PHOENIX, ARIZ — Department of Animal Science faculty and graduate students attended the 2012 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society for Animal Science (ASAS) and the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) in Phoenix, Arizona July 15-19, 2012. Many faculty and graduate students presented their research during poster and oral sessions.

Those presenting and their abstract titles include:

Genomic differences between highly fertile and sub-fertile Holstein dairy heifers. A. E. Navarrette*¹, C. A. Gill¹, T. E. Spencer², and T. R. Bilby^1,3, 1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, 3Texas Agrilife Research and Extension, Stephenville.

Expression profiling of testicular sense and antisense RNA transcripts of Brahman bulls. K. K. Adams*¹, L. R. Chenault¹, J. Valenta¹, R. N. Vaughn¹, A. K. Torres¹, K. J. Kochan¹, T. H. Welsh¹, R. D. Randel², F. M. Rouquette², A. D. Herring¹, and P. K. Riggs¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Overton.

Continuous versus rotational stocking of rye and ryegrass pastures at different stocking rates and forage allowance. F. Rouquette*, J. Kerby, G. Nimr, and K. Norman, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton.

Animal performance on pastures managed at two forage heights to produce grass finished beef. M. J. Baker*¹, M. L. Thonney¹, L. O. Tedeschi², G. Jacimovski¹, and L. M. Furman¹, 1Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2Texas A&M University, College Station.

Dynamic changes in blood flow, oxygen consumption and metabolite responses to acute arginine supplementation in growing-finishing pigs. B. E. Tan¹, Y. L. Yin*¹, X. F. Kong¹, and G. Y. Wu^1,2, 1Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chansha, Hunan, China, 2Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Effect of adding a GnRH or PGF2α between the Presynch and Ovsynch program for first AI in lactating dairy cows. R. G. S. Bruno*^1,2, A. M. Farias¹, J. A. Hernández-Rivera¹, A. E. Navarrette¹, D. E. Hawkins², and T. R. Bilby¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon.

Effect of FlipFan cooling system on lactating dairy cattle performance in an open dry-lot commercial dairy in a sub-tropical environment in central Texas. J. A. Hernandez-Rivera*², F. D. Alvarez-Valenzuela², U. Macias-Cruz², L. Avendano-Reyes², and T. R. Bilby¹, 1Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Service, Texas A&M System, Stephenville, 2Instituto de Ciencias Agricolas, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Ejido Nuevo Leon, Valle de Mexicali, Mexico.

Establishing the summer:winter ratio to evaluate the effects of heat stress on conception rates in US commercial dairies. H. M. Robertson*^1,2 and T. R. Bilby², 1Department of Animal Science and Wildlife Management, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 2Texas AgriLife Research and Extension, Texas A&M System, Stephenville.

Utilizing production parameters to establish the summer:winter ratio to evaluate the effects of heat stress on commercial dairies in the southwest. H. M. Robertson*^1,2 and T. R. Bilby², 1Department of Animal Science and Wildlife Management, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 2Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Service, Texas A&M System, Stephenville.

Impact of season on the metabolic profile in transition Holstein dairy cows in summer and winter. K. J. Lager*^1,2, E. R. Jordan¹, R. G. S. Bruno^1,2, J. A. H. Rivera³, R. Sprowls⁴, and D. R. Topliff2, 1Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, College Station, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville, 4Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Amarillo.

Endogenous contribution and urinary recovery of purine derivatives in Nellore cattle. A. M. Barbosa*¹, R. F. D. Valadares², S. de C. V. Filho², D. do Santos Pina³, and M. A. Fonseca^2,4, 1Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 2Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 3Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, 4Texas A&M University, College Station.

Urinary recovery of purine derivatives and microbial production in Nellore cattle. A. M. Barbosa*¹, R. F. D. Valadares², S. de C. V. Filho², D. do S. Pina³, and M. A. Fonseca^2,4, 1Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 2Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 3Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, 4Texas A&M University, College Station.

Assessment of the in vitro fermentation pattern of native forage from the Brazilian semiarid region. D. K. A. Silva*^1,2, L. O. Tedeschi², M. A. Fonseca^3,2, N. F. De Paula^3,2, K. P. Pereira1, G. R. Medeiros⁴, J. C. B. Dubeux Junior¹, and D. P. V. Silva¹, 1Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, 2Texas A&M University, Department of Animal Science, College Station, 3Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Animal Science, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 4National Institute of Semiarid, Campina Grande, Paraíba.

The energetic efficiency of growing lambs fed high-concentrate diets with different roughages. D. B. Galvani1, A. V. Pires*², I. Susin², V. N. Gouvea², A. Berndt³, L. J. Chagas², J. R. R. Dórea², A. L. Abdalla⁴, and L. O. Tedeschi⁵, 1EMBRAPA Goats and Sheep, Sobral, CE, Brazil, 2University of São Paulo, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, 3EMBRAPA Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil, 4University of São Paulo, Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, 5Texas A&M University, Department of Animal Science, College Station.

Effect of breed on the metabolic profile in transition Holstein and Jersey dairy cows. K. J. Lager*^1,2, E. R. Jordan1, R. G. S. Bruno^1,2, J. A. H. Rivera³, A. M. Farias³, R. Sprowls⁴, and D. R. Topliff², 1Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, College Station, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville, 4Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Amarillo.

The use of biometric measures to assess body fat composition of F1 Nellore × Angus bulls and steers. M. A. Fonseca*^1,2, L. O. Tedeschi², S. C. Valadares Filho¹, H. J. Fernandes³, N. F. De Paula^1,2, M. G. Machado¹, F. A. C. Villadiego¹, and J. M. Silva Junior⁴, 1Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States, 3Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, 4Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Dietary l-arginine supplementation effects on growth and health parameters in neonatal Holstein bull calves. A. N. Vanderlick*¹, G. A. Holub¹, and W. T. Bissett², 1AgriLife Research Texas A&M University, College Station, 2College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station.

OmniGen-AF supplementation modulates the physiological and acute phase responses of Brahman heifers to an endotoxin challenge. N. C. Burdick*¹, J. A. Carroll¹, J. D. Chapman², T. H. Welsh³, R. C. Vann⁴, and R. D. Randel⁵, 1USDA-ARS, Livestock Issues Research Unit, Lubbock, TX, 2Prince Agri Products, Inc, Quincy, IL, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M System, College Station, 4MAFES, Mississippi State University, Raymond, 5Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M System, Overton.

Feed intake, rectal temperature and weight gain in Bos indicus crossbred steers challenged with bovine viral diarrhea virus. C. A. Runyan*¹, X. Fang¹, E. Downey¹, T. B. Hairgrove³, J. E. Sawyer², J. C. Bailey¹, J. F. Ridpath⁴, and A. D. Herring¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas Agrilife Research, College Station, 3Texas Agrilife Extension, College Station, 4USDA-ARS, Ames, IA.

Correlations of temperament with titer and hematological responses of crossbred steers challenged with bovine viral diarrhea virus. X. Fang*¹, E. Downey¹, C. A. Runyan¹, J. E. Sawyer⁴, T. B. Hairgrove², J. F. Ridpath³, C. A. Gill¹, W. Mwangi¹, and A. D. Herring¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, 3USDA-ARS, Ames, IA, 4Texas AgriLife Research, College Station.

Substituting ground redberry juniper leaves and stems for oat hay in lamb feedlot diets: Growth performance, serum urea nitrogen, serum insulin-like growth factor-1, and wool characteristics. T. R. Whitney*¹, C. D. Swening¹, J. P. Muir², C. J. Lupton¹, and W. C. Stewart¹, 1Texas AgriLife Research, San Angelo, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville.

Relationships between postweaning residual feed intake in heifers and efficiency, digestibility, and productivity of Bonsmara cows. A. N. Hafla*¹, G. E. Carstens¹, T. D. A. Forbes², J. C. Bailey¹, J. T. Walter¹, J. G. Moreno¹, and J. R. Johnson¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Uvalde.

Stress affects plasma serotonin, but not tryptophan, in Holstein steer calves. A. L. Adams*, T. H. Friend, G. A. Holub, L. R. Berghman, P. K. Riggs, S. M. Garey, C. L. Terrill, and M. J. Carter, Texas A&M University, College Station.

In vitro organic matter and nitrogen disappearance of Kenyan browse using rumen from goats ingesting grass versus browse. A. McEwin*¹, C. Wambui³, J. P. Muir², J. Githiori⁴, and B. D. Lambert^1,2, 1Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 2Texas Agrilife Research, Stephenville, 3Edgerton University, Kenya, 4International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya.

Relationship between carcass traits and tenderness with residual feed intake and residual average daily gain of Brahman steers. F. Rouquette*¹, R. Randel¹, J. Paschal², T. Machado³, and C. Long¹, 1Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, 2Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Corpus Christi, 3Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville.

Body′s growth curve and shape of grazing young bulls, receiving concentrate supplementation with different protein profiles. H. J. Fernandes*^1,2, A. G. da Silva², M. F. Paulino², S. A. Lopes², L. O. Tedeschi⁴, J. A. G. Azevêdo^3,2, and A. Aguiar⁵, 1State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, MS, Brazil, 2Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil, 3State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil, 4Texas A&M University, College Station, 5University of Florida, Gainesville.

Modulation of the metabolic response to an endotoxin challenge in Brahman heifers through OmniGen-AF supplementation. N. C. Burdick*¹, J. A. Carroll¹, J. D. Chapman2, T. H. Welsh³, R. C. Vann⁴, and R. D. Randel⁵, 1USDA-ARS, Livestock Issues Research Unit, Lubbock, TX, 2Prince Agri Products Inc., Quincy, IL, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M System, College Station, 4MAFES, Mississippi State University, Raymond, 5Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M System, Overton.

Ultrasound body composition traits response to an endotoxin challenge in Brahman heifers supplemented with OmniGe – AF. R. C. Vann*¹, N. C. Burdick², J. A. Carroll², J. D. Chapman³, T. H. Welsh⁴, and R. D. Randel⁵, 1MAFES-Brown Loam Experiment Station, Raymond, MS, 2USDA-ARS, Livestock Issues Research Unit, Lubbock, TX, 3Prince Agri Products Inc., Quincy, IL, 4Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, 5Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, Overton.

Wood to Feed: Diversifying income opportunities by increasing the livestock feeding value of woody plant species. T. R. Whitney*¹, J. W. Walker¹, W. C. Stewart¹, R. J. Ansley², B. D. Lambert³, A. F. Cibils⁴, C. B. Scott⁵, J. L. Johnson⁶, T. Bader⁷, W. Winters⁸, L. O. Tedeschi⁹, G. E. Carstens⁹, and J. P. Muir³, 1Texas AgriLife Research, San Angelo, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville, 4New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, 5Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, 6Texas AgriLife Extension, Stephenville, 7Cedar Beetle, Concan, TX, 8Novas Wood Group, Houston, TX, 9Texas A&M University, College Station.

Metabolizable protein supply alters pregnancy and subsequent retention rate during heifer development while grazing dormant winter forage. J. T. Mulliniks*¹, D. E. Hawkins², K. K. Kane¹, S. H. Cox¹, L. A. Torell¹, E. J. Scholljegerdes¹, and M. K. Petersen³, 1New Mexico State University, Las, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon, 3USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT.

Palatability of post-extraction algal residue as a protein supplement for cattle. M. L. Drewery*, J. E. Sawyer, and T. A. Wickersham, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Prediction of empty body weight of adult Pelibuey ewes. A. J. Chay-Canul¹, J. C. Ku-Vera*², A. J. Ayala-Burgos², J. G. Magaña-Monforte², and L. O. Tedeschi³, 1División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México, 2Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Yucatán, México, 3Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Estimation of carcass and body fat composition using biometric measurements of grazing beef cattle. N. F. De Paula^1,2, L. O. Tedeschi², M. F. Paulino¹, H. J. Fernandes³, M. A. Fonseca*^1,2, V. R. M. Couto¹, I. F. S. Maciel¹, and D. M. Almeida¹, 1Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, 3Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Salmonella carriage rates in neonatal dairy calves. E. M. Chavez*¹, R. B. Harvey², K. Andrews², T. S. Edrington², C. M. Scanlan³, and G. R. Hagevoort¹, 1Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, New Mexico State University, Clovis, 2Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, College Station, TX, 3Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Sire and vaccine treatment effects on immune response to BVDV 1b challenge. E. D. Downey*¹, X. Fang¹, C. A. Runyan¹, J. E. Sawyer², T. B. Hairgrove³, J. F. Ridpath⁴, C. A. Gill¹, and A. D. Herring¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, 3Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, 4National
Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, IA.

Influence of maternal plane of nutrition and arginine supplementation on mares and their foals: Determination of voluntary dry matter intake of mares during late pregnancy. K. N. Winsco*¹, J. A. Coverdale¹, T. A. Wickersham¹, C. J. Hammer^2,3, and J. L. Lucia¹, 1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, 3Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Influence of oral glucosamine supplementation on young horses in training: Pharmacokinetics. J. L. Lucia*¹, K. L. Gehl¹, J. A. Coverdale¹, C. E. Arnold², R. Dabareiner², and E. D. Lamprecht³, 1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Large Animal Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, 3Cargill Animal Nutrition, Elk River, MN.

Effect of strenuous exercise on stallion sperm quality. J. L. Rosenberg*, C. A. Cavinder, C. C. Love, M. M. Vogelsang, S. R. Teague, D. H. Sigler, D. D. Varner, and T. L. Blanchard, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Evaluation of feed efficiency and feeding behavior traits in performance tested bulls. J. G. Moreno*¹, G. E. Carstens¹, D. Crews², L. O. Tedeschi¹, L. R. McDonald³, and S. Williams³, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 3Midland Bull Test, Columbus, MT.

Factors affecting dry matter intake of grazing goats in the Brazilian rangelands. M. A. D. Bomfim*^1,2, L. O. Tedeschi², and N. F. De Paula^3,2, 1Embrapa Goats and Sheep, Sobral, Ceara, Brazil, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, 3Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Fecal NIRS relationship with intake and diet digestibility of grazed Bahiagrass by cows determined by n-alkanes. S. W. Coleman*¹, C. C. Chase², and D. G. Riley³, 1USDA ARS, El Reno, OK, 2USDA ARS, Clay Center, NE, 3Texas Agrilife, College Station.

Influence of maternal plane of nutrition and arginine supplementation on mares and their foals: Glucose and insulin dynamics. A. E. Hanson*¹, K. N. Winsco¹, J. A. Coverdale¹, C. J. Hammer², and A. N. Wolford¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Physiological responses to repeated transportation of gestating Brahman cows. D. M. Price*¹, A. W. Lewis¹, D. A. Neuendorff¹, J. A. Carroll², T. H. Welsh³, R. C. Vann⁴, and R. D. Randel¹, 1Texas Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University System, Overton, 2USDA-ARS, Livestock Issues Research Unit, Lubbock, TX, 3Texas Agrilife Research, Texas A&M System, College Station, 4MAFES, Mississippi State University, Raymond.

Rumen bacterial population responses to inclusion of wet distillers grains plus solubles in finishing diets of feedlot cattle. G. M. Shipp*¹, W. E. Pinchak², D. W. Pitta³, B. Milligan⁴, S. L. Ivey⁴, and J. C. MacDonald¹, 1Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, 3Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, 4New Mexico State University, Las Cruces.

Student perceptions of ethics and animal intelligence influenced by introductory animal science course. A. L. Adams*, G. A. Holub, W. S. Ramsey, and T. H. Friend, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Background experience affects student perceptions of the livestock industry. A. L. Adams*, G. A. Holub, W. S. Ramsey, and T. H. Friend, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Integrated program for reducing bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in beef and dairy cattle, coordinated agricultural project (CAP): overview of the teaching program. M. G. Thomas*¹, G. R. Hagevoort², T. T. Ross², R. M. Enns¹, H. Van Campen¹, A. L. Van Eenennaam³, H. L. Neibergs⁴, C. Chase⁵, S. V. Dindot⁶, N. D. Cohen⁶, and J. E. Womack⁶, 1Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 2New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, 3University of California, Davis, 4Washington State University, Pullman, 5South Dakota State University, Brookings, 6Texas A&M University, College Station.

Opportunities for grazing cattle systems. J. C. MacDonald*^1,2 and F. T. McCollum³, 1Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon, 3Texas AgriLife Extension, Amarillo.

Putrescine stimulates the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and protein synthesis in porcine trophectoderm cells. X. F. Kong^1,2, B. E. Tan^1,2, Y. L. Yin*¹, L. A. Jaeger³, F. W. Bazer^2,3, and G. Y. Wu^1,2, 1Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Livestock and Poultry and Key Laboratory for Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China, 2Faculty of Nutrition and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 3Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station.

Influence of maternal plane of nutrition and arginine supplementation on mares and their foals: Foaling parameters. K. N. Winsco*¹, J. A. Coverdale¹, C. J. Hammer^2,3, K. L. Gehl¹, A. E. Hanson¹, J. L. Lucia¹, and A. N. Wolford¹, 1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, 3Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Serum testosterone concentrations after feeding in rams treated with GnRH. M. M. Guardieiro*¹, F. L. M. Silva¹, A. A. Johnson², R. S. Gentil¹, P. L. J. Monteiro¹, D. M. Polizel¹, R. A. Souza¹, I. Susin¹, E. Oba³, G. B. Mourão¹, and R. Sartori¹, 1University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, 3São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.

Effects of GnRH and administering number of PGF2α doses in the 5-d timed AI program on ovarian responses and fertility of dairy heifers. F. S. Lima*¹, E. S. Ribeiro¹, R. S. Bisinotto¹, N. Martinez¹, L. F. Greco¹, K. N. Galvão¹, C. A. Risco¹, W. W. Thatcher¹, M. Amstalden², and J. E. P. Santos¹, 1University of Florida, Gainesville, 2Texas A&M University, College Station.

Comparison between the GGPG and two PGF2α based resynchronization programs on fertility in lactating dairy cows. R. G. S. Bruno*^1,2, A. M. Farias¹, K. J. Lager^1,2, D. E. Hawkins², and T. R. Bilby¹, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2West Texas A&M University, Canyon.

Does total condensed tannin concentration predict rumen methane production in vitro? H. D. Naumann*¹, L. O. Tedeschi¹, J. P. Muir², B. D. Lambert^2,3, D. K. Andrade Silva⁴, and M. A. Fonseca⁵, 1Texas A&M University, College Station, 2Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville, 3Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 4Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil, 5Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The anthelmintic effect of Juniper and Tifton 85 on the infective larval stage of Haemonchus contortus in an in vitro system. S. A. Armstrong*¹, B. D. Lambert^1,2, T. R. Whitney³, J. P. Muir², and A. McEwin¹, 1Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 2Texas Agrilife Research, Stephenville, 3Texas Agrilife Research, San Angelo.

Panicled tickclover, a native herbaceous legume, suppresses internal parasites without negative effects on kid performance. N. M. Cherry¹, M. Bullinger³, B. D. Lambert*^1,3, J. P. Muir¹, and T. Whitney², 1Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville, 2Texas AgriLife Research, San Angelo, 3Department of Animal Science, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX.

Interactions of feed efficiency with beef heifer reproductive development. R. D. Randel*¹ and T. H. Welsh², 1Texas AgriLife Research, Overton, 2Texas AgriLife Research, College Station.

Pregnancy diagnosis in sheep using fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. M. A. D. Bomfim*^1,2, S. Prince², J. Angerer², O. Faco¹, J. de L. Gonçalves^3,1, R. T. De Souza^3,1, F. E. P. Fernandes¹, A. M. F. Fernandes^3,1, and M. Ponciano¹, 1Embrapa Goats and Sheep, Sobral, Ceara, Brazil, 2Blackland Research Center/ Texas A&M University, Temple, 3State University of Acarau Valley, Sobral, Ceara, Brazil.

Water usage and discharge volumes on New Mexico dairy operations. T. M. Vander Dussen*¹, G. R. Hagevoort¹, J. Lazarus², E. Naumburg², R. Ganta², and K. D. Casey³, 1Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, New Mexico State University, Clovis, 2Glorieta Geoscience Inc., Santa Fe, NM, 3Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M System, Amarillo.