Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

One agenda item was discussing the future of WERA-1.  A proposal was made that we annually meet with the S-1064 committee, which has goals and expertise similar to WERA-1.  One impetus of this proposal was the decreasing number of active WERA-1 members.  The official list of WERA-1 members includes only five stations: University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, and Montana State University.  By meeting annually with S-1064, we hope to increase collaborations among faculty with similar research, Extension, and teaching programs.  The representatives of the four stations present unanimously supported this proposal. 

Station reports were presented from South Dakota State University (Gonda/Abrams/Schmidt), Montana State University (Thomson), Colorado State University (Enns), and Texas A&M University (Herring/Riley).  We discussed the proposal to jointly meet with the S-1064 committee.  As a result, we have not identified a 2020 meeting location.  If we meet with S-1064, the meeting location will very likely be in Georgia (location of 2020 S-1064 meeting).  After the meeting, Dr. Lauren Hanna (North Dakota State University) agreed to take the lead on preparing next year’s annual report.

Objective 1: Develop, disseminate, and maintain resources for understanding genetics of beef cattle; specifically, topics of adaptability and retained heterosis

            Short-term Outcomes.  At Colorado State University, a new pulmonary arterial pressure Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) was released to American Angus Association members.  The adoption of this technology will allow beef producers to select for cattle that are better adapted to high altitudes (over 5500 feet).  Outreach at North Dakota State University resulted in one publication that discussed how to match frame size of beef cattle to their production environment, which would reduce beef producer feed costs.  At South Dakota State University, three students completed an online Beef Cattle Breeding class this summer, with plans to offer this course nationally through the AG-IDEA program.

Outputs.  At Montana State University, we have now genotyped close to 600 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep from Montana and Wyoming using the Ovine HD SNP chip.  We are in the process of genotyping 100 Argali sheep from Kyrgyzstan utilizing the ovine HD SNP chip.  We genotyped 245 Line 4 Hereford cattle for a project examining the molecular basis of inbreeding. 

            At North Dakota State University, publications and outreach presentations have been developed, including two popular press articles (see publications list).  At Colorado State University, a new pulmonary arterial pressure EPD was released to the beef industry in an effort to help select cattle more adapted to production environments over 5500 feet of elevation.  At South Dakota State University, we have completed the third year of instruction for a class titled “Beef Cattle Breeding”.  We plan to offer this class nationally through the AG-IDEA program.  This class addresses many issues arising when breeding beef cattle, including adaptability and retained heterosis.

            Activities.  At the University of Wyoming, a pilot study was started to better understand how and where colonization of the rumen microbiome in young calves occurs.  It is not known how colonization begins in utero; however, a strong link with host genetics exists.  This link may allow for not only management and feed interventions but also breeding decisions to be made with the goal of ensuring proper colonization of the rumen with microbial populations that re most beneficial to establishment of the gut barrier and immune response. 

Utilization of the SmartFeed Pro feeding system is being integrated at the University of Wyoming with our beef herd.  Our goal is to utilize this system along with the SmartScale to determine efficiency of supplement and mineral utilization in our replacement females.  This system will be used, along with other traits and information, to make informed selection decisions for replacement females retained in our herd.  Connecting their efficiency in a grazing system to their efficiency in a GrowSafe system will be instrumental to determine if the SmartFeed trailer system can be used to evaluate “efficiency” of those females and avoid the feedlot style test which may not represent those grazing females true efficiency in the environment which they will be expected to perform.

Milestones.  Two long-term goals relevant to this objective are planned at the University of Wyoming.  First, the components of host genetics and environment on early colonization so these two aspects can be utilized for selection and management decisions will be clearly defined.  Previous data in our lab shows a maternal genotype effect on the rumen microbiome, yet the true effect of crossbreeding and hybrid vigor effects on the rumen microbiome are yet to be answered.  Second, the SmartFeed Pro feeding system evaluation will provide valuable information on efficiency and ensure proper monitoring of supplement and/or mineral intake.  The benefits of heterosis are well known for many traits, but further defining the performance and economical benefit associated with the gain in performance on difficult to measure traits may be helpful.

At Montana State University, we are in the process of genotyping 300 dairy cattle from Australia, Canada, and the US for a project examining the host control of rumen microbial profile.  At South Dakota State University, our long-term goal is to offer our Beef Cattle Breeding online class to students nationwide through the AG-IDEA program.  The process to add this class to the AG-IDEA program will begin during the next reporting period.

Objective 2: Integrate quantitative and molecular research tools that contribute to the understanding of genetic prediction procedures and genetic associations among economically important traits and their indicators

            Short-term Outcomes.  Our most significant short-term outcomes are scientific publications, which will lead to the advancement of knowledge on the rumen microbiome, feed efficiency, pulmonary arterial pressure, and meat science and production trait genetics in beef cattle (see publications list).

            Outputs.  Montana State University has archived close to 600 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep samples and phenotypic data on 200 feedlot cattle including temperament scores, blood lactate measurements, health records, feedlot performance data, and small molecule metabolite markers.  Other outputs at Montana State University are as follows.

• Identification of differences in gene expression in animals whose carcasses graded standard, select, or choice.
• Marker identification, candidate gene identification, and genetic correlations with data from the American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program.

At North Dakota State University, temperament data was collected on ~1,600 Angus and Hereford influenced calves born between 2014-2017 (single herd of ~420 cows).  Temperament measures included docility score, temperament score (1-5 scale with 3 excluded), 12 behavioral attributes, and a four-platform standing scale to utilize weight shifts as a measure of temperament.  This dataset was completed during the reporting period.  Longevity, efficiency, and frame sizes were also collected on beef cows in a different research herd.  To date, DNA isolation and genotyping was completed on ~630 of these animals (bulls, cows and small set of steers).  Most parents and all project females have white blood cell pellets, DNA, and genotypes on the GeneSeek GGP 150K.  After quality checks, there are ~109K markers for use.  After this summer, the project herd will consist of ~230 head, depending on pregnancy outcomes.

At South Dakota State University, over 100,000 ultrasound carcass records were compiled from records provided by the American Angus Association, American Hereford Association, and American Simmental Association.  Analysis of this data suggested that technician, but not imaging laboratory, contributed to variability of ultrasound carcass measurements.

            Activities.  At North Dakota State University, current work is also aligning typical production data with temperament scores to make inferences about their relationship with novel and/or less characterized methods of temperament collection.  A feed trial, with the goal of studying longevity, efficiency, and frame size in beef cows, was also completed at yearling age that includes feed intake, behavior, size attributes, reproductive and physiological traits, and blood samples.  Heifers officially became project females for the long-term project if they weaned their first calf.  Finally, foundational work is being conducted on the NDSU Central Grasslands and Dickinson Research and Extension Center herds.

            At Montana State University, we are in the process of compiling genotypes and phenotypic records for the Line 1 and Line 4 Hereford populations in Miles City, MT and Havre, MT.  We have also been working on the following activities.  These activities are on-going and further work on these activities is expected next reporting period.

• Utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology in livestock populations.
• Pursuing the development of NMR in the feedlot for the prediction of subclinical feedlot illness.
• Generating host animal genotypes and rumen microbial phenotypes to examine host control of rumen microbiome.
• Examining Runs Of Homozygosity (ROH) and genome wide data to identify regions of the genome associated with inbreeding depression.

At the University of Wyoming, the effect of the rumen microbiome and the effects on feed efficiency is a major theme in our lab.  Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing of the rumen microbiome, we are able to characterize not only what microbes are present but also their functional role.  Recent studies investigating the maternal factors that impact early colonization of the rumen microbiome have been underway.  There is also an effort in our lab to utilize various data sets that have GrowSafe feed intake data and rumen microbiome data, to evaluate the use of this strategy in beef cattle.  This project has the potential to predict efficiency based on the rumen microbiome and/or to understand which microbes are most critical in animals with desirable feed efficiency.  There are various new sequencing techniques that make the possibility of chute-side testing a reality (MinION, iSeq, etc.).  It is imperative that a host of candidate microbial populations be well established so this chute-side testing can be effective and beneficial.

            Milestones.  At the University of Wyoming, the long-term goal relevant to this objective is discovering management, feeding, or other intervention strategies that may allow for programming of the microbiome to improve efficiency in offspring later in life.  At Montana State University, genotypic and phenotypic records from Line 1 and Line 4 Herefords will be used for a PhD Dissertation focusing on elucidating the molecular basis of inbreeding depression and sire line specific effects.  A follow-up study examining gene expression differences in animals whose carcasses graded standard, select, or choice will begin utilizing both steers and wethers.  Finally, the ASA Carcass Merit Program data will be submitted for publication.

            At North Dakota State University, current work is aligning typical production data with temperament scores to make inferences about their relationship with novel and/or less characterized methods of temperament collection.  All calves have white blood cell pellets available and we are seeking funds for DNA extraction and genotyping.

Objective 3: Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine new developments, and discuss future problems, plan cooperative research and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding in the Western U.S.

            Short-term Outcomes.  Graduate student recruitment is enhanced by both the online education system many WERA-1 members participate in, as well as through exchange of students entering graduate school.  For example, Colorado State University has a new student that was an undergraduate student at North Dakota State University working with Dr. Lauren Hanna (NDSU station representative).  As a result of our 2019 WERA-1 meeting, South Dakota State University has a new M.S. student who was recommended by representatives from Texas A&M University.

            Outputs.  At the University of Wyoming, an undergraduate student from the lab of the station manager (Cunningham) presented a poster at Western Section ASAS meetings this summer.  That meeting allowed for multiple meetings to take place to develop collaborative research plans with Western U.S. researchers.  At the 2019 Plant and Animal Genome conference, Dr. Cunningham presented data.  At this meeting, several conversations were made with scientists from institutions in the Western U.S. to define areas of need, areas where our lab could provide a valuable service to investigate an issue relevant to beef cattle producers, and to acknowledge areas where research efforts are lacking.

            Five meetings and presentations were attended by the North Dakota State University station: 1) North Dakota State University Extension In-Service, Rugby, ND.  (Talk: Genomic Testing in Livestock. Author: Hulsman-Hanna), 2) American Black Hereford Association National Meeting, St. Joseph, MO.  (Talk: EPD & Genomics: What is the Value?  Author: Hulsman-Hanna), 3) North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association Board of Directors Meeting, Bismarck, ND.  4) American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE.  5) American Society of Animal Science Western Section Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.

            New potential collaborators amongst WERA-1 members were identified at the last meeting.  Many of the participating institutions have systems to measure feed intake.  Pooling these resources will be used to further improve the efficiency of beef production in the US.  We are also discussing improved cooperation amongst our participating institutions as well as S-1064 members, which have similar goals and objectives.

            Activities.  Recently, the University of Wyoming (Cunningham) has joined an international flagship group investigating methane emissions in beef cattle.  We have reached out to potential new members in WERA-1 to consider joining our group.  We have also reached out to the S-1064 breeding group to explore holding more joint meetings.

            Milestones.  We will continue to recruit new members to WERA-1 and develop collaborations among universities participating in our group.  At the University of Wyoming, continued collaborations with an international flagship group investigating methane emissions is ongoing.  Efforts in the sheep industry have successfully developed selection programs for low methane emitting sheep and now these goals have been aimed at beef cattle.  While in the Western U.S. we are not under regulatory stress for methane emissions from livestock, we are hopeful to be part of the research that will allow us to “stay in front” of this growing issue and support our producers with science backed facts and provide strategies or options should regulatory pressures ever arise.  This move to select for lower emitting cattle may also lead to advantages in other related traits such as feed efficiency and would be beneficial for Western U.S. beef producers.

Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts

Bailey, D.W., M.G. Trotter, C.W. Knight, and M.G. Thomas.  2018.  Use of GPS tracking collars and accelerometers for rangeland livestock production.  Trans. Anim. Sci. 2: 81-88.

Boldt, R.J., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, and R.M. Enns.  2018.  Genetic parameters for fertility and production traits in Red Angus cattle.  J. Anim. Sci. 96: 4100-4111.

Crawford, N.F., S.J. Coleman, T.N. Holt, S.E. Speidel, R.M. Enns, R. Hamid, and M.G. Thomas.  2018.  Allele distribution and testing for association between an oxygen dependent degradation domain SNP in EPAS1 and pulmonary arterial pressures in yearling Angus cattle.  Agri Gene 9: 27-31.

Fonseca, P.A.S., S. Id-Lahoucine, A. Reverter, J.F. Medrano, M.R.S. Fortes, J. Casellas, F. Miglior, L. Brito, M.R.S. Carvalho, F.S. Schenkel, L.T. Nguyen, L.R. Porto-Neto, M.G. Thomas, and A. Canovas.  2018.  Combining multi-OMICS information to identify key-regulator genes for pleiotropic effect associated with fertility and production traits in beef cattle.  PLoS One 13: e0205295.

Krafsur, G.M., J.M. Neary, F. Garry, T. Holt, D.H. Gould, G.L. Mason, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, R.M Tuder, M.P. Heaton, R.D. Brown, and K.R. Stenmark.  2018.  Cardiopulmonary remodeling in fattened beef cattle: A naturally occurring large animal model of obesity-associated pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease.  Pulm. Circ. 9(1): 1-13.

Leyva-Corona, J.C., J.R. Reyna-Granados, R. Zamorano-Algandar, M.A. Sanchez-Castro, M.G. Thomas, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, G. Rincon, J.F. Medrano, and P. Luna-Nevarez.  2018.  Polymorphisms within the prolactin and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I functional pathways associated with fertility traits in Holstein cows raised in hot-humid climate.  Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 50: 1913-1920.

Marley, K., L.A. Kuehn, J. Keele, B. Wileman, and M.G. Gonda.  2018.  Genetic variation in humoral response to an Escherichia coli O157:H7 vaccine in beef cattle.  PLoS One 13(5): e0197347.

Mastellar, S.L., C.L. Wright, and M.G. Gonda.  2018.  Gender differences in career and species interests of animal and veterinary science first year students.  NACTA 63(1): 36-41.

Opdahl, L., M.G. Gonda, and B. St-Pierre.  2018.  Identification of uncultured bacterial species from Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and candidatus Saccharibacteria as candidate cellulose utilizers from the rumen of beef cows.  Microorganisms 6(1): 17.

Pauling, R.C., S.E. Speidel, M.G. Thomas, T.N. Holt, and R.M. Enns.  2018.  Evaluation of moderate to high elevation effects on pulmonary arterial pressure measures in Angus cattle.  J. Anim. Sci. 96: 3599-3605.

Speidel, S.E., B.A. Buckley, R.J. Boldt, R.M. Enns, J. Lee, M.L. Spangler, and M.G. Thomas.  2018.  Genome wide association of heifer pregnancy and stayability in Red Angus cattle.  J. Anim. Sci. 96: 846-853.

Conference Proceedings, Abstracts, and White Papers

Bhowmik, N., K.A. Ringwall, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna.  2019.  Genetic diversity and population structure in nine beef cattle sub-populations using whole genome SNP markers.  Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE.

Bhowmik, N., K.A. Ringwall, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, J.A. Clapper, A.K. Ward, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna.  2019.  The role of leptin in reproductive characteristics of commercial beef cows and heifers.  Trans. Anim. Sci.

Boles, J., S.A. Blatter, J. Thomson, and J.G. Berardinelli.  2018.  Molecular pathways for adipose tissue are altered in animals classed by marbling as Choice or Standard.  International Congress of Meat Science and Technology.  64: 2.

Celestino Jr., E.F., J.K. Hieber, C.R. Dahlen, D.G. Riley, S.A. Wagner, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna.  2019.  Differences in evaluators and genetic parameter estimation using subjective measurements of beef cattle temperament.  Trans. Anim. Sci.

Christensen, T.A., K.J. Austin, K.M. Cammack, and H.C. Cunningham-Hollinger.  2019.  Metagenomic analysis of rumen populations in week old calves altered by maternal late gestational nutrition and mode of delivery.  Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.

Cunningham-Hollinger, H.C., K.J. Austin, and K.M. Cammack.  2019.  Maternal influences on the calf rumen microbiome and subsequent host performance.  Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVII, San Diego, CA.

May, C.L., A.K. Ward, C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Ringwall, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna.  2019.  Bovine chromosome 19 VDR and GPRC5C genotypes are associated with udder conformation traits in crossbred beef cattle.  Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE.

Syring, J., C.R. Dahlen, K.C. Swanson, K.A. Ringwall, and L.L. Hulsman Hanna.  2019.  Effects of IFNT2 and IGF1R genes on reproductive success in beef cattle.  Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Boise, ID.

Thomas, M.G., J.M. Neary, G.M. Krafsur, T.N. Holt, R.M. Enns, S.E. Speidel, F.B. Garry, A. Canovas, J.F. Medrano, R.D. Brown, and K.R. Stenmark.  2018.  Pulmonary hypertension in beef cattle: A complicated threat to health and productivity in multiple beef industry segments.

Whaley, J.R., W.J. Means, J.P. Ritten, H. Cunningham-Hollinger, C.M. Page, H.N. McKibben, and W.C. Stewart.  2019.  A survey of lamb carcass characteristics in the Intermountain West during periods of seasonally constrained supply.  Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Boise, ID.

Non-Refereed/Popular Press Articles

Hulsman Hanna, L.L., M.A. Fevold, and R.J. Maddock.  2019.  The interplay of frame size and production efficiency: What is the right size?  The Ledger.  Summer 2019: 20-22.

Hulsman Hanna, L.L., T. Zimprich, K. Bernston, and W. Ogdahl.  2018.  NDSU Beef Teaching and Research Unit cattle: Genetic makeup resembles current industry production animals.  NDSU North Dakota Beef and Sheep Report, AS1899: 32-41.