A. Notah, J. L. Duffey, K. L. Shirley, S. H. Cox, J. A. Hartung, C. A. Löest, and M. K. Petersen. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 82, Supp 2:117 Publication from Utah State University Manuscripts In Peer Review Prall, N.T., K.C. Olson, T. DelCurto, R.C. Cook, J.G. Cook, B.K. Johnson, and R.J. Stussy. Predicting daily intake of elk and mule deer using blood and fecal samples. Wildl. Soc. Bull. (in review). Peer Reviewed Journal Publications Olson, K.C. 2005. Range management for efficient reproduction. J. Anim. Sci. (in press). Ure, A.L., T.R. Dhiman, M.D. Stern, and K.C. Olson. Treated extruded soybean meal as a source of fat and protein for dairy cows. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted). Dhiman, T.R., M.S. Zaman, K.C. Olson, H.R. Bingham, A.L. Ure, and M.W. Pariza. 2005. Influence of feeding soybean oil on conjugated linoleic acid content in beef. J. Agric. Food Chem. 53:684-689. ZoBell, D.R., E.K. Okine, K.C. Olson, R.D. Wiedmeier, L.A. Goonewardene and C. Stonecipher. 2005. Effects of feeding wheat straw and middlings ensiled with whey on digestibility and growth of cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 85:69-74. Poulson, C.S., T.R. Dhiman, A.L. Ure, D. Cornforth, and K.C. Olson. 2004. Conjugated linoleic acid content of beef from cattle fed diets containing high grain, CLA, or raised on forages. Livestock Prod. Sci. 91:117-128. ZoBell, D.R., E.K. Okine, K.C. Olson, R.D. Wiedmeier, L.A. Goonewardene, and C. Stonecipher. 2004. The feasibility of feeding high levels of whey silage and effects on production in growing cattle. J. Anim. and Vet. Advances 3:804-809. Proceedings Olson, K.C. 2004. Grazing management during and after extended drought. pp. 31-38. In: Proc., Intermountain Nutr. Conf. Utah Agr. Exp. Sta. Pub. 188. Stonecipher, C. A., K. C. Olson, J. C. Malechek, and D. D. Carter. 2004. Intake and digestibility response to forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) in a low quality forage diet. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55: 273-275. Wiedmeier, R.D., P.R. Schmidt, D.M. Meek, A.J. Young, K.C. Olson, D.R. ZoBell, and K.R. Wiedmeier. 2004. Comparative productivity of five cool-season pasture grasses under intermittent flood irrigation and grazed by beef cow-calf pairs using management intensive grazing practices. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:279-281. ZoBell, D.R., B.L. Waldron, K.C. Olson, R.D. Harrison, and H. Jensen. 2004. Utilization of forage kochia for fall/winter grazing. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:282-284. Abstracts Waldron, B.L., D.R. ZoBell, K.C. Olson, K.B. Jensen, and D.L. Snyder. 2005. Using stockpiled forage kochia and crested wheatgrass to maintain beef cows during winter. ASA-CSSA Ann. Meeting Abstr. (Submitted) Atwood, S.B., F.D. Provenza, and K.C. Olson. 2004. Intake and performance of lambs offered one of three iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous foods or all three foods simultaneously. Soc. Range Manage. Ann. Meeting Abstr. p. 8. Olson, K.C. 2004. Range management to mitigate livestock response to drought. Soc. Range Manage. Ann. Meeting Abstr. p. 156. Ure, A.L. T.R. Dhiman, M.D. Stern, and, K.C. Olson. 2004. Treated extruded soybean meal as a source of fat and protein for dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82(suppl. 1):51. Waldron, B.L., T.A. Monaco, K.C. Olson, and D.R. Zobell. 2004. Forage kochia: A plant for wildfire control and winter grazing. Soc. Range Manage. Ann. Meeting Abstr. p. 212. Popular Press Olson, K.C. 2004. Proper management during, after drought important. Feedstuffs 76(29):11-13. Olson, K.C., C.A. Stonecipher, J.C. Malechek, and D.D. Carter. 2004. Intake and digestibility response to forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) in a low quality forage diet. In: Proc., Forage Kochia Workshop and Tour, November 9-10, 2004. Logan, UT. Wiedmeier, R.D., D. Meek, D.L. Snyder, D. ZoBell, K. Jensen, A.J. Young, T.C. Griggs, and K.C. Olson. 2004. Cow-calf production and profitability on irrigation pastures composed of forage mixtures or monocultures during the first year after establishment. Utah State University Extension Publication AG-2004-05. Wiedmeier, R.D., D.R. ZoBell, and K.C. Olson. 2004. Comparative productivity of five cool-season pasture grasses under intermittent flood irrigation grazed by beef cow-calf pairs using management intensive grazing practices. Utah State University Extension Publication AG-2004-01. ZoBell, D.R., K.C. Olson, R.D. Wiedmeier, and C.A. Stonecipher. 2004. The effect on digestibility and production of protein and energy supplementation of stocker cattle on intensively-managed grass flood-meadow pastures. Utah State University Extension Publication AG-2004-02. ZoBell, D.R., K.C. Olson, and R.D. Wiedmeier. 2004. Processed corn silage effects on digestibility and production of growing beef replacement heifers. Utah State University Extension Publication AG-2004-03. Invited papers or presentations University of Wyoming Peer Reviewed Journal Publications B. W. Hess, S. L. Lake, E. J. Scholljegerdes, T. R. Weston, V. Nayigihugu, J. D. C. Molle, and G. E. Moss. 2005. Nutritional controls of beef cow reproduction. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (E-Suppl.):E90-E106. Du, M., M.J. Zhu, W.J. Means, B. W. Hess, and S.P. Ford. 2005. Regulation of calpains and calpastatin in the skeletal muscle of nutrient restricted cows and their fetuses. J. Anim. Sci. 83:117-123. Nayigihugu, V., F. S. DAngieri, C. M. Murrieta, D. C. Rule, and B. W. Hess. 2005. Fatty acid composition of flame-broiled beef Longissimus muscle. J. Food Agric. Environ. 3:39-42. Du, M., M. J. Zhu, W. J. Means, B. W. Hess, and S. P. Ford. 2004. Effect of nutrient restriction on calpain and calpastatin content of skeletal muscle from cows and fetuses. J. Anim Sci. 82: 2541-2547. Kucuk, O., B.W. Hess, and D.C. Rule. 2004. Supplemental soybean oil does not affect site and extent of OM, starch, NDF, or N digestion, but influences both ruminal metabolism and small intestinal digestion of fatty acids in lambs limit-fed a high-concentrate diet. J. Anim. Sci. 82:2985-2994. Kwon, H., S.P. Ford, F.W. Bazer, T.E. Spencer, P.W. Nathanielsz, M.J. Nijland, B.W. Hess, and G. Wu. 2004. Maternal undernutrition reduces concentrations of amino acids and polyamines in ovine fetal plasma and fluids. Biol. Repro. 71:901-908. Scholljegerdes, E.J., B.W. Hess, G. E. Moss, D. L. Hixon, and D. C. Rule. 2004. Influence of supplemental cracked high-linoleate or high-oleate safflower seeds on site and extent of digestion in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82:3577-3588. Proceedings Ford, S.P., and B.W. Hess. 2005. Fetal programming: Effects of dam malnourishment on fetal development. Chapter B. CO Nutr. Roundtable, March 24. Lake, S. L., B. W. Hess, D. C. Rule, E. J. Scholljegerdes, V. Nayigihugu, R. L. Atkinson, and C. M. Murrieta. 2004. Effects of supplemental high-linoleate or high-oleate safflower seeds on adipose tissue fatty acids, apparent mobilization, and potential uptake and storage in postpartum cows. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:29. Miller, L.R., S.I. Paisley, J.D.C. Molle, E.J. Scholljegerdes, S.L. Lake, R.L. Atkinson, V. Nayigihugu, W.T. Small, S.P. Ford, W.J. Means, K.R. Underwood, S.A. Thompson, and B.W. Hess. 2004. Use of ultrasound to determine body composition of beef cows nutrient restricted during early to mid-gestation. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:163. Molle, J.D.C., E.J. Scholljegerdes, S.L. Lake, V. Nayigihugu, R.L. Atkinson, L.R. Miller, S.P. Ford, W.J. Means, J.S. Caton, and B.W. Hess. 2004. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during early to mid-gestation on cow and fetal visceral organ measurements. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:405. Nayigihugu, V., F. S. DAngieri, C. M. Murrieta, D. C. Rule, and B. W. Hess. 2004. Cooking does not affect fatty acid composition of beef Longissimus muscle. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:223. Scholljegerdes, E.J., K.A. Vonnahme, J.D.C. Molle, V. Nayigihugu, S.L. Lake, R.L. Atkinson, P. A. Ludden, L.R. Miller, S.P. Ford, and B. W. Hess. 2004. Effects of maternal undernutrition from early to mid-gestation on visceral organs of the ewe and fetus. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:344. Small, W.T., S.I. Paisley, B.W. Hess, S.L. Lake, E.J. Scholljegerdes, T.A. Reed, E.L. Belden, and S. Bartle. 2004. Supplemental fat in limit-fed, high grain prepartum diets of beef cows: Effects on cow weight gain, reproduction, and calf health, immunity, and performance. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:45. Abstracts Han, H.C., K.J. Austin, B.W. Hess, S.P. Ford, and T.R. Hansen. 2004. Prepro-ghrelin mRNA in the digestive tract of undernourished pregnant ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):221(Abstr.). Hess, B.W., K. A. Vonnahme, E. J. Scholljegerdes, S. L. Lake, J. D. C. Molle, V. Nayigihugu, R. L. Atkinson, P. A. Ludden, L. R. Miller, and S. P. Ford. 2004. Maternal undernutrition from early- to mid-gestation versus throughout gestation: Effects on visceral organs of ewes and their fetuses. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):271(Abstr.). Lake, S.L., E.J. Scholljegerdes, E.L. Belden, R.L. Atkinson, D.C. Rule, and B.W. Hess. 2004. Calf adipose tissue fatty acid profile, immune function and performance while nursing beef cows consuming high-linoleate or high oleate safflower seed supplements. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):400(Abstr.). Scholljegerdes, E. J., B. W. Hess, T. R. Weston, F. S. DAngieri, and P. A. Ludden. 2004. Site and extent of digestion in beef cattle consuming restricted amounts of forage and supplemental ruminally undegradable protein. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):437(Abstr.). Invited Presentations Fetal programming: Effects of dam malnourishment on fetal development. CO Nutr. Roundtable, March 24, 2004. Nutritional controls on reproduction. Western Section Beef Symposium. Corvallis, OR, June 16, 2004.