Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Meeting called to order at 7:50 a.m. on September 9th by Dr. Teresa Steckler, Chair Introductions of attendees Welcome by Dr. Tom McFadden, Chair, Division of Animal Sciences Announcements 2015 JAM Physiology and Endocrinology program. Two symposia are being planned: (1) Epigenetics of Growth organized by Kim Vonnahme, NDSU and (2) History and Contributions of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) and Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) organized by Cliff Lamb Station reports Florida by Dr. Cliff Lamb US-MARC by Dr. Robert Cushman and Emerson Soares Wisconsin by Paulo Carvahlo and Dr. Paul Fricke Mississippi by Ashleigh Muth-Spurlock and Dr. Jamie Larson Missouri by Jordan Thomas and Dr. David Patterson Adjourned for catered lunch at 12:25 p.m. Meeting resumed at 1:00 p.m. Reports by NIFA and Administrative Advisers (Adelle Turzillo and Deb Hamernik) ? Station Reports resumed Kansas by Dr. Jeffrey Stevenson Illinois by Dr. Teresa Steckler Virginia by Dr. Michelle Rhoads Adjourned to attend overview presentations by selected faculty from the University of Missouri (Drs. Randy Prather, Michael Smith, Tom Spencer, Jeremy Taylor, and Jared Decker) Meeting adjourned for the day at 5:20 p.m. Meeting called to order at 8:00 a.m. on September 10th by Dr. Teresa Steckler, Chair Station Reports Virginia by Dr. Michelle Rhoads (continued from the previous day) Oregon by Dr. Reinaldo Cooke Business Meeting Reinaldo Cooke will serve as Secretary for the 2016 annual meeting Jeffrey Stevenson will serve as Chair for the 2016 annual meeting Two alternative locations and dates were discussed for the 2016 annual meeting: 1. Week of August 22, 2016 either preceding or following the ARSBC meeting in Des Moines, IA (Host: George Perry) 2. September 7-8 in Bloomington, IL at the Farm Bureau complex (Host: Teresa Steckler) Dr. Patterson will follow-up on the dates for the ARSBC meeting and inform Dr. Stevenson. Dr. Stevenson will communicate with the committee and then set the date and location by vote. Responsible parties for writing the new project: Dr. Cushman will take lead for the Epigenetics-Fetal Programing section Dr. Fricke will take lead for the dairy section Drs. Lamb, Patterson, and Steckler will take lead for the beef section Each station representative was tasked to ponder various ideas and provide a paragraph summary of potential station contributions to the new project. Rewrite Schedule per Dr. Hamernik: September 15, 2016 Intent to renew submitted to NIMS Statement of Issues (Justification and Rationale) October 15, 2016 Objectives November 15, 2016 Appendix E filed for all station representatives December 15, 2016 Project write-up is due Meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Objective 1. To determine mechanisms that regulate reproductive processes impacting production efficiency in cattle. Role of molecular pathways in regulating reproductive function (MN, SD, USDA-MARC) Impact of maternal environment on progeny (FL, MN, MS, ND, NE, ND, MN, USDA-MARC, FL) To examine the use of new technologies to assist with enhancing reproductive performance (KY, WI) North Dakota Nutrient transporters in bovine utero-placental tissues on days 16 to 50 of gestation were studied. The hypothesis was that transporters for glucose and amino acids in utero-placental tissues would be differentially expressed across days of early pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, crossbred Angus heifers (n = 46), were synchronized, bred via AI and then ovariohysterectomized on d 16, 22, 28, 34, 40, or 50 of gestation (n = 5 to 9/d), or were not bred and ovariohysterectomized on d 16 of the synchronized estrous cycle (n = 7) to serve as nonpregnant (NP) controls. These results support our hypothesis that there is an effect of day on the expression of glucose and amino acid transporter mRNAs in utero-placental tissues of heifers during early pregnancy. South Dakota Estradiol has been reported to play a critical role in pregnancy establishment and embryonic survival. Our objective was to focus on the role of preovulatory estradiol in embryo survival from fertilization to maternal recognition of pregnancy. Estrus was synchronized in beef cows (n = 29) with the CO-Synch protocol and inseminated (d 0). In summary, there were no differences between cows that did or did not express estrus in ISG expression, or in protein or glucose concentration of uterine flushes. Therefore, the increased embryo survival to d 30 of gestation among cows that express estrus is not associated with embryo survival until maternal recognition. Among cattle the LH surge that causes ovulation occurs shortly after the onset of a spontaneous estrus. In addition an injection of 100 ?g of GnRH can induce an LH surge capable of inducing ovulation. We hypothesized that different preovulatory estradiol profiles would result in different ovulatory LH surges, and that an injection of GnRH (100 ?g) would induce a secondary LH surge among cows that exhibited standing estrus prior to the GnRH injection. In order to establish the importance of estradiol on initiating an LH surge, ovariectomized multiparous cows (n=26) received estradiol cypionate (ECP), estradiol benzoate (EB) or no treatment (CON) to mimic a preovulatory period. There was an effect of treatment, time, and a treatment by time interaction (P < 0.01) on circulating concentrations of LH, with ECP treated cows having increased concentrations of LH at hour -16, -12, -8, and -4 compared to EB and CON. However, EB had greater concentrations of LH than ECP at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min after GnRH and CON having greater concentrations of LH at 30 and 60 min after GnRH compared to ECP. In summary, exogenous estradiol influenced timing and peak concentrations of an LH surge. US-MARC-Nebraska Presentation concerning the marker assisted population?markers for growth and carcass traits, including the MSTN (myostatin allele). Presentation of information concerning their stair-step nutrition approach to study puberty and ovarian reserves (increase in primordial follicles, but no changes in primary or secondary follicles). During refeeding period, an increase in gene expression occurred suggesting a genomically directed change in ovarian function by feeding. Studies concerning the effects of body condition score and oocyte quality are underway in beef heifers. Aspiration of bovine follicles 12–36 hours after induced corpus luteum lysis serendipitously identified two populations of cows, one with High androstenedione (A4; > 40 ng/ml; mean = 102) and another with Low A4 (<20 ng/ml; mean = 9) in follicular fluid. We hypothesized that the steroid excess in follicular fluid of dominant follicles in High A4 cows would result in reduced fertility through altered follicle development and oocyte maternal RNA abundance. These data suggest that the dominant follicle environment of High A4 cows including reduced estrogen conversion and androgen excess contributes to infertility in part through altered follicular and oocyte development. Mississippi Research is underway to examine factors associated with each dominant follicle of the estrous cycle in the cow and how these factors influence oocyte fertility. Dominant follicles ipsilateral to the CL grow slower than those contralateral to the CL. Studies examining ovarian function in cows fed endophyte-infected seed (fescue toxicosis) and control MaxQ nontoxic fescue seed. Blood perfusion in the ovary measured by doppler is not affected by fescue treatments. Kansas An experiment was conducted with the objective to determine the effects of estradiol, progesterone, presence of a corpus luteum (CL), and (or) size of a dominant follicle on the characteristics and patterns of GnRH-induced LH release and subsequent ovulation during a timed artificial insemination (TAI) program. In 70 lactating dairy cows, a total of 163 blood collection periods resulting in a GnRH-induced LH release was analyzed. Measures of LH included: time to LH peak concentration during the 6-h blood collection period, the two largest concentrations of LH, mean, and variance of the 6 LH concentrations, baseline LH mean and variance, and area under each LH curve. Individual and combination effects of CL presence and a dominant follicle less than or >13.5 mm, in addition to individual and combination effects of progesterone: low (<0.45 ng/mL; n = 83), medium (0.53 to 2.41 ng/mL; n =25), and high (2.66 to 10.7 ng/mL; n =55), and estradiol: low (<4.0 pg/mL; n = 89) and high (>4.0 pg/mL; n = 74) were independent variables in models to determine their influence on characteristics of LH and ovulation. Measures of GnRH-induced LH concentration were inhibited at greater concentrations of progesterone and in the presence of a CL. In contrast, GnRH-induced LH concentrations were increased when estradiol was >4.0 pg/mL, but relatively unaffected by the size of dominant follicle. Furthermore, resulting incidences of ovulation were decreased at greater progesterone concentrations and presence of a CL, and increased at greater estradiol concentrations and presence of a follicle >13.5 mm. Peak GnRH-induced LH concentration was greater in cows with progesterone <0.45 ng/mL and ovulation incidence was increased from 70.4 to 85.1%. In cows with or without a CL, the presence of a follicle >13.5 mm did not increase mean LH concentration or incidence of ovulation. We conclude that presence of a CL and elevated progesterone concentration at the time of GnRH treatment of cows in TAI programs is inhibitory to subsequent LH responses and ovulation, but in the face of larger concentrations of estradiol and increased LH concentrations, more cows ovulated, and likely influences subsequent TAI pregnancy outcomes. Virginia Heat stress at the time of conception affects the subsequent milk production of primiparous Holstein cows; however, it is unknown whether these effects are maintained across multiple lactations. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between periconceptional heat stress and measurements of milk production and composition in cows retained within a herd for multiple lactations. Milk production was significantly affected by periconceptional heat stress. When a significant difference or tendency for a difference was detected between the HSC and TNC cows, the TNC produced more milk in all but one comparison. The advantage in milk production for the TNC cows over the HSC cows ranged from 82 ± 42 to 399 ± 61 kg per lactation. Alterations in fat and protein percentage were variable and most often detected in first lactations (first > second or third). Overall, the most striking result of this study is the consistency of the relationship between HSC and milk production. The nature of this relationship suggests that heat stress at or around the time of conception impairs cow milk yield throughout her lifetime. Pre-pubertal exposure of the developing ovaries and reproductive tract (RT) to estrogen or xenoestrogens can have acute and long-term consequences that compromise the reproductive performance of cattle. This research examined effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (TAM) on gene and protein expression in pre-pubertal ovaries and RT with particular focus on signaling pathways that affect morphology. Results indicate that reproductive development in prepubertal Holstein heifer calves is TAM-sensitive, and that bovine RT and ovarian development are supported, in part, by ER-dependent mechanisms during the period studied here. Potential long-term consequences of such developmental disruption remain to be defined. Early weaning is a management strategy that has long-term benefits for the growth and development of cattle. Most research investigating the effects of early weaning has focused on terminal growth and carcass characteristics rather than traits that are important for replacement breeding heifers. In an effort to better understand the consequences of early weaning for heifers retained in the breeding herd, the following experiment was designed to investigate the impact on reproductive performance and metabolic function. Taken together, these results demonstrate that a lesser insulin response was necessary to properly clear the glucose in the EW heifers, and are indicative of greater insulin sensitivity in the EW heifers. Nebraska Effect of post-weaning heifer development on pregnancy rates and subsequent feed efficiency as a pregnant first calf heifer. To determine the impact of heifer development system on pregnancy rates and feed efficiency as a pregnant first calf heifer a 3 yr study was conducted. In Yr 1, weaned heifers either grazed corn residue (CR) or were fed in a drylot (DLHI). In Yr 2 and 3 heifers either grazed CR, upland range (RANGE), or were fed diets differing in energy, high (DLHI) or low (DLLO), in a drylot setting. Percent of mature BW prior to the breeding season was similar among treatments except DLHI which was significantly greater (P = 0.04) at 66.6% compared to 60.0, 61.0, and 61.7% for RANGE, CR, and DLLO treatments, respectively. Pregnancy rates to AI were similar (P = 0.62) among treatments (58.6, 66.3, 59.9, 52.6 ± 9.7%; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO). A subset of AI-pregnant heifers from each development treatment were placed in a Calan gate system; they were allowed a 20 d acclimation and training period before beginning the 90 d ad libitum hay treatment period on approximately gestational d 170. Offerings were recorded daily and orts collected weekly. Initial BW was not different (P = 0.62) among treatments (458, 468, 473, 464 ± 9 kg; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO). Body weight at the end of the treatment period was also not different ([P = 0.55] 485, 497, 503, 491 ± 17 kg; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO). Intake did not differ among treatments, either as DMI ([P = 0.59] 9.2, 9.4, 9.5, 9.4 ± 0.7 kg; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO) or as a percentage of BW ([P = 0.98] 1.96, 1.95, 1.95, 1.96 ± 0.15%; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO). There was no difference (P = 0.61) in ADG (0.28, 0.33, 0.32, 0.28 ± 0.17; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO) or residual feed intake (P = 0.41) (-0.095, -0.096, 0.144, 0.113 ± 0.156; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO) among treatments. Although there was no difference (P = 0.41) in the 3-mo-development cost among treatments ($166.06, 141.66, 160.63, 171.80 ± 12.52; RANGE, CR, DLHI, DLLO), there was a $30.14 numerical difference between the most expensive treatment, DLHI, and the least costly treatment, CR. Post-weaning heifer development system did not impact heifer pregnancy rate or feed conversion as pregnant first calf heifers. Effect of MGA vs CIDR estrus synchronization on estrus response and pregnancy rates in 311 d old beef heifers. A study compared the effect of melengestrol acetate (MGA)-PG and 14-day controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PG estrus synchronization protocols on estrus response and pregnancy rates of 311 d old Angus-based, crossbred heifers (n = 153). Fall-born heifers, at 10 mo of age, were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 estrus synchronization protocols in the spring (2 replications/treatment). Heifers in the MGA protocol received MGA for 14 d fed through the diet beginning on d 0 of the synchronization treatment period. Heifers in the CIDR treatment received the same diet as MGA heifers and were implanted with a CIDR (Eazi-breed CIDR) on d 2 of the treatment period and removed on d 16. Following estrus synchronization, heifers from both treatments were combined and received a single PG (Lutalyse) injection on d 32. All data was analyzed with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Heifers with activated heat detection aids (Estrotect) were AI 12 h following observation. Group BW was measured at weaning (198 kg) and prior to breeding (273 kg). Pre-breeding BW was 50.1% of predicted mature BW. Heifer age at breeding was not different (P = 0.12) between MGA and CIDR treatment groups. Percentage of heifers demonstrating signs of estrus was similar (P = 0.42) between synchronization treatment groups (CIDR vs MGA, 71.5 vs 77.4 ± 1.0%). Heifers not expressing estrus were not given an opportunity to become pregnant and removed from the herd. Pregnancy rates to AI of heifers expressing estrus (n = 115) were similar (P = 0.27) between CIDR and MGA synchronization treatment (46.3 vs 36.1 ± 6.8%). Bulls were placed with heifers at a 1:25 ratio 10 d following AI. Final pregnancy rate was also similar (P = 0.96) between CIDR and MGA treatment groups (51.0 vs 51.5 ± 7.4%). Heifer BW at pregnancy diagnosis was not different (P = 0.45) between CIDR and MGA treatment groups (325 vs 321 ± 3.4 kg). The numerical 10% decrease in AI pregnancy rate in MGA compared with CIDR synchronization is not significant but is of interest. Approximately half of these 311 d old heifers exposed to AI and bulls became pregnant. Economic aspects of rebreeding non-pregnant cows. A study was conducted to evaluate the economic aspects of retaining ownership and rebreeding open spring-calving cows to be sold as pregnant fall-calving cows. Composite Red Angus × Simmental females diagnosed as non-pregnant after regular spring breeding season were utilized over a 2 yr period (Yr 1, n = 61; Yr 2, n = 72). Hay and supplement were fed from November to February. Cows diagnosed as non-pregnant after a second breeding season were sold in March. Pregnant cows grazed Sandhills meadow pastures until April, when they were sold. Cows were synchronized with a 7-d controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PG protocol prior to a 60 d natural service breeding season beginning in November, utilizing a 1:25 bull to cow ratio. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined by ultrasound 30 d after bull removal. A partial budget analysis was performed for Yr 1 to compare the economics of selling non-pregnant cows immediately after pregnancy diagnosis or retaining ownership and rebreeding them to sell as pregnant cows in more favorable market prices. Total cost was calculated by adding the purchase price (cull cow value at first pregnancy diagnosis), feeding costs, meadow grazing and management cost, breeding cost, and 6% annual interest rate on the purchase price. The net cost of 1 pregnant cow was calculated as the difference between total cost and cull value, divided by the number of pregnant cows. The overall rebreeding pregnancy rate was 90.2% for Yr 1 and 81.9% for Yr 2, the percentage of the pregnant cows that conceived in the first 21 d of the breeding season was 89.1% for Yr 1 and 79.7% for Yr 2. The total cost/female was $1,186.38. Subtracting the cull value of the open cows sold in March, the net cost of one pregnant cow was $1,185.08. The pregnant cows were sold for $1,638.00, resulting in a $452.92 net gain/pregnant cow. While conventional wisdom has held open cows should be sold after pregnancy detection, we conclude rebreeding a non-pregnant cow to be sold at higher market prices may be an economic alternative. Objective 2. To increase the efficiency and predictability of sustainable reproductive management programs for cattle. Pre- and post-insemination strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency (FL, KS, KY, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, USDA-MARC, WI) Reproductive management programs to facilitate artificial insemination in cattle (FL, KS, KY, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, USDA-MARC, WI) North Dakota Strategies of synchronizing estrus for natural service breeding in suckled beef cows was studied (n = 1,520) in commercial operations in Uruguay and managed in grazing pastures. Cows were stratified by body condition score (mean of 3.94), then randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2×2 Latin square design with factors of PGF (yes or no) and CIDR (yes or no) to receive: (1) no treatment prior to initiation of the breeding season (Control, n = 389); (2) 25 mg prostaglandin F2? (PGF) i.m. on day of bull turnout (d 0, PGF, n = 383); (3) a controlled internal drug releasing insert (CIDR) 7 days prior to bull turnout (d -7) with removal on d 0 (CIDR, n = 375); or (4) a CIDR on d -7 followed on d 0 with CIDR removal and 25 mg PGF (CIDR-PG, n = 373). Mature bulls that passed a breeding soundness examination were placed in pastures with cows a rate of 25 cows per bull for the duration of the breeding season. Season ending pregnancy status was determined via palpation per rectum or transrectal ultrasonography. No interaction was present (P = 0.41) among PGF and CIDR factors for final pregnancy rate. Final pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.01), however, for cows administered PGF (76.3%) compared with those not receiving PGF (69.4%). Administration of a CIDR had no impact (P = 0.21) on final pregnancy rates (71.3% and 74.6% for cows receiving a CIDR and cows not receiving a CIDR, respectively). At the time of calving (September-December 2015) the date will be recorded and used to evaluate calving distribution for each treatment. In addition, weight of each resultant calf will be recorded at the time of weaning. A Bull Test project was initiated at the request of veterinarians participating in the NDSU PregCard project. The goal of the project was to summarize incidence and reasons for failure of reproductive soundness examinations in yearling and mature bulls. Results: (1) BullTest cards were an effective way to collect data; (2) more yearling bulls failed tests because of semen morphology issues compared with mature bulls; (3) more mature bulls failed tests because of penile defects compared with yearling bulls; (4) failure rate was greater for yearling and mature bulls that were retested compared with bulls tested for the first time; (5) no statistical differences were observed in failure rates between tests that included a full BSE and tests that just evaluated semen; (6) no statistical differences were observed between herd tests and tests for bull sales; and (7) more data are needed to confirm results and to determine whether data tendencies are truly significant. South Dakota Cryopreservation allows for long-term storage of semen. However, cryopreservation and thawing imposes stress on spermatozoa, and prematurely initiates the process of capacitation; possibly decreasing sperm lifespan. Liquid semen is not exposed to these stressors, leading to a potential longer lifespan in the female reproductive tract and thus increasing the window for successful insemination. The objective of this study was to compare fertility of liquid and frozen semen when varying the interval from CIDR removal to insemination using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. In summary, there was no difference in pregnancy success between liquid and frozen semen. However, cows that exhibited estrus and inseminated at 60 h after CIDR removal had greater pregnancy success compared to cows that did not exhibit estrus. Virginia This experiment examined how follicular fluid affects the in vitro maturation of cumulus oocyte complexes. The magnitude of cumulus cell expansion during the maturation phase affects the ability of bovine oocytes to undergo fertilization and develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine how inclusion of follicular fluid in maturation media would affect the trajectory and final rate of cumulus cell expansion. Preliminary studies indicate that when COC are subjected to in vitro fertilization (n=37-160 per treatment per replicate, 10 replicates), inclusion of follicle fluid at a rate of 75% does not increase cleavage rates nor improve blastocyst rates. Thus, even though maturation of COC in 75% follicle fluid resulted in the greatest amount of cumulus cell expansion during in vitro maturation it did not improve the apparent developmental potential of oocytes following fertilization. ? US-MARC The use of genetic markers to aid in selection decisions to improve carcass and growth characteristics is of great interest to the beef industry. However, it is important to examine potential antagonistic interactions with fertility in cows before widespread application of marker-assisted selection. The objective of the current experiment was to examine the influence of 2 commercially available markers currently in use for improving carcass traits, the myostatin (MSTN) F94L and ?-calpain (CAPN1) 316 and 4751 polymorphisms, on heifer development and reproductive performance. From these results, we concluded that the MSTN F94L and CAPN1 polymorphisms can be used to improve carcass traits without compromising fertility in beef heifers. The influence of these markers on cow performance and herd life remains to be determined. While the delay in puberty associated with the MSTN F94L polymorphism did not negatively impact reproductive performance in heifers, caution should be used when combining this marker with other markers for growth or carcass traits until the potential interactions are more clearly understood Florida Dr. Lamb reviewed the progress made at the North Florida Research and Extension Center in Marianna in reducing the breeding season of their station cow herd by introducing AI in 2006. Duration of the breeding season was reduced in a stair-step fashion from 120 days with all natural service to 72 days. A stringent culling strategy was followed (culling all cows not conceiving in breeding season; retaining only replacement heifers that conceived during the first 25 days of the breeding season). Results included reducing the mean calving day from 79.2 to 38.7 days and increasing the value of weaned calves from $87 in 2008 to $169 in 2013 (increased weaning weights resulting from more calves born earlier in successive breeding seasons). We conclude that exposing beef females to TAI and reducing the BS length for six years altered calving distribution, increased breeding season pregnancy rates, and increased calf value. A total of 190 multiparous suckled beef cows composed of Angus, Brangus, and Braford were enrolled in the experiment. All cows were subjected to the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR estrus synchronization protocol. In brief, cows received a 100-?g injection of GnRH (2 mL Factrel; Zoetis Animal Health) at CIDR (1.38 g P4; Zoetis Animal Health) insertion [d -10] with a 25-mg injection of PGF (5 mL Lutalyse; Zoetis Animal Health) at CIDR removal [d -3], followed by an injection of 100-?g GnRH and TAI [d 0] at 66 h after CIDR removal. Cows were blocked by breed and stratified by DPP and BCS, and randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 1) two injections of placebo (1 mL of 0.9% saline), one at TAI and a second injection 14 d after TAI (CTRL, n = 53); 2) two injections of 325 mg bST (Posilac, Elanco Animal Health, Greenville, IN, USA), one at TAI and a second injection 14 d after TAI (2bST, n = 40); 3) one injection of 325 mg bST at TAI and a placebo injection 14 d after TAI (TAIbST, n = 48); and 4) a placebo injection at TAI and one injection of 325 mg bST 14 d later (d14bST n = 49). We conclude that administration of 325 mg bST during the time of TAI to suckled beef cows enhanced concentrations of IGF-1, but failed to improve pregnancy rates, fetal size, PSPB concentrations, and had no effect on calf birth weight. ? Wisconsin Presentation of reproductive program used at the UW Dairy to push their herd 21-day pregnancy rates to34%. All cows are inseminated at first service using Double Ovsynch. Once inseminated, a pre-GnRH injection is administered 25 days later and pregnancy diagnosis at 32 days. Open cows with a corpus luteum received PGF2? (PG) at open check and a second dose 34 hours later. At 56 hours after the first PG injection GnRH is administered and occurs 16 hours later. Cows with no CL receive GnRH and a CIDR, PG 7 days later, GnRH in 56 hours and AI 16 hours after GnRH. Milk production (305-day) is in excess of 30,000 lbs. Studies are underway examining the incorporation of a second PG injection in the Ovsynch program to improve the risk of luteolysis in both 5 and 7day programs. Results are suggestive that improvements in pregnancy risk may come with increased luteolysis. Discussion of efforts to increase risk of ovulation after the first GnRH injection. Increased ovulation occurs in cows with low progesterone concentrations leading to increased timed AI pregnancy risk. Manipulating the reproductive cycle to achieve optimal progesterone during an Ovsynch protocol dramatically increases in fertility in lactating dairy cows. Manipulating progesterone at the first GnRH treatment of an Ovsynch protocol dramatically increased ovulatory response to GnRH but had a minimal effect on fertility. Addition of a second PGF2? treatment during an Ovsynch protocol dramatically increases fertility to timed AI, whereas reducing the duration of the protocol from 7 to 5 d does not. Cows that lost BCS before calving lost more back fat, had fewer P/AI, and had more health events during the first 120 d of lactation. Manipulating cows into a low progesterone environment during growth of the preovulatory follicle before TAI did not negatively affect fertility, pregnancy loss, or pregnancy-associated glycoprotein after TAI in Irish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Missouri The Missouri Show-Me Heifer program was reviewed. Since 1997, the value of replacement heifers has increased from $826 to $2944 in 2014. The program has penetrated nearly 100% of the 114 counties in Missouri and 18 other states. More than 90% of the heifers enrolled in the program are inseminated artificially. The results clearly show that heifers with reproductive tract scores (RTS) of 1 should be culled. Heifers with RTS of 3 or more have conception risks ranging from 46 to 52%. Presentation of the Missouri research involving split time AI for heifers and cows that are not in estrus at the recommended time AI breeding time. Results validate that GnRH is not needed for either heifers or suckled cows that are inseminated at the recommended timed AI time. Studies also are underway in Montana and Missouri examining the comparison of the long 14-day CIDR vs. 7-day CO-synch + CIDR program in 2-year-old cows. In summary, continued growth in the Show-Me-Select Heifer Program highlights the importance of economic incentives to drive technology utilization and improve heifer development practices statewide. The experiment was designed to evaluate timing of GnRH administration in beef heifers based on estrous status with split-time AI. Estrus was synchronized for 816 heifers across four locations using the 14-d CIDR-PG protocol (CIDR insert [1.38 gm progesterone] on d 0 with removal on d 14; 25 mg PGF2? (PG) 16 d after CIDR removal on d 30; and 100 ?g GnRH depending on treatment). Estrous detection aids (Estrotect) were applied at PG on d 30, with estrus recorded at 66 and 90 h after PG on d 33 and 34, respectively. These data suggest however that among heifers for which AI is delayed based on failure to exhibit estrus by 66 h after PG, timing of GnRH administration (66 vs 90 h after PG) may be more flexible. The experiment was designed to evaluate timing of GnRH administration in beef cows based on estrous status with split-time AI. Estrus was synchronized for 622 cows across six locations using the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (100 ?g GnRH + CIDR insert [1.38 gm progesterone] on d 0; 25 mg PGF2? (PG) at CIDR removal on d 7; and 100 ?g GnRH depending on treatment). Estrous detection aids (Estrotect) were applied at CIDR removal and PG on d 7, with estrus recorded at 66 and 90 h after PG on d 10 and 11, respectively. These data suggest that delayed administration of GnRH to 90 h coincident with AI among cows failing to exhibit estrus by 66 h after PG results in a greater overall estrous response. Kansas Our objective was to determine the benefit of including GnRH and PGF2? (PG) as part of a presynchronization option before enrolling cows in a timed artificial insemination program. Holstein cows in one herd were assigned weekly at calving from January 2012 through August 2014 to a completely randomized design consisting of two presynchronization treatments (see figure on p. 4). Cows in the Presynch-11 (n = 290) control were administered two PGF2? injections (Presynch PG-1 and Presynch PG-2) 14 d apart starting at 39 ± 4 d postpartum (study Days 0 and 14). Cows receiving the experimental presynchronization treatment (Gsynch-11, n = 287) were treated with GnRH (Pre-GnRH) on study Day 7 and PG (Pre-PG) on study Day 14. On study Day 25, all cows were enrolled in the Ovsynch-56 timed AI program: GnRH-1 on study Day 25, PG on study Day 32, GnRH-2 on study Day 34, 56 h after PG, and timed artificial insemination (AI) on study Day 35, 16 h after GnRH-2. Pregnancy per AI at 32 and 60 d after AI did not differ between treatments, but were suppressed during summer months in both treatments to <70% of the P/AI of non-summer months. Because more than 90% of the cows were ovular as treatments were applied, the GnRH treatment of Gsynch-11 could not be assessed for its benefit in anovular cows. The Gsynch-11 presynchronization treatment performed comparably with the standard Presynch-11 program and may provide a viable presynchronization option for use before first AI in dairy herds. Illinois The experiment was conducted to determine if delaying timed AI, second GnRH injection, or both will increase pregnancy rates in nonestrous suckled beef cows exposed to the 7-d CO-synch + CIDR [GnRH (100 ?g) on d -7, PGF2? (25 mg) and CIDR removal on d 0, and a second injection of GnRH 60 h after PGF2? (d 2)] timed AI program. On day 0, all cows received an ESTROTECT™ heat detector patch. Patches score was assessed 60 h after CIDR removal and cows with activated patches assigned to the Estrus control (CON; n=80) group. The remaining cows were randomly assigned into three equal-sized groups balanced for parity, days postpartum, and BCS: Early GnRH and early AI (E-E; n=21), Early GnRH but delayed AI (E-D; n=24), or Delayed GnRH and delayed AI (D-D; n=24). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via transrectal ultrasonagraphy 35 d after fixed-time AI. Pregnancy rates in the CON, E-E, E-D, and D-D averaged 64, 52, 42, and 50%.

Peer-reviewed Journals Amundson, O. L., Fountain, T. H., Larimore, E. L., Richardson, B. N., McNeel, A .K., Wright, E. C., Keisler, D .H., Cushman, R. A., Perry, G. A., Freetly, H .C.. Post-weaning nutritional programming of ovarian development in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. In revision. Bridges, G. A., S. L. Lake, S. G. Kruse, S. L. Bird, B. J. Funnell, R. Aries, J. A. Walker, J. K. Grant, and G. A. Perry. 2014. Comparison of three CIDR-based fixed-time AI protocols in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 92:3127-3133. Brown, B.M., J.W. Stallings, J.S. Clay and M.L. Rhoads. 2015. Milk production and composition of dairy cows that were exposed to heat stress at or around the time they were conceived. PLoS One. (in review). Brown, B.M., J.W. Stallings, J.S. Clay and M.L. Rhoads. 2015. Periconceptional heat stress of Holstein dams is associated with differences in daughter milk production during their first lactation. PLoS One. (in review). Calderón Diaz, J. A., Vallet, J. L., Lents, C. 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Wiltbank, and P. M. Fricke. 2015. Modifications to Ovsynch improve fertility during resynchronization: Evaluation of presynchronization with GnRH 6 days before Ovsynch and addition of a second prostaglandin F2? treatment. J. Dairy Sci. (accepted). Cerny, K.L., L. Anderson, W.R. Burris, M. Rhoads, J.C. Matthews and P.J. Bridges. 2015. Form of Supplemental Selenium fed to cycling cows affects ovarian production of progesterone, but not estradiol. Theriogenology (in review). Cushman, R. A., McNeel, A. K., Souza, J. C., Britt, J. H. Applying ultrasonographic evaluation of antral follicle count to improve reproductive management in heifers. Clinical Theriogenology 2015; 7:223-227. Cushman, R. A., McNeel, A. K., Souza, J. C., Echternkamp, S. E., Britt, J. H., Freetly, H. C. Mechanisms influencing establishment of the ovarian reserve in heifers. Clinical Theriogenology 2015; 7:229-233. Cushman, R. A., R.G. Tait Jr., A.K. McNeel, E.D. Forbes, O.L. Amundson, C.A. Lents, A.K. Lindholm-Perry, G.A. Perry, J.R. Wood, A.S. Cupp, T.P.L. Smith, H.C. Freetly, and G.L. Bennett. 2015. A polymorphism in myostatin influences puberty but not fertility in beef heifers, whereas µ-calpain affects first calf birth weight. J. Anim. Sci. 93:117-126. Deaver, S.E., A.M. Felix and M.L. Rhoads. 2015. Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cattle after intrauterine administration of a prostaglandin F2? receptor antagonist four days after insemination. Theriogenology. 83(4):560-566. Freetly, H .C., Vonnahme, K. A., McNeel, A. K., Camacho, L. E., Amundson, O. L., Forbes, E. D., Lents, C. A., Cushman, R. A. The consequence of level of nutrition on heifer ovarian and mammary development. J. Anim. Sci. 2014; 92:5437-5443. Hill, S. L., G. A. Perry, V. R. G. Mercadante, G. C. Lamb, J. R. Jaeger, KC Olson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2014. Altered progesterone concentrations by hormonal manipulations before a fixed-time artificial insemination CO-Synch + CIDR program in suckled beef cows. 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Effect of MGA vs CIDR estrus synchronization on estrus response and pregnancy rates in 311 d old beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 93(e-Suppl. 2). Nielson, H.R., T.L. Meyer, and R.N. Funston. 2015. Effect of post-weaning heifer development on pregnancy rates and subsequent feed efficiency as a pregnant first calf heifer J. Anim. Sci. 93(e-Suppl. 2). Northrop, E. J., O. L. Amundson, B. N. Richardson, A. K. McNeel, R. A. Cushman, and G. A. Perry. 2015. Influence of estrus expression prior to fixed-time AI on embryo survival to maternal recognition of pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. Perry, G.A., O. L. Amundson, and R. A. Cushman. 2015. Use of ultrasonography to make management decisions. J. Anim. Sci. Rasby, R.J., and R.N. Funston. 2015. Nutrition and management of cows – Supplementation and feed additives. J. Anim. Sci. 93(e-Suppl. 2, invited). Richardson, B.N., E. L. Larimore, J. A. Walker, M. Utt, M. DeJarnette, and G.A. Perry. 2015. Comparison of fresh-extended and conventional semen on fertility when varying the interval from CIDR removal to insemination in a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. J. Anim. Sci. Roberts, A.J., E.E. Grings, M.K. Peterson, R.N. Funston. 2015. Developmental programming of fertility. J. Anim. Sci. 93(e-Suppl. 2, invited). Rocha, L., J. S. Stevenson, and L. G. D. Mendonça. 2015. Presynchronization strategy using prostaglandin F2? and GnRH to improve fertility in a resynchronization program based on detection of estrus. J. Dairy Sci. 98(E-Suppl. 2):91-92 (Abstr.). Safranski, T., M.C. Lucy, J.N. Rhoades, M. Estienne, J.G. Wiegert, M. Rhoads, R.P. Rhoads, L.H. Baumgard and J.W. Ross. 2015. Reproductive performance of gilts having developed in heat stressed dams. J. Anim. Sci. 93(Suppl 2):85. Santos, V. G., P. D. Carvalho, C. Maia, B. Carneiro, A. Valenza, E. M. Bettencourt, and P. M. Fricke. 2015. Effect of decreasing the duration of a PRID-synch protocol and addition of a second prostaglandin F2? treatment on fertility after resynchronization of ovulation in lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):543. Schook, M.R., P. L. Steichen, V. R. G. Mercadante, G. C. Lamb, B. W. Neville, and C. R. Dahlen. 2014. Effects of breeding system of origin (natural service or AI) on growth, attainment of puberty, and pregnancy rates in crossbred beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci 92(E-Suppl. 2):68 (Abstr.) Steichen, P. L., S. I. Klein, Q. Larson, K. M. Bischoff, V. R. G. Mercadante, G. C. Lamb, C. S. Schauer, B. W. Neville, and C. R. Dahlen. 2014. Effects of artificial insemination and natural service breeding systems on calving characteristics and weaning weights of resultant progeny. J. Anim. Sci 92(E-Suppl. 2):263 (Abstr.) Stevenson, J. S., and G. C. Lamb. 2015. Contrasting effects of progesterone on fertility of dairy and beef cows. J. Dairy Sci. 98(E-Suppl. 2):306 (Abstr.). Thomas, JM, BE Bishop, JM Abel, JE Decker, SE Poock, DS Brown, MF Smith, and DJ Patterson. 2015. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program: Improving heifer development practices and increasing technology utilization through economic incentives. J. Anim. Sci. 93, Suppl. s3:526. Thomas, JM, SE Poock, MR Ellersieck, MF Smith, and DJ Patterson. 2014. Delayed insemination of non-estrous beef heifers and cows when using conventional semen in timed artificial insemination. J. Anim. Sci. 92:4189-4197. Tibbitts, B.T., C.A. Welchons, R.G. Bondurant, F.H. Hilscher, J.C. MacDonald, R.N. Funston. 2015. Effects of Supplemental energy and protein source on performance of steers grazing irrigated corn residue. J. Anim. Sci. 93(e-Suppl. 2). Valenza, A., P. M. Fricke. 2015. Expression and detection of estrus in dairy cows: The role of new technologies. Ceva publication. Voelz, B. E., L. Rocha, F., J. S. Stevenson, and L. G. D. Mendonça. 2015. Treatment of primiparous lactating dairy cows with GnRH before first insemination during summer heat stress. J. Dairy Sci. 98(E-Suppl. 2):91 (Abstr.). Wiegert, J.G., R.H. Preisser, M.C. Lucy, T.J. Safranski, R.P. Rhoads, J.W. Ross, L.H. Baumgard, M.J. Estienne and M.L. Rhoads. 2015. Effects of in utero heat stress on subsequent lactational performance of gilts and transgenerational effects on offspring. J. Anim. Sci. 93(Suppl 2):166. Extension Reports/Publications Crouse, M.S., K.J. McLean, L.P. Reynolds, C.R. Dahlen, B.W. Neville, P.P. Borowicz, and J.S. Caton. 2015. Nutrient transporters in bovine utero-placental tissues on days 16 to 50 of gestation. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 66:44-47. Dahlen, C.R. and C.L. Stoltenow. 2015. The PregCard study; assessing the impact of routine management strategies on reproductive performance of beef herds in the upper Great Plains. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 66:151-154. Dahlen, C.R., and G.L Stokka. 2015. Bull Breeding Soundness Examinations. NDSU AS-1755. Available at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/livestoc/as1755.pdf Dahlen, C.R., D.N. Black, and M.R. Crosswhite. 2015. Maximizing Pregnancy Rates to AI. NDSU AS-1749. Available at: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/livestoc/as1749.pdf Patterson, DJ, and JE Decker. 2015. Phenotypic data collection for reproductive traits in replacement beef heifers. In: Proceedings, Beef Improvement Federation. June 10, Biloxi, MS. Patterson, DJ, JM Thomas, BE Bishop, JM Abel, and MF Smith. 2014. Control of estrus and ovulation in heifers. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. October 7-8, Stillwater, OK. pp. 75-109. Patterson, DJ, JM Thomas, BE Bishop, JM Abel, and MF Smith. 2015. Control of estrus and ovulation in heifers. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 17-88, Davis, CA. pp. 36-67. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 17-88, Davis, CA. pp. 67-105. Patterson, DJ, JM Thomas, BE Bishop, JM Abel, JE Decker, and MF Smith. 2015. Control of estrus and ovulation in beef cows. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. August 17-18, Davis CA. pp. 67-105. Patterson, DJ, JM Thomas, JM Abel, BE Bishop, JE Decker, and MF Smith. 2014. Control of estrus and ovulation in beef cows. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. October 7-8, Stillwater, OK. pp. 111-154. Schnabel, R.D., .JF. Taylor, A.L. Van Eenennaam, D.S. Brown, M.F. Smith, M.M. Rolf, M.D. MacNeil, B.P. Kinghorn, and D.J. Patterson. Reducing the incidence of early embryonic mortality in beef cattle. Proceedings, 10th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. August, 2014. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Schook, M.R., P.L. Steichen, V.R.G. Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2014. Effects of breeding system of origin (natural service or artificial insemination) on growth, attainment of puberty, and pregnancy rates in crossbred beef heifers. North Dakota Beef Report:46-48. Smith, M..F, G.A. Perry, K.G. Pohler, R.M. Wallace, SE Dickinson, AO Gatea, and DJ Patterson. 2014. Physiological principles underlying synchronization of estrus. In: Proceedings, Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. October 7-8, Stillwater, OK. pp. 22-48. Thomas, J.M., and D..J Patterson. 2014. The importance and challenges of a beef sire fertility system. In: Proceedings, 25th National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) Annual Convention and Technical Conference. September 25-26, Green Bay, WI. pp. 27-45. Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) Steckler T. L. Aug 2015. Health Considerations When Weaning Calves. Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. Dec 2014. Limping in Cattle May Indicate Foot Rot. Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. Dec 2014. Livestock Care Increases as Temperatures Drop. Illinois AgriNews Steckler T. L. Jan 2015. Management Tips for the Calving Season. Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. July 2015. Alternative Grazing. Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. July 2015. Its West Again this Year. Illinois AgriNews Steckler T. L. Mar 2015. Is he really earning his keep or just getting by? Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. May 2015. Ticks and flies – the scourge of man and cattle alike! Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. Nov 2014. Watch for Cold Stress in Cattle This Winter. Mid-America Farmer Grower Steckler T. L. Sept 2015. Consider Grazing Cornstalks. Mid-America Farmer Grower Stevenson, J. S. 2014. Five-day Ovsynch deserves a good look. Hoard’s Dairyman 159:744. Stevenson, J. S. 2014. Heat detection pays dividends. Hoard’s Dairyman 159:649. Stevenson, J. S. 2014. Timed A.I. marks 20-year anniversary. Hoard’s Dairyman 159:580. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. Do larger doses improve Ovsynch? Hoard’s Dairyman 160:162. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. Keep A.I. breeding benchmarks easy. Hoard’s Dairyman 160:506. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. More on mastitis and fertility. Hoard’s Dairyman 160:414. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. New milk and blood pregnancy tests can improve A.I. Hoard’s Dairyman 160:15. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. Refining your timed AI program. Hoard’s Dairyman 160:93. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. What about progesterone? Hoard’s Dairyman 160:345. Stevenson, J. S. 2015. When to breed or not to breed. Hoard’s Dairyman 160:256. Student Theses and/or Dissertations Amundson, O. 2015. Post-weaning nutritional programming of ovarian development and role of elevated blood urea on uterine environment and pregnancy success in beef heifers. MS thesis, South Dakota State University. Crego, S. 2015. Factors that impact pregnancy success with sexed-semen in dairy cows. MS thesis, South Dakota State University. McCracken, V. 2015. The effects of dietary fructose and fat on the reproductive parameters of prepubertal and pregnant gilts. MS thesis, Virginia Tech. Zezeski, A. 2014. Utilization of early weaning and intrafollicular insemination as methods to improve the reproductive performance of cattle. MS thesis, Virginia Tech. Funding (include grants and contracts) 1. Missouri. Facilitating expansion and genetic improvement of the Missouri beef cow herd through use of sex-sorted semen in timed artificial insemination of beef heifers. University of Missouri Commercial Agriculture. 2015. $25,000. PI. 2. Missouri. Database enhance: Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer program. University of Missouri Commercial Agriculture. 2015. $25,000. Co-PI. 3. Missouri. University of Missouri Thompson Research Center. 2015. Research Incentive Grant. $15,000. PI. 4. Missouri. Multistate Project NC-1201: Methods to Increase Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle. 2015. USDA. $10,000 PI. 5. Missouri. Identification and management of alleles impairing heifer fertility while optimizing genetic gain in Angus cattle. USDA-NIFA-AFRI #2013-68004-20364 (01/01/2013 to 12/31/2017; $2,997,040). PD. 6. Kansas. Enhancing Expression of Estrus before Artificial Insemination of Lactating Dairy Cows. Kansas Dairy Commission. 2014-201. $5,000. PI. 7. Kansas. Administration of Prostaglandin F2? at Timed Artificial Insemination of Lactating Dairy Cows to Increase Pregnancy Outcomes. Select Sires. 2015-2016. $8,800. Co-PI. 8. Kansas. The Effect of Multimin Injectable Trace Mineral Solution on Semen Quality of Young Breeding Beef Bulls. Multimin. 2014-2015. $25,000. Co-PI. 9. Kansas. Delayed Insemination of Beef Cows Not Yet in Estrus by 60 hours after CIDR Insert Removal and Lutalyse Injection. Zoetis. $5,000. PI. 10. Kansas. Multistate Project NC-1201: Methods to Increase Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle. USDA Hatch. 2014-2015. $10,000. PI. 11. Wisconsin. Manipulating progesterone to increase fertility to timed AI in lactating dairy cows. USDA NC-1201 Regional Research project/Hatch project. $123,481. PI 12. Wisconsin. Ceva Animal Health. 2014. Unrestricted gift. $10,000. 13. Wisconsin. Genetic, nutritional and management approaches to improve fertility in lactating dairy cattle. Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 12-11-2013 to 11-30-2017. €961,125.40. CoPI. 14. Wisconsin. Strategies to improve reproductive performance in the beef cattle industry. USDA NIFA NLGCA proposal. 11-01-2013 to 10-31-2016. UW subcontract: $150,328. CoPI. 15. Florida. Fetal Versus Maternal Contributions of Bos indicus genetics to offspring growth. USDA-NIFA AFRI. 2015-2017, $450,000.