Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Jeff Carroll (TX) at 8:00 a.m. on August 4th, 2006 in the conference room of the Radisson Waikiki, in Honolulu, HI. Jeff Carroll welcomed all the regional project participants to Hawaii and briefly outlined the agenda of the meeting and arrangements that had been made for lunch and dinner during the meeting. Chin Lee was recognized for organizing the meeting and the educational tour to the marine research station. Twenty-one regional project scientists were present representing, 14 states, 3 federal labs, 2 administrative units and 1 international laboratory. The official meeting convened at 8:00 a.m. with the introduction of all personnel. The remainder of the day was devoted to individual station reports and discussion. In total 19 station reports were delivered. The reports ended at 4:30. The next day at 8 am the group met to board a bus that took them to the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. The group toured the island and its facilities. At the end of the tour the group met with researchers that presented their projects. At 8 am, on August 6th the Business meeting was called to order at the Radisson, Waikiki. The following items and actions were taken: 1) Jeff Carroll led the group in a moment of silence to remember Don Johnson, Colorado State University and former W-173 member who died unexpectedly. 2) Colin Kaltenbach addressed the group and indicated that the final report for the group would be due within 60 days. 3) John Arthington agreed to lead on writing the report with the help of Don Lay. Each member of the group was asked to submit a one-page document of their Accomplishments and Impact. 4) Deb Hamernik then addressed the group and gave an update of the changes in DC. She discussed the changes in the NRI programs and application processes. CSREES budget information was discussed. She lead further discussions on the USDA Strategic Plan, and the importance of writing clear objectives, approach and non-technical summaries for Hatch Projects. She also informed the group of issues in the animal science area of which we should be aware. 5) Don Spiers polled the group as to their interest in attending an International Stress meeting to be held in Budapest in 2007. 6) Discussion was held as to the best format for our meeting. In particular, the question was raised as to whether we should have half days for presentations and the remainder for discussion. No decisions were made at this time. 7) Nominations were taken for secretary and chair. Terry Engle was nominated and approved unanimously to act as secretary for 2006-2007. Don Lay was nominated and approved unanimously to act as chair for 2006-2007. Next years meeting location was discussed. Options were discussed as to whether the meeting should be in conjunction with the International Society of Applied Ethology (ISAE) meeting, the American Society of Animal Science meeting or to meet with Bob Godfrey's group and possibly the S1020 regional project that specializes in heat stress research. The group voted to meet Bob Godfreys Heat Stress Group at the University of St. Croix. Don Lay will contact Bob and make arrangements. The proposed dates were August 3-5th. If this location did not work out, then the second choice that was approved by the group was to meet with the ISAE at the international meeting in Merida, Mexico. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am. Respectfully submitted, Donald C. Lay Jr. Secretary, W-173

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 Planned Collaborations 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) Production parameters and glucose homeostatic variables were evaluated in rbST-treated lactating dairy cattle during short-term heat stress (HS) or in pair fed animals (UF). Impact: The is the first study which indicates heat stressed cattle might increase their oxidation of glucose and reduce oxidation of fatty acids. Accomplishment: (AZ and NE) The relationship between sweating rate and surface temperature in Holstein Cattle during thermal stress in winter and summer was evaluated by plotting the Log of the Sweat Rate against the Surface Temperature. Impact: These data indicate that seasonal differences in sweating rate are apparent in cattle and should be taken into consideration when designing studies. Accomplishment: (AZ and FL) Effects of the slick hair gene on skin and rectal temperatures, respiration rate and sweating rate in Holstein cows was evaluated. Impact: This data indicate that a major reason for the difference in heat tolerance in slick cattle lies in their increased sweating ability and may provide some insight into genetic selection opportunities for improving heat tolerance Accomplishment: (HI, NY, MS, and NE) Measures of breed differences (Jersey vs. Holstein) under heat stress in free stall settings was investigated. Impact: These data suggest that cows that are more heat tolerant would have finer hair coat, more hairs per sq. centimeter. Accomplishment: (MS) Studies investigating the role of adrenal progesterone production during the estrous cycle and early/late pregnancy on reproductive processes are in progress. Impact: Understanding the role of the adrenal gland in reproductive processes may shed new light on ways to alleviate the effects of stress on reproductive processes, or, alternatively, ways in which the adrenal gland might be enlisted to support reproductive function during times of acute or chronic stress to enhance reproductive performance. Accomplishment: (MS and USDA-ARS-IN) Studies are addressing the use of thermography to monitor mammary health in dairy cattle, lameness in dairy cattle, thermal signatures of the eye as a correlate to body temperature, and thermal assessments of environmental influences (e.g., heat stress) on production performance. Impact: Early screening and detection of diseases or physiological anomalies in livestock using thermography (DITI) may lead to earlier treatment of diseases or an enhanced understanding of environmental management needs, thus reducing profit losses as a result of production losses due to illness, injury or environmental influences (e.g., heat stress). Accomplishment: (MS and USDA-ARS-TX) Relationships between beef cattle temperament and production performance are being evaluated. Studies are addressing the use of temperament scoring and exit velocity measures in conjunction with thermography, gene expression profiles and measures of production performance (ADG, live animal body composition, reproductive function) to establish indices for selection based on temperament in relation to genotype. Impact: Establishment of selection criteria and indices of animal temperament in relation to genotype could provide an additional tool for selection of animals for optimal growth and reproductive performance in relation to their production-management environment. Accomplishment: (MS and USDA-ARS-IN) An experimental in vivo model has been developed which addresses the time-course and pathogenesis of Salmonella in the living neonatal pig. This real-time imaging model enables multiple measurements of bacterial invasion in the GI tract of the pig to be monitored over time, and will be used to assess targeted therapies to control Salmonella infections in swine, and understand the interactions between handling or other management-related stressors on bacterial invasiveness. Impact: The development of relevant pre-harvest food safety models, such as real-time imaging and bacterial tracking technologies in swine, will lead to a greater understanding of bacterial pathogenesis, ways to target therapeutic interventions, and more sensitive screening technologies pre-harvest to prevent post-harvest food safety problems. Accomplishment: (MARC, NE): Evaluating linear and nonlinear models for the response rate of four breeds of heat stressed feedlot heifers were evaluated. Descriptions of the relationship between respiration and ambient temperature improve when curvature is built-into the model. Impact: A useful statistical model for describing a physiological response to heat stress and parameters that quantify the level of heat stress have been provided. Accomplishment: (MARC, NE): Nonlinear crossed random effects models for comparing temperature of eating pigs under different thermal environments was evaluated. This study provides a nonlinear mixed-effects compartmental model to describe the thermoregulatory responses of pigs during an eating event and to compare those responses for three thermal environmental treatments applied in a Latin Square design. Impact: We have characterized the thermoregulatory responses of eating pigs which is very helpful for model building and comparing management practices. Accomplishment: (AZ and NE) The sweating rate and surface temperature relationship in Holstein Cattle during thermal stress in winter and summer was evaluated. A segmented linear-plateau model was used to depict the relationship between sweating rate and surface temperature in Holstein cattle and establish the cut-off surface temperature at which the relationship changes. Impact: These data indicate that season and parity affects the relationship between sweating rate and surface temperature in Holstein cattle and should be taken into consideration when designing studies and formulating measures of heat stress. Accomplishment: (USDA-ARS, NE) Heat tolerance of feedlot heifers of different breeds was evaluated throughout two summers using 256 feedlot heifers of four different breeds. Impact: This study helped demonstrate the impact of hot weather on breeds of different hide colors of heifers. Accomplishment: (USDA-ARS, NE) Risk Factors related to heat stress in feedlot heifers were evaluated over two consecutive summers using 256 feedlot heifers (32/ breed/ year) of four breeds were observed. Impact: Anecdotal evidence suggested that there were animals that were more vulnerable to heat related deaths than other. However, there was little scientific evidence to suggest possible risk factors. This study identified 4 risk factors, and provided a basis for precision animal management. Accomplishment: (TN) A preliminary experiment was performed to assess physiological measures of health and well-being in weaned pigs with or without subsequent transport, and to examine the effects of exogenous porcine somatotropin on those measures. Impact: Treatment with somatotropin altered immune and hormonal profiles in weanling pigs, which may improve their overall well-being. Accomplishment: (Australia) Studies evaluating a heat stress index for feedlot cattle were conducted. The objectives of this study were to: (i) develop and validate a new heat load index (HLI) for cattle that is based on respiratory dynamics, tympanic temperature, behavior and feed intake of feedlot cattle. (ii) Develop heat load thresholds (using the HLI) for various cattle genotypes, and (iii) Develop an accumulated heat load value that accurately predicts the heat balance of cattle during periods of hot weather. Impact: The HLI is currently being used on the majority of Australian feedlots. A Risk Assessment Program (RAP) has been developed using the HLI as the basis. It will be mandatory for all feedlots to complete the RAP this summer. Accomplishment: (IA) A study is being conducted to develop a novel method to determine drinking behavior in ruminant livestock. Reticulum temperature was monitored along with water consumption, water temperature, feeding and environmental parameters in six rumen-cannulated steers. Impact: The ability to remotely monitor individual water consumption using the change in reticulum temperature will provide researchers a tool to monitor individual water consumption within a herd in production studies as well as studies where water consumption is impossible to quantify such as drinking from a stream. Accomplishments: (KY) Studies on the development and comparison of bioinstrumentation techniques for core body temperature were conducted. Impact: These results allow for improved data acquisition capabilities, and to develop a core body temperature prediction from these readings, as influenced by external environment. Accomplishments: (KY) Studies investigating the dynamics of doppler ultrasound measures for heifers fed toxic tall fescue seed were conducted. Doppler and B-Mode ultrasonography were used to compare blood flow characteristics between beef heifers fed mixtures of alfalfa hay, soybean hulls, and tall fescue seed that were either infected or non-infected with the Neotyphodium endophyte. Impact: These results confirm the sensitivity that blood flow characteristics of cattle have to ergot alkaloids. Accomplishment: (NY, MS, and HI) The impact of solar load between 800 and 1000 watts/m2 on the thermoregulatory responses of three breeds of diary cows was investigated. The breeds represented four hair coat colors: black (Holstein), white (Holstein), tan (Jersey) and mixed (Gir-Holstein F1 cross). Impact: The heat wave in California this past summer was devastating to the dairy industry. An estimated 25,000 dairy cows died because of heat stress since July 14, 2006. This loss is equivalent to $1,500 to $2,500 per head or between 37.5 to 62.5 million dollars. A better understanding thermal responses related to dairy breeds may improve animal well-being and performance. Accomplishment: (MO) A feeding trial was performed to further examine which ergot alkaloid found in endophyte-infected fescue is involved in the reduction in feed intake typically seen in our rat studies. Impact: Identification of the toxin(s) that contribute to fescue toxicosis-induced reduction in feed intake will allow researchers to target specific treatments in the future to reduce this part of the problem. Accomplishment: (MO, KY) Previous rat feeding trials have indicated that feed intake is very sensitive to ergovaline (EV) concentrations in the diet. Rats were tested to determine threshold level of EV needed to reduce feed intake. Impact: Identification of a threshold level of EV in the diet will allow producers to know the lower limit of exposure that might affect production. Accomplishment: (MO, KY) Most studies of heat stress and/or fescue toxicosis are conducted under short-term, controlled or long-term, field situations. This study will combine both situations by utilizing the controlled conditions in the Brody Environmental Center and the summer field environment under fescue toxicosis and non-fescue toxicosis conditions. Impact: The results of this study will provide researchers with a clearer understanding of long-term impact of heat stress and fescue toxicosis on cattle performance. Accomplishment: (MO, FL, TX) Angus (heat intolerant) and Romosinuano (heat tolerant) steers (both Bos taurus) were tested under long-term heat stress conditions in the Brody Environmental Center to determine differences in heat stress response. Impact: Specific physiological mechanisms and genomics changes that impart heat tolerance will be identified for use in future studies. Accomplishment: (MO) A study was performed using steers exposed to cycling heat stress to determine reliable changes in core body temperature and feed intake using ground fescue seed administered directly into the rumen while using different doses of ergovaline. Impact: Separation of the feed intake and body temperature responses to fescue toxicosis in cattle will allow for the development of more effective treatments the improve each endpoint. Accomplishment: (MO) We have found in rats that fescue toxicants at thermoneutrality down regulate genes associated with antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism, growth and development, transcriptional activity, apoptotic inhibition, mitochondrial activity, immune function, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and up regulate genes associated with hepatic cytochrome P450 system. Impact: This is the first step in allowing us to determine if fescue toxicants affect mitochondrial functions such as ATP production, electron transport, hydrogen peroxide production and superoxide generation. This would help us in identifying the specific pathways that are being affected by E+ toxicants under heat stress conditions at genomic level. Accomplishment: (MO) A study was performed to investigate the effects of long-term heat stress (31°C), combined with endophyte toxins (E+) on male rat reproductive function. Testes appear morphologically normal, but total sperm motility decreases with heat stress and tended to be less with reduced feed intake. Impact: These studies allow for the determination of the impact of fescue toxicosis on male reproduction, and identify specific pathways that include spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Accomplishment: (MO) Mice were tested under thermoneutral conditions to determine the impact of fescue toxicosis on hepatic genomic activity. The E+ diet resulted in down regulation of genes involved in the sex-steroid metabolism pathway and genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Genes coding for ribosomes and protein synthesis were upregulated by the E+ diet. Impact: Genes identified in the present analysis indicate some of the mechanisms by which fescue toxicosis occurs in animals. Future treatments will target these sites. Objective II: Evaluate management strategies that minimize the detrimental effects of animal stress Accomplishment: (AZ) Advanced Dairy Systems Shade Tracker fans and Korral Kool coolers were evaluated on lactating heat stressed dairy cattle. Two independent trials were conducted. In each trial, 400 multiparous and 100 primiparous Holstein cows balanced for parity, stage of lactation, and milk yield were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cooling treatments (Advanced Dairy System fan plus misters  Shade Tracker (ADS-ST) vs. Korral Kool (KK)). Impact: This data indicate that the best cooling system in a semi-arid environment is the reverse chimney cooler built by Korral Kool. The severity of the heat stress plays a major role in the return on investment in this system Accomplishment: (CO) The effects of crystalline amino acids, ractopamine, and sodium bicarbonate on physiological pH in swine was investigated. Impact: Crystalline amino acid diets are being utilized in the swine industry to more closely meet the animals amino acid requirements thus decreasing nutrient excretion into the environment. Accomplishment: (CO) Effects of trace mineral supplementation, source, and growth implants on immune response of growing and finishing feedlot steers were evaluated using 375 steers. Impact: There are many factors that could potentially affect an animals response to a foreign antigen such as environmental factors, management, and stress. Further research is required to determine the effects of TM supplementation and growth implants on immunity in beef cattle. Accomplishment: Studies have previously evaluated novel methods for free stall cooling in dairy cattle (NY, HI, NE and MS). These studies have demonstrated changes in cow activity patterns in relation to cooling system, and addressed factors related to measures of heat stress in dairy cattle and the impact of spray-fan cooling paradigms on cow heat load and heat dissipation. Current studies are addressing the influence of prepartum cooling in dairy cattle on metabolic parameters and subsequent production performance characteristics (MS). Impact: Understanding 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: (USDA-ARS, NE) The components of livestock stress were modeled for Precision Animal Management. An individual animals stress level is the summation of stresses from three areas: the environment, animal, and management. A model is being developed to summarize components of each of these three areas to determine the overall stress on the animal. Impact: Precision animal management is a scheme which would involve presorting animals to maximize product quality, minimize cost, and provide maximum animal comfort and well-being. This information will allow for the economic use of shades, or other management strategies to be employed. Accomplishment: (Australia) A Risk Assessment Program (RAP) has been developed using the HLI as the measure of heat load on the animal. A threshold at which cattle gain body heat was established. Impact: These data form the basis of the RAP which will be used by all feedlots this summer to assess their risk of heat stress. Accomplishment: (Australia) The effectiveness of evaporative cooling of beef cattle housed in confinement was evaluated. Impact: Live export vessels operating out of Australia now have guidelines on the use of water to cool heat stressed cattle. Accomplishment: (FL) The impact of age at weaning on measures of stress in both primi- and multiparous cows was investigated. Impact: These findings suggest that early calf weaning may improve stress tolerance in both beef calves and their dams. Accomplishment: (IA) The advent of tracking via global positioning system (GPS) and the recent use of differential GPS (DGPS) enabled researchers much improved accuracy (less than 3 meters with some devices) and reliability. Impact: The information gained from the GPS HAWK units will provide a better understanding of cattle behavior and new techniques for acquiring GPS-based data. Ultimately the GPS HAWK unit could lead to a suite of Precision Livestock management tools for cattle producers to continuously monitor herd activity and well being, thereby increasing the productivity and security level of our food production chain. Accomplishment: (IA) An experiment is addressing the use of an array of blackglobe weather stations (blackglobe temperature, dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity) transecting a 180-acre grazing study (varying topography) to better describe the movement of cattle with changes in weather patterns, specifically wind speed. Impact: The information gathered from this experiment will help develop relationships between changes in animal behavior (standing versus grazing and the utilization of shade) and changes in environmental parameters. Accomplishments: (KY) Studies investigating the enhanced well-being of horses during transport were conducted. Impact: These data contribute to the improved well-being of transported horses. Accomplishment: (TX) Effects of feeding several components of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on transported lambs was evaluated. Impact: Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which this minimal amount of salt is causing such physiological impacts. Accomplishment: (TX) The effects of density and water availability on the behavior, physiology, and weight loss of slaughter horses during transport was evaluated. Impact: Providing slaughter horses with on-board water is probably not necessary when the horses are being transported for periods of less than 20 hours. Density had little influence on aggression in groups of horses. Shipping horses at high densities is problematic because there appears to be something about high density that causes horses to lie down and risk being trampled. Accomplishment: (TX) Increased ventilation in commercial cattle trailers to decrease shrink, morbidity, and mortality was evaluated. A practical method of reducing heat stress, aerosolized pathogens and environmental contaminants during commercial transportation could prove beneficial to the health and value of cattle. Impact: The preliminary results indicate that increasing ventilation through the use of external air scoops has the potential to improve the health and well-being of cattle during transport. Reducing weight loss by 1% has the potential to save the cattle industry several thousand dollars per load on shrink alone, not including the health benefits. Accomplishment: (MO) Swine studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of three seasonal environments: temperate (TMP), cold stress (CS), and heat stress (HS), two on-farm handling intensities: conventional (CONV) and passive (PAS), two transport stocking densities: tight and loose, and two lairage lengths: 45min and 3h, on digestive tract temperature, pork quality, and blood serum cortisol levels. Impact: During times of heat stress, pigs should be kept in lairage less than 3h to improve animal welfare and lean quality. Plans for the Coming Year  Established Collaborations: 1. Terry Mader (NE) will collaborate with John Gaughan (Australia) to study the effects of betain in feedlot cattle. 2. Anne Parkhurst (NE), John Gaughan (Australia), and Bob Collier (AZ) will be studying the effects of ignoring hysteresis in regards to respiration rate, body temperature and sweating rate when studying heat stress. 3. Don Spiers (MO) will be working with Bob Collier (AZ) to finish a textbook on Environmental Physiology in Domestic Animals. In addition, Don Spiers is working with Glenn Aiken (KY) to study fescue toxicosis and heat stress. 4. John Arthington (FL), Jeff Carroll (USDA-ARS, TX), and Don Spiers (MO) will be working together to study cattle breed differences in response to heat stress. 5. Ted Friend (TX) and John Arthington (FL) will work together to study heat stress in cattle transported between Texas and Florida. 6. Bob Collier (AZ) and Ted Friend (TX) will be conducting heat stress audits in dairy cattle. 7. Hank Kattesh (TN) will collaborate with Jeff Carroll (USDA-ARS, TX) to study physiological measures of stress in conjunction with behavioral measures. These two researchers in addition to Don Lay (USDA-ARS, IN) will finish their work on prenatal stress in swine. 8. Peter Hillman (NY) and Chin Lee (HI) will be working with Bob Collier (AZ) to study evaporative heat loss in heat-stressed dairy cows. 9. John Arthington (FL) will be collaborating with Jeff Carroll (USDA-ARS, TX) to identify and characterize the effects of early calf weaning on responses to stress. In addition, John Arthington will be working with Susan Eicher (USDA-ARS, IN) to characterize acute phase protein responses and lameness in cattle. 10. Terry Engle (CO) will be collaborating with John Arthington (FL) to evaluate the stress response of Florida raised calves which are transported to Colorado receiving yards. 11. Glen Aiken (KY) will be working with Richard Gates (KY) to study heat stress during transport of cattle and horses. 12. Susan Eicher (USDA-ARS, IN) will be collaborating with Anne Parkhurst (NE) and John Arthington (FL) to determine an early detection method of lameness in dairy cattle. Susan Eicher will also be working with Hank Kattesh (TN) to investigate potential measures of chronic stress in calves by developing an ELISA to measure bovine cortisol-binding globulin.

Refereed Journals and Peer-Reviewed Proceedings: Adcock, R.J., H. G. Kattesh, M. P. Roberts, A. M. Saxton, and J. A. Carroll. 2006. Relationships between plasma cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and the free cortisol index (FCI) in pigs over a 24 h period. J. Anim. Vet. Adv. 5(1):85-91. Bhusari, S., L.B. Hearne, D.E. Spiers, W.R. Lamberson, and E. Antoniou. 2006. Effect of fescue toxicosis on hepatic gene expression. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1600-1612. Bowers, S., Gandy, S., Graves, K., Eicher, S.D., Willard, S. 2006. The effects of prepartum milking on postpartum reproductive and production performance in first-calf dairy heifers. J. Dairy Res. 73(3):257-263. Bowers, S., S. Gandy, K. Graves, A. Moore and S. Willard. 2006. Relationships between measurements of vaginal electrical impedance, uterine involution and hormonal profiles in postpartum dairy cows. J. Anim. Vet. Advances 5(7): 552-558. Bowers, S., S. Gandy, K. Graves, S. Eicher and S.T. Willard. 2006. The effects of prepartum milking on postpartum reproductive and production performance in first-calf dairy heifers. J. Dairy Research 73(3): 257-263. Bridges, T.C., R.S. Gates, J. Nienaber. 2006. Animal modeling. Chapter in Monograph for ASABE, available at www.asabe.org. Brown-Brandl, T.M., R.A. Eigenberg, G.L. Hahn, J.A. Nienaber, T.L. Mader, D.E. Spiers, and A.M. Parkhurst. 2005. Analyses of thermoregulatory responses of feeder cattle exposed to simulated heat waves. Int. J. Biometeorol. 49 285-296. Cammack, K.M., D.E. Spiers, P.A. Eichen, and W.R. Lamberson. 2005. Relationships between body temperature and performance traits in heat-stressed rats. J. Therm. Biol. 30:467-477. Carroll, J.A., E.L. Berg, T.A. Strauch, M.P. Roberts, and H.G. Kattesh. 2006. Hormonal profiles, behavioral responses and short-term growth performance following castration of pigs at 3, 6, 9, or 12 days of age. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1271-1278. Collier, R.J., C. M. Stiening, B.C. Pollard, M.J. VanBaale, L.H. Baumgard and P.M. Coussens. 2006. Use of gene expression microarrays for evaluating environmental stress tolerance at the cellular level. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. 84(E. Suppl.):E1E13. Collier, R.J., G.E. Dahl and M.J. VanBaale. 2006. Major Advances Associated with Environmental Effects on Dairy Cattle. J. Dairy Sci. Centenial Issue J. Dairy Sci. 89:1244-1253. Eicher, S.D., H.W. Cheng, A.D. Sorrells, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. Short Communications: Behavioral and Physiological Indicators of Sensitivity or Chronic Pain Following Tail-docking. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3047-3051. Green, A.R., R.S. Gates and L.M. Lawrence. 2005. Measurement of horse core body temperature. J. Thermal Biol. 30(1):370-377. Harris, M.J., E.A. Pajor, A.D. Sorrells, S.D. Eicher, B.T. Richert, and J.N. Marchant-Forde. 2006. Effects of stall or small group gestation housing on the production, health and behaviour of gilts. Livest. Prod. Sci. 102:171-179. Hillman, P.E., C.N. Lee and S.T. Willard. 2005. Body temperature versus microclimate selection in heat stressed dairy cows. Trans. Am. Soc. Agric. Eng. 48(2): 795-801. Koch, J.M., Moritz, J.S., Lay, Jr., D.C., Wilson, M.E. 2005. Melengestrol acetate in experimental diets as an effective alternative to induce a decline in egg production and reversible regression of the reproductive tract in laying hens i. Determining an effective concentration of MGA. Poult. Sci. 84:1750-1756. Koch, J.M., Mortiz, J.S., Smith, D.L., Lay, Jr., D.C., Wilson, M.E. 2005. Melengestrol acetate as an effective alternative to induce a decline in egg production and reversible regression of the reproductive tract in laying hens ii. Effects on post molt egg quality. Poult. Sci. 84:1757-1762. Krawczel, P.D., T.H. Friend, and A. Windom. 2006. Stereotypic behavior of circus tigers: Effects of performance. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 95:189-198. Mader, T. L., M.S. Davis, and T. Brown-Brandl. 2006. Environmental factors influencing heat stress in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84:712-719. Mader, T.L. and W. M. Kreikemeier. 2006. Effects of growth-promoting agents and season on blood metabolites and body temperature in heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1030-1037. Montross, M. D., G.A. Duncan and R.S. Gates. 2006. Development and testing of a low-cost condensation testing system. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 22(4):603-608. Sang, Y., B. Ramanathan, J.E. Minton, C.R. Ross, and F. Blecha. 2006. Porcine liver-expressed antimicrobial peptides, hepcidin and LEAP-2: cloning and induction by bacterial infection. Dev. Comp Immunol. 30:357-366. Settivari, R.S., S. Bhusari, T. Evans, P.A. Eichen, L.B. Hearne, E. Antoniou, and D.E. Spiers. 2006. Genomic analysis of the impact of fescue toxicosis on hepatic function. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1279-1294. Sink, T.D., R.J. Strange, H.G. Kattesh, and A.G. Mathew. 2006. Linking stress to increased mortality of channel catfish at varying concentrations of Edwardsiella ictaluri. J. Anim. Vet. Adv. 5(3):208-214. Skjolaas, K.A., T.E. Burkey, S.S. Dritz, and J.E. Minton. 2006. Effects of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium (ST) and Choleraesuis (SC) on chemokine and cytokine expression in swine ileum and jejunal epithelial cells. Vet. Immunol. Immunopath. 111:199-209. Sorrells, A.D., Eicher, S.D., Scott, K.A., Harris, M.J., Pajor, E.A., Lay Jr, D.C., Richert, B.T. 2006. Post-natal behavioral and physiological responses of piglets from gilts housed individually or in groups during gestation. J. Anim. Sci. 84:757-766. Spiers, D.E., P.A. Eichen, and G.E. Rottinghaus. 2005. A model of fescue toxicosis: Responses of rats to intake of endophyte-infected tall fescue. J. Anim. Sci.. 83:1423-1434. Willard, S.T., T. Dickerson, R. Dodson, A. Weis and R.W. Godfrey. 2006. Administration of 6-Methoxybenzoxazolinone (MBOA) in conjunction with PMSG does not augment superovulatory responses in St. Croix White ewes. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 93: 280-291. Xiao C, J Sartin, JJ Mulchahey, T Segar, S Sheriff, JP Herman, JW Kasckow. 2006. Aging associated changes in amygdalar corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and CRH-binding protein in Fisher 344 rats. Brain Res. 1073-1074:325-331. Meeting Abstracts: Bhusari S., L. B. Hearne, D. E. Spiers, W. R. Lamberson and E. Antoniou. 2006. The added effects of heat stress on alterations in murine hepatic gene expression associated with fescue toxicosis. The Toxicologist 90 (1): 287. Brown, K.R., R.D. Goodband, M.D. Tokach, S.S. Dritz, J.L. Nelssen, J.E. Minton, D.M. Grieger, J.C. Woodworth, and B.J. Johnson. 2006. Effects of L-carnitine and gestation length on growth factor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in maternal tissues. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):50. Brown, K.R., R.D. Goodband, M.D. Tokach, S.S. Dritz, J.L. Nelssen, J.E. Minton, J.C. Woodworth, and B.J. Johnson. 2006. Influence of L-carnitine on gilt and fetal growth characteristics at three gestation lengths. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):74. Brown-Brandl, T.M., D.D. Jones, J.B. Gaughan. Modelling the Components of Livestock Stress for Precision Animal Management. ASABE Conference Paper #064204. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. Burgos, R. L.J. Odens, R.J. Collier, L.H. Baumgard and M.J. VanBaale. 2006. Evaluation of Advanced Dairy Systems shade tracker fans and Korral Kool coolers on lactating dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):399. Carr, C. C., D. J. Newman, M. M. Brandt, E. K. Burger, M. H. Ryan, I. P. Shann, D. H. Keisler, and E. P. Berg. 2006. Effect of pre-harvest stressors on digestive tract temperature, lean quality and blood cortisol level of market pigs. 59th Reciprocal Meats Conference. Univ. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Curley, K.O., J. Lyons, M.S. Brown, T.E. Lawence, J.A. Carroll, R.C. Vann, S.T. Willard, T.H. Welsh and R.D. Randel. 2006. Influence of breed type and temperament on anatomic and endocrinologic parameters of the bovine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):353. Davis, J.D. 2006. Watching Like a Hawk. Resource Magazine 13(3):12-16. Davis, J.D., H. Xin, J.D. Harmon. Development and Analysis of Novel Method to Remotely Monitor Water Consumption in Ruminant Livestock. Paper for the 2006 ASABE International Meeting, Paper #064011, July 9-12. Portland, OR. Davis, J.D., M.J. Darr, H. Xin and J.D. Harmon. Construction of a Low-Cost GPS Herd Activity and Welfare Kit (GPS HAWK) for Livestock Monitoring. Paper for the 2006 ASABE International Meeting, Paper #064010, July 9-12. Portland, OR. Dos Santos, A.R., S.T. Willard, R.C. Vann and B. Macoon. 2006. Relationships between endocrine status, temperament, growth and carcass traits in replacement beef heifers supplemented with dietary fat. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):56. Eicher, S.D., Johnson, T.A., Marchant Forde, J.N. 2006. Age at transport effects on behavioral responses in dairy calves to novel stimuli. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):305. Haan, M., J. Russell, J.D. Davis, D. Morrical, D. Strohbehn, and W. Powers. 2006. Effect of grazing management on cattle distribution patterns and implications on water quality. Paper for the Third National Conference on Grazing Lands. Dec. 10-13. St. Louis, MO. Heilman, R.M., P.A. Eichen, L.E. Wax, T. Bramble, G.E. Rottinghaus, and D.E. Spiers. 2006. Partial reduction of fescue toxicosis during heat stress using a supplemental yeast cell wall polymer. 39th Midwestern Sectional Animal Science Meeting, Des Moines, IA. Hildabrand, B.M., T.E. Burkey, K. A. Skjolaas, S. S. Dritz, B. J. Johnson, and J. E. Minton. 2006. Growth performance of nursery pigs fed BIOSAF® yeast alone or in combination with in-feed antimicrobial. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):77. Hildabrand, B.M., T.E. Burkey, K. A. Skjolaas, S. S. Dritz, B. J. Johnson, and J. E. Minton. 2006. Growth performance of nursery pigs fed BIOSAF® in combination with in-feed antimicrobials. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):77. Huang, Q., A. M. Parkhurst, T.M. Brown-Brandl, R.A. Eigenberg, J.A. Nienaber. 2006. Evaluating linear and nonlinear models for the response rate of four breeds of heat stressed feedlot heifers, Paper presented at Proc. 18th Annual Kansas State University Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS. Kirch, B. H., G. E. Aiken, and D. E. Spiers. 2006. Temperature influences upon vascular dynamics as measured by Doppler ultrasonography. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):212. Koch, J.M., Moritz, J.S., Lay Jr, D.C., Wilson, M.E. 2005. Effect of melengestrol acetate (mga) as an alternative to induce molting on egg quality. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2):22. Koch, J.M., Moritz, J.S., Lay Jr, D.C., Wilson, M.E. 2005. Effect of melengestrol acetate (mga) on the production of yolk proteins by the liver. Poult. Sci. Assoc. Meeting Abst. 84(1):44. Kojima, C.J., P.E. Roberson, M.P. Roberts, T. Sun, and H.G. Kattesh. 2006. Effects of exogenous porcine somatotropin and transportation on physiological parameters in weaned pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):89. Lee, C.N., P. E. Hillman, R. Collier, and K. Gebremedhin. 2006. Physiological responses of Holstein cows (white or black hair coat) under different solar loads: An environmental chamber study. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 89(Suppl.1):212. McGee, M., K. Curley, R. Randel, D. Neuendorff, T. Welsh, A. Musselwhite, K. Kelly-Quagliana and S. Willard. 2006. Relationships between heifer temperament indices and fecal immunoreactive corticoid determinations. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, Orlando, FL, February, 2006. Moulton, E. Williams, P. Ryan, D. Moore, S. Kim, D. Lay and S. Willard. 2006. Detection of photonic emissions with varying concentrations of Salmonella typhimurium-lux through porcine intestinal tissue: A comparison of two photonic imaging systems. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):349. Moulton, K., E . Williams, F. Lovell, P. Ryan, D. Lay, D. Jansen and S. Willard. 2005. A comparison of optical clearing agents to enhance photonic detection of Salmonella through pig skin. American Society for Cell Biology, December, 10  14, 2005. Moulton, K., S. Willard, P. Ryan, D. Christiansen, C. Klauser and W. Bennett. 2006. Bioluminescence imaging and hormonal profiles in late gestation ewes following intrauterine inoculation with lux-modified Escherichia coli. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, Orlando, FL, February, 2006. Obese FY, FC Buonomo, BK Whitlock, JL Sartin. Opioid agonist modulation of long term food intake in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl 1):31. Purswell, J.L., R.S. Gates, L.M. Lawrence, J.D. Jacob, T.S. Stombaugh and R.J. Coleman. 2006. Air exchange rate in a horse trailer during road transport. Transactions of the ASAE 49(1):193-201. Qiu, X., J.D. Arthington, D. Riley, C.C. Chase, Jr., W. Phillips, and S. Coleman. 2006. Effect of breed on acute phase protein response to weaning and transport in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):13-14. Qiu, X., R. Cooke, E. Pereira, G. Marquezini, J. Vendramini, C. Chase, S. Coleman, and J.D. Arthington. 2005. Effects of pre-weaning management on the acute phase protein response of transported beef steers during a 30-d feedlot receiving period. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):172. Ryan, P., K. Moulton, S. Willard, J. Crouch, D. Sykes, D. Christiansen, and W. Bennett. 2005. Experimentally-Induced Placentitis in Late Gestation Ewes and Mares: Evaluation of Pathogen Progression using Lux-modified Bacteria and Bioluminescence Imaging. Havemeyer Workshop in Hilton Head, SC; November 9-11th, 2005. Ryan, P.L., Crouch J., Moulton K., Willard S.T., Christiansen D.L., Bennett, W.A., LeBlanc M,M. 2006. Evaluation of pathogen progression during experimentally-induced placentitis in the late gestation mare and ewe using lux-modified Escherichia coli and bioluminescence imaging technology. Proceedings 22nd Annual Alltech Symposium, Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industry, Lexington, KY. Sampson, J. D., D. E. Spiers, and J. N. Spain. 2006. Effect of feeding whole soybeans on thermal balance and fatty acid profiles on early lactation cows during heat stress. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):68. Sampson, J. D., R. P. Rhoads, R. J. Tempelman, S. S. Sipkovsky, P. M. Coussens, M. C. Lucy, J. N. Spain, and D. E. Spiers. 2006. Effect of feeding whole soybeans on hepatic gene expression in lactating dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):71. Schenck, E.L., D.C. Lay Jr., H.G. Kattesh, J.E. Cunnick, M.J. Daniels, M.J. Toscano, and K.A. McMunn. 2006. The effects of prenatal stress on the ano-genital distance and growth hormone immuno-positive cells in the pituitary gland of the pig. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):413. Settivari. R.S, T. Evans, E. Antoniou, C.S. Reddy, and D.E. Spiers. 2006. Effect of fescue toxicosis on hepatic gene expression. The Toxicologist 90 (1): 287. Skjolaas, K.A., T.E. Burkey, and J.E. Minton. 2006. Pretreatment of swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) with Bacillus licheniformis (BL) prevents Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST)-induced basolateral interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):50. Spiers, D. E., L. E. Wax, B. Scharf, and G. E. Aiken. 2006. Regional differences in sweat rate response of steers to short-term heat stress. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):303. Sykes D, Chromiak A, Couvillion S, Gerard P, Crenshaw M, Willard S, Ryan P. Estrus detection in gilts using digital infrared thermal imaging. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, Orlando, FL, February, 2006. Vann, R.C., R.D. Randel, T.H. Welsh, S.T. Willard, J.A. Carroll, M.S. Brown and T.E. Lawrence. 2006. Influence of breed type and temperament on feedlot growth and carcass characteristics of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):396. Wax, L. E., G. Rottinghaus, and D. E. Spiers. 2006. Physiological responses to heat stress in steers following ruminal administration of ground endophyte-infected tall fescue seed. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):75. Wheelock, J.B., S.R. Sanders, g. Shwartz, L.L. Hernandez, S.H. Baker, J.W. McFadden, L.J. Odens, R. Burgos, S. R. Hartman, R.M. Johnson, B.E. Jones, R.J. Collier, R.P. Rhoads, M.J. VanBaale.2006. Effects of heat stress and rbST on production parameters and glucose homeostasis. J. Anim Sci. 84 (Suppl.1):290. White, M.B., M. Jones, S. Schmidt, A. Chromiak and S. T. Willard. 2006. The use of digital infrared thermography for monitoring environmental physiology in dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):212. Willard, S. 2006. Invited Talk: Indicators of heat stress and environmental monitoring of animal responses. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, Orlando, FL, February, 2006. Willard, S., P. Ryan, D. Sykes, M. Crenshaw, R. Vann, R. Randel, T. Welsh, S. Bowers, M. Jones and A. Chromiak. 2006. Effectiveness of ocular thermography for the determination of body temperature in livestock: A multi-species analysis. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):354. Willard, S.T., M. C. Vinson and R.W. Godfrey. 2006. Digital infrared thermal imaging of the eye as correlated to rectal and vaginal temperature measurements in the ewe. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):434. Williams, E., K. Moulton, D. Moore, M. McGee, F. Lovell, S. Couvillion, P. Ryan, D. Lay and S. Willard. 2006. Photonic properties of transformed Salmonella typhimurium: Plasmid stability and concentration dependency. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, Orlando, FL, February, 2006. Zhou, M, A. M. Parkhurst, P. E. Hillman, and C. N. Lee. 2005. Modeling the Body Temperature of Heat Stressed Lying Cows Under Two Different Cooling Processes, Proc. 17th Annual Kansas State University Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS p. 78-94. Zhou, M., A.M. Parkhurst, R.A. Eigenberg, J.A. Nienaber, G.L. Hahn, 2006. Evaluating nonlinear crossed random effects models for comparing temperature of eating pigs under different thermal environments, Proc. 18th Annual Kansas State University Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS. Thesis / Dissertations: Burkey, T.E. 2006. Expression of toll-like receptors in porcine immune cells and tissues. Ph.D. Diss., Kansas State Univ., Manhattan. Fraser, J.N. 2006. Pathophysiological effects of oral inoculation of growing pigs with Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium or Choleraesuis. M.S. Thesis., Kansas State Univ., Manhattan. Liu, Haidong. 2005. Using Wavelets to Estimate the Long Memory Parameter and Detect Long Memory Phenomena in the Presence of Deterministic Trend. Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Nebraska, Lincoln. Skjolaas, K.A. 2006. Innate immune activation of swine gastrointestinal epithelial cells and tissues in response to microbial exposure. Ph.D. Diss., Kansas State Univ., Manhattan.