Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM on August 13. D. Hamernick (USDA-CSREES Representative) provided handouts and gave an update on CSREES activities in Washington as well as the current USDA-ARS funding situation. C. Kaltenbach ((AZ, W-173 Administrative Advisor) provided the groups administrative report. Specific points of consideration were, 1) outcomes are important within individual station reports, 2) final report is due within 90 d of the annual meeting, 3) W-173 renewal is due 1, January 2006 and the rewrite needs to begin early next year. An explanation of distribution of the multistate project funds was requested. C. Kaltenbach provided an explanation to the group. Individual station reports were provided by participating members (USDA-ARS, IN, MS, NE, TX, FL, KY, and USDA-MARC, KS). The annual business meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM. The 2003-2004 minutes were approved. J. Bicudo was elected in-coming Chair for 2004-2005, but will be unable to fulfill this commitment. S. Eicher agreed to fill this responsibility. The group unanimously agreed with thanks to Susan for offering her service. The group nominated and unanimously agreed to appoint J. Carroll (USDA-ARS, Lubbock) as incoming secretary (2004-2005). It was determined that meeting in conjunction with the ASAS/ADSA annual meeting in 2005 would be logical (Cincinnati; July 24-28). R. Gates (KY) agreed to provide a tour of the University of KY research facilities. The meeting would begin in the morning of Friday, July 22 in Cincinnati. A tour of the University of KY research facilities will be provided on Saturday (July 23). Final business would continue back in Cincinnati on Sunday morning (July 24), finishing prior to the start of the ASAS/ADSA annual meeting. S. Eicher and R. Gates will collaborate together to create the final agenda, meeting location, and travel arrangements to the University of KY facilities. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM (August 13).

Accomplishments and Impacts: Note that the principal participants are indicated in relation to the stated accomplishment and subsequent impact. However, in almost all cases these are multistate collaborative projects that involve one or more W-173 participants. This is reflected in the List of Publications and Plans for the Coming Year sections that follow the Accomplishments and Impacts. Objective I: Identify appropriate measures of animal stress and well-being and characterize factors affecting the biology of the stress response Accomplishment: (AZ) Skin biopsies from Brown Swiss, Holstein and Angus cattle were sampled monthly. Extracted RNA was isolated for real time PCR analysis of heat shock proteins as well as microarray analysis. Impact: This study will begin to identify genes in skin associated with adaptation to seasonal environmental changes Accomplishment: (AZ) Mammary collagen gel cultures were utilized to evaluate the effect of heat shock on Heat Shock Protein 70 gene expression. Impact: This study defined the time interval for evaluation of heat shock response in bovine mammary tissue in vitro and would apply to similar time periods in vivo. Accomplishment: (AZ) Effects of ambient temperature and solar radiation on total evaporative water loss in cattle were evaluated. Impact: Closed-chamber total evaporative water loss TEWL provides a novel method to determine sweating rate in dairy cattle Accomplishment: (AZ) The effects of bST on TEWL in lactating vs non-lactating heifers was evaluated. Impact: These results demonstrate that cows increase their heat dissipation in order to cope with the increased heat load from both milk production and increased environmental heat stress. Accomplishment: (USDA-MARC) Risk factors for heat stress in feedlot heifers was evaluated. Impact: This information can provide a model of risk assessment. Accomplishment: (USDA-ARS, IN) Prenatal stress, induced either artificially with injections of ACTH, or via rough handling was evaluated. Impact: These results will help researches to determine which endocrine responses are useful indicators of stress. Accomplishment: (USDA-ARS, IN) Effects of heat stress on grower pigs was evaluated. Impact: Immune pathogen recognition may be altered during heat stress in swine. Accomplishment: (USDA-ARS, IN and NE) Investigation of lameness in dairy cattle has been completed. Impact: This study ruled out several measures as potential early indicators of lameness. Accomplishment: (KY) Three different techniques for measuring core body temperature (venal, rectal and gut) were developed. Impact: Telemetric methods of measuring core body temperature in horses will enable in vivo measurement without the infection risks. Accomplishment: (KY) Stress of short duration transport (< 4 h) in horses was studied. Impact: Significant physiological stress responses occur during transport earlier than suggested by previous studies. Accomplishment: (KY) Travel speed, presence of animals, and vent configuration in horse trailers was evaluated. Impact: These data support improvements in horse trailer design. Accomplishment: (KY) Development of values of sensible and latent heat production for modern genetics pullets and layers before, during and after molting. Impact: These data are useful in determining supplemental heat and ventilation requirements for layer houses during molting. Accomplishment: (KY, USDA-MARC, IA) A review of swine heat production has been completed. Impact: Current information on heat production is not sufficient for new swine genetics. Accomplishment: (MS) Studies investigating the role of adrenal progesterone production during the estrous cycle and early/late pregnancy have been completed. Impact: Improved understanding of the adrenal gland in reproductive processes has been discovered. Accomplishment: (MS, USDA-ARS, IN) Studies on the use of thermography for early detection of lameness in dairy cattle have been initiated. Impact: Early screening and detection of lameness in dairy cattle will increase performance and decrease illness. Accomplishments: (NY, USDA-MARC, HI) The impact of genotype on heat tolerance of cattle to solar radiation was evaluated. Impact: The effects of direct sunlight on body temperature, respiration rate, feeding and thermoregulatory behaviors are being identified. Accomplishments: (TX and KY) Long distance transportation of lambs and horses was evaluated. Impact: The proposed set of highly restrictive EU regulations on transport of lambs and horses are largely counterproductive for trips 22 hours in length. Accomplishments: (KY and TX) Strategies are being evaluated that minimize effects of transport stress on horses. Impact: Fundamental modeling of air circulation in trailers has been completed. Accomplishments: (TN and USDA-ARS-TX) The relationship of the free cortisol index in pigs in response to an ACTH challenge was investigated. Impact: These experiments confirm that the free cortisol index is a simple and reliable means to estimate the amount of cortisol that is biologically active in swine. Accomplishments: (TN and CA) An equine CBG (eCBG) assay is being established. Impact: These data will assist researchers in measuring stress in equine. Accomplishments: (AL and KS) Real time PCR was conducted to provide evidence of IL-6 expression in mesenteric lymph nodes of pigs challenged with LPS. Impact: These results indicate regulation of novel genes in response to endotoxemia. Accomplishments: (NE) Effects of wind speed and solar radiation on livestock stress was evaluated. Impact: These data assist management strategies to mitigate heat stress effects on livestock. Accomplishments: (NE) Investigation of ambient temperatures and humidity on breeding cows was completed. Impact: Temperature can reduce 30 and 60d pregnancy rates in beef cows that are pasture bred. Accomplishment: (MO) Effects of grass seed ergovaline on animal stress was evaluated in rats. Impact: These results indicate that feed intake and Tc responses associated with fescue toxicosis are separate event and additional compounds, other than ergovaline, may contribute to fescue toxicosis. Accomplishment: (MO) Investigation of differentially-expressed genes in rat liver resulting from intake endophyte-infected tall fescue seed was conducted. Impact: Genes are being identified that regulate intake of ergovaline, and could explain some problems associated with fescue toxicosis. Accomplishment: (MO) The present study determined if rats fed a diet containing infected fescue toxins induced CYP3A4. Impact: Evidence is provided that shows an increase in enzyme systems that could metabolize toxins associated with fescue toxicosis following short-term exposure to toxic conditions. Accomplishment: (MO) Two studies were conducted to determine a dose-response relationship for a diet containing endophyte-infected tall fescue and identify the time of administration that produces the greatest response. Impact: Feed intake has been determined as an important determinant of the fescue toxicosis. Accomplishment: (MO) Investigation of a diet containing ground infected fescue seed has been completed. Impact: Core temperature response and feed intake are independent of each other, with feed intake being more sensitive. Ground fescue seed elicits a robust temperature response, once the large effect on feed intake is overcome. Accomplishment: (MO) A study was conducted to characterize the gene expression of white blood cells, liver and muscle tissue in dairy cows undergoing the initial transition from thermoneutral to heat stress conditions. Impact: These data suggest that rectal temperature is superior to both single and combined indicators of thermal status in predicting dairy cow production. Accomplishment: (MO) A study was conducted to characterize the gene expression of white blood cells, liver and muscle in dairy cows experiencing a chronic period of heat stress conditions. Impact: These data assist in determining the impact of heat stress on dairy cow genomics, using liver, muscle, and white blood cells. Objective II: Evaluate management strategies that minimize the detrimental effects of animal stress Accomplishment: (FL) Two studies have been completed characterizing the influence of dietary sulfur on selenium metabolism in cattle. Impact: These findings indicate that dietary sulfur is an important contributor to selenium metabolism in cattle. Accomplishment: (FL) Embryo-derived Angus calves from two environments (tropically adapted and temperate) were evaluated. Impact: Current data suggest that both Angus genotypes respond similarly to the stressors associated with the tropical / sub-tropical environment of south Florida. Accomplishment: (USDA-MARC) A system was developed using radio frequency identification technology to monitor feeding behavior in feedlot cattle. Impact: These data may be used to determine feeding behavior of a group of animals. Accomplishment: (NE) A study was performed to examine the effects of free-stall spray cooling on reducing heat stress of lactating dairy cows. Impact: These results illustrate the importance of controlling for variation among days as well as within cows in order to detect difference in average body temperatures. Accomplishment: (UADA-ARS, IN, MS) An initial study of the movement of Salmonella sp. through juvenile pigs has been completed. Impact: The use of luciferacea labeled Salmonella was demonstrated to be a useful tool for future research to determine where Salmonella resides in swine. Accomplishment: (KY) A 10.5:1 scale model of the 4-horse trailer was fabricated and used in flow visualization studies. Impact: Experimental modifications to the scale model can be tested for design modifications to reduce thermal stress during transport, without the cost of full-scale testing Accomplishment: (MS, USDA-ARS, IN) An experimental in vivo model has been developed which addresses the time-course and pathogenesis of Salmonella in the neonatal pig. Impact: This research will assist in the development of more sensitive screening technologies pre-harvest to prevent post-harvest food safety problems. Accomplishment: (MS, NY, HI, NE) Studies have been completed to evaluate methods for free stall cooling in dairy cattle. Impact: The dynamics of heat stress in dairy cattle as related to different cooling regimes may lead to more efficient cooling methods and thus increased production performance (milk and reproduction) during summer heat stress. Accomplishment: (NY, HI, MS) A collaborative project was conducted to evaluate wetting/spraying of dairy cows on measures of stress and performance. Impact: These studies can provide management strategies to help reduce economic loss and to improve the well-being of cows exposed to heat stress. Accomplishment: (NY, USDA-MARC, HI) investigation of the efficacy of shade during hot summer weather for beef cattle in feedlots has been completed. Impact: Modeling energy balance of hair coat and airflow field is necessary gain further insight into how heat stress can be minimized in commercial housing. Accomplishment: (CO) An experiment was completed investigating the effect of dietary Cu on disease resistance of newly received calves. Impact: The effects of Cu on the animals ability to respond immunologically are variable and depend on the class of immune cell being investigated, the type of antigen administered, as well as the concentration of supplemental Cu. Accomplishment: (TX) Studies have been completed evaluating the efficacy of feeding Ascophyllum Nodosum transport stress. Impact: Although seaweed did show promise in mitigating dehydration and temperature stress, the strong suppressive effect on humoral immunity suggests that the feeding of A. Nodosum needs to be further researched.