Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

5-22-2018

Ky Pohler (chair) called meeting to order at 9:00 AM

9:00 AM – introductions and all participants gave state updates and brief report about respective Universities

Milan Shipka gave federal updates and had a discussion with the group in regards to upcoming project midterm review. The group decided that a symposium will be organized with the ASAS Western Section, as well as a symposium for producers with location to be decided.

John Hall was elected new director at large

W3112 meeting will be in Boise – Idaho in 2019 (June 11-13)

Mark Mirando joined group via conference call and gave USDA-NIFA report

Station reports of accomplishment

5:30 PM – meeting adjourned for day 1

5-23-2018

Ky Pohler (chair) called meeting to order at 8:00 AM

Station reports of accomplishment were finalized

Group toured the Texas A&M facilities at the research station in Orverton

Collaboration development

12:00 PM - meeting adjourned

Intended Activities for following year

Connecticut

• Determine the effects of restricted feed and realimentation on offspring muscle, liver and circulating metabolism using a metabolomics approach.
• Develop outreach activities for New England sheep producer which focus on maternal diet during gestation.

Kansas

• Repeat experiments with similar designs to improve statistical power and provide more reliable information for beef producers.

Utah

•  In most projects involving high-dimensional data (such as genomics), multiplicity corrections such as the false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment are performed to control a meaningful type I error rate. Often multiple research questions are of simultaneous interest (such as testing for differential expression between pairs of embryo types – IVV vs IVM, IVV vs SCNT, IVM vs SCNT, etc.). We can prove that performing an FDR correction within each research question actually controls the FDR across all research questions, so that no additional multiplicity correction across research questions is needed. This is a joint project with PhD graduate Anvar Suyundikov.
•  We previously created and published a statistical software package (mvGST; Stevens and Isom 2012) to characterize differentially expressed genes based on common gene function or pathway involvement, specifically in situations where multiple comparisons are of simultaneous interest. For example, in a study of various embryo types at a specific developmental stages, this package can identify biological processes that are significantly more active in IVV vs IVF at gestation day 10, but significantly less active in IVV vs IVF at days 12 and 14. Since the creation of this package, several competing methods have been published. A supported graduate student (Richard Lambert) is being mentored to compare the relative performance of this mvGST method and several competing methods. Preliminary results indicate superior statistical power and type I error rate control for the mvGST method in the most biologically meaningful scenarios.
•  Project leader John Stevens is providing statistical bioinformatics support to two animal science doctoral students (Moley and Alhojaily) working with collaborator Dr. Isom. Moley is studying the potential use of apoptosis as a biomarker for assessing SCNT embryo competence (specifically gene expression differences in embryos exhibiting high vs low levels of apoptotic index). Alhojaily is studying the effect of severe negative energy balance on the fertility of dairy cows (specifically gene expression differences associated with oocyte quality, embryonic loss, and a suboptimal uterine lumen environment); a related presentation will be made at the 2018 American Dairy Science Association meeting.
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Montana

– Animal Science Department Bozeman

• This report represents the final report for James Berardinelli to this Committee. I am retiring from Montana State University in June of this year.

– Research Centers Department – Northern Ag Research Center

• Initiate animal work for project “In utero programming of the blood-brain barrier and nutrient-sensing circuitry that regulate reproductive function of beef cattle”. Funding has been secured with the AFRI-USDA-NIFA opportunity.

USDA ARS Miles City

• Replicate the High/Low E2/P4 study from 2017 to clearly demonstrate the importance of high preovulatory estradiol concentrations for timed AI pregnancy success. Because of anticipated early pregnancy loss, we will continue to collect blood on day 17 and 34 of gestation for analysis of microRNA and PAGs associated with pregnancy loss. Studies will be conducted with Mike Smith (University of Missouri), George Perry (South Dakota State University), and Ky Pohler (Texas A & M University).
• Continue to investigate the role of spermatozoa insufficiencies in pregnancy failures. Studies will include genetic nutritional and managerial treatments on new measures of bull fertility. We have begun a heterosis study of peripubertal bull fertility on Hereford, Angus and F1 bulls (3 to 4 year study with approximately 500 bulls). In addition, all of the embryos produced for the ET study came from the highest and lowest fertility sires that Genex markets and the bull calves from this group will be evaluated extensively for fertility. Studies will be conducted in collaboration with Peter Sutovsky, University of Missouri, Megan Van Emon, Montana State University and Bob Cushman, USDA-ARS, Clay Center.
• Continue our studies of uterine capacity for pregnancy with Tom Spencer, University of Missouri, and Holly Neibergs, Washington State University to identify genetic markers associated with fertility (pregnancy maintenance) in cattle. Specific studies will include genotyping of larger populations of beef heifers from commercial operations and expression differences of reproductive tissues collected on approximately d 17 of pregnancy from cows identified to have high or low fertility.
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Idaho

• A long-term study has been started to compare effects of fetal programming and preweaning development in a nutrient restricted environment (range) with a nutrient surplus environment (irrigated pasture) on heifer development and fertility.

• Continue GWAS analysis of indicators of heifer fertility.

California

• Results of the first project will be presented at the 51^st Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) in July 2018.

Alaska

• Reindeer Bull Management: Semen collection, evaluation and freezing
  • Complete analysis, write-up and submit for publication and presentation(s)
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Neural activity in the Central Amygdala of Reindeer Bulls
  • Complete analysis, write-up and submit for publication and presentation(s)
• Effect of Rumen-Protected Methionine Supplementation on Qiviut Growth and Body Weight Gain in Muskoxen
  • Complete data collection and analysis
  • Write-up and submit for publication and presentation(s)

Mississippi

• Continue validating laser Doppler techniques by examining endometrial blood perfusion around the time of artificial insemination.  
• Examine uterine blood flow, macroscopic cotyledonary blood vessel density, and placental gene expression in nutrient restricted heifers around day 180 of pregnancy.
• Examine placental clock gene expression and their circadian rhythms in beef heifers during mid to late pregnancy.  

Colorado

• Examine the impact of CSH deficiency on maternal and fetal physiology nearterm.
• Generate pregnancies to test the efficacy of SLC2A3 RNA interference at 75 dGA.

• -Generate pregnancies using our lentiviral-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 CSH gene editing constructs at 35 dGA and determining the degree of functional mutations obtained in vivo.
• Analyze conceptus-derived and endometrial-derived signals for pregnancy status.
• Further examine upregulation of inflammatory, cell death, and immune cell responses in conceptuses that are dying to clarify pregnancy loss in dairy cows.
• Further study massive induction of innate response genes by persistent infection with BVDV in context of immunohistochmical localization of some of these targets as well as extending these studies to fetal thymic and placental tissues.
• Complete the studies and analysis of the role of PPARA in modulating the expression of estradiol-induced genes during the periovulatory period.
• Intracerebroventricularly infect sheep hypothalamus with AAV viruses and evaluate the distribution of expression with both pantropic and cell-specific promoters.
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Pennsylvania

• Focus on the bovine PRAMEY protein cleavage and its function in acrosome formation and sperm-egg binding.
• Continue to determine the functional role of PRAME during spermatogenesis by characterizing the mutant mice to investigate when and where the first defect and the major bottleneck effect in which type of germ cells are occurred during spermatogenesis.

Tennessee

• Continue validation of early gestation pregnancy diagnosis using PAG concentration
• Expand study of sire impact on circulating PAG concentrations in cattle
• Investigate genetic PAG differences between sires
• Investigate bacteriome shifts related to changes in hormonal concentrations during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Collaborations

• Mississippi State University – USDA-ARS Miles City, MT: Effects of prenatal and postnatal melatonin supplementation on bull development; Effects of estradiol and endometrial perfusion on heifer fertility.
• Mississippi State University – Montana State University: Effects of maternal nutrient restriction on placental and fetal calf development.

• CO will be discussing a collaborative grant proposal with MO where heifer calves will be identified in MT that have never been vaccinated so that they can be used to generate BVDV infected pregnant heifers in CO for the purposes of testing the following hypothesis.  Transient infection of fetuses with BVDV during pregnancy pre-disposes postnatal calves to bovine respiratory disease. 

• UConn (Govoni) and Utah State Univ (Stevens) – We will continue with analysis of RNA-Seq data examining the effects of poor maternal nutrition on offspring muscle development.
• UConn (Govoni) and Montana State Univ (Prezotto and Thorson) – Evaluate offspring muscle developing in calves from poorly fed mothers.
• UConn (Govoni) and New Mexico State Univ (Ashley) – Evaluate gene expression of immune response and pregnancy recognition genes in reproductive tracts of ewes fed restricted and overfed diets during gestation.
• UC-Davis will continue collaboration with University of Nebraska (Andrea) and University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (Phil).
• Montana State will collaborate with University of Nebraska (Andrea) to continue to characterize FGF21 in beef cattle.
•      Utah (John Stevens) will continue to collaborate with animal reproduction researchers, particularly those employing genomic technologies on questions relevant to the W3112 objectives, with a focus on the identification, development, and refinement of the most appropriate statistical methodologies for the studies involved.

Outputs

Connecticut

• Poor maternal nutrition, under- and/or over-feeding, beginning at d 30 of gestation alters key metabolites in the muscle of offspring, but appears to impact different metabolic pathways depending on the mother’s diet.
• Surveys of New England sheep producers highlight the need for outreach programs to demonstrate the importance of maternal nutrition during gestation and proper diet analysis and formulation.
• Northeast Regional Association (NERA) Planning Grant meeting brought together researchers in the field of fetal programming, including W3112 members (Ryan Ashley, Sean Limesand, Kristen Govoni, Steven Zinn, Kim Vonnahme) to present current work and develop/continue collaborations.
• UConn presented current findings of pregnant sheep feed management on offspring productivity to New England Sheep producers at ‘Sheep Blue Ribbon Day’ at UConn, Storrs, CT.
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Kansas

• The use of exogenous progesterone in the form of a CIDR was not beneficial for increasing pregnancy rate with the timed AI protocols tested in these trials.
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Utah

• The tolerance interval and classification tree approaches appear promising as statistical methods to assess oocyte viability using gene expression profiles.
• Poor maternal nutrition may alter offspring muscle development through genes involved in cell signaling, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation.

Montana

– Animal Science Department Bozeman

• The source and concentration of a Zn supplement appeared to improve ram development, specifically ADG, serum Zn concentrations, staple length, and there was a tendency to improve G:F ratio. However, Zn supplement, in either form, did not alter seminal or sperm characteristics in this study. The results of this may be applicable to other aspects of sheep production in Montana and other northern rangelands, such as replacement ewes and slaughter lambs to increase ADG and wool growth.
• Continuous presence of mature bulls during an estrus synchronization protocol that included a CIDR for 14 days did not appear to influence ovarian follicular dynamics or the expression of estrus after PG injection in beef heifers. Thus, this may not be the mechanism whereby the presence of bulls increases fertility in the bovine. However, the relationship between the dominate follicle (ovulatory follicle) diameter and body condition score supports the concept that “more fit” females ovulate larger follicles which in turn improves fertility and reproductive efficiency in beef heifers.
• Development of an efficient, standardized, interpretable, and low cost technology to make management decisions regarding the generally health and well-being of domestic and will animal species will become more important in the near future. Use of NMR spectroscopy for profiling metabolites has the potential to do just this and to yield a more profound understanding of how changes in stress. nutrition, reproduction, susceptibility to disease, and survival rates drive population dynamics in free-ranging domestic and wild ruminants.

– Research Centers Department – Northern Ag Research Center

• Successfully characterized the release of FGF21 in beef heifers and cows.
• Validated a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed for mice and rats as functional for bovine plasma. The FGF21 ELISA for rats and mice is an acceptable alternative to FGF21 ELISAs developed for bovines. As the bovine specific ones do not have consistency in production and are twice as expensive as the one mentioned above.
• Observed that supplementing protein at a 2% above NRC recommendation to the dam during gestation does not impact the dam. However, some preliminary data has shown that the pool of follicles in the ovaries of heifers out of these dams might be compromised by protein supplementation.
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USDA ARS Miles City

• If an injectable estradiol were approved for synchronization of ovulation, timed AI pregnancy rates could be increased 11 to 27% depending upon the percentage of cows/heifers in which ovulation is induced as opposed to being spontaneous. This could result in 25% more AI-sired calves, 25% more calves born early in the calving season and heavier at weaning, greater fertility in subsequent breeding seasons, greater potential to shorten breeding and calving seasons, greater genetic progress through increased utilization of AI, and about $50 additional income per cow.
• Data generated from these studies of biomarkers associated with fertility may allow for improvements in traditional breeding soundness evaluations that lead to improved pregnancy rates obtained with both AI and natural service. Furthermore, selection pressure applied to bull fertility should result in reproductive and productive efficiency in beef herds.
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Idaho

• Feed efficiency of heifers, as measured by residual feed intake, did not markedly affect prebreeding measures of reproductive development, and did not influence pregnancy rate to synchronized AI. Therefore, reproductive performance may not be altered by selection of heifers for improved feed efficiency.
• Grazing different forages from 9 to 10.5 months of age did not affect reproductive development despite differences in rate of body weight gain.
• Based on limited data, it would appear that differences in pregnancy rate between sex-sorted and conventional semen are not due to embryonic loss after d 25 of gestation.
• Altering timing of insemination in a fixed-time AI protocol did not improve pregnancy rates to sex-sorted semen. Additional strategies are needed to improve pregnancy rates to fixed-time AI with sex-sorted semen.
• Large bull-associated variations in pregnancy rate in on-ranch studies with sex-sorted semen indicate there is a need to develop methods to identify semen with poor fertility post sex-sorting.
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Arizona

• Chronic adrenergic stimulation in normally grown sheep fetuses produced glucose sparing effects via insulin resistance. However, chronic elevation of fetal catecholamines was not sufficient to stimulate endogenous glucose production. These findings indicate that other conditions associated with placental insufficiency are involved in the initiation and maintenance of hepatic glucose production.
• Metabolic coupling in fetal β-cells was increased following chronic adrenergic stimulation, which results in hypersecretion of insulin during a glucose challenge.
• Impaired skeletal muscle growth in lambs born with IUGR is caused by a persistent defect in TGFβ signaling.
• Supplementation of IUGR fetuses with oxygen and glucose for five days improves glucose stimulate insulin secretion.
• Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) that negatively affect trophoblast cells and ovarian folliculogenesis-related gene expression
• A better understanding of the mechanisms causing luteolysis may help identify novel methods to increase reproductive efficiency.
• Understanding how phthalates interact with ovarian follicles and the pathways that regulate follicle function will facilitate the management of infertility caused by environmental contaminants.
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Illinois

• Supplementation of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) resulted in improved uterine immune function through improved glandular morphology, increased neutrophil infiltration number after calving, and discovery of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in bovine endometrial tissue for the first time.
• RPM supply during late-gestation could enhance utero-placental transport of essential and non-essential amino acids (AA), glucose and vitamins. As such, differences in body weight at birth in calves from Met-supplemented cows is, at least in part, a result of upregulation of nutrient transporters some of which are controlled by mTOR signaling.
• When clay was added to the diet, the suppressive effects of aflatoxin were shown through HP and STAT3.
• Clay supplementation increased the activity of AKR1C to the apparent detoxification of AFB1. However, further studies will need to be conducted in order to conclude if CYP2C is acting on a pro-inflammatory basis or part of the steroid inactivation.
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Nebraska

• Understanding how heifers achieve puberty and if abnormalities occur in development of their reproductive cycles maybe critical to her reproductive performance and longevity. Thus, developing assays and markers to identify them can aid in culling females prior to development that may ultimately be sub-fertile.
• It appears that High A4 cows are present in other herds suggesting that this may be a universal phenotype of most cow herds and contributes to irregular estrous cycles and infertility.
• Understanding how females with androgen excess are different metabolically and how this affects reproduction can allow for the development of methods to identify them.
• We are determining how VEGFA165 may reduce steroidogenesis, oxidative stress and fibrosis and may be used as a therapeutic in cases of anovulation or follicular arrest.
• Understanding how different lipids in follicular fluid that are secreted by the somatic cells in the follicle may help us understand abnormal follicular development.
• Understanding how progestins may reduce male aggression may aid us in other ruminant species that are noted for inducing damage when they are in rut.
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California

• The delay in return to fertility observed in cows following the hot season can be explained at least in part by the current finding that preantral follicles growing under intermittent heat stress did not grow at the same rate as their control counterparts;
• Follicles that became unviable after heat stress exposure showed a marked increase in expression of SOD (encoding the enzyme superoxide dismutase), confirming that the mechanism of injury is at least partially mediated by oxidative stress.
• Follicles that remained viable after 7 days of culture under heat stress had growth rates and gene expression similar to their control counterparts. This finding has implications for the investigation of genetic determinants of resistance to higher temperature.
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Alaska

• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Neural activity in the Central Amygdala of Reindeer Bulls
• A single i.m. injection of 400 mg MPA, administered in late July was sufficient to reduce aggressive and rut related behavior, maintain food consumption and significantly reduce rut related weight loss without completely blocking fertility in reindeer bulls.
• Increased activity in the central amygdala may account for some of the decreased aggression observed in treated bulls.
• Effect of Rumen-Protected Methionine Supplementation on Qiviut Growth and Body Weight Gain in Muskoxen. It took approximately 2 weeks for all animals to accept and consume the SMA, making top dressing an effective, simple means of administering the supplement.

Mississippi

• We observed compensatory responses in macroscopic and microscopic placentome blood vessel density during maternal nutrient restriction induced reductions in uterine artery blood flow. Moreover, the greater density of cotyledonary blood vessels in Brahman heifers may protect the fetus by ensuring adequate tissue perfusion during prolonged periods of maternal nutrient restriction.
• Chronic melatonin supplementation increased uterine artery blood flow in mid to late gestating cattle, but this was not accompanied by an increase in fetal weight. Alterations in postnatal development of bulls, including increased body weight and scrotal circumference, warrants future investigations related to attainment of puberty and subsequent fertility of offspring born to melatonin supplemented dams.
• Our early validation studies show promise for examining real-time endometrial blood perfusion with laser Doppler technology, which corresponds well with endometrial tissue nitrate concentrations.

Colorado

• Creating CSH-deficient pregnancies has revealed that this placental hormone impacts fetal growth early in gestation, and its deficiency also 9 results in placental and fetal growth restriction near-term. This model can now be used to directly assess both the direct and indirect effects of CSH on fetal growth, fetal pancreas development and function, placental growth and function.
• Development of lentiviral-mediated methods to target the expression of individual genes within the ruminant placenta provides the opportunity to examine cause- and-effect relationships during pregnancy.
• Commercialization of a diagnostic for pregnancy status early during pregnancy would have tremendous economic benefit to producers raising ruminants.
• Understanding why so many embryos die and the mechanisms associated with embryonic mortality may lead to future approaches designed to improve pregnancy rates in dairy cows.
• Clarifying how fetal immune development is impaired when infected by viruses in utero will help clarify why postnatal immune responses are impaired to secondary infections and will strongly justify preventative management practices to control viral infections.
• Generating an enriched population of gonadotropes has revealed a unique set of characteristic genes expressed in gonadotropes. Additionally, we have shown that during the enrichment process, the characteristic phenotype of gonadotropes is maintained. This enrichment process will be applied to future studies of gonadotrope function, investigating how gonadotropes integrate the various hormonal and physiological inputs during the periovuatory period.
• Developing a method to infect the hypothalamus with AAV viral vectors and to constrain expression of transgenes to specific neuronal populations (Kisspeptin, KNDy, or GNRH) will provide us with a tool to assess the roles these neurons play in GNRH release.

Texas

• Prenatal transportation stress alters the methylation pattern in calves resulting in alternation of signaling pathways influencing behavior and stress response. The impact of even mild stressors during gestation can alter the function of the calf’s DNA resulting in performance traits which will not be predicted by gene markers or pedigree analysis.

• Numbers of small antral follicles which cannot be counted using 2D ultrasound are predictive of postpartum interval when enumerated on day 28 after calving using a 3D ultrasound.

Pennsylvania

• Discover mechanisms within five years that have potential to translate into applicable biotechnologies to improve reproductive efficiency in domestic ruminants.
• Further understand mechanisms of gonadotropin synthesis and release to improve management of reproductive behavior, the reproductive cycle, gamete development and the ovulatory event.
• Improve management of reproductive cycles through increased understanding of follicle recruitment, ovulation and corpus luteum development.

• Increase the understanding of communication and nutrient flow between the embryo/fetus and the dam. This understanding would improve fetal health outcomes and adult wellbeing, and would be important for the optimization of livestock production goals.

Tennessee

• Increases in circulating concentrations of PAG early in gestation are predictive of the developing embryo’s success.
• Cows with large reproductive tracts had decreased fertility and decreased concentrations of PAG.
• Successful pregnancies sired by high fertility bulls with low late embryonic/fetal pregnancy loss have increased concentration of PAG at day 30 of gestation compared to low fertility sires.
• Supplementing with zinc, manganese, and copper amino acid complexes plus cobalt glucoheptonate improved oocyte production and embryo development in pregnant beef cows when compared to cows supplemented with inorganic forms of these trace minerals.
• Bacteriome of postpartum cows through a synchronization protocol indicates a shift in bacterial communities in the uterus to decrease the diversity that may be important for pregnancy development.

New Mexico

• CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface is crucial to proper placentation. Inhibition of this signaling axis in vivo disrupted synthesis of angiogenic and growth factors, subsequently altering placental vascularization. Further, it appears CXCL12 may function through the mTOR pathway in both fetal and maternal placenta. Our results highlight the importance of the positive-feedback loop between VEGF and CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling, which may be one of the primary pathways driving angiogenesis of the placenta. A greater comprehension of how CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling regulates angiogenic factors at the fetal-maternal interface may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms driving placental growth and vascularization during early pregnancy, leading to improved reproductive success.
• The CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis is functional in corpora lutea (CL) and levels of each protein display similar abundance patterns to several pro-inflammatory cytokines during early gestation compared to non-pregnant ewes. Progesterone synthesis does not appear to be regulated by CXCL12 but this chemokine may function as a luteotropic factor to maintain CL survival and function by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These novel data add to our previous report of CXCR4 presence in the ovine CL and provide insight as to how luteal function is modulated during gestation. As the CL is the sole source of P4 during early gestation, CXCL12 signaling may serve as a key chemokine ensuring CL integrity during this time period when most pregnancy losses occur.
• Expression of CXCL12 mRNA decreased in ovine pituitary on day 20 of gestation compared to non-pregnant ewes; CXCL12 protein was similar across all days tested (day 10 of cycle and days 20, 25, and 30 of gestation). In non-pregnant and pregnant ewes, CXCR4 was localized to somatotropes and gonadotropes on all days tested. Levels of CXCR4 increased in pituitary tissue from pregnant ewes with elevated circulating progesterone compared to pregnant ewes with normal progesterone levels (control). The current study details CXCL12 and CXCR4 in normal ovine pituitary and reveals gonadotropes and somatotropes may be regulated by CXCL12/CXCR4, underscoring this signaling axis as a potential new class of modulator in endocrine functions.
• Pilot studies have been completed to determine impact of locally delivered WNT3A on ovarian follicle development using osmopump delivery to ovarian stroma in adult cycling ewes. Initial studies are underway investigating the consequence of subacute illness in beef cattle on subsequent fertility and signaling molecules that control estrogen production. Delivery of molecules into the ovarian stroma was not the most effective method to induce an effect as they appear to have been restricted to a small region of stromal tissue and therefore, not able to fully impact follicle maturation.
• Synchronization of young beef cows with a single injection of PG after bull exposure resulted in similar pregnancy rates and increased returns compared with CIDR synchronization.

• Drought and the environmental stress associated with it impact cattle production. Reduction of forage availability and increased supplementation costs may decrease producer profitability. Additionally, the stress placed on pregnant cows may impact subsequent progeny performance via fetal programming. Brangus heifers born to cows experiencing lower than average precipitation levels during gestation were more likely to remain in the herd and produced more calves than those whose dams experienced higher than average precipitation levels.

Wyoming

• We have made significant strides in understanding the specific implications of maternal obesity on offspring health, growth efficiency, glucose-insulin dynamics and reproductive function. Results from these studies shed light on the specific physiological mechanisms involved, as well as lead us to management practices to optimize offspring health and production efficiency. These studies provide strong evidence that the optimization of maternal nutrition and the associated uterine environment will contribute to the birth of healthy, growth-efficient offspring, which is vital to livestock production efficiency. Further, recent data demonstrate that the negative metabolic effects of maternal obesity are observed in their children and grandchildren.
• Expression of sexual behavior is essential for successful reproduction especially in domestic species in which assisted reproductive technologies are precluded due to anatomical limitations. Approximately 20% of rams express limited sexual interest potentially slowing genetic progress for the flock. Expression of the TRPM8 channel does not appear to differ by expression of sexual behavior, but may influence the reward pathway through connections with the lateral hypothalamus. It is intriguing that expression was robust in the central amygdala—an area of the brain important for alerting and/or integration of sensory signals. Reindeer bulls are notoriously dangerous to handlers during the rut, and progesterone agonists have been used anecdotally to moderate behavior. Influence of these agonists on sensory processing has not been determined. Based on preliminary results, it appears reindeer bucks are processing sensory cues similarly at the POA of the hypothalamus. A treatment by time interaction indicates greater fos signaling in the central amygdala of treated bulls during the rut. This may suggest treated bulls remain fearful during the rut and are therefore less dangerous to handlers.

• Activities

• W3112 report submitted and presented at USDA meeting by Thomas Hansen
• Review articles for Triannual Repro Symposium published (please see publications list)
• Two participates were invited to give a presentation during the Triannual Repro Symposium at SSR as well as during WSASAS
• W3112 members chaired (Kristen Govoni) and spoke (Andrea Cupp) at the Cell Biology Symposium during the ASAS-CSAS Annual Meeting.
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• Milestones

• In order to accomplish some of the proposed milestones the group will be finalizing and launching websites focusing on beef (via UNL website) and sheep (via UWY website) reproduction. The group will also organize symposiums during the ASAS-Western Section meeting and a producer oriented meeting (the meeting is still to be decided; however, some of the ideas are NCBA meeting in San Antonio or Beef Improvement Federation meeting).

Connecticut

Manuscripts:

• Hoffman ML, Reed SA, Pillai SM, Jones AK, McFadden KK, Zinn SA, Govoni KE. PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: The effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on offspring postnatal growth and metabolism. J Anim Sci. 2017 May;95(5):2222-2232. doi: 10.2527/jas.2016.1229.
• Jones AK, Hoffman ML, Pillai SM, McFadden KK, Govoni KE, Zinn SA, Reed SA. Gestational restricted- and over-feeding promote maternal and offspring inflammatory responses that are distinct and dependent on diet in sheep. Biol Reprod. 2018 Feb 1;98(2):184-196. doi: 10.1093/biolre/iox174.

Published Abstracts:

• D. E. Martin, A.K. Jones, S. M. Pillai, M. L. Hoffman, K. K. McFadden, K. E. Govoni, S. A. Zinn, and S. A. Reed. 2017. Effects of poor maternal nutrition and gender on satellite cell metabolism in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 95, Suppl 4.
• M. C. Wynn, A. K. Jones, M. L. Hoffman, S. M. Pillai, K. K. McFadden, S. A. Reed, S. A. Zinn, and K. E. Govoni. 2017. The effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on the number of Pax7-positive myogenic progenitor cells. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 95, Suppl 4.
• A. K. Jones, S. M. Pillai, M. L. Hoffman, K. K. McFadden, K. E. Govoni, S. A. Zinn, S. A. Reed. 2017. Maternal restricted and overfeeding during gestation alters offspring gene expression of inflammatory markers in the liver at day 135 of gestation and at birth. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 95, Suppl 4.

Thesis and Dissertations:

• Thesis: “The Effects of Maternal Diet and Energy Demands on Offspring Development, Growth, and Health”, Mary Wynn, May 2018.

Utah

Publications related to this project:

• Bishop M.O., Stevens J.R., and Isom S.C. (2017) “Statistical methods for assessing individual oocyte viability through gene expression profiles.” Proceedings of Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture.

• Pillai S.M., Hoffman M.L., Jones A.K., McFadden K.K., Stevens J.R., Zinn S.A., Reed S.A., and Govoni K.E. (2017) Poor maternal nutrition during gestation alters muscle gene expression in fetal offspring. Journal of Animal Science 95(suppl4):150-150. (Published poster abstract from American Society of Animal Science annual meeting.

• Saunders G., Fu G., and Stevens J.R. (2017) A Bivariate Hypothesis Testing Approach for Mapping the Trait-Influential Gene. Scientific Reports 7: 12798.

• Presentations related to this project:

• Stevens J.R. The Academic Applied Statistician -- Transitioning Domain-Specific Data into Statistics Research. Joint Statistical Meetings, Baltimore MD, July 31, 2017.

• Other References List:
• Kwon S., Jeong S., Jeong Y.S., Park J.S., Cui X.S., Kim N.H., and Kang Y.K. (2015) “Assessment of difference in gene expression profile between embryos of different derivations.” Cellular Reprogramming 17(1):49-58.
• Stevens J.R. and Isom S.C. (2012) Gene Set Testing to Characterize Multivariately Differentially Expressed Genes. Proceedings of Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture 2012, pp. 125-137.
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Montana

– Animal Science Department Bozeman

Abstracts:

• Lambert, M. R., White, J., Copie, V., Butler, C., Garrott, R., Berardinelli, J. (2017). Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolic profiling to distinguish herds of bighorn (Ovis canadensis) sheep (5th ed., vol. 23, pp. 1). Bozeman, MT: Intermountain Journal of Sciences (IJS)
• Page, C. M., I. McGregor, M. L. Van Emon, T. W. Murphy, C. K. Larson, J. G. Berardinelli, W. C. Stewart. 2017. Effects of zinc source and dietary concentration on zinc status, growth performance, and wool characteristics in developing rams. Presented at the 89th Annual Meeting of the West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci., Fargo, ND. No. 017.

Proceedings:

• Page, C. M., I. McGregor, M. L. Van Emon, T. W. Murphy, C. K. Larson, J. G. Berardinelli, and W. C. Stewart. 2017. Effects of zinc source and dietary concentration on zinc status, growth performance, and wool characteristics in developing rams. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 68:136-140.

Experiment Station Bulletins:

• Page, C. M., I. McGregor, M. L. Van Emon, T. W. Murphy, C. K. Larson, J. G. Berardinelli, W. C. Stewart. 2017. Effects of zinc source and dietary concentration on zinc status, growth performance, and wool characteristics in developing rams. College of Agriculture and Extension Research Report. 3:27-32.

Theses/Dissertations

• M. Rashelle Herrygers 2017. A metabolomics approach for the study of long-term progesterone in domestic sheep and physiological processes in domestic and bighorn sheep. M.S. Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
• Chad Page. 2017. Serum mineral concentrations in weaned Montana ram lambs and effects of dietary zinc source and concentration on developing Targhee rams. M.S. Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.– Research Centers Department – Northern Ag Research Center
•  

Peer-reviewed Publications:

• Prezotto LD; Thorson JF; Borowicz P; Dorsan ST; Peine JL; Lents CA; Caton JS; Swanson KC. Effects of maternal nutrition and arginine supplementation on postnatal liver and jejunal oxygen consumption and hypothalamic neuropeptide content in ovine offspring. Domestic Animal Endocrinology; Accepted.

• Thorson JF; Prezotto LD; Adams H; Petersen SL; Clapper JA; Wright EC; Oliver WT; Freking BA; Foote A; Berry E; Nonneman D; Lents CA. Energy balance affects pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone from the adenohypophesis and expression of neurokinin B in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized gilts. Biology of Reproduction 2018; Accepted.

• Prezotto LD; Islas A; Gilbery T; Bauer M; Swanson KC. Influence of limit-feeding and time of day of feed availability to growing calves on growth performance and feeding behavior in cold weather. Journal of Animal Science 2017; 95(11):5137-5144.

• Thorson JF; Heidorn NL; Ryu V; Czaja K; Hausman GJ; Barb RC; Azain MJ; Prezotto LD; McCosh RB; Wright EC; White BR; Freking BA; Oliver WT; Tsutsui K; Hileman SM; Lents CA. Relationship of neuropeptide FF receptors with pubertal maturation of gilts. Biology of Reproduction 2017; 96(3):617-634.

• Gionbelli TRS; Veloso CM; Rotta PP; Filho SCV; Carvalho BC; Marcondes MI; Guimaraes SEF; Cunha CS; Novaies MAS; Prezotto LD; Duarte MS; Gionbelli MP. Foetal development of skeletal muscle in bovines as a function of maternal nutrition, foetal sex and gestational age. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 2017; doi:10.1111/jpn.12786.

• Korthanke CM; Thorson JF; Prezotto LD; Welsh Jr. TH; Cardoso RC; Williams GL. Secretion of gonadotropins in response to a novel kiss-1 receptor agonist, RF9 in the mare: Modulation by estradiol-17β and half-life of RF9 in the peripheral circulation. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2017; 57:100-106.

• Wijesena HR; Lents CA; Riethoven JJ; Trenhaile-Grannemann MD; Thorson JF; Keel BN; Miller PS; Spangler ML; Kachman SD; Ciobanu DC. Using genomic approaches to uncover sources of variation in age at puberty and reproductive longevity in sows. Journal of Animal Science 2017; 95(9):4196-4205.

• Lents CA; Thorson JF; Desaulniers AT; White BR. RFamide-related peptide 3 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II are autocrine-paracrine regulators of testicular function in the boar. Molecular Reproduction and Development 2017; 84(9):994-1003.

Abstracts:

• Lents CA; Thorson JF; Adams H; Petersen SL; Prezotto LD; Berry E; Nonneman DJ. Nutritional regulation of LH secretion in gilts: Hypothalamic expression of kisspeptin and neurokinin B. Journal of Animal Science; submitted.

• Prezotto LD; Thorson JF; Redmer D; Grazul-Bilska A. Nutritionally-Induced Plasticity of the Blood-Brain Barrier in Adult Ewes. Endocrine Reviews Supplement; 2017.
• Prezotto LD; Thorson JF; Boss D. Changes in temporal concentrations of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in beef heifers. Journal of Animal Science 2017; 68:274-277.
• Wijesena HR; Lents CA; Keel BN; Thorson JF; Sullivan GA; Kachman SD; Ciobanu DC. Variation in gene expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of gilts with differences in pubertal status and subjected to dietary energy restriction. Plant and Animal Genome Conference 2017; P1168.
• Wijesena HR; Lents CA; Trenhaile-Grannemann MD; Riethoven JJ; Keel BN; Thorson JF; Miller PS; Johnson RK; Spangler ML; Kachman SD; Ciobanu DC. The roles of age at puberty and energy restriction in sow reproductive longevity: a genomic perspective. Journal of Animal Science 2017; 95(5):12.

Extension Report:

• Pizol JV; Dennis RR; Thorson JF; Prezotto LD. Distribution and clearance of chopped net wrap in the digestive tract of beef cattle. College of Agriculture and Extension Research Report 2017; 3:33-5.
•  

USDA ARS Miles City

Journal Articles:

• Geary, T. W., G. W. Burns, J. Moraes, J. I. Moss, A. C. Denicol, K. B. Dobbs, M. S. Ortega, P. J. Hansen, M. E. Wehrman, H. Neibergs, E. O’Neil, S. Behura, and T. E. Spencer. 2016. Identification of Beef Heifers with Superior Uterine Capacity for Pregnancy. Biol. Reprod. 95(2):47, 1–12.
• Dickinson, S. E., T. W. Geary, J. M. Monnig, K. G. Pohler, J. A. Green, and M. F. Smith. 2016. Follicle size, endocrine profiles, and pregnancy establishment in beef cows. Anim. Reprod. 13(3):209-216.
• Reese, S. T., M. C. Pereira, J. L. M. Vasconcelos, M. F. Smith, J. A. Green, T. W. Geary, R. F. G Peres, G. A. Perry, and K. G. Pohler. 2016. Markers of pregnancy: How early can we detect pregnancies in cattle using pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and microRNAs? Anim. Reprod. 13(3):200-208.
• Waterman, R. C., T. W. Geary, M. K. Petersen, and M. D. MacNeil. 2017. Effects of reduced in utero and post weaning nutrition on milk yield and composition in primiparous beef cows. Animal 11(1):84-90 Doi:10.1017/S1751731116001257.
• Pohler, K. G., J. A. Green, L. A. Moley, S. Gunewardena, W. T. Hung, X. Hong, L. K. Christenson, T. W. Geary and M.F. Smith. 2017. Circulating microRNA as candidates for early embryonic viability in cattle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84:731–743.
• Roberts, A. J., A. Gomes da Silva, A. F. Summers, T. W. Geary, and R. N. Funston. 2017. Developmental and reproductive characteristics of beef heifers classified by pubertal status at time of first breeding. J. Anim. Sci. 95:5629-5636.
• Jones, C. J. P., W. J. Silvia, C. H. Hamilton, T. W. Geary, A. L. Zezeski, and F. B. P. Wooding. 2017. Glycosylation and immunocytochemistry of binucleate cells in pronghorn (Antilocapra Americana, Antilocapridae) show features of both Giraffidae and Bovidae. Placenta 57:216-222.
• Toghiani, S., E. Hay, P. Summreddee, T. W. Geary, R. Rekaya, and A. Roberts. 2017. Genomic prediction of continuous and binary fertility traits of females in a composite beef cattle breed. J. Anim. Sci. 95:4787-4795.
• Neupane, M., T. W. Geary, J. N. Kiser, G. W. Burns, P. J. Hansen, T. E. Spencer, and H. L. Neibergs. 2017. Loci and pathways associated with uterine capacity for pregnancy and fertility in beef cattle. PLOS One.

• Moraes, J. G. N., S. K. Behura, T. W. Geary, P. J. Hansen, H. L. Neibergs, and T. E. Spencer. 2017. Uterine influences on conceptus development in fertility-classified animals. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci.
• Abstracts:
• Moraes, J. G. N., T. W. Geary, P. J. Hansen, H. L. Neibergs, S. Behura, J. V. Bishop, T. R. Hansen, and T. E. Spencer. 2017. Conceptus Elongation in Beef Heifers with Superior Uterine Capacity for Pregnancy. Biol. Reprod. 99(Suppl. 1) SSR 2017
• Perry, G. A. T. W. Geary, J. A. Walker, J. J. J. Rich, E. J. Northrop, S. D. Perkins, C. L. Mogck, M. L. Van Emon, A. L. Zezeski, and R. F. Daly. 2017. Influence of Vaccination with a Combined Chemically Altered/Inactivated BHV-1/BVD Vaccine or a Modified Live Vaccine on Reproductive Performance in Beef Cows and heifers. ASAS 2017
• Monnig, J. M. J. A. Green, K. G. Pohler T. W. Geary, and M. F. Smith. 2017. Effect of ovulatory follicle size before the preovulatory gonadotropin surge on the follicular wall transcriptome in beef cows. Biol. Reprod. 99(Suppl. 1): SSR 2017.
• Jones, C. J. P., W. J. Silvia, C. H. Hamilton, T. W. Geary, A. L. Zezeski, and F. B. P. Wooding. 2017. The placenta of the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) shows features of both Giraffidae and Bovidae in the glycosylation and immunocytochemistry of its binucleate cells. IFPA
• Moraes, J. G. N., T. W. Geary, P. J. Hansen, H. L. Neibergs, S. Behura, T. R. Spencer, and T. E. Spencer. 2017 Conceptus elongation in beef heifers with superior uterine capacity for pregnancy. SBTE
• Douglas, R. T., E. E. Beck, J. J. J. Rich, E. J. Northrop, S. D. Perkins, T. W. Geary, J. A. Walker, and G. A. Perry. 2018. Effects of pre- and post-insemination maternal plane of nutrition on estrus and embryo development. Midwest Section ASAS.
• Beck, E. E., R. T. Douglas, J. J. J. Rich, E. J. Northrop, S. D. Perkins, T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, and J. A. Walker. 2018. Effects of pre- and post-insemination maternal plane of nutrition on peripheral and uterine luminal fluid metabolites. Midwest Section ASAS
• Idaho

Refereed Manuscripts:

• Hall, J. B., R. K. Kasimanickam, J. B. Glaze Jr., and M. C .Roberts-Lew. 2017. Impact of delayed insemination on pregnancy rates to gender selected semen in a fixed-time AI system. Theriogenology 102:154-161.

• Thomas,J. M., J. W. C .Locke, R. Vishwanath, J. B .Hall, M. R. Ellersieck, M. F. Smith, and D. J. Patterson. 2017. Effective use of SexedULTRA™ sex-sorted semen for timed artificial insemination of beef heifers. Theriogenology 98: 88-93

• Dawson L., R. Kasimanickam, V. Kasimanickam, and J. B. Hall. 2017. Fertility of Angus cross beef heifers after GnRH treatment on day 23 and timing of insemination in 14-day CIDR protocol. Repro. Domestic Anim. 52:122-129.

Abstracts:

• M. M. Woods, M. J. Ellison, J. M. Thomas, and J. B. Hall. 2017. Effect of feed efficiency and sexed semen on pregnancy rate and early embryonic mortality in beef heifers. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 68:316.

Arizona

Peer-Reviewed Research Articles:

• Camacho, L.E., X. Chen, W.W. Hay Jr, S.W. Limesand (2017). Enhanced insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in young lambs with placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 313(2):R101-R109.

• Boehmer, B.H., S. W. Limesand, P.J. Rozance (2017). The impact of IUGR on pancreatic islet development and β-cell function. Journal of Endocrinology 235(2):R63-R76.
• Kelly, A.C., L.E. Camacho, K. Pendarvis, H.M. Davenport, N.R. Steffens, K.E. Smith, C.S. Weber, R.M. Lynch, S.W. Limesand (2018). Adrenergic receptor stimulation suppresses oxidative metabolism in isolated rat islets and Min6 cells. Molecular Cellular Endocrinology (in press).
• Jensen JT, Addis IB, Hennebold JD, Bogan RL (2017). Ovarian Lipid Metabolism Modulates Circulating Lipids in Premenopausal Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 102(9):3138-3145.
• Xu Y, Hutchison SM, Hernández-Ledezma JJ, Bogan RL (2018). Increased 27-hydroxycholesterol production during luteolysis may mediate the progressive decline in progesterone secretion. Mol Hum Reprod. 24(1):2-13.
• Xu Y, Hernández-Ledezma JJ, Hutchison SM, Bogan RL (2018). The liver X receptors and sterol regulatory element binding proteins alter progesterone secretion and are regulated by human chorionic gonadotropin in human luteinized granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol. [Epub ahead of print] DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.01.011.
• Abstract Proceedings:

• Kelly A.C., Davis M.A., Camacho L.E., Davenport H.M., Steffens N.R., Limesand S.W. (2018) Loss of Uncoupling Protein 2 Explains Hyper-Insulin Secretion Following Persistent Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Fetal Sheep Islets. Society for Reproductive Investigation 65th Annual Scientific Meeting. Abstract O-061.
• Pendleton, A.L. R.M. Smith, L.E. Camacho, M.J. Anderson, R.E. Allen, S.W. Limesand. (2018) Enhanced Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell Differentiation and Altered TGFβ Signaling in Lambs with Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Reproductive Investigation 65th Annual Scientific Meeting. Abstract.
• Davis, M.A. L.E. Camacho, M.J. Anderson, N.R. Steffens, A.C. Kelly, S.W. Limesand. (2018). Oxygen and Glucose Chronically Elevated Norepinephrine Concentrations Impair Glucose Uptake in Sheep Fetuses. Society for Reproductive Investigation, 65th Annual Meeting. Abstract S-063.
• Camacho LE, Davis MA, Steffens NR, Kelly AC, Limesand SW. 2018. Oxygen and Glucose Correction Improves Insulin Secretion in Sheep Fetuses with Placental Insufficiency. Society for Reproductive Investigation, 65th Annual Meeting. Abstract S-082.
• Camacho, L.E., M.A. Davis, N.R. Steffens, A.C. Kelly, M.J. Anderson, S.W. Limesand. (2018). Oxygen and Glucose Correction Reestablished Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Utilization Rates in Sheep Fetuses with Placental Insufficiency. Society for Reproductive Investigation, 65th Annual Meeting. Abstract T-081.
• Camacho, L.E., M.A. Davis, N.R. Steffens, S.W. Limesand. (2018) Oxygen and Glucose Correction Improves Insulin Secretion in Sheep Fetuses with Placental Insufficiency. Reproductive Investigation 65th Annual Scientific Meeting. Abstract S-082.
• Rasmussen LM and Craig ZR. “Effects of in vivo exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate on ovulation, fertilization, and embryo development in the mature superovulated mouse”. Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology. San Antonio, TX. March 11-15, 2018.
• Rasmussen LM and Craig ZR. “Effects of in vivo exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate on ovulation, antral follicle counts, and serum progesterone in the mature superovulated mouse”. Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. New Orleans, LA. July 10-13, 2018.
• Jauregui EJ, Liu X, Beltran-Gastelum J, Craig ZR. “Exposure to Di-n-butyl Phthalate Alters IGF1 Expression and Causes Ovarian Toxicity in the Adult Mouse”. Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. New Orleans, LA. July 10-13, 2018.
• Nunez FM, Liu X, Craig ZR. “Environmentally-relevant exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) results in decreased expression of Brca1 in the adult mouse ovary”. Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. New Orleans, LA. July 10-13, 2018.

Thesis and Dissertations:

• Xu, Yafei. Enhanced Liver X Receptor and Decreased Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Transcription Factor 2 Activities May Control Luteolysis of the Human Corpus Luteum. MS Thesis University of Arizona, August 2017.
•  

Illinois

Full-Length Articles:

• Rivelli, M.I., S.Y. Morrison, K.J. Haerr, S. Rodriguez-Zas, and F.C. Cardoso. (2017). Nutrition, reproduction, and young stock performance in dairy farms throughout Illinois: a Dairy Focus Team approach. The Professional Animal Scientist. 33:409-419.

• Luchini, and F.C. Cardoso. (2017). Effects of rumen-protected methionine and choline supplementation on vaginal discharge and uterine cytology of Holstein cows. International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine. 5:1-7.

• Batistel, F., J.M. Arroyo, A. Bellingeri, L. Wang, B. Saremi, C. Parys, E. Trevisi, F.C. Cardoso, and J.J. Loor. (2017). Ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine enhances performance during the periparturient period and early lactation in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 100:7455-7467.

• Batistel, F., A. S. M. Alharthi, L. Wang, C. Parys, Y. Pan, F.C. Cardoso, and J.J. Loor. (2017). Placentome nutrient transporters and mTOR signaling proteins are altered by methionine supply during late-gestation in dairy cows and are associated with newborn birth weight. The Journal of Nutrition. 147:1640-1647.

• C.S. Skenandore and F.C. Cardoso. (2017). The effect of tail paint formulation and heifer behavior on estrus detection. International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine. 5:113-120.

• Acosta, D.A., A. Schneider, C.B. Jacometo, J.A. Rincon, F.C. Cardoso, and M.N. Corrêa. (2017). Effect of somatotropin injection in late pregnant Holstein heifers on metabolic parameters and steroidogenic potential of the first postpartum dominant follicle. Theriogenology. 104:164-172.

• Batistel, F., J.M. Arroyo, C. Matamoros, E. Trevisi, C. Parys, M. Ballou, F.C. Cardoso, and J.J. Loor. (2018). Ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress and improves neutrophil function during the periparturient period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 101:480-490.

• Stella, S. L., D. A. Acosta, C. Skenandore, Z. Zhou, A. Steelman, D. Luchini, and F.C. Cardoso. (2018). Improved uterine immune mediators in Holstein cows supplemented with rumen-protected methionine and discovery of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). Theriogenology. 114:116-125.

Non-refereed publications:

• Cardoso, F. C. 2017. “10 Steps for a successful transition period, part 1” Progressive Dairyman, Jerome – ID. p 54-55, February 25.
• Cardoso, F. C. 2017. “10 Steps for a successful transition period, part 2” Progressive Dairyman, Jerome – ID. p 48-49, May 25.Nebraska
• Publications:
•  

• McNeel, AK, ÉM. Soares, AL Patterson, JL Vallet, EC Wright, EL Larimore, OL Amundson, JR Miles, CC Chase Jr., CA Lents, JR Wood, AS Cupp, GA Perry, RA. Cushman. Beef heifers with diminished numbers of antral follicles have decreased uterine protein secretion. Anim Reprod Sci. 2017 Jan 12. pii: S0378-4320(16)30618-2. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.01.004.
• Talbott H, Hou X, Qiu F, Zhang P, Guda C, Yu F, Cushman RA, Wood JR, Wang C, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Early transcriptome responses of the bovine midcycle corpus luteum to prostaglandin F2α includes cytokine signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2017 May 23. pii: S0303-7207(17)30287-3. doi: 10.1016/j.mce. 2017.05.018. [Epub ahead of print].
• Talbott HA, Hou X,Qiu F, Zhang P, Guda C, Yu F, Cushman RA, Wood JR,Wang C, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Transcriptomic and bioinformatics analysis of the early time-course of the response to prostaglandin F2 alpha in the bovine corpus luteum. Data Brief. 2017 Sep 1;14:695-706. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.08.026. eCollection 2017 Oct.PMID: 28932774. Free PMC Article.
• Wood JR and AS Cupp. "Female Endocrinology-Aromatization" in Ovary Biology: Volume II: Female Reproduction in Encyclopedia of Reproduction, Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences.
• Romereim SM and AS Cupp. “Vascular Cells” in Testis Biology; Volume 1: Male Reproduction in Encyclopedia of Reproduction, Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.64560-9. 2018.
• McFee, RM, AS Cupp, JR Wood. Comparison of case-based and hands-on laboratory exercises as group-based learning activities to supplement veterinary physiology course lectures.   2018 Advances in Physiology Education. IN PRESS.
• Hamernik, DL, AS Cupp, JS Davis. TRIENNIAL REPRODUCTION SYMPOSIUM: Looking back and moving forward—how reproductive physiology has evolved. 2018 Journal of Animal Science. IN PRESS.

Manuscripts Submitted:

• Sargent, K, V Brauer, WE Pohlmeier, AS Cupp. Reduced activity of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A angiogenic isoforms through Neuropilin-1 loss in Sertoli cells affects genes regulating stem cell homeostasis. (Submitted to Endocrinology).

• Sargent, KM, N Lu, WE Pohlmeier, ML Bremer, AF Summers and AS Cupp. Transient treatment of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoforms in vivo affects perinatal testis composition and mRNA abundance of genes that regulate undifferentiated spermatogonia. Submitted to PLOS One

• Spuri Gomes, R, SC Tenley, MA. Abedal-Majed, SE Kurz, J Bergman, DE. Hostetler, S Hileman, MN Bedenbaugh, RM. McFee, AF Summers, RA. Cushman, JR. Wood, A S. Cupp. Cows with Follicular Fluid Androgen Excess Exhibit Anovulation and Have Altered Circulating Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, and Metabolism. (Revising).

Peer Reviewed Symposium or Proceedings/websites:

• Atlas of Science www.atlasofscience.org) - Romereim SM, AS Cupp. Cellular Migration Required for Testis Development. https://atlasofscience.org/cellular-migration-required-for-testis-development/

Abstracts Presented:

• Ziegler, R. L., K. J. Austin, J. E. Blake , J. E. Rowell, A. S. Cupp, M. P. Shipka, B. M. Alexander. 2018. Depo-Provera Increases Neural activity in the Central Amygdala of Reindeer Bulls. WSASAS. Bend, OR and Rocky Mountain Reproduction Sciences Symposium, Fort Collins, CO.
• Nafziger, S, MA Abedal-Majed, S. Tenley, A Summers, M Hart, G. Harsh, J Bergman, S. Kurz, JR Wood, RA Cushman, AS Cupp. Endocrine profiles during attainment of puberty may predict reproductive longevity in heifers. October 2017 Gil Greenwald Reproductive Symposium UKMC, Poster and Flash talk.
• Abedal-Majed, MA, ML Hart, V Largen, MPS Magamage, SG. Kurz, KM. Sargent, J Bergman, RM McFee, RA Cushman, JS Davis, JR Wood and AS Cupp Ovarian Cortex from High A4 cows secretes excess A4, and exhibits increased oxidative Stress, and arrested follicle development which can be partially rescued by Angiogenic VEGFA isoforms. October 2017 Gil Greenwald Reproductive Symposium UKMC, Poster and Flash talk. Received Best Poster for Graduate Student Award.
• Abedal-Majed, MA, ML Hart, V Largen, MPS Magamage, SG. Kurz, KM. Sargent, J Bergman, RM McFee, RA Cushman, JS Davis, JR Wood and AS Cupp. Ovarian Cortex from High A4 Cows Secretes Excess A4, and Exhibits Increased Oxidative Stress, Macrophage Markers and Arrested Follicle Development Which can be Partially Rescued by Angiogenic VEGFA Isoforms. (SSR 2017), Washington DC.
• Hart ML, MA. Abedal-Majed, R Spuri Gomes, SG. Kurz, JW Bergmann, RM McFee, CO Lemley, CA Casey, JS Davis, JR. Wood, and AS Cupp^. Reduced Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Excess High Androstenedione Cows may be due to Alterations in Metabolism and Liver Function (SSR 2017), Washington DC.
• SM Romereim, AF Summers, WE Pohlmeier, RM McFee, R Spuri Gomes, SG Kurz, JS Davis, JR Wood, AS Cupp. A High-Androgen Microenvironment Inhibits Granulosa Cell Proliferation and May Alter Cell Identity. (SSR 2017), Washington DC.
• S Nafziger, MA Abedal-Majed, SC Tenley, AF Summers, ML Hart, G Harsh, JW Bergman, SG Kurz, JR Wood, RA Cushman, AS. Cupp. Endocrine Profiles during Attainment of Puberty may Predict Reproductive Longevity in Heifers (SSR 2017) Washington DC.
• INVITED TALK ASAS 2017: AS Cupp, JR Essink, ML Cable, WE Pohlmeier, MM Laughlin and KM Sargent. Divergent Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) Signaling Determines Spermatogonial Stem Cell Fate. (ASAS 2017)

Nebraska Beef Reports:

• Romereim, SM, SC Tenley, MA Abedal-Majed, JW Bergman, SG Kurz, JS Davis, JR Wood, AS Cupp. Letrozole: A Steroid-Free Estrous Synchronization Method. Beef Report 2017.

Thesis and Dissertations:

• Springman, Shelby. Management Strategies for Beef Heifer Development. MS Thesis University of Nebraska-Lincoln, December 2017.
• Mohamed Ayoub Sleman Abedal-Majed. Effect of postweaning diet, Excess Androstenedione, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) isoforms on follicular progression in bovine ovarian cortical cultures. PhD Dissertation University of Nebraska-Lincoln, December 2017.

Alaska

Abstract:

• Ziegler, R. L., K. J. Austin, J. E. Blake , J. E. Rowell, A. S. Cupp, M. P. Shipka, B. M. Alexander. 2018. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Neural activity in the Central Amygdala of Reindeer Bulls. WSASAS. Bend, OR and Rocky Mountain Reproduction Sciences Symposium, Fort Collins, CO.

Mississippi

Refereed Journal Publications:

• Lemley, C. O. 2017. Investigating reproductive organ blood flow and blood perfusion to ensure healthy offspring. Animal Frontiers. 7:18-24.
• Lemley, C. O. and K. A. Vonnahme. 2017. Alterations in uteroplacental hemodynamics during melatonin supplementation in sheep and cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 95:2211-2221.
• Keomanivong, F. E., L. E. Camacho, C. O. Lemley, E. A. Kuemper, R. D. Yunusova, P. P. Borowicz, J. D. Kirsch, K. A. Vonnahme, J. S. Caton, and K. C. Swanson. 2017. Effects of realimentation after nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation on pancreatic digestive enzymes, serum insulin and glucose levels, and insulin containing cell cluster morphology. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 101:589-604.
• Muth-Spurlock, A. M., J. A. Dix, M. P. T. Coleson, C. G. Hart, C. O. Lemley, T. M. Schulmeister, G. C. Lamb, and J. E. Larson. 2017. The effect of follicular wave on fertility characteristics in beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 95:866-874.
• Cain, A. J., C. O. Lemley, F. K. Walters, D. L. Christiansen, E. H. King, R. M. Hopper. 2017. Pre-breeding beef heifer management and season affect mid to late gestation uterine artery hemodynamics. Theriogenology. 87:9-15.
• Abstracts:

• McCarty, K. J., M. P. T. Owen, C. G. Hart, K. C. Yankey, R. C. Thompson, D. D. Burnett, E. H. King, R. M. Hopper, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Effect of melatonin supplementation during mid- to late- gestation on maternal uterine blood flow and calf size at birth. Abstract: 487. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• McCarty, K. J., M. P. T. Owen, C. G. Hart, K. C. Yankey, T. Smith, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Effect of melatonin supplementation from mid- to late- gestation on hair growth and skin temperature of beef cattle. Abstract: 71. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD. National ASAS MS student poster competition 1^st place winner July 9, 2017.
• Owen, M. P. T., K. J. McCarty, K. C. Yankey, C. N. McGee, C. G. Hart, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Examining uterine endometrial blood perfusion using a novel laser Doppler technique in Angus cows. Abstract: 481. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• Owen, M. P. T., K. J. McCarty, M. M. Steichen, C. D. Sanford, L. B. Canal, P. L. P. Fontes, N. Oosthuizen, N. DiLorenzo, K. A. Vonnahme, G. C. Lamb, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Effects of biweekly administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin on steroid metabolizing enzymes during early gestation. Abstract: 105. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• McGee, C. N., M. P. T. Owen, K. J. McCarty, C. G. Hart, K. C. Yankey, E. H. King, R. M. Hopper, D. D. Burnett, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Charactering fetal liver and placental steroid eicosanoid metabolizing enzymes from dams supplemented with melatonin. Abstract: 121. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• Sanford, C. D., N. Oosthuizen, P. L. P. Fontes, L. B. Canal, K. A. Vonnahme, C. O. Lemley, N. DiLorenzo, and G. C. Lamb. 2017. The effects of biweekly administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin during the first trimester on fetal development in gestating beef heifers. Abstract: 320. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• Thompson, R. C., K. J. McCarty, A. T. Sukumaran, R. L. Lemire, E. H. King, R. M. Hopper, C. O. Lemley, T. T. N. Dinh, and D. D. Burnett. 2017. Effect of maternal melatonin supplementation during mid- to late- gestation on fatty acid composition in maternal and fetal plasma and perirenal adipose tissue collected from bovine fetuses at 240 days of gestation. Abstract: 307. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.  
• Larson, J. E., G. R. Gunnam, K. C. Yankey, M. P. T. Owen, M. M. Steichen, K. J. McCarty, A. E. Stone, and C. O. Lemley. 2017. Additional exercise among grazing dairy cows and effects on uterine blood flow, milk production, and milk quality parameters. Abstract: 516. ASAS National Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• Thesis and Dissertations (2017)

• Megan (Coleson) Owen, Ph.D. in Agricultural Science/Animal Science at Mississippi State University; Passed defense on October 2, 2017; Dissertation titled, Investigating extra-hepatic steroid and eicosanoid metabolizing enzymes in cattle; Major Advisor.

Colorado

Journal Papers:

• Jeckel, K.M., A.C. Boyarko, G.J. Bouma, Q.A. Winger and R.V. Anthony. 2018. Chorionic somatomammotropin impacts early fetal growth and placental gene expression. J. Endocrinol. E-pub. April 16, 2018, doi: 110.1530/JOE-18-0093.
• Romero JJ, Liebig BE, Broeckling CD, Prenni JE, Hansen TR. Pregnancy induced changes in metabolome and proteome in ovine uterine flushings. BiolReprod 2017; 97:273-287.
• Hansen TR, Sinedino LDP, Spencer TE. Paracrine and endocrine actions of interferon tau (IFNT). Reproduction 2017; 154:F45-F59.

• Abstracts:

• Ali, A., K.M. Jeckel, R.V. Anthony, G.J. Bouma and Q.A. Winger. 2017. Let-7 miRNAs regulate ARID3A/B complex which controls expression of stem cell genes in human trophoblast cells. 50th Annual Society for the Study of Reproduction meeting.
  • Welton K, Mehaffy C, J. P, Wolfe L, Hansen TR. Method Development for the Detection of Interferon-tau to Determine Early Pregnancy in Cattle. Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity, Colorado State University 2017; Research Poster, April 25th, 2017.
• Moraes JGN, Geary TW, Hansen PJ, Neibergs H, Behura S, Bishop JV, Hansen TR, Spencer TE. Conceptus elongation in beef heifers with superior uterine capacity for pregnancy. Society for the Study of Reproduction, Washington, DC, July 13-16 2017:100; Abstract, Poster.
• McWhorter E, Van Campen H, Bishop J, Bowen R, Winger Q, Mathiason C, Bouma G, Hansen T. Maternal Influenza A Virus Infection, Fetal Growth and Placental Morphology. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium 2017; 10:Page 43; ; Abstract; Platform talk.
• Knapek KJ, Bishop JV, Vancampen H, Hansen TR. Immunological gene expression changes in the fetal thyumus after maternal infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus. CRWAD 2017; 98th Conference of Workers in Aimal Disease:120.
• Knapek KJ, Bishop JV, H. VC, Hansen TR. Maternal infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus impairs thymic gene expression in the bovine fetus. Americal Association for Laboratory Animal Science 2017; 68th AALAS National Meeting:7.
• Knapek K, Bishop J, Van Campen H, Hansen T. Maternal Infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Impairs Gene Expression in the Bovine Fetal Thymus. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium 2017; 10:42.
• Hansen TR, Van Campen H, Bishop JV, Knapek K. Ronald D. Randel Lectureship Part II: Interferons during early pregnancy and fetal response to viral infection. American Society of Animal Science, Southern Section 2017; Franklin, TN; February 4-7:67; 33.
• Hansen TR. Interferons: Establishment of Pregnancy and Fetal Antiviral Responses. Washington State Univeristy Center for Reproductive Biology Retreat 2017; Orofino, ID.
• Dilyara A. Murtazina, J. Alejandro Arreguin-Arevalo, Jeremy D. Cantlon, Christianne Magee, Ali Ebrahimpour Boroojeny, Akash Shrestha, Jennifer Hicks, Kenneth Jones, Hamidreza Chitsaz, Terry M. Nett and Colin M. Clay. 2018. RNA-seq analysis of an enriched ovine gonadotrope population using adenoviral-mediated targeting of green fluorescent protein. Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine Research Day.
• Book Chapters:
• Anthony, R.V. and K.M. Jeckel. 2018. Pregnancy: Placental Lactogen (CSH). In: Knobil, E. and Neill J.D. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Reproduction 2nd edition, Elsivier Press, San Diego, CA. in press.
• Hansen TR, Bott RC, Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Davis JS. Corpus luteum and early pregnancy in ruminants. In: Meidan R (ed.) The life cycle of the corpus lutem. Switzerland: Springer; 2017: 205-226.
• Other:
• Nett T, Hansen TR. Gordon Niswender, Ph.D., 1940-2017. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:179-181.
• Hansen, T.R. Contemporary Science Boosts Fertility in Cattle. USDA’s 94^th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. The Roots of Prosperity. February 22-23, Arlington, Virginia. Presented overview of impact and direction by W3112 and W3171. Invited talk.
• W3112 membership. W3113 Impact Brochure. Improving the reproductive performance of cattle and sheep. Learn more: bit.ly/W-2112.
•  

Texas

Full-Length Articles:

• Chase, C.C., Jr., R.D. Randel, D.G. Riley, S.W. Coleman and W.A. Phillips. 2017. Evaluation of tropically adapted straightbred and crossbred beef cattle: Cortisol concentration and measures of temperament at weaning and transport. J. Anim. Sci.
• Littlejohn, B.P., D.G. Riley, T.H. Welsh, Jr., R.D. Randel, S.T. Willard and R.C. Vann. 2018. Use of random regression to estimate genetic parameters of temperament across an age continuum in a crossbred cattle population. J. Anim. Sci.

Abstracts:

• Quail, L.K., M.E. Mund, D.A. Neuendorff, R.A. d’Orey Branco, J.P. Banta, T.H. Welsh, Jr. and R.D. Randel. 2018. Relationships between antral follicle numbers and postpartum interval in multiparous Brahman cows. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Suppl. S1. Abstract #28.

• O’Daniels, S.E., D.G. Riley, D.A. Neuendorff, T.D. Forbes, J.P. Banta, T.H. Welsh, Jr., F.M. Rouquette, Jr. and R.D. Randel. 2018. Comparison of three methods of determining feed efficiency on productivity of Brahman heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Suppl. S1. Abstract #80.
• White, S.H., C.M. Latham, C.R. Long, R.D. Randel and T.H. Welsh, Jr. 2018. Differing mitochondrial capacity in two separate skeletal muscles from calm and temperamental Brahman heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Suppl. S1. Abstract #88.
• Mund, M.E., L.K. Quail, C.L. Cook, D.A. Neuendorff, J.P. Banta, T.H. Welsh, Jr. and R.D. Randel. 2018. Influence of cell mediated immune responses of Brahman cows on postpartum interval, colostral immunoglobulin concentration and growth of their calves. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Suppl. S1. Abstract #91.
• Thesis:

• Cook, C.L. 2017. Antibody mediated immune response and cellular mediated immune response characterization in Brahman cattle. M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M University. December 2017.
• Littlejohn, B.P. 2018. Epigenetic programming of physiological functions by a prenatal stressor and genetic parameters of temperament in cattle. PhD. Dissertation. Texas A&M University. May 2018.

Pennsylvania:

Refereed Manuscripts:

• Liu, W.-S., Zhao, Y.Q., Lu, C., Ning, G., Ma, Y., Diaz, F., O'Connor, M. (2017) A novel testis-specific protein, PRAMEY, is involved in spermatogenesis in cattle. Reproduction 153, 847–863.

• Zhang, Y.Y., Deng, X.G., Liu, W.-S., Deng, X.M. (2017) Estimation of recombination rate and effective population size with ovine genome-wide SNP-chip. Sciencepaper Online 201704-232
• Dechow, C., Liu, W.-S., Idun, J., Maness, W. (2018) Two dominant paternal lineages for North American Jersey artificial insemination sires. J. Dairy Sci. J. Dairy Sci. 101, 2281–84.
• Dechow, C.D., Liu, W.-S. (2018) Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and differential methylation in leukocytes from Holstein cattle with variable milk yield. BMC Genomics (revised manuscript, under review).

Meeting Abstracts:

• Liu, W.-S., Zhang, YY., Wang, A.H. (2017) Sex chromosome-linked cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) and male fertility in cattle. Conference Abstract, the 36th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference (ISAG), July 16-21, Dublin, Ireland. MT342.
• Zhang, Y.Y., Liu, W.-S., Deng, X.M. (2017) Estimation of the effective population size in sheep based on recombination rate by the LD method. Conference Abstract, International Plant and Animal Genome Research (PAG) XXVI, January 13-18, 2017. San Diego, CA. P1148.
• Dechow, C.D., Liu, W.-S. (2017) Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and differential methylation in leukocytes from Holstein cattle. Conference Abstract, ADSA Annual Meeting, June 25-28, Pittsburg, PA. P380.
• Lu, C., Wu, W.W., Zhang, J.B., Zhao, Y.Q., Ocon-Grove, O.M., Diaz, F., Liu, W.-S. (2017) Blockage of the bovine PRAMEY protein with an anti-PRAMEY antibody leads to an increased rate of polyspermy in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Conference Abstract, the 50th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR2017), July 13-16, Washington, D.C. P284.

Tennessee

Refereed Journal Publications:

• Reese, S.T., M.C. Pereira, J.L. Edwards, J.L.M. Vasconcelos, and K.G. Pohler. 2017. Pregnancy diagnosis in cattle using pregnancy associated glycoprotein concentration in circulation at day 24 gestation. Theriogenology. In Press.
• Vasconcelos, J.L.M. R. Carvahlo, R.F.G. Peres, A.D.P. Rodrigues, M. Meneghetti, I.C. Junior, F.H Aono, W. Costa, C.N. Lopes, R.F. Cooke and K.G. Pohler. 2017. Reproductive programs for beef cattle: incorporating management and reproductive techniques for better fertility. Anim. Reprod. In Press.
• Pohler, K.G., J.A. Green, L.A. Moley, S. Gunewardena, W.T. Hung, R.R. Payton, X. Hong, L.K. Christenson, T.W. Geary and M.F. Smith. 2017. Circulating microRNAs as candidates for early embryonic viability in cattle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. In Press.
• Abstracts
• T.B. Ault, B.A. Clemmons, F.G. Dantas, G.A. Franco, S.T. Reese, P.R. Myer, and K.G. Pohler. 2018. Transformation of uterine and vaginal bacteriome throughout synchronization protocol between pregnant and non-pregnant postpartum cows. SSR 2018.
• G.A. Franco, T. S. Maia, R.F.G. Peres, C.F.G. Martins, S. T. Reese, J.L.M. Vasconcelos and K.G. Pohler. 2018. Quantification of PAG genes in semen of high and low fertility sires using droplet digital PCR. International Ruminant Reproduction Meeting 2018.
• Dantas, F.G., R.V. Oliveira Filho, R.S. Carvalho, G.F. Araugo, S.T. Reese, C.R. Abbott, R.R. Payton, J. Russell, J.L. Edwards, J.K. Smith and K.G. Pohler. 2017. Effect of complexed trace minerals on oocyte and embryo production in beef cattle. International Embryo Technology Society Meeting. Bangkok, Thailand.
• Reese, S.T., M.C. Pereira, J.L.M Vasconcelos and K.G. Pohler. 2017. Utilizing day 24 pregnancy associated glycoprotein concentrations to diagnosis pregnancy in Bos indicus influenced cattle. Brazilian Embryo Transfer Society Meeting. Cabo de Santo Agostinho, PE.
• Madureira, A.M.L., G.A. Franco, T.G. Guida, J.L. Edwards, F.N. Schrick, J.L.M. Vasconcelos, R.L.A. Cerri, K.G. Pohler. 2017. Effect of size and position of the reproductive tract on concentrations of bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins and the relationship with fertility. ASAS-SSR Triennial Reproduction Symposium. Washington, D.C.
• Theses and Dissertations:
• Dantas, F.G., 2018. Effect of complexed trace minerals on oocyte and embryo production.
• Franco, G.A., 2018. Sire contributions to pregnancy loss and pregnancy associated glycoprotein production in Nelore cows.
• Carvalho, R., 2018. Hormone changes in postpartum Nelore beef cows.
•  

New Mexico

Referred Journals:

• DeAtley, K., M. Colgrave, A. Canovas, G. Wijffels, R.L. Ashley, G. Silver, G. Rincon, Gonzalo; J. Medrano, A. Islas-Trejo, M. Fortes, A. Reverter, L. Porto-Neto, S. Lehnert, and M. Thomas. 2018. Neuropeptidome of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland of indicine x taurine heifers: evidence of differential neuropeptide processing in the pituitary gland before and after puberty. Journal of Proteome Research. In Press.
• Sanchez, N.S., K.E. Quinn, A.K. Ashley, and R.L. Ashley. 2018. In the ovine pituitary, CXCR4 is localized in gonadotropes and somatotropes and increases with elevated serum progesterone. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. (62):88–97.
• Quinn, K.E., S.Z Prosser, K.K. Kane, and R.L. Ashley. 2017. Inhibition of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor four (CXCR4) at the fetal-maternal interface during early gestation in sheep: alterations in expression of chemokines, angiogenic factors and their receptors. J. Anim. Sci. 95(3):1144-1153.
• AJ Roberts, A Gomes da Silva, RA Vraspir, AF Summers, TW Geary, RN Funston. 2017. Developmental and reproductive characteristics of beef heifers classified by pubertal status at time of first breeding. J Anim. Sci. 95:5629-5636.
• BG Smythe, S Urias, ME Wise, EJ Scholljegerdes, AF Summers, DW Bailey. 2017. Comparing visual and digital counting methods to estimate horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) populations on cattle. J Medical Entomol. 1-5. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjw248
• SM Romereim, AF Summers, WE Pholmeier, P Zang, XY Hou, HA Talbott, RA Cushman, JR Wood, JS Davis, AS Cupp. 2017. Transcriptomes of Bovine Ovarian Follicular and Luteal Cells. Data in Brief. 10:335-339.
• Proceedings:
• Prosser, S.Z., C.J. Maxam, K.E. Quinn, and R.L. Ashley. 2017. In utero inhibition of chemokine receptor four signaling alters peripheral blood immune response during early pregnancy in ewes. 89^th Annual Meeting of Western Section American Society of Animal Science.
• SL Rosasco, EJ Scholljegerdes, SH Cox, RC Dunlap, DM Hallford, and AF Summers. 2017. Influence of increased nutrient intake pre- and post-breeding on performance and reproductive efficiency of beef heifers. 89^th Annual Meeting of Western Section American Society of Animal Science.

• JK Beard, GA Silver, EJ Scholljegerdes, and AF Summers. 2017. The effect of precipitation received during gestation on progeny performance in Bos indicus-influenced beef cattle. 89^th Annual Meeting of Western Section American Society of Animal Science.

• Theses, Reports, and Dissertations:
• Beard, J. 2017. Effect of maternal stimuli during fetal development on beef progeny performance. NMSU MS Thesis.

Wyoming

Refereed Manuscripts

• Alexander, B. M. 2017. Male reproductive behavior:  Sensory signaling in the brain of low-performing domestic rams. Invited Review. Journal of Animal Science. Published online https://academic.oup.com/jas/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jas/sky117/4955201?guestAccessKey=743a270b-7bd0-476d-8b4a-4b026d81a00b
• Demirkhanyan, L. V. Krishnan, S. Asuthkar, B. Alexander, Z. Hussain, P. Baskaran, Y. Nersesyan, E. Pavlov, B.Thyagarajan, and E. Zakharian. 2017. TRPM8 regulates mammalian dimorphic sexual behaviors. Nature Comm. In review.
• Ghnenis, A. B., J. F. Odhiambo_, R. J. McCormick, P. W. Nathanielsz, and S. P. Ford. 2017. Maternal Obesity in the ewe increases cardiac ventricular expression of glucocorticoid receptors, pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in Adult Male Offspring_. PLoS ONE 12(12): e0189977. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189977 http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0189977
• Harstine, B.R., Cruppe, L.H., Abreu, F.M., Utt, M.D., Cipriano, R.S., Lemes, A., Premanandan, C., DeJarnette, J.M., Day, M.L., 2017. Impact of a timed-release follicle-stimulating hormone treatment from one to three months of age on endocrine and testicular development of prepubertal bulls. Journal of Animal Science 95, 1669-1679.
• Kramer, A.C., A.J. Mirto, K.J. Austin, B.M. Alexander. 2017. Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Rams with High or Low Libido—a role for Dopamine. Animal Reproduction Science. 187:152-158.
• Nurmamat, T., J. F. Odhiambo, D. R. Shasa, A. M. Smith, P. W. Nathanielsz, S. P. Ford. 2017. Maternal obesity programs reduced pituitary leptin signaling and altered GH/IGF1 axis function leading to increased adiposity in adult sheep offspring. PLoS ONE 12(8): e0181795.
• Mirto, A.J., K.J. Austin, V.A. Uthlaut, C.E. Roselli, B.M. Alexander, 2017. Fos Expression in the Olfactory Pathway of High- and Low-Sexually Performing Rams Exposed to Urine from Estrous or Ovariectomized Ewes. Applied Animal Behavior. 186:22-28. Available online. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2015.09.001.
• Smith, A. M., C. L. Pankey, J. F. Odhiambo, A. B. Ghnenis, P. W. Nathanielsz, and S. P. Ford. Reduced maternal nutrition during early- to mid-gestation elevates newborn lamb plasma cortisol concentrations and eliminates the neonatal leptin surge. J. Animal Sci. In review.
• Yang, S., Gerow, K.G., Huber, H.F., Considine, M.M., Li, C., Mattern, V., Comuzzie, A.G., Ford, S.P., Nathanielsz, P.W. 2017. A decline in female baboon hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity anticipates aging. Aging (Albany NY) 9, 1375-1385. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5472738/ Abstracts
• Considine, M. M., A. Ghenenis, C. Pankey, Q. Wang, J. F. Odhiambo, S. P Ford, P.W. Nathanielsz. 2018. Effects of Maternal Obesity on Body Fat Composition in Aged F1 Ewes. Rocky Mountain Reproduction Sciences Symposium, Fort Collins, CO.
• Pankey, Chris L., Carey Edwards, Qiurong Wang, John F. Odhiambo, Adel Ghnenis, Peter W. Nathanielsz, Stephen P. Ford. 2018. Maternal obesity (MO) results in altered cardiovascular (CV) function in young and aged offspring (F1). Society for Reproductive Investigation.
• Pankey, Chris L., John F. Odhiambo, Ashley M. Smith, Peter W. Nathanielsz, Stephen P. Ford. 2018. Maternal Obesity in Sheep Programs Metabolic Syndrome (MS) across Multiple Generations. Society for Reproductive Investigation.
• Pankey, Chris L. Peter W. Nathanielsz, Stephen P. Ford. 2018. Maternal Obesity in Sheep Increases Aortic Collagen:Elastin Ratio and Hypertension. Society for the Study of Reproduction.
• Sutton, C. M., R. L. Ziegler, K. J. Austin, B. M. Alexander. 2018. Evidence of TRPM8 channels in the ram brain: Quantitative comparison of TRPM8 positively stained neurons in the hypothalamus and amygdala of rams categorized behaviorally as low or high sexual performers. WSASAS. Bend, OR and Rocky Mountain Reproduction Sciences Symposium, Fort Collins, CO.
• Wang, Qiurong, John F. Odhiambo, Peter W. Nathanielsz, Stephen P. Ford, Jun Ren, Wei Guo^. 2018. RBM39 is Vital for Maternal Obesity Induced Fetal Sheep Cardiac Contractile dysfunction by Regulating Myocardial Autophagy. American Heart Association.
• Wang, Qiurong, John F. Odhiambo, Chris Pankey, Adel Ghnenis, Peter W. Nathanielsz, Stephen P. Ford, Wei Guo. 2018. Molecular Basis of Maternal Obesity Induced Fetal Cardiac Contractile Dysfunction. American Heart Association.
• Ziegler, R. L., K. J. Austin, J. E. Blake , J. E. Rowell, A. S. Cupp, M. P. Shipka, B. M. Alexander. 2018. Depo-Provera Increases Neural activity in the Central Amygdala of Reindeer Bulls. WSASAS. Bend, OR and Rocky Mountain Reproduction Sciences Symposium, Fort Collins, CO.