Progress 09/15/03 to 09/14/08

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research and develop scientific information to increase efficiency of production while maintaining lean, high quality beef cattle, sheep and swine. The research will be conducted at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) and other mutually agreed upon sites. Research conducted at USMARC and the mutually agreed upon sites will be collaborative efforts in which both the University and ARS co-lead in the preparation, planning, and execution of experiments. Approach (from AD-416) Beef cattle, sheep, and swine owned by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station will be utilized to develop new understandings of the capacity of various animal genetic selection criterion, reproductive, animal health, food safety, animal stress, and nutrient management strategies to enhance animal productivity in concert with the ecological and economic sustainability of animal agriculture. Results will be summarized and disseminated to producers, researchers, and other interested parties. The University will provide qualified personnel to care for and manage livestock involved in studies as well as the safe operation, care and maintenance of required infrastructure such as vehicles, scales, fences, corrals, rangeland, roads, crop land, buildings, and associated equipment; to gather and manage field data in conduct of research projects; and to provide agriculture crop production and utilization support. ARS will provide scientific leadership, laboratory expertise, necessary technical supervision, land, facilities, and equipment required to conduct research; manage, maintain, and make available data from individual experimental animal data base required to address cooperative research efforts. Specific projects include long term genetics experiments designed to characterize different breeds and identify genes that affect production and carcass traits; identifying methods to improve reproductive efficiency in cattle, pigs, and sheep; improve nutrient utilization, the impact of the production system on the environment, and improve animal well-being and reduce animal stress; reduce the prevalence of pre- and post-harvest food safety pathogens in meat; develop laboratory and bioinformatics tools to advance genomics and functional genomics research in cattle, pigs, and sheep; and improve the health of farm animals. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Administrative close-out processes were completed in FY-09; please refer to the Final Progress Report submitted in FY-08 for this project.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research and develop scientific information to increase efficiency of production while maintaining lean, high quality beef cattle, sheep and swine. The research will be conducted at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) and other mutually agreed upon sites. Research conducted at USMARC and the mutually agreed upon sites will be collaborative efforts in which both the University and ARS co-lead in the preparation, planning, and execution of experiments. Approach (from AD-416) Beef cattle, sheep, and swine owned by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station will be utilized to develop new understandings of the capacity of various animal genetic selection criterion, reproductive, animal health, food safety, animal stress, and nutrient management strategies to enhance animal productivity in concert with the ecological and economic sustainability of animal agriculture. Results will be summarized and disseminated to producers, researchers, and other interested parties. The University will provide qualified personnel to care for and manage livestock involved in studies as well as the safe operation, care and maintenance of required infrastructure such as vehicles, scales, fences, corrals, rangeland, roads, crop land, buildings, and associated equipment; to gather and manage field data in conduct of research projects; and to provide agriculture crop production and utilization support. ARS will provide scientific leadership, laboratory expertise, necessary technical supervision, land, facilities, and equipment required to conduct research; manage, maintain, and make available data from individual experimental animal data base required to address cooperative research efforts. Specific projects include long term genetics experiments designed to characterize different breeds and identify genes that affect production and carcass traits; identifying methods to improve reproductive efficiency in cattle, pigs, and sheep; improve nutrient utilization, the impact of the production system on the environment, and improve animal well-being and reduce animal stress; reduce the prevalence of pre- and post-harvest food safety pathogens in meat; develop laboratory and bioinformatics tools to advance genomics and functional genomics research in cattle, pigs, and sheep; and improve the health of farm animals. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. Additional details of research can be found in the project report for the in-house associated project 5438-31000-071-00D, Bioinformatics for Livestock. However, all U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in- house parent projects contribute funds to this cooperative agreement. Research accomplishments have been identified for each of the 25 in-house parent projects in each respective annual report. This is an over-arching project that defines the relationship between the University of Nebraska and USMARC. It covers National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization). The future of rural agriculture is dependent upon improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, and food safety for cattle, pigs, and sheep. Furthermore, the environmental impact of animal production has become a major issue, and new technologies are needed to reduce the nutrient and odor problems associated with livestock waste. Monitoring activities include regular meetings with USMARC operations staff and research staff.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? This report serves to document research activities under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. Additional detalis of research can be found in the parent project 5438-31000-071-00D Bioinformatics for Livestock. However, all U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) CRIS projects contribute funds to this cooperative agreement. Research accomplishments have been identified for each of the 24 CRIS projects in each respective annual report. This is an over arching CRIS project that defines the relationship between the University of Nebraska and USMARC. It covers National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization). The future of rural agriculture is dependent upon improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, and food safety for cattle, pigs, and sheep. Furthermore, the environmental impact of animal production has become a major issue, and new technologies are needed to reduce the nutrient and odor problems associated with livestock waste. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Milestones of the 24 USMARC CRIS projects are documented in their respective annual reports. The specific milestone for this CRIS is to provide animal care and data collection support for all research conducted at USMARC. The milestone is the same over all five years of the CRIS project. 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. The research accomplishments have been identified for each CRIS project in each respective annual report. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. The research reported in the 24 USMARC CRIS projects is conducted under National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization) and is tied to ARS Strategic Plan Goals 1 Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers and 3 Enhance protection and safety of the nations agriculture and food supply. The University of Nebraska and USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have had a strong cooperative program at USMARC since the development of the Center. The beef cattle, sheep, and swine are owned by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station. Proceeds from the sale of animals that have completed their usefulness to the program are made available to offset the cost of the research program. The University provides personnel to produce feed and care for and manage livestock in the studies, as well as gather and manage field data. ARS provides the overall management, facilities, scientific leadership, and laboratory expertise. This cooperative effort utilizes the resources of both parties in a very efficient manner to support a multidiscipline oriented large animal research program. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? The many technologies and the scientific information that have been transferred to different segments of the livestock industry and consumers have been documented in the annual reports of the 24 USMARC CRIS projects. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Publications are listed in each of the respective annual reports.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? This report serves to document research activities under the Specific Cooperative Agreement with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska (#58-5438-3-0327). The parent CRIS is 5438-31000-071-00D Bioinformatics for Livestock; however, all U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) CRIS projects contribute funds to this cooperative agreement. Research accomplishments have been identified for each of the 24 CRIS projects in each respective annual report. This is an over arching CRIS project that defines the relationship between the University of Nebraska and MARC. It covers National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization). The future of rural agriculture is dependent upon improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, and food safety for cattle, pigs, and sheep. Furthermore, the environmental impact of animal production has become a major issue, and new technologies are needed to reduce the nutrient and odor problems associated with livestock waste. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Milestones of the 24 MARC CRIS projects are documented in their respective annual reports. The specific milestone for this CRIS is to provide animal care and data collection support for all research conducted at MARC. The milestone is the same over all five years of the CRIS project 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Animal care and data collection support. Milestone Fully Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? The milestone for FY2006, 2007, and 2008 is the same as FY2005--provide animal care and data collection support for all 24 MARC CRIS projects. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? The research accomplishments have been identified for each CRIS project in each respective annual report. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The research reported in the 24 MARC CRIS projects is conducted under National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization) and is tied to ARS Strategic Plan Goals 1 Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers and 3 Enhance protection and safety of the nations agriculture and food supply. The University of Nebraska and USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have had a strong cooperative program at MARC since the development of the Center. The beef cattle, sheep, and swine are owned by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station. Proceeds from the sale of animals that have completed their usefulness to the program are made available to offset the cost of the research program. The University provides personnel to produce feed and care for and manage livestock in the studies, as well as gather and manage field data. ARS provides the overall management, facilities, scientific leadership, and laboratory expertise. This cooperative effort utilizes the resources of both parties in a very efficient manner to support a multidiscipline oriented large animal research program. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? The many technologies and the scientific information that have been transferred to different segments of the livestock industry and consumers have been documented in the annual reports of the 24 MARC CRIS projects. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Publications are listed in each of the respective annual reports.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? This report serves to document research activities under the Specific Cooperative Agreement with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska (#58-5438-3-0327). The parent CRIS is 5438-31000-071-00D, entitled "Bioinformatics for Livestock;" however, all U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) CRIS projects contribute funds to this cooperative agreement. Research accomplishments have been identified for each of the 27 CRIS projects in each respective annual report. This is an over arching CRIS project that defines the relationship between the University of Nebraska and MARC. It covers National Programs 101 (Food Animal Production), 103 (Animal Health), 105 (Animal Well Being and Stress Control Systems), 108 (Food Safety), and 206 (Manure and Byproduct Utilization). The future of rural agriculture is dependent upon improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, and food safety for cattle, pigs, and sheep. Furthermore, the environmental impact of animal production has become a major issue, and new technologies are needed to reduce the nutrient and odor problems associated with livestock waste. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Milestones of the 27 MARC CRIS projects are documented in their respective annual reports. The specific milestone for this CRIS is to provide animal care and data collection support for all research conducted at MARC. The milestone is the same over all five years of the CRIS project. 3. Milestones: A. Milestone met in FY 2004. The animal care and data collection support was met. B. Milestones expected to address in the next three years: The milestones for FY2005, 2006, and 2007 are the same as FY2004--provide animal care and data collection support for all 27 MARC CRIS projects. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY2004: The research accomplishments have been identified for each CRIS project in each respective annual report. B. Other Significant Accomplishments: None. C. Significant Activities that Support Target Populations: None. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The University of Nebraska and USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have had a strong cooperative program at MARC since the development of the Center. The beef cattle, sheep, and swine are owned by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station. Proceeds from the sale of animals that have completed their usefulness to the program are made available to offset the cost of the research program. The University provides personnel to produce feed and care for and manage livestock in the studies, as well as gather and manage field data. ARS provides the overall management, facilities, scientific leadership, and laboratory expertise. This cooperative effort utilizes the resources of both parties in a very efficient manner to support a multidiscipline oriented large animal research program. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? The many technologies and the scientific information that has been transferred to different segments of the livestock industry and consumers has been documented in the annual reports of the 27 MARC CRIS projects. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Publications are listed in each of the respective annual reports.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications