Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

• The meeting was held in Champaign, IL, by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The committee was welcomed by Dr. Daniel Shike, Interim Department Head of the Department of Animal Science. After the welcome, the group conducted introductions of participating faculty as well as graduate students in attendance. The group toured the Elanco Clinton Laboratory, where Rumensin and Experior are manufactured.
• Planning was discussed for 2027 meeting. The committee agreed that South Dakota State University will host the 2027 meeting in Brookings, SD on May 17-21. Tentative plans were made for 2028 in the Texas panhandle co-hosted by Texas A&M Agrilife and West Texas A&M and for 2029 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.
• Administrative update was provided Dr. Steve Loerch. He commended the committee on the outstanding meeting attendance and continued growth of the committee through new members. He also provided an update on reporting guidelines, project renewal timelines, and highlighted the work conducted by this committee for the 48th Discover Conference held in Itasca, IL in coordination with the American Dairy Science Association.
• A report from USDA was provided by USDA. Information provided the committee additional context for changes at USDA related to the restructuring plan and timelines for prior reviews and request for proposals.
• Fourteen station reports highlighted reported progress toward the committee objectives while facilitating discussion of future work still needed to address the objectives.
• On May 20, the committee toured the Beef and Sheep Research Field Laboratory located in Urbana, IL the tour was led by Jackson Matthews, Facility Manager.

Accomplishments: NCCC-308 researchers generated and disseminated new knowledge that advances feedlot cattle nutrition, health, performance, and strengthens land-stewardship. Through a multistate collaboration involving over 14 institutions, members published 81 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 76 scientific presentations, providing science-based solutions related to precision nutrition, disease resilience, feed efficiency, alternative feed resources, and carcass value. These efforts expanded research capacity, strengthened industry outreach, and delivered practical management strategies that support a more profitable and efficient beef production system.

Short-term outcomes: Research conducted by NCCC-308 is providing producers, nutritionists, and allied industry professionals with practical, science-based strategies to improve feedlot cattle performance, health, and sustainability. Findings on trace mineral management, feed additives, alternative feed resources, and precision feeding programs are helping producers make more informed management decisions that can enhance feed efficiency, reduce disease risk, improve carcass value, and lower environmental impacts. In the short term, the committee's collaborative research efforts, scientific outreach, and expanded research capacity have increased access to new technologies and management practices that support a more profitable and resilient beef production system.

Outputs: Members of the NCCC-308 multistate group have organized meetings that discuss feedlot nutrition and management, presented more than 76 scientific presentations, and published 81 peer reviewed journal articles. Important findings include:

· Crossbred beef x dairy calves are beginning to replace a portion of the beef supply chain. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University observed that the efficiency of beef x Holstein is dictated by early life impacts. (PSU)

· The sorghum and wheatlage results suggest farmers could potentially reduce feed costs by choosing to feed alternative forages in place of corn silage. (PSU)

· Moderating mature cow size can improve biological efficiency in Angus cows in Pennsylvania without substantially reducing calf output. (PSU)

· Trace mineral management influences cattle health, with copper, zinc, and intranasal mineral strategies affecting stress response and BRD susceptibility. (ISU)

· Research supports precision nutrition for longer-fed, heavier cattle to improve feed efficiency, carcass value, and profitability. (ISU)

· Strategic lubabegron supplementation enhances growth, feed and nitrogen efficiency, while maintaining carcass quality. (ISU)

· Kansas State University demonstrated that UAV-based imaging technologies can accurately characterize feedlot pen moisture, cattle inventories, and particulate matter exposure under practical commercial feedyard conditions. (KSU)

· Collaborative programmed feeding research demonstrated methane emissions from finishing cattle could be reduced approximately 16% and methane emission intensity reduced approximately 21% without negatively affecting overall cattle performance or carcass quality. (KSU)

· Through the pea screening project we are working on we plan to enhance the utilization of C capture from byproducts from local industries. (MtSU)

· With the preliminary data from my initial three projects to evaluate the potential to mitigate CH4 using invasive weeds, I plan to obtain extracts able to be escalated to become alternative additives to enhance the environmental sustainability of the feedlot industry. (MtSU)

· Through the pea screening project, we also plan to evaluate the impact of the proposed replacement on the animal performance and carcass quality. (MtSU)

· SimAngus × Holstein steers displayed a greater ADG and feed efficiency, and subsequently required fewer days on feed, compared with SimAngus and Holstein steers to reach a similar empty body fat percentage. Dairy influenced steers and heifers had a greater visceral organ mass as a percentage of empty body weight to maintain compared with SimAngus steers. Carcasses from SimAngus × Holstein steers were intermediate to SimAngus and Holstein steers for dressing percentage, backfat thickness, ribeye area, kidney, pelvic, heart fat percentage, and marbling score. Similarly, SimAngus × Holstein steer carcasses were intermediate between SimAngus and Holstein steer carcasses for red meat, fat, and bone yield. (MSU)

· Feeding palm oil improves efficiency by 5% and is similar to other established fat sources, but is still not economical. (UNL)

· Continued to focus on the value of distillers that either varies by source or by inclusion in the diet. (UNL)

· With soybean processing expected to increase, our focus is to increase utilization and options to feed soybeans, processed beans, or soy protein products as well as distillers grains as competitiveness of distillers pricing is likely for beef producers. (UNL)

· Tylosin + Monensin supplementation altered bile acid composition in the gall bladder and jejunum of steers to one that supports intestinal health. (Purdue)

· Cattle with liver abscesses exhibit increased concentrations of protective bile acids, potentially as a response to hepatic stress. (Purdue)

· Supplementation with essential oil blends altered physiological responses to transport stress in feedlot cattle, with treatment-specific effects on respiratory function, oxygenation, and inflammatory markers. (Purdue)

· There is a need for omega 3 fatty acids in feedlot cattle. (The OSU)

· The discovery of a link between feed efficiency in cattle fed high-grain diets and glucose metabolism opens the door for future interventions in beef cattle aimed at addressing a potential decrease in insulin sensitivity towards the end of the finishing period. Future research will focus on the potential of rumen-protected glucose to enhance marbling in finishing beef cattle potentially undergoing decreased insulin sensitivity. (UF)

· Recent findings with a multi-additive oral drench administered to high-risk stocker cattle may help address one of the greatest issues in the beef cattle industry which is the documented increase in the incidence of mortality, largely related to respiratory illnesses. Our preliminary research shows reductions in the use of antibiotics as a first pull in stocking beef cattle. Future research is concentrating in the optimization of protocols

using these treatments, including the need for re-drenching after 30 days of cattle arrival to the stocker unit. (UF)

· The use of extruded soybeans as a full or partial replacement of corn DGS in cattle diets can increase hot carcass weight by 20 to 30 lb. (SDSU).

· Phytogenic blends containing garlic, capsicum, and clove fed in addition to monensin sodium can enhance feed efficiency by 1 to 2% (SDSU)

· Rye grain can effectively displace a portion of corn grain in cattle diets (SDSU)

Activities

· In 2025, to address Objective 3, NCCC-308 researchers led the 48th Discover Conference in Itasca, Illinois from 13-16 October 2025 that addressed Beef x Dairy: Opportunity Intersection of Nutrition, Genetics, and Management (American Dairy Science Association > Meetings > 48th Discover Conference). The Scientific Organizing committee was entirely made up of NCCC-308 members who were deeply involved in creation of this. The Discover Conferences serve as a type of “Gordon Conference for Agriculture” and this special edition was jointly sponsored by the American Dairy Science Association and American Society of Animal Science, and was the first joint meeting of the two societies in 10 years. Meeting attendance was the highest of all previous Discover conferences >300 attendees, and as a result of the enthusiasm from academics and industry NCCC-308 is beginning planning to lead a follow up conference in 2028.

· Presented 75 scientific presentations discussing feedlot nutrition and management.

· Published 81 peer reviewed journal articles.

1. and Hansen, S. L. 2025. Zinc supplementation prior to transit and transit duration effects on inflammation and oxidative stress of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci.
2. Eekhoff, M. K., D. T. Smerchek, E. L. Rients, J. A. Henderson, B. M. Ortner, A. M. Baumhover, J. McGill, and S. L. Hansen. 2025. Enhancing steer growth and producer environmental stewardship through growth promoting technologies. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 1): 228–229.
3. Henderson, J.A., J.L McGill, S.L. Hansen. 2025. Effect of excess liver copper concentration on response to bovine respiratory disease challenge in dairy-beef steers. Plains Nutrition Council Meeting.
4. Baumhover, A. M., Ortner, B. M., Thomson, D. U., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K. S., and Hansen, S. L. 2025 Zinc supplementation prior to transit and transit duration effects on receiving performance of beef steers. Plains Nutrition Council Meeting.
5. Hansen, S. L. 2025. Ethical considerations and AI education in animal science. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 3): 108–109.
6. Hansen, S. L. 2025. Strategies to tailor mentoring to the individual. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 3): 330.
7. Steph Hansen and Mary Drewnoski. 2025. The Graduate Mentor’s Trail Map: A practical guide for faculty.
8. Smith Z.KF., Rusche W.C., Smerchek, D.T. Implant Strategies for Different Cattle Groups. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2026 Mar;42(1):43-58. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2025.10.001. Epub 2026 Jan 12. PMID: 41530014.
9. Bemisderfer, M.L., C.J. Schneider, L.R. Thompson, and H.E. Larson. 2026. Effects of 28-day rotation of monensin and laidlomycin propionate on commercial cattle performance during the growing phase. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 12(1):1–8.
10. Bemisderfer, M.L., P. Ruiz Gonzalez, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Sampling considerations for fecal starch and fecal pH assessment in commercial feedlot cattle. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–7.
11. Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, D.A. Blasi, and H.E. Larson. 2026. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery to assess the nutrient landscape of cattle pens. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 12(1):1–6.
12. Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Association of feedlot pen-surface moisture, pH, and temperature with unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–7.
13. Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, B.W. Auvermann, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies to evaluate cattle dust exposure at the bunk from feed truck traffic. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–6.
14. Diller, L.E., M. Shelor, and H.E. Larson. 2027. Comparing UAV imagery for cattle headcounts to conventional headcount practices in a commercial feedyard. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 13(1):1–5.
15. Weir, C., Z. Smith, H.E. Larson, D.A. Blasi, and L.R. Thompson. 2025. Effects of programmed feeding strategies on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and enteric emissions of finishing beef heifers. Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day Research Reports 11(1):1–9.
16. Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, W.B. Hollenbeck, E.C. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. 2025. Use of fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Journal of Animal Science 103(Suppl. 2):45–46.
17. Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, W.B. Hollenbeck, E.C. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. 2025. Evaluation of lignin fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 11(1):1–8.
18. Bemisderfer, M.L., C.J. Schneider, L.R. Thompson, and H.E. Larson. Effects of 28-day rotation of monensin and laidlomycin propionate on commercial cattle performance during the growing phase. Presented at the 2025 ASAS National Meeting, Hollywood, FL; 2026 Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference; 2025 K-State Stocker Day; 2025 UNL Husker Nutrition Conference; and 2025 K-State Olathe Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference.
19. Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, D.A. Blasi, and H.E. Larson. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery to assess the nutrient landscape of cattle pens. Poster presentations at 2025 Midwest ASAS; 2025 Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference; 2025 K-State Stocker Day; 2025 UNL Husker Nutrition Conference; and 2025 K-State Olathe Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference.
20. Diller, L.E., L.R. Thompson, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. Association of feedlot pen-surface moisture, pH, and temperature with unmanned aerial vehicle thermal imagery. Poster presentation at Midwest ASAS annual meeting.
21. Ruiz Gonzalez, P., M.L. Bemisderfer, C.J. Schneider, and H.E. Larson. Quantifying fecal starch variation in a commercial feedyard to inform sample size requirements for pen-level assessment. Poster presentation at Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference.
22. Shelor, M., L.E. Diller, and H.E. Larson. Comparing UAV imagery for cattle headcounts to conventional headcount practices in a commercial feedyard. Poster presentation at the Kansas State University Undergraduate Research Symposium.
23. Weir, C., Z. Smith, H.E. Larson, D.A. Blasi, and L.R. Thompson. Effects of programmed feeding strategies on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and enteric emissions of finishing beef heifers. Presented at Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day.
24. Weir, C., Z. Duncan, C. Ellis, M. Weigand, B. Hollenbeck, E. Titgemeyer, and D.A. Blasi. An evaluation of fiber recovered from dairy manure as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Presented at Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day.
25. Cuervo W., Gonella, A., Hackmann, T, J., Gomez, C., Tarnonsky, F., Fernandez-Marenchino, I., Podversich, F., Maderal, A., Dubeux, G., Fernandez-Lehman, A., Foote, A., King, M., Vargas, J., and Nicolas DiLorenzo. (2026). TECHNICAL NOTE: Enhancing the quantification of microbial crude protein synthesis in beef cattle: the combined use of 16S/18S rDNA markers and triple marker technique. Submitted JAS
26. Vasco ACCM, Warren LK, Silva GM, Cuervo-Vivas W, Brandi RA, Silva VP, Lance JM, Dubeux JC Jr, Wickens CL. Blood and fecal metabolic responses of mature horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. J Equine Vet Sci. 2026 Feb 11:105805. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105805. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41687725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105805
27. C.C.M. Vasco, L.K. Warren, G.M. Silva, W. Cuervo-Vivas, R. A. Brandi, V. P. Silva, J.M. Lance, C.L. Wicken (2026). In vitro digestibility of dry matter and fiber components and gas production of hays used in equine diets and incubated in equine cecal inoculum Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Intended submission - March 2026. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.600
28. Venturini, M., Heredia, D., Lopez Duarte, M, C., Joyce, K., Ruiz-Moreno, M., Tarnonsky, F., Cuervo, W., Ashrafi, N., Graham, S., Thatcher, W., Bittar, J., Dubeux, J., Chebel, R., DiLorenzo, N., and Gonella, A. (Submitted on 2026). Plasma molecular biomarkers for residual feed intake prediction in beef bulls. Accepted - Journal of Animal Sciences. https://academic.oup.com/tas/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/tas/txag020/67077443/txag020.pdf
29. Fernandez-Lehmann, A., Gomez-Lopez, C., Tarnonsky, F., Fernandez-Marenchino, I., Maderal, A., Podversich, F., Schulmeister T., Vargas J., Dubeux G., Erazo-Mendes C., Cuervo W., Venturini M., Garcia L., Castillo A., and DiLorenzo N. (2026). Associative effects of external buffers and plant secondary metabolites on ruminal fermentation during an induced subacute ruminal acidosis challenge in beef steers. Journal of Animal Science, skag123. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag123
30. Vargas, J. D. J., Tarnonsky, F., Maderal, A., Podversich, F., Fernández-Marenchino, I., Cuervo, W., Vanesa Ramirez, Sabina Novo, Andrés Fernández-Lehmann, Martín Ruiz-Moreno, Tessa M Schulmeister, Isabel Ruiz-Ascacibar, Ignacio R Ipharraguerre, and DiLorenzo, N. (2025). Impact of supplementing different sources of non-protein nitrogen on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle consuming a corn silage-based diet. Journal of Animal Science, 103, skaf272. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf272
31. Luke, J. R., Jaborek, J. R. 2026. Market price differences between beef-dairy-cross calves and dairy bull calves from Kentucky and Pennsylvania auctions. Appl. Anim. Sci., TBC: 1-10.
32. Pucetti, P., J. T. da Silva, J. A. Baroni, L. M. Gandra, C. S. Bittencort, I. P. Siqueira, L. N. Renno, S. A. Lopes, M. L. Chizzotti, P. V. R. Pauliano, K. C. Swanson, and S. C. V. Filho. Effect of duration of feeding a sorghum silage-based backgrounding diet in an intense postweaning production system for Nellore bulls on growth performance. 2026. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 334:116669.
33. Safain, K. S., K. C. Swanson, J. S. Caton. 2026. The interplay of one-carbon metabolism, mitochondrial function, and developmental programming in ruminant livestock. J. Develop. Biol. 14:3.
34. Safain, K. Z., M. S. Crouse, M. R. Hirchert, Y. L. Entzie, J. G. Syring, M. Daneshi, M. Anas, L. E. King, L. P. Reynolds, P. P. Borowicz, C. R. Dahlen, A. K. Ward, J. S. Caton, and K. C. Swanson. 2025. Tissue-specific mitochondrial functionality and mitochondrial-related gene profiles in response to maternal nutrition and one-carbon metabolite supplementation during early pregnancy in heifers. Animals. 15:2689
35. Gullickson, G. J., M. S. Nichols, L. E. Hansen, Y. L. Enzie, J. G. Syring, S. R. Underdahl, L. L. Hulsman Hanna, C. T. Tobin, K. C. Swanson, and Z. E. Carlson. 2025. The effects of replacing dried distillers grains with solubles with heat-treated soybean meal in forage-based diets on growth performance, nutrient flow, and digestibility in steers. J. Anim. Sci. 103:skaf224.
36. Craner, A. J., C. R. Dahlen, J. L. Hurlbert, A. C. B. Menezes, P. Banerjee, F. Baumgaertner, K. A. Bochantin-Winders, S. Amat, K. K. Sedivec, K. C. Swanson, and W. J. S. Diniz. 2025. Early life programming of the neonatal bovine jejunum in response to maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation. J. Dev. Orig. Health Dis. 16:e24.
37. Safain, K. S., M. S. Crouse, J. G. Syring, Y. L. Entzie, L. E. King, A. K. Ward, L. P Reynolds, P. P. Borowicz, C. R. Dahlen, K. C. Swanson, and J. S. Caton. 2025. Early gestational hepatic lipidomic profiles are modulated by one-carbon metabolite supplementation and nutrient restriction in beef heifers and fetuses. Metabolites. 15:302.
38. Antunes, S. L., D. Machado, M. A. P. Mschiatti, I. F. Vicci, V. N. Gouvea, L. O. Tedeschi, J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, and F. A. P. Santos. 2025. Inclusion of dry or wet fiber plus solubles or high protein distillers grains to replace flint corn, whole cottonseed, and soybean meal in diets for finishing Nellore bulls. Transl. Anim. Sci. 9:txaf079 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaf079
39. Boyd, B. M., B. W. Neville, K. E. Hales, A. P. Foote, S. D. Shackelford, and G. E. Erickson. 2025. Effects of inclusion of urea and wet distillers with solubles in diets based on dry-rolled corn on heifer performance and carcass characteristics. Appl. Anim. Sci. 41:85-92 https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2024-02612
40. Galyean, M. L., K. A. Beauchemin, J. S. Caton, N. A. Cole, J. H. Eisemann, T. E. Engle, G. E. Erickson, C. R. Krehbiel, R. P. Lemenager, and L. O. Tedeschi. 2025. Knowledge gaps in the nutrient requirements of beef cattle. Ruminants 5, 29 https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5030029
41. Hess, M. K., R. L. McDermott, G. E. Erickson, and M. L. Spangler. 2025. Genomics of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 103:skaf029   https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf029
42. Zhao, B, J. Hiller, T. Awada, B. Wardlow, G. Erickson, and Y. Shi. 2025. Forage biomass estimation using UAV-based remote sensing and machine learning: A tool for assessing management practices. Ecological Informatics 90:103361 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103361
43. Centeno-Delphia, R.E., N. Glidden, E. Long, A. Ellis, S. Hoffman, K. Mosier, N. Ulloa, J.J. Cheng, J.L. DavidsonG, S. Mohan, M. Kamel, J.I. Szasz, J. Schoonmaker, J. Koziol, J.P. Boerman, A. Ault, M.S. Verma, and T.A. Johnson. 2025. Nasal pathobiont abundance is a moderate feedlot-dependent indicator of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle. Anim. Microbiome. 7:27 (1-16). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-025-00387-y
44. Kamel, M., J.L. Davidson, A. Dextre, A. Ault, D. Pillai, J. Koziol, J. Schoonmaker, T.A. Johnson, and M.S. Verma. 2025. Development and evaluation of novel quantitative PCR (qPCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for bovine adenovirus type 7. bioRxiv 2025.11.06.687058. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.06.687058
45. Schoonmaker, J. P. 2025. Gut barrier structure and function. Chapter 15. Pages 163-170 in Rumen Health Compendium. L.O. Tedeschi and T.G. Nagaraja, eds. (2 ed.). Kendall Hunt, Dubuque, IA.
46. Torres, R. de N. S., L.A.L. Chardulo, W. A. Baldassini, R.A. Curi, G.L. Pereira, R. A. T. de Almeida, M. T. C. Almeida, J. P. Schoonmaker, M. Gagaoua, and O.R. Machado Neto. 2025. How different strategies affect intramuscular fat deposition and marbling in meat: A meta-analysis on beef cattle. Anim. Prod. Sci. 65:AN25052. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN25052
47. Waldon NL, Garcia LG, Clevenger D, Relling AE. 2025. Effect of diet mixing strategies on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Transl Anim Sci.  doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf159.
48. Sella ME, Campagna AA, Taminelli GL, Fabra MC, Relling A, Nikoloff N, Carranza-Martin AC. 2025. Effects of resolvin D1 on bovine oocytes, cumulus cells, and in vitro embryo development. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117789.
49. Carranza-Martin, A. C., K. R. Nickles, D. Sherlock, and A. E. Relling. 2025. Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids during late gestation alters fatty acid profiles in ewe colostrum, milk, and plasma, and lamb plasma. J. Anim. Sci. skaf366. doi: 10.1093/jas/skaf366/8305180
50. Waldon, N. L., L. G. Garcia., D. D. Clevenger, and A. E. 2025. Effect of diet mixing strategies on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Trans. Anim. Sci.10:9:txaf159. doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf159
51. Scott, K. G., B. M. Bohrer, A. E. Relling, and B. J. Campbell. 2025. The effects of castration (ram lambs versus wether lambs) on animal growth, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and cutability. T. Anim. Sci. txaf154. doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf154
52. Garcia, B. M. C., B. Bohrer, S. Boyles, J. Rumble, A. E. Relling, and L. G. Garcia (accepted.). Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey of Carcass Characteristics Related to Quality Attributes and the Investigation of Meat Processor Needs. Journal of Extension.
53. Roque Jimenez J. A., L. D. de León-Martinez, G. D. Mendoza-Martínez, R. Flores-Ramírez, G. Espinosa-Reyes, A. E. Relling, U. Macias-Cruz, M. López-Romero, and H. A. Lee-Rangel. 2025 Effects of Salsola tragus as a Forage Source During Fattening on Productivity and Meat Metabolomics of Rambouillet Lambs. Ruminants 5:32. doi:10.3390/ruminants5030032
54. Ahn, J., I. S. Hwang, M. R. Park, M. Rosa-Velazquez, I. C. Cho, A. E. Relling, S. Hwang, and K. Lee. 2025. Evolutionary lineage-specific genomic imprinting at the ZNF791 locus. PLOS Genetics 21: e1011532. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1011532.
55. Mu, L., K. V. Almeida, C. A. Nino de Guzman, I. Fernandez-Marenchino, K. G. Arriola, H. Sultana, N. DiLorenzo, W. Li, and D. Vyas. 2026. Effect of exogenous glucoamylase on ruminal in situ and in vitro dry matter and starch degradability of cereal grains in beef cattle. Animal Bioscience. doi: 10.5713/ab.25.0328
56. Vargas, J. J., M. Swenson, M. Gomez Salmoral, L. Garcia, E. M. Paula, L. G. Sitorski, L. M. Campos, P. H. V. Carvalho, K. R. Stackhouse-Lawson, N. DiLorenzo, and S. E. Place. 2025. Use of animal performance and gas flux for estimating dry matter intake in growing steers. Trans. Anim. Sci. 9:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaf111
57. Vargas, J. J., F. Tarnonsky, A. Maderal, F. Podversich, I. Fernández-Marenchino, W. Cuervo, V. Ramirez, S. Novo, A. Fernández-Lehmann, M. Ruiz-Moreno, T. M. Schulmeister, I. Ruiz-Ascacibar, I. R. Ipharraguerre, and N. DiLorenzo. 2025. Impact of supplementing different sources of non-protein nitrogen on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle consuming a corn silage-based diet. J. Anim. Sci. 103:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf272
58. Fernandez-Marenchino, I., L. Garcia, A. Maderal, F. Tarnonsky, F. Podversich, J. J. Vargas, W. Cuervo, C. Gomez-Lopez, T. M. Schulmeister, I. Yoon, and N. DiLorenzo. 2025. Assessing the effects of supplementation with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic on methane production, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient utilization in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 103:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf223
59. Silva, G. M., A. E. Moreira da Silva, A. Macias Franco, M. E. Garcia-Ascolani, F. Podversich, and N. DiLorenzo. 2025. Invited review: Utilizing polyclonal antibodies to improve rumen function. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 105:1-12. dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2024-0158
60. DeHaan, E. R., C. W. Dornbach, A. D. Blair, N. C. Burdick Sanchez, J. A. Carroll, P. R. Broadway, W. C. Rusche, K. E. Hales, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Influence of source of origin and region of finishing on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing heifers fed in the United States. Journal of Animal Science 103:skaf013.
61. Francis, F. L., F. Podversich, W. C. Rusche, and Z. K. Smith. 2026. Increasing dietary roughage equivalent from 7 to 12% during the final 28 days on feed does not impact growth performance but may improve ruminal health in feedlot steers. Translational Animal Science doi: 10.1093/tas/txag068
62. Francis, F. L., T. J. Spore, B. Troyer, M. E. Corrigan, D. E. Amrine, D. G. Renter, M. May, C. Booker, T. Bryant, J. Szasz, A. Word, K. Karr, B. Holland, A. Turgeon, M. Theurer, T. Fox, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. A pooled analysis of seven large pen feedlot studies: Influence of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 on late-term mortality and growth performance of feedlot steers and heifers following terminal processing. Journal of Animal Science doi: 10.1093/jas/skaf263
63. Green, K. L., M. R. Kovarna, E. R. Schlegel, C. L. Wright, A. C. Menezes, Z. K. Smith, and J. N. Drum. 2025. Omega-3 supplement alters water consumption and plasma fatty acid profile of beef heifers. Journal of Animal Science 103:skaf312.
64. Johnson, B. J., Z. K. Smith, P. M. Urso, and J. Kim. 2025. International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology: Nutrient signaling to skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Journal of Dairy Science
65. Maia Ribeiro, T. L., F. L. Francis, W. C. Rusche, F. Podversich, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Effects of cyclic monensin supplementation: growth performance and carcase evaluation in beef steers fed a finishing diet. Italian Journal of Animal Science 24(1):2137-2145.
66. Maia Ribeiro, T. L., J. S. Heldt, E. H. Wall, B. K. Wilson, N. Owen, S. Davis, W. C. Rusche, F. Podversich, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Effects of a formulated botanical blend on growth performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot cattle: a pooled analysis. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A—Animal Science 74(4):171-181.
67. Podversich, F., J. Bonilla Urbina, C. Coble, Z. K. Smith, W. C. Rusche, R. O’Sullivan, M. J. Leggett, S. L. Parker-Norman, and A. C. B. Menezes. 2026. A Blend of Essential Oils (Blend of Eugenol, Linalool, Anethole, and Cinnamaldehyde) Increases Ruminal Propionate and Improves Total Tract Starch Digestibility in Steers Fed a Dry-Rolled Corn-Based Finishing Diet. Fermentation 12(5):248.
68. Podversich, F., J. E. Griffin, J. S. Heldt, W. C. Rusche, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Evaluation of feeding a glycerol-based electrolyte solution prior to harvest in beef steers. Translational Animal Science:txaf124.
69. Podversich, F., T. L. M. Ribeiro, F. L. Francis, W. C. Rusche, and Z. K. F. Smith. 2025. Evaluation of dietary inclusion of a blend of essential oils and probiotics for growing beef cattle. Translational Animal Science 9doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf157
70. Podversich, F., W. Rusche, S. Bird, B. Rops, P. Sexton, and Z. Smith. 2025. Hybrid rye grain inclusion strategies as a replacement for corn grain in finishing cattle diets: Effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics1. Translational Animal Science:txaf059.
71. Podversich, F., W. C. Rusche, S. L. Bird, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Effect of processing method of hybrid rye grain on growth performance, dietary net energy utilization, and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers fed a finishing diet. Translational Animal Science 9:txaf102.
72. Ribeiro, T. L. M., B. B. Grimes Francis, C. R. Ross, J. J. Delver, F. L. Francis, J. S. Heldt, E. H. Wall, W. C. Rusche, and Z. K. Smith. 2025. Evaluation of a phytogenic blend fed with monensin on post-weaning growth performance, health, and sera metabolite responses during the initial 56 d feedlot receiving period in steer calves. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A — Animal Science 74(1):18-26. doi: 10.1080/09064702.2024.2402696
73. Smith, Z. K., and B. J. Johnson. 2026. Introduction to Hormonal Growth Promotants and Mechanism of Action. Veterinary Clinics: Food Animal Practice 42(1):31-41.
74. Smith, Z. K., W. C. Rusche, and D. T. Smerchek. 2026. Implant Strategies for Different Cattle Groups. Veterinary Clinics: Food Animal Practice
75. Tarpoff, A., Z. Smith, and M. Brouk. 2025. Mitigating Impacts of Environmental Extremes in Ruminant Animals. Veterinary Clinics: Food Animal Practice 41(3):379-393.
76. Wehrbein, M. A., F. Podversich, H. M. Menendez, Z. K. F. Smith, W. C. Rusche, and A. C. B. Menezes. 2026. Optimizing Nutrient and Water Utilization During Late Gestation and Early Lactation in Beef Cows: The Power of Limit-Feeding a Precision Energy Diet. AgriEngineering 8(5):196.