Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was held at the USDA/ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, OK. On June 2, Chair B. Holloway appointed members to two committees: 1) Nominating Committee: J. Sanders, D. Franke, and B. Sandelin; 2) Resolutions Committee: R. Vann, F. Thrift, and H. Brown. Presentations were made by H. Mayeux and J. Steiner on the programs of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory. Station Reports were given: Arkansas - H. Brown, B. Sandelin; Florida - D. Riley; Georgia - J. Rossi; Kentucky - F. Thrift; Louisiana - D. Franke; Mississippi - R. Vann; Texas - Uvalde, B. Holloway, Texas - McGregor, J. Sanders. The committee then toured Express Ranches, Yukon, OK. On June 3, R. Vann invited the committee to Raymond, MS for the 2005 meeting. Committee voted to accept the invitation and the meeting was tentatively scheduled June 1 and 2, 2005. Station Reports continued: Nebraska - L. Cundiff; Oklahoma - M. Brown; Virgin Islands - B. Godfrey. The Administrative report was given by D. Morrison. Mid-term review of S-1013 will occur in 2006. P. Burfening gave an update from CSREES. Recommendations were made regarding the current project. Finalization of S-277 was discussed: 1) A. Herring discussed modeling of data from S-277 project and will proceed; 2) Committee approved setting up a symposium on Characterization and Utilization of Tropically-Adapted Breeds of Cattle. L. Cundiff will coordinate and will contact Southern Section/ASAS officials to schedule. The intention is to hold the symposium in Little Rock, AR in conjunction with ASAS Southern Section meetings on either February 7 or 8, 2005 (Monday or Tuesday). The goal is to present a comprehensive review of all work associated with this topic at each station. A paper from each station will be included and L. Cundiff will explore publication possibilities. No color photographs will be allowed to minimize cost of publication. Each station must contact L. Cundiff by e-mail with a title and approximate length of oral presentation as soon as possible. Nominating Committee Report: M. Brown, President, D. Riley, President- elect, and R. Vann, Secretary for 2004-2005 was approved by the technical committee.

?OBJECTIVE 1. Determine heterosis effects in crosses representing two or more diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status in a three breed diallel mating plan. Crossbred calves born in 2002 and 2003 were generally heavier than straightbreds for birth and weaning traits. Brahman-sired calves out of Angus and Romosinuano dams were much heavier than that of reciprocal cross calves. Estimates of heterosis in weight traits for Angus-Romosinuanowere about 6% of the straightbred average. The estimates for the Romosinuano-Brahman and Brahman-Angus were about 9 and 10%, respectively, for the same traits. ?OBJECTIVE 2. Characterize diverse, tropically adapted beef breeds in subtropical and temperate areas of the United States. NEBRASKA USDA/ARS, MARC - Hereford (9 horned and 9 polled sires), Angus (19), Brangus (22), Beefmaster (22), Bonsmara (20), and Romosinuano (20) sires were mated by artificial insemination (AI) to Angus and MARC III (1/4 each of Angus, Hereford, Red Poll, and Pinzgauer) dams to produce F1 cross progeny in 2001 and 2002. Calves are born in mid March through mid April and weaned in the fall at about 205 days of age. Half of the Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romsinuano females being produced at MARC were transferred at about 8 months of age from MARC to Louisiana State University to evaluate Genotype-environment interactions. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - In 1991 and 1992, both Hereford and Angus cows were artificially inseminated to Tuli (n=9), Boran (n=8) and Brahman (n=15) bulls. The F1 females from these matings were retained for the evaluation of lifetime productivity and have produced calves from 1994 to 2004. In addition, in 1996 and 1997, Angus cows were mated to Brahman and Nellore bulls. The F1 females from these matings are being retained for the evaluation of lifetime productivity, but are also part of a heterosis retention study. TEXAS, UVALDE - ?Lifetime performance (growth, pregnancy, lactation and longevity records through seven calf crops) was evaluated for 252 F1 cows. Ninety-three Brahman (Bos indicus), 73 Senepol (Bos taurus) and 86 Tuli (Bos taurus africanus [Sanga]) F1 females were produced during 1992-1995 from Angus cows artificially inseminated to 12 Brahman, 9 Senepol, and 7 Tuli bulls selected to represent bulls in common commercial use and available in the U.S. All females were bred to calve at two years of age. A total of 1471 calf records were evaluated for seven calf crops from these females. Four hundred sixty-eight calving records were collected from the females before maturity (first three calf crops sired by Hereford bulls). Calf records (1005) were evaluated from three calf crops after maturity. ?LOUISIANA, BATON ROUGE- Beefmaster-, Bonsmara-, Brangus-, and Romosinuana-sired heifers were purchased from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center for evaluation in a subtropical environment. US MARC females born in 2001 calved to MARC III bulls in 2003 and to Charolais bulls in 2004. Females born in 2002 calved to MARC III bulls in 2004. For controls, Brahman x Angus F1 females were purchased in the spring of 2003 and calved first in 2004 to MARC III bulls. OKLAHOMA USDA/ARS, GRL - Brangus cows (n=240) were bred by artificial insemination to Charolais (n=15), Gelbvieh (n=15), Hereford (n=15), Romosinuano (n=15), Bonsmara (n=15), and Brangus (n=15) sires and Hereford, Bonsmara, and Brangus sires were used as natural service cleanup sires. Preweaning and postweaning performance has been evaluated for the 2002 and 2003 calf crops. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano (n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status. Breeding herds of about 30 cows (10 of each breed) were exposed to a single sire for 90 days beginning March 20. ?OBJECTIVE 3. Determine genetic variation in disposition and parasite resistance in beef cattle and their association with economically important traits. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - A genomics project has been initiated to find genes with major effects on cow fertility traits and major effects on disposition, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat traits. Embryo transfer families of F2 Nellore/Angus calves are being produced, with the goal of twenty heifers per family in ten families. The families are all out of ten donor cows and by a total of four bulls. The first calves from this study were born in the spring 2003. In addition, calves are produced annually by mating F1 Angus-Nellore sires by natural service to F1 and F2 Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Angus dams, producing half-sib families. The four sires of the embryo transfer families are included in the bulls that produce these natural service calves. The natural service calves identified as being sired by these four bulls are evaluated in the same way as the embryo transfer calves. The cattle in the project will be scored for disposition shortly after weaning and at about eighteen months of age. In addition, the females ?will be scored at the time their calves are weaned in each following year. A panel of four evaluators will score each animal for aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall disposition. TEXAS, UVALDE - Two studies were performed to relate animal temperament to performance, carcass merit, and beef quality including tenderness. In study 1, 208 Bonsmara x Angus spring born steers were weaned in the fall, backgrounded on rye winter pasture, went on feed May 22, and were harvested on August 28th and September 23rd, 2003. ?Animals were scored on June 17th and August 22nd for temperament (pen score: 1-7 score with 7 being the most aggressive). Exit velocity from the chute was also recorded as time in seconds required to travel six feet. Routine carcass data was collected at harvest and Warner-Bratzler shear analysis was determined at Texas A&M. Neither temperament scores or exit velocity was related to WBS. In study 2, 139 steers were weaned and randomly allotted to destination on November 11, 2002. Sixty-two were shipped to Uvalde and 77 head were shipped to Overton. Cattle at both locations were backgrounded on cool-season annual pastures until May 14 when they were shipped to a feedlot and later harvested. Routine carcass data was recorded and a one inch rib section was taken from each animal at the 12-13th rib for Warner Bratzler Shear. ?In preliminary analyses, no relationship has been shown between temperament and WBS. ARKANSAS - Fecal egg counts and chute temperament scores were determined on 153 spring born purebred Angus calves that represented 11 sires. Calves were weaned in the fall (2003). Fecal samples were obtained for each calf and fenbendazole administered orally at the rate of 4.6 ml/100 lb body weight and chute temperament scores were assigned to each calf according to the 1 ? 5 scale modified from the scoring system of Grandlin (1998). Weight, fecal samples, and chute temperament scores were determined 45 days later. Body weights and chute scores will be determined in subsequent 45 day intervals until July 2004. GEORGIA, TIFTON - Two trials were conducted evaluating the relationship of exit velocity (EV) and feedlot performance. In trial 1, 64 yearling Angus, Braford, and Brangus steers were used whereas in trial 2, one hundred fifty-four newly weaned Angus steers were measured. Feedlot ADG was negatively associated with EV in trial 2 but not in trial 1. In trial 1, shear force was negatively correlated with EV. Yield grade and marbling scores were not correlated with EV, although dressing percent was positively correlated. Lung score was negatively correlated with EV in trial 1. LOUISIANA, JEANERETTE - Forty fall-weaned Angus heifers were evaluated to assess growth, fecal egg count, temperament, and hair coat traits. Heifers were orally administered fenbendazole (10mg/kg) on day 0 and fecal samples were obtained on days 0, 11, 21, 28, 46, 96, 134, 181, and 228. Hair coat luster and length were obtained on days 46, 96, 181, and 228. Heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 1, 181, and 228. Simple correlations suggest that exit velocity is negatively associated with periodic liveweight and that hair luster and length are negatively associated with fecal egg count. LOUISIANA, HOMER - A total of 114 Angus-, Charolais-, and Simmental-sired calves were evaluated for temperament and growth traits at weaning, and twice during the postweaning period. Chute temperament score and exit velocity were used to evaluate temperament. Associations among temperament and postweaning growth traits were generally non-significant. LOUISIANA, BATON ROUGE - Angus, Braford and Brahman purebred heifers will be evaluated postweaning to 15 months of age for temperament and parasite resistance. MISSISSIPPI, BROWN LOAM - Three studies using Angus crossbred steers were conducted to evaluate effects of breed of sire, age of dam, and gender on exit velocity (EV, m/s), chute temperament score (CS) and pen temperament score (PS) and measure relationships between EV, CS and PS. Angus crossbred calves (n=352) were assigned a pen score scale of 1 to 5, with 1=non-aggressive, not excited by humans or facilities; to 5=very aggressive, excited, runs into fences, ?combative?); calves were weighed on a platform scale and assigned a chute score. Calves were released into a hydraulic squeeze chute and restrained, while in the squeeze chute a blood sample was collected and serum harvested for analysis of cortisol concentrations. EV was measured using a laser-timing device (FarmTek) over approximately 1.83 m from the chute (m/s). In studies 1 and 2, breed of sire had no effect on the variation in EV, but differences existed between steers and heifers. PS was better correlated with EV than with CS. Dam EV had the strongest correlation with calf EV. In study 3 (a grazing study), EV and PS tended to be negatively correlated with calf production traits. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - Steers from the Angus, Brahman, and Romosinuano diallel matings were assessed for temperament at weaning in the fall and 24 and 72 hours later using exit velocity, chute score and pen score measurements. They were then shipped to the Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, OK, and were placed on winter wheat pasture. Weight, exit velocity, and chute temperament score were recorded monthly. They were placed on feed the first week of May and harvested serially after 97, 125, and 153 d on feed. Brahman and Brahman cross calves had the highest temperament measures near weaning indicating more nervous/aggressive behavior. Direct breed effects appear to be the important genetic effect rather than heterosis. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Preliminary contacts have been made with local Senepol ranchers to use their cattle for the temperament and DNA data collection. Calves will be evaluated for chute score and exit velocity beginning in the summer of 2004 on 2 ranches. DNA will be collected from animals as they become available. This will most likely be in the form of blood samples collected to harvest white blood cells. KENTUCKY - A cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 200 cows is being utilized to assess the relationship between temperament and traits of economic importance. To gain experience utilizing the temperament scoring system, temperament of 151 2003 spring-born calves was evaluated at weaning utilizing the following scoring system outlined in the regional project proposal: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. To facilitate a genetic tie between three locations participating in this objective, a sample of calves sired by the Angus sire, Bon View New Design 878, are being produced at the Kentucky, Louisiana and Arkansas stations. It is anticipated that results from this project will help determine if temperament is associated with traits of economic importance. ?OBJECTIVE 4. Establish a DNA bank to utilize molecular markers to validate traits of economic importance. FLORIDA USDA/ARS, STARS - In 2001, cows in the Brooksville Angus (n = 150), Brahman (n ~ 180), and Romosinuano (n ~ 190) herds were randomly assigned to locations and breeding herds by breed, age, pregnancy status, and 2000 lactation status to be used in a three breed diallel mating plan. White blood cells were isolated and stored from the calves from the 2002 and 2003 calf crops and their parents. TEXAS, COLLEGE STATION/MCGREGOR - For the cattle in the genomics project, DNA was extracted from either blood or semen for all of the grandparents and parents of the embryo transfer calves. For the embryo transfer calves, a small blood sample (about 5 cc) is collected shortly after birth; in addition, for male calves, the bottom of the scrotum and the testicles are saved for DNA extraction. Shortly before weaning, a larger (200 cc) blood sample is collected from each calf in the project. In the fall 2001, all cattle at the McGregor station, including the cattle in Objective 2 of this project, were bled for DNA extraction. In each successive year, calves are bled shortly before weaning. The blood is stored as white blood cell pellets at College Station. For the cattle in the McGregor Genomics Project, calves for the first two calf crops (spring and fall 2003) were bled both at birth and shortly before weaning.

?Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Breed comparisons of weight, weight adjusted for condition score, height, and condition score of beef cows. Professional Animal Scientist. p. 15-26. Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Comparisons of Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, Salers, and Shorthorn breeds for weight, weight adjusted for condition score, height, and condition score of cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82. p 74-84. Arango, J. A., L. V. Cundiff, and L. D. Van Vleck, 2004. Covariance functions ? random regression models for cow weight in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. p. 54-67. Brown, M. A., Brown, A. H., and Sandelin, B. 2003. Seasonal weight changes and prepartum weight:height ratio in Angus and Brahman cows grazing common bermudagrass or endophyte-infected tall fescue. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:342-349. Casas, E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Maternal grandsire, granddam, and sire breed effects on growth and carcass traits of crossbred cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:904-911. Chase, C. C., Jr., Riley, D. G., Olson, T. A., Coleman, S. W. and Hammond, A. C. Maternal and reproductive performance of Brahman x Angus, Senepol x Angus, and Tuli x Angus cows in the subtropics. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted March, 2004. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. Accuracy of predicting weight and percentage of beef carcass retail product using real-time ultrasound and live animal measures. J. Anim. Sci. 81:466-473. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. Prediction of retail product weight and percentage using real-time ultrasound and carcass measurements in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1736-1742. Greiner, S. P., G. H. Rouse, D. E. Wilson, L. V. Cundiff, and T. L. Wheeler. 2003. The relationship between real-time ultrasound measurements and carcass fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:676-682. Koch, R. M., L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2004. Genetic response to selection for weaning weight or yearling weight or yearling weight and muscle score in Hereford cattle: Efficiency of gain, growth, and carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. 82. p. 668-682. Lunstra, D. D., and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Growth and pubertal development in Brahman-, Boran-, Tuli-, Belgian Blue-, Hereford- and Angus-sired F1 bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1414-1426. Nephawe, K. A., L. V. Cundiff, M. E. Dikeman, J. D. Crouse, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2004. Genetic relationships between sex-specific traits in beef cattle: Mature weight, weight adjusted for body condition score, height and body condition score of cows, and carcass traits of their steer relatives. J. Anim. Sci. 82:647-653. Riley, D. G., Gray, J. T., Loneragan, G. H., Barling, K. S. and Chase, C. C., Jr. 2003. Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence in fecal samples of cattle from a southeastern beef cow-calf herd. J. Food Prot. 66:1778-1782. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Olson, T. A., Coleman, S. W. and Hammond, A. C. 2004. Genetic and non-genetic influences on vigor at birth and preweaning mortality of purebred and high percentage Brahman calves. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1581-1588. Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Pringle, T. D., West, R. L., Johnson, D. D., Olson, T. A., Hammond, A. C. and Coleman, S. W. 2003. Effect of sire on ?- and m-calpain activity and rate of tenderization as indicated by myofibrillar fragmentation indices of steaks from Brahman cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 81:2440-2447. Thrift, F. A., and T. A. Thrift. 2003. Review: Longevity attributes of Bos indicus x Bos taurus crossbred cows. Professional Animal Scientist 19:329-341. Wheeler, T. L., L. V. Cundiff, S. D. Shackelford, and M. Koohmaraie. 2004. Characterization of biological types of cattle (Cycle VI): Carcass, yield, and longissimus palatability traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1177-1189. ABSTRACTS: Brown, M. A., Coleman, S. W., and Lalman, D. L., 2004. Relationship of sire estimated progeny differences to milk yield in Brangus cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2). 2004 Southern Section Meetings. Brown, Jr., A. H., Z. B. Johnson, J. A. Hornsby, B. A. Sandelin, and R. T. Baublits. 2004. Postpartum maternal behavior score and preweaning calf performance in six breed groups of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):6. Coleman, S. W., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Phillips, W. A., Horne, W. J. and Byrd, J. H. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):5(Abstr.). Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Maternal performance of Hereford, Angus, Red Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Charolais sired two-year-old crossbred females. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1). p. 86. Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Birth and weaning traits of topcross progeny of Hereford, Angus, Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and Romosinuano sires. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):8. (Abstract No. 32.) Cundiff. L. V., T. L. Wheeler, S. D. Shackelford, and M. Koohmaraie. Feed efficiency of F1 cross steers by British and Continental European sire breeds. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Supp.1) p. 6. (Abstract No. 21) DeRouen. S. M. and F. A. Thrift. 2004. Maternal and reproductive performance of crossbred cows mated to moderate or high weaning weight EPD sires. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1): (Abstr.). Ellis, R. W., G. P. Rupp, P. J. Chenoweth, L. V. Cundiff, and D. D. Lunstra. 2003. Effects of testicular and seminal changes on fertility of yearling beef bulls. Proc. Soc. Theriogenology Ann. Conf. (Abstract) Ellis, R. W., G. P. Rupp, P. J. Chenoweth, L. V. Cundiff, and D. D. Lunstra. 2003. Marked physical changes occur in yearling beef bulls during natural breeding. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):144. (Abstract No. 568) Gargantini, G., L. V. Cundiff, D. D. Lunstra, L. D. Van Vleck. Genetic relationships between male and female reproductive traits in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Supp.1) p. 6. (Abstract No. 18) Martinez, G. E., R. M. Koch, L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, S. D. Kachman, and L. D. Van Vleck. 2003. Estimate of heritability and genetic change for survival of Hereford cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):8. (Abstract No. 31.) Phillips, W. A., Coleman, S. W., Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr. and Mayeux, H. S. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Stocker and feedlot gains. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):5(Abstr.). Riley, D. G., Chase, C. C., Jr., Coleman, S. W., and Olson, T. A. 2004. Evaluation of Romosinuano as straightbreds and crossbreds with Angus and Brahman: Preweaning calf traits. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 2):4(Abstr.). Snowder, G. D., L. V. Cundiff, R. M. Koch, and K. E. Gregory. 2003. Germplasm evaluation in beef cattle: Cycle IV: Post weaning growth and feed efficiency. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 2):9. (Abstract No. 34.) Snowder, G., L. D. Van Vleck, L. V. Cundiff, K. E. Gregory, and G. Bennett, 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters for respiratory disease in beef calves before weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl.1). p. 88-89. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2003. Breed of sire and gender effects on chute exit velocity and chute temperament score in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1) 81:121; Presented at the American Society of Animal Science Joint ADSA-ASAS National Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, June 22-26, 2003. Vann, R. C., J. F. Baker, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between measures of cow and calf temperament and live animal body composition traits in calves at weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 82:24(Suppl. 1); Presented at American Society of Animal Science-Southern Section, Feb. 14-18, 2004. Vann, R. C. and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationship between measures of temperament and carcass traits in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. (TBA); Presented at American Society of Animal Science, St. Louis, MO, July 25-29, 2004. Vann, R. C., B. Macoon, J. D. Perkins, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth traits in crossbred steers. J. Anim. Sci. 82:25(Suppl. 1); Presented at American Society of Animal Science-Southern Section, Feb. 14-18, 2004. Wheeler, T. L., S. D. Shackelford, L. V. Cundiff, and M. Koohmaraie. Carcass yield, and palatability traits of steer progeny of Hereford,k Angus, Brangus, Beefmaster, Nonsmara, and Romsinuano sires. Proc. 56th Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference. Columbia, MO. p.113. PROCEEDINGS: Cundiff, L. V. 2003. Implications of breed evaluations. Page p. M-7-M-28. in Proc. 49th Ann. Beef Cattle Short Course, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX. August 4-6, 2003. (Proceedings) Snowder, G., D. Van Vleck, L. Cundiff, K. Gregory, and G. Bennett. 2003. Estimates of genetic parameters for respiratory disease in beef calves before weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):88-89. (Abstract No. 351) Van Vleck, L. D. and L. V. Cundiff. 2003. Across-breed EPD tables for the year 2003 adjusted to breed differences for birth year of 2001. Pages 55-63 in Proceedings Beef Improvement Federation 35th Research Symposium & Annual Meeting, Lexington, KY. (Conference Proceedings) Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth performance in beef cattle. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:93-94. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between cow and calf temperament and live animal body composition traits in beef calves. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:95-96. Vann, R. C., and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and live animal body composition traits in crossbred stocker steers. TAMU-Overton, Forage-Livestock Field Day Report, April 2004, Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01:97-98. PROGRESS REPORTS: Cundiff, L. V., T. L Wheeler, K. E. Gregory, S. D. Shackelford, R. M. Thallman, G. D. Snowder, and L. D. Van Vleck. Preliminary results from Cycle VII of the Cattle Germplasm Evaluation Program at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Available www.marc.usda.gov. online information. USDA, ARS. 2004. Germplasm Evaluation Program Progress Report No. 22. p. 01-15. Vann, R. C., R. D. Randel, and J. F. Baker. 2003. Interrelationships between temperament and productive traits in beef cattle. MAFES Information Bulletin 399:28. Vann, R. C., B. Macoon, J. D. Perkins, and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationships between temperament and growth traits in crossbred steers grazing forages in central Mississippi. MAFES Information Bulletin, March 2004, 406:30(Abstr.). Vann, R. C. and R. D. Randel. 2004 Breed of sire and gender effects on chute exit velocity and chute temperament score in crossbred beef calves. MAFES Information Bulletin, March 2004, 406:31(Abstr.).