Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

On Thursday 9/5, the WERA-1 multistate research group visited South Dakota State University faculty and staff at the Cottonwood Research Station in Philip, SD.  Scientists at this meeting discussed their research projects and exchanged information.  The WERA-1 group also toured facilities at the Cottonwood Research Station.

On Friday 9/6, station reports from South Dakota, Texas, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming were presented.  We discussed joint sharing of research data for a future manuscript, stakeholder article, or proceedings paper.  We also discussed opportunities for sharing educational materials.  The decision was made to hold the 2025 WERA-1 annual meeting at the USDA-ARS Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska.  We will explore the possibility of meeting jointly with the S-1086 multistate research group, which is planning on meeting at the same location in 2025.  

Montana State

Lead Scientist: 

Jennifer Thomson (Montana State University)

Collaborators: 

Jane Ann Boles (Montana State University)                   Gordon Carstens (Texas A & M)

Mike Frisina (Montana State University)                        Valerie Copie (Montana State University)

Lauren Hanna (North Dakota State University)                                              

Graduate Students:

            Galen O’Shea (PhD)

            James Adeyemi (PhD)

            Nathan Schaff (PhD)

Short-term Outcomes:

Improved understanding of Residual Feed Intake biology and elimination of several possible biological markers from consideration.

Improved understanding of metabolism and biology of fattening feedlot cattle to improve management and resource efficiency.

Outputs:

Final report submitted for completed USDA-NIFA research project.

Recent publications in Animals.

Proceedings papers and presentations at WSASAS meeting, ASAS National Meeting

Approximately 3400 DNA samples archived on Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Cattle, and Sheep

Activites:

Project Objectives and Relevant Research under each:

1. Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry.

My research is evaluating muscle and adipose tissue gene expression and metabolites during the late feedlot fattening period in steers. This will be used to better understand how fattening is regulated so a specific carcass quality grade can be achieved and to allow precision management of feedlot cattle.

We have a project evaluating metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, circulating metabolites and liver gene expression throughout two yearly production cycles with samples taken in each season and three samples taken during the winter in both supplemented and grazing cows.

       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.

My research is identifying metabolite and transcript expression biomarkers for USDA quality grade, temperament, feed efficiency, and response to changing environments.

       3. Exchange information, discuss research results, plan new research, examine recent developments, discuss future problems, plan cooperative research, and share ideas for interdisciplinary involvement in beef cattle breeding research for the Western United States.

Finishing cooperative project with Lauren Hanna at NDSU and exploring opportunities for collaboration with SDSU. Active collaboration with Texas A and M.

Milestones:

Highly interdisciplinary research program across departments within MSU and with collaborators across the country.

South Dakota State

During the reporting period, South Dakota State University (SDSU) published three peer-reviewed manuscripts and one report related to beef cattle breeding and genetics.  Below is a summary of accomplishments organized by project objective.

Objective 1. Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry.

Water intake data continues to be collected on beef calves at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (CCERF).  Individual calf water intake is measured with Insentec waterers.  Currently, only the SDSU research station is collecting this information because other participants do not have the technology available to collect this data.  We collected data on 40 calves during the reporting period.  These calves are registered with either the American Angus Association or American Simmental Association; thus, pedigree records are available.  A tissue sample from each animal has also been collected for DNA isolation.  This population resource is being collected to eventually estimate heritability of water intake and efficiency, genetic and phenotypic correlations between water intake and other traits, and to map loci associated with water intake and efficiency.  This information could be used for development of genetic selection tools (e.g., expected progeny differences, DNA tests) for water intake and efficiency in beef cattle.  Once enough records are collected, information will be communicated to livestock producers via Extension reports and updates.  We will work with SDSU Extension to deliver this information to stakeholders.

We will continue to collect water intake data on calves.  We anticipate being able to collect data on about 40 bull calves each year.  This work will lead to decreased costs of production and increased technology adoption by beef producers.  The work also will be relevant for reducing the environmental footprint of beef production by increasing availability of genetic selection tools for reducing water requirements of beef cattle.  This work is especially important given the potential impacts of climate change on water availability.

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.

The focus of this research is on understanding the genetics of beef cattle breeds that are indigenous to southern Africa.  Although these breeds are not presently in the USA in large numbers, it is possible that these breeds may be useful additions to beef herds in this country.  Further, these breeds are extensively used in southern Africa.  An understanding of the genetics of these breeds will lead to increased beef production and reduced costs for African livestock producers.  Finally, lessons learned from research completed on breeds in Africa may be relevant for US cattle production.

One of the focus areas was on longevity in the Afrikaner breed of cattle.  This research was done in collaboration with the South African Agricultural Research Council and Delta G Genetics in Miles City, Montana.  Data on calving dates for Afrikaner cows was collected from the Afrikaner breed association.  The data was mined to estimate genetic and environmental effects on longevity of Afrikaner cows in South Africa.  Season of birth and age at first calving was associated with longevity; in particular, heifers that calved earlier had longer longevity.  The heritability of longevity was 0.22, strongly suggesting that selection for increased longevity in Afrikaner cattle is possible.   Genetic trends were also assessed; recent data suggests that genetic merit for longevity in the Afrikaner breed has worsened since the year 2000.

We were also able to estimate whether crossbreeding Bonsmara x Afrikaner cattle improved longevity.  Although an improvement in longevity, likely due to increased heterosis, was observed in the crossbred cattle, the improvement in longevity dissipated after the second generation of backcrossing to the Afrikaner.  Finally, differences in gene expression of muscle tissue were assessed in two breeds of African cattle (Nguni and Bonsmara) fed two different amounts of net energy.  Twenty genes were differentially abundant between the breeds, with two of these genes exhibiting an interaction between breed and net energy level.  Genes related to energy production were overrepresented among differentially abundant genes between breeds, which is logical given the higher growth rate and mature weight of Bonsmara cattle relative to the Nguni breed.

Future Activities

In addition to continually collecting water intake data, we will also be working on the following research projects, primarily in relation to Objective 2.

1. A manuscript on the effect of net energy of the diet fed to cows on muscle tissue gene expression of their calves is being prepared. We expect to submit this manuscript for publication during the next reporting period.
2. Working with a team of faculty at SDSU based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we are collecting greenhouse gas emission data for the purpose of identifying genetic differences affecting these emissions. The goal of this work is to develop a genetic tool that could be used to select cattle that produce less greenhouse gas emissions while also maintaining profitability.
3. A test purporting to predict optimum number of days on feed is being marketed by Neogen. We are in the process of validating this test. This work was funded by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation.  A report has also been written for the funder.  This information will directly help beef producers decide if using this DNA test is worthwhile.

Texas A&M

Information was delivered to producers through in-person presentations to approximately 600 participants. Results of various research outcomes and educational processes were published in scientific journals and presented at professional society meetings. Data were collected on approximately 400 crossbred calves. Laboratory assays were performed on approximately 400 project animals. New datasets were compiled from industry stakeholders as research cooperators with approximately 4,000 calf records.

Producer Education:

Herring, A.D. 2024. Basics of feeder calf evaluation and value. April 2024, Prairie View A&M University, Annual Ag Field Day, 35 participants.

Herring, A.D. 2024. Considerations of reciprocal effects among Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses for global beef value chains.Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course August 2024. 65 participants.

Co-coordinator of Breeding and Genetics educational sessions of 70^th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, August 5-7, 2024. Approximately 400 participants across three sessions.

Coordinator of Beef Cattle Research Session of 70^th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, August 5-7, 2024. Approximately 95 participants.

Herring, Andy. 2024. Genetic and selection tools to improve beef quality. BEEF 706 producer training. August 2024, College Station, TX. 35 participants.

New research partnerships were established with two cooperator producers to evaluate calf production with approximately 4,000 calf records.

Information regarding cattle breeding and genetic management was delivered to approximately 600 producers and industry stakeholders in Texas.

Wyoming

Research at UW Fitting with Objective 1: Create a phenotypic resource for genetic analysis of lowly heritable, economically relevant traits for the beef industry.

While there are currently expected progeny differences available for selection on feed efficiency metrics including feed intake, residual average daily gain, etc. and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), these remain limited by accuracy of these estimates in part due to low heritability of these traits but also lack of phenotypic records. At the University of Wyoming, our Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) is located at 7,200 feet, making it a unique location to accurately assess and evaluate PAP. The facility is also fitted with several precision intake technologies including Vytelle SENSE™ system and the C-Lock SmartFeed Pro, SmartFeed, and SmartScale technologies.

As part of ongoing research efforts (both grant funded and Hatch-Multistate funded) we have collected PAP phenotypes on over 200 head of finishing cattle paired with feed efficiency data, blood samples for future genomic evaluation, and carcass data. The incidence of feedlot deaths associated with heart failure continue to rise, leading to a urgent need to study bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) and develop tools to minimize risk of loss for feedlots. Although LREC is not situated at an elevation like many feedlots in the U.S. and BCHF is not always associated with altitude induced hypoxia, the presentation of both BCHF and Brisket Disease are very similar. As such, our research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1) Document temporal changes in PAP over the course of the finishing phase, 2) quantify the association between PAP and performance (gain, intake, etc.), 3) evaluate carcass characteristics in relation to PAP and performance records.

We expect to utilize this data to further quantify potential economic loss associated with BCHF outside of death loss. Simultaneously, we can continue to evaluate the economically important, yet low-moderately heritable trait of feed efficiency and continue our work on improved selection for this trait. We hypothesize there will be implications on animal performance and carcass characteristics associated with risk for heart failure.