Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual S-1013 Regional Meeting for conducting the research project titled Genetic (Co) Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically Adapted Breeds was called to order on June 7 and 8, 2006 at the Campbell House-Crown Plaza Hotel, Lexington, KY. Dr. Fred Thrift, committee member host for the meeting, welcomed the group and introduced Dr. Nancy Cox, Associate Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Cox provided an overview of agriculture in Kentucky and indicated that farm gate income from cattle and calves ranked third in the state. Dr. Thrift presented an overview of Kentuckys race horse and beef cattle industries. Chair Dr. David Riley appointed members for this years resolutions committee, which included Dr. Wayne Wyatt, Dr. Jim Sanders, and Dr. Hayden Brown and members for the nominating committee, which included Dr. Don Franke, Dr. Larry Cundiff, and Dr. Fred Thrift. Station reports were presented in alphabetical order. After six participants reports, the committee ended the morning session and broke for lunch. After lunch, the group toured Windstar Farm in Versailles, KY and the Animal Science Beef Cattle Research Center in Lexington, KY. On June 8, 2006, the meeting was called to order by Chair David Riley and resumed with six station reports. Dr. Bob Godfrey, from Virgin Islands, had no report to submit but informed the group that a Senepol herd had been donated to the University of Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station. Committee reports were given. Dr. Franke provided the nominating committee report to nominate Dr. Rossi for secretary with all members in favor of this nomination. Officers for next year will be as follows: Chair-Dr. Rhonda Vann, Chair-elect-Dr. Sid DeRouen, and Secretary-Dr. Johnny Rossi. Dr. Wyatt read the resolutions report with all members in favor of acceptance of the resolutions. Dr. Riley asked all the committee members that had station reports to submit their reports, inclusive of a Progress and Usefulness of Findings Section, electronically to him so he can incorporate these reports into the Annual Research Activity Accomplishment Report. Dr. Riley initiated discussion on location of next years meeting. Dr. Hayden Brown offered to host the meetings in Fayetteville. Dr. David Morrison, administrative advisor, stated that the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Meetings will be held at Fort Collins, CO on June 6-9, 2007 and suggested that this group could possibly meet there beforehand. Dr. Thrift was in favor of meeting at this location. Dr. Cundiff said meeting in association with the BIF Meetings would allow the group to interface with folks attending the BIF Meetings. Dr. Sanders suggested that we meet at Colorado Springs, Limon, or Burlington closer to where potential sites for tours will be. Tentative S-1013 meeting dates are June 5 and 6, 2007. A motion was made by Dr. Thrift to meet in Colorado and was seconded by Dr. Sanders with all members in favor. Dr. Cundiff suggested that the group could meet on one of the evenings to make better use of our time. Drs. Vann and Sanders will work together to set up tours, meeting site(s), and transportation. Dr. Vann stated that Dr. Mike Boyd will be retiring soon. Dr. Franke said that someone needs to check with Dr. Boyd about the milk data that was generated from the S-277 Project and the data need to be analyzed and journal publication prepared. Dr. Andy Herring will contact Dr. Boyd about the data. Dr. Hayden Brown stated that once the data is obtained, all those who contributed to this objective should meet to discuss the analysis and writing of manuscript(s). A motion was made by Dr. Sanders for Dr. Cundiff, who is retiring, to continue to be a committee member to this group in the future. This motion was seconded by Dr. Vann, and passed with unanimity. Dr. Cundiff said he would like to continue to be involved in the future and he would hope that someone from MARC will have a presence with this group. Dr. Morrison gave an administrative report. He commended all those who gave station reports. He requested that the minutes and station reports be sent to Dr. Riley by July 1, 2006 so the annual report will not be delayed. Dr. Morrison stated that the current project (S-1013) terminates on September 30, 2008 and if the group feels that an extension is warranted it needs to be submitted one year before the termination date. The Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405 (Tropically Adapted Breeds Symposium) is on the LSU AgCenter web site. It is the responsibility of each contributor to make hardcopies of the bulletin for those wishing to have copies. Dr. Morrison asked about a web site for the S-1013 Technical Committee, which has been inactive for some time. Dr. Herring said he would look into making this site active and current. The final discussion of the meeting involved potential research topics for a future regional project. Dr. Hayden Brown stated that abstract submissions from the current project are encouraged now that we are into the third year of the project. Dr. Sanders made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Dr. Vann. Resolutions June 8, 2006 Whereas, Beef catte production and breeding systems are important throughout the United States for rural economic stability and meeting consumer demands, and Whereas, The S-1013 Technical Committee involves and integrates beef cattle breeding research to improve producer knowledge for increased profitability and sustainability, Therefore, let it be resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extend their appreciation to the staff of the University of Kentucky. The committee express special thanks to Dr. Fred Thrift for his time and effort in the planning and conduct of this meeting. Further thanks are extended to Dr. Kyle McCloud for the tour of the University of Kentucky beef research facilities and to Dr. Nancy Cox for generously welcoming the group on the behalf of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and the University of Kentucky. Be it also resolved that the S-1013 Technical Committee extend appreciation to Mr. Tony Cissel and staff of Windstar Farms in Versailles, Kentucky for an informative and enlightening tour. Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical Committee extend our gratitude to Drs. David Morrison and Pete Burfening for their commitment to the success of and their unflagging support of beef cattle breeding research in the Southern Region. Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical committee extends our appreciation to Dr. Larry Cundiff and Ms. Jan Watts of the Meat Animal Research Center and Dr. David Morrison of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center for their leadership, time, and effort in bringing the publication entitled A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds (Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 405) to fruition. Be it also resolved that the committee members of the S-1013 Technical Committee extend their appreciation to the officers of this committee, Drs. David Riley, Rhonda Vann, and Sid DeRouen for the extra time and effort they have contributed to this years committee activities. Respectfully submitted, Wayne Wyatt, Jim Sanders, and Hayden Brown Resolutions Committee

OBJECTIVE 1. DETERMINE HETEROSIS EFFECTS IN CROSSES REPRESENTING TWO OR MORE DIVERSE, TROPICALLY ADAPTED BEEF BREEDS. ARS-Florida-Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus cows were exposed to bulls of these breeds in single-sire herds for 90-d breeding seasons from 2001 to 2004. Straightbred and crossbred (all combinations of F1 and reciprocals) were weaned in the fall of 2002 to 2005 at an average of seven months of age. In addition to typical birth and weaning traits, response to stress (plasma levels of acute phase proteins and cortisol) was measured in weaned calves and in steers being shipped. Measures of temperament have been recorded at weaning for all calves, during the shipment regimen for steers, and monthly thereafter for steers and heifers. Steers were shipped in October of each year to collaborators in Oklahoma for evaluation of their growth on winter pasture and in feedlot. Heifers were kept in a development regimen in Florida and have been exposed continuously from weaning to Mashona or Tuli bulls. After their first calves (Mashona- or Tuli-sired), cows were exposed to bulls in single-sire breeding herds; crossbred cows were exposed to bulls of the breed they were not, and straightbred cows were placed in equal numbers with the two other breeds of bulls. Over 1,300 calves have been born in the project. Calves born in 2005 (fourth and last calf crop) are now in the feedlot or in the heifer development program. For most traits in which significant heterosis was detected, heterosis was largest for Brahman-Angus, intermediate for Brahman-Romosinuano, and lowest for Romosinuano-Angus. OBJECTIVE 2. CHARACTERIZE DIVERSE, TROPICALLY ADAPTED BEEF BREEDS IN SUBTROPICAL AND TEMPERATE AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES. ARS-Nebraska/Louisiana (Baton Rouge)- Approximately 25 each of Beefmaster-, Bonsmara-, Brangus-, and Romisinuano-sired weanling heifers from Angus and MARC III cows were purchased from the US Meat Animal Research Center by the LSU Ag Center. The US Meat Animal Research Center retained similar numbers of the breed types of females in order to evaluate a breed type x location interaction. Angus x Hereford F1 females are used as controls in Nebraska and Brahman x Angus F1 females are used as controls in Louisiana. Yearling heifers were exposed to MARC III bulls at both locations for the first calf. Charolais bulls will produce the second and subsequent calves. Similar data on cows and calves are collected at each location. Location differences were significant for all traits. Sire breed of F1 female x location was a significant source of variation for calving ease score, percentage unassisted births and for 205-d weaning weight. F1 cow sire breed differences were significant for calf birth weight and for 205-d weight. These cows are just coming into maturity, being 4 and 5 years old in 2006. Additional data are needed to characterize differences among the cows due to sire breed. Texas, College Station/McGregor - Of cows born in 1992 and 1993 and sired by Tuli, Boran and Brahman bulls, productivity has been highest in the Boran cross cows. Although they have also had higher calf crop born than the Brahman and Tuli crosses, much of their advantage in calf crop weaned has been due to higher survival rates in their calves. These half blood females have been evaluated for lifetime productivity, and contribute also to a heterosis retention study. Texas, Uvalde - Drought conditions necessitated the movement of mature Tuli, Senepol, and Brahman F1 cows to East Texas, and probably will result in the termination of the evaluation of lifetime productivity of these 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. Bonsmara crossbred steers have been used in a project to assess carcass data, and a variety of meat composition characteristics, including conjugated linoleic acid concentration, omega 3 and 6 fatty acid concentrations, and beta-carotene and vitamin A contents. Florida USDA/ARS, Stars - See objective 1 above. OBJECTIVE 3. DETERMINE GENETIC VARIATION IN DISPOSITION AND PARASITE RESISTANCE IN BEEF CATTLE AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TRAITS. Arkansas - Spring born Angus calves were utilized for assessment of internal parasite levels and fall born were used for temperament studies. At weaning, fecal nematode egg and coproculture infective larvae counts were determined. Weights, hip heights, temperament scores and fecal egg counts on two groups of spring-born Angus calves (n=187) were available for this study. At weaning (d-0) each calf received 4.6 mL/45 kg body weight of fenbendazole anthelmintic. Body weights, fecal egg counts, and temperament scores were determined at d-0, d-21, d-66, d-111, d-156 and d-201. Age of dam effects were not significant for temperament score and fecal egg count. There was a significant sire effect for mean strongyle count, suggesting some genetic control. However, sire effects were not significant for temperament score or Nematodirus egg count. Florida - Direct breed effects appear to be the important genetic effect for all traits related to temperament. The Brahman direct effect was to worsen temperament score, while the Romosinuano direct effect was to improve temperament score. Some heterosis was detected for various temperament traits. Georgia - Exit velocity was greatest for Brangus, intermediate for Braford, and lowest for Angus steers. There were no significant correlations of average speed velocity (sampled at 120, 205, and 365 d of age) and feedlot performance or carcass traits in Angus steers. Average daily gain was positively correlated with exit velocity of Brangus steers. Exit velocity of Braford steers was negatively correlated with initial feedlot weight, marbling score, lung score, and shear force. In a separate trial, exit velocity did not appear to have any effect on pregnancy status. 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. The following scoring system is utilized to evaluate temperament at weaning time while each calf stands in a squeeze chute: 1) calm, stands still, no movement; 2) slightly restless; 3) restless, shaking the chute; 4) vigorously shaking the chute; 5) berserk frenzy. To date, data have been collected on 411 spring-born calves (151 in 2003; 155 in 2004; 105 in 2005). Weaning weights have been similar for the four temperament scores represented in the data set. To facilitate a genetic tie between three locations participating in this objective, calves sired by the Angus sire, Bon View New Design 878, are being produced at the Kentucky, Louisiana and Arkansas locations. Louisiana, Iberia Research Station - Weaned Angus heifers were scored for chute temperament and exit velocity on days 0, 181, 228, and 270 after weaning in 2003. In 2004 and 2005, Angus and Brangus heifers were evaluated on days 0, 143, and 190 following weaning. Hair coat length and luster was scored multiple times on all heifers. Fecal egg counts were obtained from periodic samples for all heifers. Some breed differences were noted at the beginning (but not at subsequent measurement) of the breeding season for these traits. Researchers will investigate associations of reproductive performance with temperament and parasite resistance performance of these females. Louisiana, Central Research Station - Angus and Braford heifers contributing to objective 3 had similar growth, temperament, and fecal egg count data over the postweaning period. Angus, Braford, and Brahman heifers born in 2006 will be evaluated for temperament and fecal egg counts. Louisiana, Hill Farm Station - Exit velocities were greater during the preweaning phase for Charolais-sired calves compared with Angus-sired calves. Temperament measurements were similar for Angus-sired and F1 Brahman-Hereford replacement heifers. There were no important correlations between first exposure pregnancy rate and temperament measures. Pregnant Brahman-Hereford F1 heifers tended to have lower chute scores and exit velocity compared with Brahman-Hereford F1 heifers that failed to conceive. Mississippi - Results from several experiments utilizing several breeds or breedtypes in steers highlighted the importance of temperament as a trait. Exit velocity and pen scores were highly correlated (>0.7). Farm of origin of steers had significant influence on pen score, chute score, and exit velocity. Breed of sire had a strong influence on chute score, pen score, exit velocity, pay and final weight. Treatment costs, number of days treated and net profit were all influenced by pen score and exit velocity. As exit velocity of feeder steers increased, net profit decreased and the number of days treated increased. Individual sire influenced all measurements of temperament and carcass quality and yield grade. Texas, McGregor Station - Cattle were scored for disposition several times, including weaning,at about eighteen months of age (steers), cows when their first calves are born, and recipient cows at the birth of their calves. For the scoring shortly after weaning, a panel of four evaluators scores each calf for aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall disposition. The calves are separated (gate cut) into groups of about 15 head and placed in separate holding pens. Two calves at a time are cut out of the holding pen into an alley that is about 25 m long with two evaluators at each end approximately 20 m apart. The two calves in the alley are given a chance to settle down, and one of the two is cut back into the holding pen. For each component, the animals are assigned a score from one to nine by each evaluator, where a score of one represents a calm, quiet or docile disposition and a score of nine represents a wild or crazy disposition. For scoring the females when their calves are born, they are given a score from one to five, where one represents a docile disposition and five represents a wild and/or aggressive disposition. Calves from first six calf crops of the Genomics Project have been scored for disposition; variation for disposition has been found both between and within families. Data will be used in genome scans with the objective of identifying genes with major effects on disposition. Texas, Uvalde Station - The relationship of temperament to performance and meat quality is being evaluated for Bonsmara crossbred calves. Feedlot ADG and steak tenderness were worse for steers with high exit velocity values. Ribeye area was smaller for steers with high exit velocity values. Preliminary analyses suggest that measurements of temperament early in life may be more strongly related to future performance, carcass traits, and beef tenderness than measurements later when steers are on feed. University of the Virgin Islands (UVI-AES) now has its own Senepol herd. Data collection has begun on this herd, and these will be used to determine relationships between temperament scores, exit velocity and production traits of cows, calves and bulls. OBJECTIVE 4. ESTABLISH A DNA BANK TO UTILIZE MOLECULAR MARKERS TO VALIDATE TRAITS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE. All participating locations have stored DNA, tissue, or white blood cells on calves born in the previous year.

Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2006. Birth and weaning traits in Bos indicus  Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted for publication). Amen, T.S., A.D. Herring, C.A. Gill, and J.O. Sanders. 2006. Post weaning, carcass, and meat traits in Bos indicus  Bos taurus reciprocal backcross calves produced through embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. (accepted for publication). Beauchemin, V. R., M. G. Thomas, D. E. Franke, G. A. Silver. 2006. Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms involving growth hormone relative to growth and carcass characteristics in Brahman steers. Gen. and Mol. Res. (In Press). Casas, E., and L. V. Cundiff. 2006. Postweaning growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires. J. Anim. Sci. 84:305310. Casas, E., S. N. White, T. L. Wheeler, S. D. Shackelford, M. Koohmaraie, D. G. Riley, C. C. Chase, Jr., D. D. 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