2018 Research Report
Authors
J.G. Berardinelli*, L.E. Ramos, J.R.C. Wilkinson, J.R. Olsen, T. Gibbs, L. Runnion, and S. A. Tauck1
Impact statement
Our results indicate that the continuous presence of mature bulls during an estrus synchronization protocol that included a CIDR for 14 days does not appear to influence ovarian follicular dynamics or the expression of estrus after PG injection in beef heifers. Thus, this may not be the mechanism whereby the presence of bulls increases fertility in the bovine. However, the relationship between the dominate follicle (ovulatory follicle) diameter and body condition score supports the concept that “more fit” females ovulate larger follicles which in turn improves fertility and reproductive efficiency in beef heifers.
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Authors
J. K. Hieber, R. L. Endecott† , and J. M. Thomson*
Impact statement
Beef quality is the driving force behind consumer decisions to consume beef. When quality is poor or inconsistent, genetic improvement can be one strategy to improve meat quality. The American Simmental Association’s Carcass Merit Program has allowed us to identify genetic markers that impact carcass traits in Simmental and Simmental-influenced cattle, which could be used to improve the accuracy of breeding value estimations and increase the value of genetic evaluations to Simmental producers
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Authors
C. Jones* and K. Olson-Rutz
Impact statement
Proper inoculation and soil fertility management to encourage nitrogen fixation may be a worthwhile investment for optimal economic pulse crop production.
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Authors
R. M. Knuth1, W. C. Stewart2, J. A. Boles1, C. M. Page2, A. F. Williams1, and T. W. Murphy1*
Impact statement
The South African Meat Merino is a relatively new addition to the U.S. sheep industry and has not been extensively compared to breeds commonly used in Western sheep production. Results from the present study indicate that weaning weight and carcass characteristics were similar between purebred Rambouillet and South African Meat Merino x Rambouillet lambs. However, Rambouillet sired ewes were heavier as yearlings and had lower MFD than South African Meat Merino sired ewes. These results should be interpreted judiciously as a preliminary component of a multi-year study. Future research evaluating lifetime lamb and wool production of South African Meat Merino cross ewes is ongoing with this project
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Authors
E. Meccage1*, Z. Miller2, and D. Peterson1
Impact statement
Utilizing tests to determine nitrate accumulation in forage is an important tool for producers. This publication outlines the protocols and efficacy of the Nitrate QuikTest, Nitrate Strip Test, and Commercial Laboratory Analysis.
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Authors
M. Bestwick1†, P. Miller2*, C. Jones2 and K. Olson-Rutz2
Impact statement
Based on yellow pea samples and associated management details from farms in Montana and North Dakota, water limitation may be the most important growing condition that increases pea protein in dryland pulse crop production. The use of granular rather than seed-coat inoculant correlated with higher pea protein under severe drought conditions. Other than a boost in protein with sulfur fertilization in moderate drought condition, starter phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur applications were not correlated with pea protein.
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Authors
J.C. Mosley1*, R.A. Frost1, B.L. Roeder2, S.L. Wells1, L.B. McNew1, and P.E. Clark3
Impact statement
Keeping range sheep 0.25 mile away from trailheads, campgrounds, or picnic areas during weekends, holidays, or other high potential recreation use periods should prevent most encounters between guard dogs and recreationists. The presence of wolves and grizzly bears on the landscape did not influence how far guard dogs roamed from their sheep.
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Authors
T. W. Murphy1*, W. C. Stewart2, and J. B. Taylor3
Impact statement
Clinical mastitis contributes to increased culling rates and lost revenue in Western sheep production, but the importance of subclinical mastitis is less clear. Results from this work suggest that subclinical mastitis is prevalent and has large economic consequences in the form of reduced lamb weaning weight. Strategic trace mineral supplementation and other management practices to reduce its prevalence warrants further investigation.
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Authors
T. D. Ritter and L. B. McNew*
Impact statement
Beaver activity provides benefits to stream systems including water storage, sediment retention, and enhanced wildlife habitat. Beavers have therefore become a popular tool for riparian restoration. We studied habitat selection by beavers to provide information for selecting restoration sites that will have the highest probability of colonization
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Authors
S. A. Blatter, J.A. Boles, J.M. Thomson* and J.G. Berardinelli
Impact statement
Beef tenderness is the driving force behind consumers decisions to consume beef. When the eating experience is poor or inconsistent, genetic improvement can be one strategy to improve meat eating experience. Identification of patterns of gene expression in muscle from carcasses of different quality grades allows a better understanding of the metabolic changes that occur as fat deposition increases both intramuscularly and in adipose depots and will provide targets for genetic improvement and increased tenderness and consistency.
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Authors
S.T. Vold, and L.B. McNew*
Impact statement
Livestock grazing management practices that influence the occupancy of mesocarnivores should be considered for their potential indirect effects on prey populations such as ground-nesting grassland birds, a guild of recent conservation concern.