Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual meeting for this project was held at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. Annual project objectives include:

1. Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources on the genetics of beef cattle and comparative genetics among cattle breeds and other species (e.g., sheep, wildlife) to support outreach, extension, and education activities.
2. Maintain animal populations, DNA and RNA repositories, and performance and health databases to support beef cattle phenomics research.
3. Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetics associations among economically important traits and their indicators.
4. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, discuss future problems, and plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding.

The WERA-001 meeting was called to order on June 19, 2017 by Dr. Lauren Hanna. Dr. Hanna and Dr. Bret Hess, Administrative Advisor, welcomed the group with opening remarks. Following opening remarks, individual station reports were presented by project members in attendance.

Dr. Michael Gonda presented outcomes from his research pertaining to the role of small RNAs in bull fertility. He also discussed progress and new programs at South Dakota State University pertaining to online beef breeding courses and mentoring programs.

Dr. Jennifer Thomson discussed research related to genetic work conducted on Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Line 1 and 4 Herefords at Fort Keogh, and blood metabolite relationships with RFI and NMR technology. She also discussed structure and teaching aspects related to her undergraduate animal genetics course.

Dr. Matt Cronin discussed his change in roles and locations, but continued desire to participate in the committee. He also discussed recent research publications and legislation work pertaining to species being labeled as endangered and their impacts on livestock production in those regions.

Dr. Doug Zalesky discussed research being conducted on high altitude disease or brisket disease in cattle and how that impacts performance. His research group is working with Powerline Genetics to understand genetic correlations of these diseases with other performance records in bulls.

Dr. Lauren Hanna discussed research related to temperament collection strategies in beef cattle, longevity and efficiency attributes in commercial beef cow herds, and the DNA samples and database she has established. She also discussed research and development of teaching methods in her undergraduate animal breeding and genetics course.

Following station reports, the participants discussed 2018 meeting locations. Through email correspondence with Dr. Hanna, Dr. Mark Enns had nominated his institution, Colorado State University, to host the 2018 meeting in conjunction with the 2018 Beef Improvement Federation annual meeting. As 2018 would be a possible joint meeting with S-1064 regional project, Dr. Andy Herring had also nominated a possible location at Kansas State University for centrality. Members present discussed the possible meeting locations and agreed that meeting at Colorado State University with BIF annual meeting was preferred as it could potentially increase participation and exposure for new members. The members also suggested that if the S-1064 group would not be able to jointly meet in 2018 due to location and/or dates, then the two project groups could potentially meet in 2019 instead.

Dr. Hess followed the meeting location discussion with project renewal items. Dr. Thomson agreed to take lead on developing the new proposal with assistance from Drs. Gonda and Hanna. Input from current members will be requested to assist with developing the project renewal document. The final draft of the project renewal will be due by January 15, 2018, where the current project will end on September 30, 2018.

Dr. Thomson discussed submitting a proposal for American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Western Section 2018 meeting to have a proposal focused on animal breeding and genetics topics. Dr. Thomson agreed to draft the proposal and work with Dr. Hanna to have it brought before the 2017 ASAS Western Section Business Meeting. The proposal was accepted, however, due to date conflicts of the 2018 ASAS Western Section and BIF meetings, the symposium would need to wait until 2019 for desired speakers to be available.

Additional business items were discussed on possible collaborations between project members in attendance. Following meeting items, participants were able to visit with Dr. Mark Mirando, U.S.D.A. National Program Leader for Animal Nutrition, Growth, and Reproduction on the current status of USDA NIFA budgets and success rates. Following this, the meeting adjourned.

Montana State University have genotyped and archived close to 300 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep from Montana and Wyoming using the Ovine HD SNP Chip. They have completed a pilot study examining 5 herds with different genetic background and genetic risk as determined by population size, bottleneck potential and connectivity to other populations. Genotypic and phenotypic records are being compiled on Line 1 and Line 4 Hereford populations in Miles City, MT and Havre, MT, which will be used for a PhD Dissertation focusing on elucidating the molecular basis of inbreeding depression and sire line specific effects. Gene expression analyses are being performed in muscle and adipose tissue of steers fed to target quality grades. Differences in body composition for lambs divergent for RFI have been identified, which has led to evaluating rumen histology, NMR serum metabolites and liver, muscle, and gene expression differences for these divergent groups. This work contributes to project objectives 1 to 3.

North Dakota State University has maintains temperament data on over 1,200 Angus and Hereford influenced calves, include DNA samples. A final year of data will be collected in fall of 2017 that will add an additional 400 calves. In addition, a commercial like cow herd has been established to investigate performance records at various time points in the female’s life (Early, mid and late) that elucidate the relationship of frame size, efficiency attributes, and longevity. To date, 162 heifers have completed a feed trial with reproductive, feeding behavior, and performance data collected along with the GeneSeek GGP 150K panel. An additional 100 heifers will be added in 2017. Longevity and its relationship to birth type is being investigated using sheep data from the 1950s to 2015 recorded at the USDA Sheep Station. This is a collaborative project between NDSU, USDA Sheep Station, and Texas A&M University. Courses related to animal breeding and genetics training for graduate students have been added to the curriculum that aligns with the AG*IDEA Quantitative Genetics & Genomics online program. Additional, research is being conducted on the effectiveness of peer mentors and lecture recording for undergraduate animal breeding course. Data has been collected through two offerings of this course. This work contributes to project objectives 1 to 3.

South Dakota State University is participating in a USDA-NIFA-AFRI funded project (2015-08789) with the education objective (in part) to develop an online repository for educational materials relevant to beef cattle breeding undergraduate instruction. Additionally, the second year of a research project aimed at comparing commercially available beef cattle DNA tests sold by Zoetis Animal Genetics and Neogen (i.e., Geneseek) has been completed. In this project, molecular breeding values based on Igenity Silver or Gold Profiles and Zoetis PredicGEN has been collected in addition to carcass performance data on 345 steers. Results will assist beef producers with choosing the appropriate DNA test (if any) for commercial cattle. Furthermore, the potential of small RNA seminal fluid/spermatozoa biomarkers for male fertility and semen quality is being investigated, where 49 small RNAs, 42 piwi-interacting RNAs, and seven microRNAs using an ubiquitin assay were up-regulated in seminal fluid from the high predicted fertility group.  Seven small RNAs (all piwi-interacting RNAs) were down-regulated in seminal fluid from the high predicted fertility group.  These small RNAs have potential to be biomarkers for measures of semen quality and fertility in bulls. This work contributes to Objectives 1 to 3.

Washington State University continues to serve as the repository for the collection, DNA extraction and storage of BRD samples from 3200 Holstein and 2400 feedlot cattle with phenotypes, diagnostics and 778K genotypes. This is a multi-state project that involves several members of this committee. Fine-mapping and sequencing studies for BRD to identify causal mutations are ongoing using these beef and dairy data. Genome wide association analysis (GWAA), gene set enrichment analysis-SNP (GSEA-SNP) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis has been completed on 1000 Holstein heifers and 1000 primiparous Holstein cows for identification of loci associated with conception rate. Crossbred beef heifers (n = 85) that have undergone 4 serial embryo transfers have similarly been analyzed. GSEA-SNP feed efficiency analyses have been completed. This work contributes to project objectives 1 to 3.

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

Member collaborations were developed related to research objectives and educational training.

Committee members have continued to build phenotype and genotype databases to enhance research objectives.

Journal Articles:

Bailey, D.W., M.G. Thomas, T.N. Holt, M.B. Stephenson, R.M. Enns, and S.E. Speidel. 2016. Relationship of pulmonary arterial pressure and terrain use of Angus cows grazing high altitude foothills rangeland. Livestock Sci. 190: 76-80.

Cassady, C.J., T.L. Felix, J.E. Beever, D.W. Shike, National Program for Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. 2016. Effects of timing and duration of test period and diet type on intake and feed efficiency of Charolais-sired cattle. Journal of Animal Science 94(11): 4748-4758 doi:10.2527/jas.2016-0633

Cockrum, R.R., S.E. Speidel, J.L. Salak-Johnson, C.C.L. Chase, R.K. Peel, R.L. Weaber, G.H. Loneragan, J.J. Wagner, P. Boddhireddy, M.G. Thomas, K. Prayaga, S. Denise, and R.M. Enns. 2016. Genetic parameters estimated at receiving for circulating cortisol, immunoglobulin G, interleukin 8, and incidence of bovine respiratory disease in feedlot beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 2770-2778. doi:10.257/jas2016-0222.

Crawford, N.F., M.G. Thomas, T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, and R.M. Enns. 2016. Heritabilities and genetic correlations of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and performance traits in Angus cattle at high altitude. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 4483-4490. doi:10.2527/jas.2016-0703.

Cronin, M.A., and V.L.R. Leesburg. 2016. Genetic variation and differentiation in parent-descendant cattle and bison populations. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 4491-4497.

Dalton, J., D. Moore, T.E. Spencer, P.J. Hansen, J.B. Cole, and H. Neibergs. 2016. Genetics, genomics, and fertility. Clinical Theriogenology 8:3:165-170.

Elzo, M.A., R. Mateescu, M.G. Thomas, D.D. Johnson, C.A. Martinez, D.O. Rae, J.G. Wasdin, M.D. Driver, and J.D. Driver. 2016. Growth and reproduction genomic-polygenic and polygenic parameters and prediction trends as Brahman fraction increases in an Angus-Brahman multibreed population. Livestock Sci. 190:104-112.

Fortes, M.R.S., L.T. Nguyen, L.R. Porto Neto, A. Reverter, S.S. Moore, S.A. Lehnert, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Polymorphisms and genes associated with heifer puberty. Theriogenology 86: 333-339.

Geary, T.W., G.W. Burns, J.G.N. Moraes, J.I. Moss, A.C. Denicol, K.B. Dobbs, S. Ortega, P.J. Hansen, M.E. Wehrman, H. Neibergs, E. O’Neil, S. Behura, T.E. Spencer. 2016. Identification of beef heifers with superior uterine capacity for pregnancy. Biology of Reproduction 95(2): 1-12.

Gulick, A., F.B. Garry, T.N. Holt, K. Retallick, R.M. Enns, M.G. Thomas, and J.M. Neary. 2016. Calves born and raised at high altitude adapt to hypobaric hypoxia by increasing alveolar ventilation rate but not hematocrit. J. Anim. Sci.  94: 4167-4171. doi:10.2527/jas.2016-0718.

Jennings, T.D., M.G. Gonda, K.R. Underwood, A.E. Wertz-Lutz, and A.D. Blair. 2016. The influence of maternal nutrition on expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis and myogenesis in the bovine fetus. Animal 10(10): 1697-1705.

Kiser, J.N., T.E. Lawrence, M. Neupane, C.M. Seabury, J.F. Taylor, J. E. Womack, the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Coordinated Agricultural Project Research Team, H.L. Neibergs. 2017. Rapid Communications: Subclinical bovine respiratory disease – loci and pathogens associated with lung lesions in feedlot cattle. 95(3): 1080-1091. Doi:10.2527/jas.2016.1152

Kiser, J.N., S.N. White, K.A. Johnson, J.L. Hoff, J.F. Taylor, H.L. Neibergs. 2017. Identification of loci associated with susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) tissue infection in cattle. Journal of Animal Science. Journal of Animal Science 95(3): 1080-1091 doi:10.2527/jas.2016.1152

Lean, I., M. Lucy, J. McNamara, B. Bradford, E. Block, J. Thomson, J. Morton, P. Celi, A. Rabiee, J. Santos, W. Thatcher, S. LeBlanc. 2016. Invited Review: Recommendations for reporting intervention studies on reproductive performance in dairy cattle: Improving design, analysis, and interpretation of research on reproduction. Journal of Dairy Science. 99: 1-17.

Lokhandwala, S., X. Fang, S.D. Waghela, J. Bray, L.M. Njongmeta, A. Herring, K.W. Abdelsalam, C. Chase, and W. Mwangi. 2017. Priming cross-protective bovine viral diarrhea virus-specific immunity using live-vectored mosaic antigens. PLoS ONE 12(1):e0170425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170425

MacNeil, M.D., L.J. Alexander, J. Kantanen, I.A. Ammosov, Z.I. Ivanova, R.G. Popov, M. Ozerov, A. Millbrooke, and M.A. Cronin. 2017. Potential emigration of Siberian cattle germplasm on Chirikof Island, Alaska. J. Genet. 96(1): 47-51.

Neary, J.M., R.D. Brown, T.N. Holt, K.R. Stenmark, R.M. Enns, M.G. Thomas, and F.B. Garry. 2016. Static and dynamic components of right ventricular afterload are negatively associated with calf survival at high altitude. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 4172-4178. doi:10.2527/jas.2016-0652.

Neupane, M., K.D. Moss, F. Avila, T. Raudsepp, B.M. Marron, J.E. Beever, S. Parish, J.N. Kiser, B. Cantrell, H.L. Neibergs. Case study: Polymelia in a Holstein calf. Professional Animal Scientist. In Press.

Ngere, L., J.M. Burke, A.D. Herring, J.O. Sanders, T.M Craig, J.A. van Wyk, and D.G. Riley. 2016. Utilization of year-round data in the estimation of genetic parameters for internal parasite resistance traits in Dorper sheep. Small Ruminant Research 151: 5-10.

Perea, K., K. Perz, S. K. Olivo, A. Williams, M. Lachman, S. L. Ishaq, J. Thomson, C. J. Yeoman. 2017. Feed efficiency phenotypes in lambs involve changes in ruminal, colonic, and small intestine-located microbiota. J. Anim Sci. In Press.

Rhone, J.A., D.F. Waldron, and A.D. Herring. 2016. Performance of Boer-Spanish and Spanish does in Texas: Kid production and doe stayability. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 31: 54-59.

Russell, J., N. Minton, W. Sexton, M. Kerley, S. Hansen, National Program for Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. 2016. Journal of Animal Science 94(4): 1610-1619 doi: 10.2527/jas.2015-9949

Seabury, C.M., D.L. Oldeschulte, M. Saatchi, J.E. Beever, J.E. Decker, Y.A. Halley, E.K. Bhattarai, M. Molaei, H.C. Freetly, S.L. Hansen, H. Yampara-Iquise, K.A. Johnson, M.S. Kerley, J. Woo Kim, D.D. Loy, E. Marques, H.L. Neibergs, R.D. Schnabel, D.W. Shike, M.L. Spangler, R.L. Weaber, D.J. Garrick, and J.F. Taylor. 2017. Genome-Wide Association Study for Feed Efficiency and Growth Traits in U.S. Beef Cattle. BMC Genomics 18: 386 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3754-y

Thomson, J.M. 2016. Impacts of Environment on Gene Expression and Epigenetic Modification in Grazing Animals. J. Anim. Sci. 94(S6): 63–73.

Tolleson, M.W., C.A. Gill, A.D. Herring, P.K. Riggs, J.E. Sawyer, J.O. Sanders, and D.G. Riley. 2017. Association of udder traits with single nucleotide polymorphisms in crossbred Bos indicus-Bos taurus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 2399-2407. doi:10.2527/jas.2017.1475

Weber, M.N., F.V. Bauermann, N. Gómez-Romero, A.D. Herring, C.W. Canal, J.D. Neill, and J.F. Ridpath. 2017. Variation in pestivirus growth in testicle primary cell culture is more dependent on the individual cell donor than cattle breed. Vet. Res. Commun. Published online 18 November 2016 DOI 10.1007/s11259-016-9666-5.

Weng, Z-Q, H. Su, M. Saatachi, J. Lee, M.G. Thomas, J.R. Dunelberger, and D.J. Garrick. 2016.  Genome-wide association study of growth and body composition traits in Brangus beef cattle. Livestock Sci. 183: 4-11.

Conference Proceedings, Abstracts, and Research Reports:

Bailey, D.W., M. Millward, D. Stricklan, M.G. Thomas, S. Speidel, M. Enns, J. Medrano, and L.D. Howery. 2016. Development of indicies to select beef cattle for terrain use. Proc. Soc. Range. Mgt. 69th Mtg. p. 81, Corpus Christi, TX.

Bailey, D.W., M.F. Millward, M.G. Thomas, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, J.F. Medrano, L.D. Howery. 2016. Improvements of cattle grazing distribution through genetic selection: challenges and opportunities. Proc. 10th Int. Rangeland Congr. Saskatoon, SK, CA, July 16-22. pp. 182-183.

Boldt, R.J., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, L. Keenan and R.M. Enns. 2016. Genetic parameters for production traits and heifer pregnancy in Red Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E183.

Canovas, A., R.R. Cockrum, D. Brown, S. Riddle, J. Neary, T. Holt, G.M. Krafsur, J.F. Medrano, A. Islas-Trejo, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, K. Cammack, K.R. Stenmark, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Functional SNP in a polygenic disease induced by high-altitude in fattening Angus steer. Proc. Eur. Fed. Anim. Sci., abstract 419, p. 67. Belfast, UK. August 2016.

Canovas, A, R.R. Cockrum, R.D. Brown, S.K. Riddle, J.M. Neary, T. Holt, G.M. Krafsur, J.F. Medrano, A. Islas-Trejo, M. Enns, S. Speidel, K. Cammack, K.R. Stenmark, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Polymorphisms and splice variants in a polygenic disease induced by high altitude in fattening Angus steers using RNA-Seq and systems biology. Plant and Animal Genome XXIV. Abstract PO108.

Canovas, A., R. Cockrum, D. Brown, S. Riddle, J.M. Neary, T.N. Holt, J.F. Medrano, A. Islas-Trejo, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, K. Cammack, K.R. Stenmark and M.G. Thomas.  2016. Functional SNP in a polygenic disease induced by high-altitude in fattening Angus steers using systems biology approach. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E121.

Canovas, A., R. Cockrum, D. Brown, S. Riddle, J.M. Neary, T.N. Holt, J.F. Medrano, A. Islas-Trejo, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, K. Cammack, K.R. Stenmark, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Functional genomics of high altitude disease in Angus cattle: leveraging-OMICs and systems biology to better understanding of the function and role of key contributing genes. Proc. Int. Soc. Anim. Genet. p. 78 (abstract P3050), Salt Lake City, UT, July 2016.

Cockrum, R., N.F. Berge, X.F. Zeng, H. Blackburn, T. Holt, R.M. Enns, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Genotypes associated with yearling pulmonary arterial pressure similar for growth measures in Angus heifers. Plant and Animal Genome XXIV. Abstract PO508.

Crawford, N.F., X. Zeng, S.J. Coleman, T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, J.H. Newman, R. Hamid, and M.G. Thomas. 2016.  Pulmonary arterial pressure in yearling Angus cattle managed at high altitude:  Study of a non-synonymous SNP in the oxygen-dependent degradation domain of the endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 gene. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E79-E80.

Culbertson, M.M., M.G. Thomas, L.L. Leachman, R.M. Enns, and S.E. Speidel. 2016. Effect of heterosis on pulmonary arterial pressure in beef cattle. Proc. CSU Grad. Stud. Show Case. Fort Collins November, 2016.

Culbertson, M.M., M.G. Thomas, L.L. Leachman, R.M. Enns, and S.E. Speidel. 2016. The effect of heterosis on pulmonary arterial pressure in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E167.

Dalton, J., G.W. Burns, T.E. Spencer, and H.L. Neibergs. 2017. Identification of Genes and Gene Sets Enriched for Heifer Conception Rate in US Holstein Heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 95(Suppl. 2): 12.

Delgadillo, J.S., D.G. Riley, J.M. Langdon, II, L.L. Hulsman Hanna, and A.D. Herring. 2017. Black Hereford genetic parameters and predictions for calf traits with alternate modelling strategies. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 4): 88 (Abstr.) doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.178

Dias, M.M., M.G. Thomas, A. Canovas, C. Mantilla-Rojas, D. Riley, P. Luna, S.J. Coleman, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, A. Ilas-Trejo, J.F. Medrano, R. Cockrum, K.M. Cammack, K. Stenmark, S. Moore, M.R.S. Fortes, L.T Nguyen, B. Venus, I. Diaz, F. Souza, L. Fonseca, F. Baldi, L. Albuquerque, and H. Oliveira. 2016. SNP discovery in RNA-Seq across breeds of cattle in puberty-related candidate genes (i.e., network hubs).  Plant and Animal Genome XXIV. Abstract PO518.

Elzo, M.A., R. Mateescu, M.G. Thomas, D.D. Johnson, D.O. Rae, J.D. Wasdin, M.D. Driver, and J.D. Driver. 2016. Genomic-polygenic and polygenic parameters and prediction trends for growth and reproduction traits in an Angus-Brahman multibreed population. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E151.

Engle, B.N., A.D. Herring, J.E. Sawyer, D.G. Riley, J.O. Sanders, and C.A. Gill. 2017. Influence of a 1-Mb region of BTA 5 on beef cow stayability in Bos indicus × Bos taurus crossbred cows. Proc.36th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference, 16-21 July, Dublin, Ireland. Abstr. MT317.

Fontoura, A.B.P., F.E. Keomanivong, C.R. Dahlen, K. Ringwall, K.A. Vonnahme, L.L.H. Hanna, and K.C. Swanson. 2016. Plasma analytes concentrations of beef heifers diverging in frame size and known feed efficiency group. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 2): 147.

Fortes, M.R.S., L.T. Nguyen, M.D.C.A. Weller, A. Canovas, A. Islas-Trejo, L.R. Porto-Neto, A. Reverter, S.A. Lehnert, G.B. Boe-Hansen, M.G. Thomas, J.F. Medrano, and S.S. Moore. 2016. Transcriptome and network analyses identified five transcription factors differentially expressed in the hypothalamus of pre versus post-pubertal Brahman heifers. Int. Congr. Anim. Reprod., Nozilly FR.

Garrott, R.A., K.M. Proffitt, J.J. Rotella, J. Berardinelli, J. Thomson, E.P. Flesch, C.J. Butler, E. Lula, and R. Lambert. 2017. The Role of Disease, Habitat, Individual Condition, and Herd Attributes on Bighorn Sheep Recruitment and Population Dynamics in Montana. Annual Report. Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Grant. Montana: Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montana State University.

Griffin, J., M.G. Gonda, K. Underwood, R.H. Pritchard, J.C. Clapper, and Z. Wang. 2016. Global gene expression and DNA methylation of the hypothalamus in feeder calves fed high concentrate finishing diet upon entering feedlot phase. South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

Hulsman Hanna, L.L., J.K. Hieber, H. Yu, C. Dahlen, S. Wagner, and D.G. Riley. 2017. Impact of blood collection on scoring temperament in Angus-based weaned calves is negligible. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2): 19.

Keuter, E.M., M. Neupane, J.N. Kiser, J.G.N. Moraes, J. Dalton, G.W. Burns, T.E. Spencer, C.M. Seabury, H.L. Neibergs. 2017. Identification of canonical pathways associated with conception rate in US Holstein heifers. 2017 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Washington, D.C.

Kincheloe, J.J., A.D. Blair, K.C. Olson, K.R. Underwood, M.G. Gonda, R.N. Funston, and M.J. Webb. 2016. Impact of maternal protein restriction in mid- to late-gestation on gene expression, offspring growth, carcass composition, and meat quality. South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

Kincheloe, J.J., M.J. Webb, R.N. Funston, K.R. Underwood, M.G. Gonda, A.D. Blair, and K.C. Olson.  2016.  Impact of maternal protein restriction in first-calf heifers during mid- to late-gestation on gene expression, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics of progeny.  Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 67.

Krehbiel, B.C., M.G. Thomas, H.D. Blackburn, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, and L. Keenan. 2016. Evaluation of genetic structure across five US climate zones using prominent AI sires of two British Bos taurus breeds. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 67:65-68.

Krehbiel, B.C., M.G. Thomas, H.D. Blackburn, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, L.D. Keenan. 2016. Evaluation of genetic structure across five U.S. Climate zones using prominent AI sires of two British Bos taurus breeds. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E4-E5.

Kuehl, C.R., A.B.P. Fontoura, F.E. Keomanivong, C.R. Dahlen, K. Ringwall, K.A. Vonnahme, L.L.H. Hanna, and K.C. Swanson. 2016. Relationship of frame size and body measurements with feed efficiency traits in heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 94(Suppl. 2): 199.

Luna-Nevarez, P., J.C. Leyva-Corona, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, R. Zamorano-Algandar, J.F. Medrano, G. Rincon, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel and M.G. Thomas. 2016. A polymorphism within the PAPPA2 gene is associated with postpartum fertility traits in Holstein Dairy cattle located in southern Sonora Mexico. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E163-E164.

Luna-Nevarez, P., M. Pavlovich-Sotomayor, R.I. Luna-Ramirez, C.M. Aguilar-Trejo, G. Luna-Nevarez, X. Zeng, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Study of genetic basis of immune response in gilts vaccinated with a modified live PRRS virus in a swine farm from southern Sonora Mexico. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E86-E87.

Moraes, J.G.N., T.W. Geary, P.J. Hansen, H. Neibergs, S. Behura, T.R. Hansen, T.E. Spencer. 2017. Conceptus elongation in beef heifers with superior uterine capacity for pregnancy. 2017 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Washington, D.C.

Olson, C.A., G.E. Carstens, A.D. Herring, D.S. Hale, I.L. Parsons, J.R. Johnson, W.C. Kayser and R.K. Miller. 2017. Temperament on arrival alters growth efficiency, feeding behavior, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Proc. Plains Nutrition Council 2017 Spring Conference. Pp 100.

Pauling, R.C., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, M.M. Culbertson, R.K. Peel, and R.M. Enns. 2016. Winter climate variables and their effect of feed intake in Bos taurus bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E606.

Perea, K., K. Perz, S. K. Olivo, A. Williams, M. Lachman, S. L. Ishaq, J. Thomson, C. J. Yeoman. 2017. Feed efficiency phenotypes in lambs involve changes in ruminal, colonic, and small intestine-located microbiota. Proceedings 2017 Congress on Gastrointestinal Function.

Perkins, S.D., P. Sutovsky, S. Subramanian, J.L. Gonzalez-Hernandez, G.A. Perry, T.G. McDaneld, and M.G. Gonda. 2016. Characterization of miRNAs and piRNAs in the seminal plasma of beef bulls with predicted high and low fertility. International Congress of Animal Reproduction, Tours, France.

Peters, S.O., M. Sinecen, M.G. Thomas, I.G. Imumorin, and K. Kizilkaya. 2016. Genome-enabled prediction of genetic values of growth traits using artificial neural networks. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E151-152.

Ramsay, J.M., L.L. Hulsman Hanna, and K.A. Ringwall. 2016. Maximizing use of extension beef cattle benchmarks data derived from Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software. J. Extension 54(3): 3TOT5.

Sarlo Davila, K.M., A.D. Herring, J.E. Sawyer, J.F. Ridpath, and C.A. Gill. 2017. Genome-wide association study for monocyte count at day 7 post-challenge with bovine viral diarrhea virus in F2 and F3 Nellore-Angus halfblood steers. Proc. 36th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference, 16-21 July, Dublin, Ireland. Abstr. MT367.* (*Also selected for Platform “Lightning Talk” presentation.)

Smith, P.S., G.E. Carstens, C.A. Runyan, J.F. Ridpath, J.E. Sawyer, and A.D. Herring. 2017. Effects of vaccine treatment and temperament classification on intake and feeding behavior responses to bovine viral diarrhea virus challenge in beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 4): 42 (Abstr.) doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.085

Smith, P.S., W. Kayser, G.E. Carstens, C.A. Runyan, J.F. Ridpath, J.E. Sawyer, and A.D. Herring. 2017. Type of BRD vaccine alters feed intake and feeding behavior responses to BVD viral challenge in beef steers. Proc. Plains Nutrition Council 2017 Spring Conference. Pp 103.

Taylor, J.F., J.E. Beever, J.E. Decker, H.C. Freetly, D.J. Garrick, S.L. Hansen, K.A. Johnson, M.S. Kerley, D.D. Loy, H.L. Neibergs, M. Saatchi, R.D. Schnabel, C.M. Seabury, D.W. Shike, M.L. Spangler, and R.L. Weaber. 2017. The genetic improvement of feed efficiency in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 95(Suppl. 2): 161.

Thomas, M.G., S.J. Coleman, S.E. Speidel and R.M. Enns. 2016. Multi-omics data resources and use in genetic improvement of cattle growth and health. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E369-E370.

Thomas, M.G., R.M. Enns, R. Hagevoort, J.S. Neibergs, A.L. Van Eenennaam, H.L. Neibergs, and J.E. Womack. 2016. Integrated program for reducing bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in cattle, coordinated agricultural project (CAP): translation of multi-omics research results into teaching programs. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E852-853.

Webb, M.J., J.J. Kincheloe, R.N. Funston, K.R. Underwood, J.F. Legako, M.G. Gonda, K.C. Olson, and A.D. Blair. 2017. Impact of maternal protein restriction on progeny carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profile. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2): 46.

Zeng, X., T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, and M.G. Thomas. 2016. Angus cattle at high elevation: Comparison of models to estimate breeding values of yearling pulmonary arterial pressure. J. Anim. Sci. 94(E. Suppl. 5): E166-E167.

Zuidema, D.M., M.G. Gonda, W.C. Rusche, and J.A. Walker. 2017. Comparison of Igenity Silver Profile and Zoetis PredicGEN DNA tests in crossbred beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2): 193.

Non-Referred/Popular Press Articles:

Carroll, H. and M.G. Gonda. 2016. How do genetics impact animal well-being? SDSU Extension iGrow Article. https://igrow.org/livestock/beef/how-do-genetics-impact-animal-well-being/ (Accessed 10 August 2017).

Gonda, M.G. 2016. How can I use DNA tests for complex traits?  Progressive Cattleman.  August 24. http://www.progressivecattle.com/topics/reproduction/7452-how-can-i-use-dna-tests-for-complex-traits (Accessed 10 August 2017).

Producer and Industry Meetings and Presentations:

Herring, A. 2016. New technologies in the beef industry. Brahman Summer Junior Leadership Camp. July 19, 2016, College Station, Texas. American Junior Brahman Association (American Brahman Breeders Association). 40 participants.

Herring, A.D. 2016. Texas Aggie Commercial Steer Camp. College Station, Texas. 60 participants.

Herring, A.D., K.A. Sarlo, R. Gooder, J. Delgadillo, D.G. Riley, J.O. Sanders, J.E. Sawyer, J.F. Ridpath, and C.A. Gill. 2016. Influences of calf background information on health responses and carcass traits. Proc. 62nd Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Pp F34-F41. 80 participants.

Paschal, J., S. Hammack, and A.D. Herring. 2016 Coordinators of animal breeding sessions, 62nd Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. 140 participants.

Herring, A.D. Topic: Genetic and selection tools to enhance beef quality. BEEF 706 (9 August 2016, 11 August 2016, 10 January 2017, 12 January 2017, 30 March 2017). 175 participants total (35 per session).

Herring, A.D. 2017. Genetic and selection tools for improving beef quality. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Annual meeting. San Antonio, Texas. 125 participants.

Herring, A.D. 2016. Beef cattle productions considerations for improved beef quality assurance. Meetings with Dominican Republic Government agencies and cattle industry producer groups to pursue U.S. beef production equivalency standards. Santo Domingo, Monte Plata and El Seibo provinces. 100 participants.

Herring, A.D. 2016. Roundtable discussion of merits for national beef carcass grading systems. Aldam Stockman’s School. Welkom, Free State Province Republic of South Africa. 200 participants.

Hulsman Hanna, L.L. North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association Board of Directors Meeting. Bismarck, North Dakota. 2016.

Neibergs, H.L. American Association of Bovine Practioners Conference. Charlotte, North Carolina. 2016. Presentations on:

Genomics of health traits in dairy cattle.

Updates on the genomics of reproductive traits in dairy cattle.

Neibergs, H.L. Washington State University and Angus Association Boot Camp. Kennewick, Washington. 2016. Improvement of Beef Feed Efficiency.