Progress 01/27/15 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Cattel producers in the tropics and hot, humod regions of the U.S. Changes/Problems:The interruption in normal operations after the September 2017 category 5 hurricane had a long term impact on the cattle operation due to damage to facilities and diversion of efforts to clean up and recovery efforts. Recovery is still ongoing and funds have been identified and obtained to rebuild the cattle working pens so that research activity and animal management can continue. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information was presented to teh members of the Senepol Cattel Breeders Association at their Annual meeting held in St Croix in August 2018 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Year 1 (FY 15): Data was collected on multiparous Senepol cows (n = 127 observations) and their calves (n = 144 observations) born in fall of 2010 and 2011 and spring 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. At weaning cow tick load was evaluated using a visual score (1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate or 4 = heavy) prior to the monthly acaricide treatment. Calf BW and tick load were measured at weaning and yearling. Calves born in the spring had greater 205-d adjusted weaning weights (P < 0.002) than calves born in the fall but there was no effect of cow tick loads (P > 0.10). There was no effect of calving season or cow tick load on 365-d adjusted weight of calves (P > 0.10). Spring-born calves had a higher ADG from birth to weaning (P < 0.003) than fall-born calves but there was no effect of cow tick load (P > 0.10). Calves of cows with light tick loads had lower ADG from weaning to yearling (P < 0.0001) than calves of cows with clean, moderate or high tick loads. Spring-born calves had greater tick loads at weaning (P < 0.001) than fall-born calves but there was no difference (P > 0.10) as yearlings. There was no effect of cow tick load at weaning on calf tick load ate weaning (P > 0.10). Calves of cows with high tick loads at weaning had lower yearling tick loads (P < 0.02) than calves from cows with clean, light or moderate tick loads. Cow tick load at weaning had low correlations with calf tick load at weaning (r = 0.24, P < 0.008) and at yearling (r = -0.23, P < 0.04). Calf tick load at weaning was not correlated with tick load at yearling (r = -0.01, P > 0.10). Data was collected on Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age using calves born in spring of 2012 (n = 11 heifers and 10 bulls) and 2013 (n = 17 heifers and 16 bulls). Hip height (HHT) and weight (BW) were measured at weaning and yearling. Pelvic area (PA) of heifers and scrotal circumference (SC) of bulls were measured at yearling. Age of dam was not significant (P > 0.10) for any trait. There was no effect of year or sex on birth weight (P > 0.10). Bulls had a greater 205-d adjusted weaning weight (P < 0.008) than heifers but there was no effect of year (P > 01.0). Bulls had a greater 365-d adjusted yearling weight (P < 0.02) than heifers but there was no effect of year (P > 0.10). Bulls had a greater ADG from birth to weaning than heifers (P < 0.001) but there was no effect of year (P > 0.10). Calves born in 2012 had lower ADG from weaning to yearling (P < 0.003) than calves born in 2013 but there was no effect of sex (P > 0.10). Weaning HHT was greater (P < 0.003) in bulls than in heifers and greater (P < 0.002) for calves born in 2012 than in 2013. Bulls had greater (P < 0.0008) yearling HHT than heifers and calves born in 2013 had greater HHT (P < 0.001) than those born in 2012. Yearling SC of bulls was not different (P > 0.10) between years (24.7 ± 1.3 vs. 24.4 ± 0.9 cm, respectively). The PA of heifers was not different (P > 0.10) between years (145.5 ± 7.7 vs. 136.4 ± 5.5 cm2, respectively). Year 2 (FY 16): Data was collected at weaning on multiparous (n = 44) and primiparous (n = 5) Senepol cows and calves (n = 31) born in spring 2015. At weaning cow tick load was evaluated using a visual score prior to the monthly acaricide treatment. Cow BW, hip height and condition score (1 = thin, 9 = fat) were also measured. Calf BW, hip height and tick load were measured at weaning. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in 205-d adjusted weaning weight, ADG, hip height or tick score between bulls and heifers. The majority of claves had tick scores of clean or light with only 1 calf having a score of moderate, and no calves had a high tick score. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in 205-d adjusted weaning weight, ADG, hip height or tick score between tick scores of calves. Dry cows had greater BW (P < 0.0001) and BCS (P< 0.002) than lactating cows at weaning, but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in hip height or tick score. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in any trait between open and pregnant cows. Cows with heavy tick burdens had lower BCS than other cows, but there were only 2 cows in the heavy tick score group. There were no differences in either BW or HHT among tick scores. Cow tick score and calf tick score at weaning were not correlated (r = -.02, P > 0.10). Cow tick score had a moderate negative correlation with BCS (r = -0.53, P < 0.002). Calf tick score was not correlated with any calf traits (P > 0.10). Objective 2:Data was collected on Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age using calves born in spring of 2014 (n = 23 heifers and 20 bulls). Hip height (HHT) and weight (BW) were measured at weaning and yearling. Pelvic area (PA) of heifers and scrotal circumference (SC) of bulls were measured at yearling. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from birth to weaning and weaning to yearling. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of sex on birth weight or 205-d adjusted weaning weight. Bulls had a greater 365-d adjusted yearling weight (P < 0.04) than heifers. Bulls had a greater ADG from birth to weaning than heifers (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in ADG from weaning to yearling (P > 0.10). Weaning HHT was greater (P < 0.04) in bulls than in heifers but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in yearling hip height. Year 3 (FY 17):Data was collected on 140 spring calving cow calf pairs in 2011 through 2015. Cows and calves were evaluated for tick burden at weaning and calves were evaluated again as yearlings. Tick load was evaluated using a visual score prior to acaricide treatment. The change in calf tick core between weaning and yearling was calculated as (yearling score - weaning score). Cow tick score and calf tick score at weaning were not correlated (r = -.03, P > 0.10). In calves tick score at weaning had a low, negative correlation with yearling tick score (r = -0.18, P = 0.04). Cow tick score at weaning was correlated with calf yearling tick score (r = 0.23, P < 0.009). Tick scores was not different between bulls and heifers at weaning (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.1 respectively; P > 0.10) or at yearling (2.5 ± 0.1 vs 2.3 ± 0.1, respectively: P < 0.10). Tick score increased from weaning to yearling in bulls and heifers (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of change in calf tick score from weaning to yearling was not different between bulls and heifers (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2, respectively; P > 0.10). The tick scores at weaning and yearling were different among sires and sire lines. The change in calf tick score from weaning to yearling was different among sires and lines. Year 4 (FY 18): Due to damage from category 5 hurricane in September 2017 no data was collected on this project during FY 18. Time was spent in recovery and cleanup of research facilities. Year 5 (FY19): Data was collected on 34 spring calving cows at calving in spring 2018, at weaning in fall of 2018 and at 71 days post-weaning. Udder conformation was done using the Beef Improvement Federation udder scoring guidelines (BIF, 2016). Hoof scores were collected on 33 of the cows at weaning in the fall 2018 and on the calves as yearlings in spring 2019 using the American Angus Association Foot Score Guidelines. Udder scores did not change form calving to weaning to post weaning, but teat score increased from calving to weaning. Udder and teat scores were moderately to highly correlated within and between calving, weaning and post-weaning. Foot angle and claw set scores for cows at weaning were 5.5 ± 0.2 and 5.9 ± 0.2, respectively. Hoof scores of cows at weaning had normal distributions, although claw score was slightly skewed to the right. There was no difference in foot angle or claw set between yearling bulls and heifers.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Godfrey, R.W. and H.C. Nelthropp. 2015. Characterization of growth traits of Senepol heifers and bulls from birth through a year of age in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93 (Suppl. s3):636.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Godfrey, R.W., A.J. Weis and H.C. Nelthropp. 2015. The influence of tick loads of Senepol cows on calf tick loads and production traits in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93 (Suppl. s3):837.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:A category 5 hurricane in September 2017 (Maria) severely damaged cattle working facilities and pasture fences. Most of the year has been spent cleaning up debris, making repairs and trying to conduct basic herd management with limited working facilities. Additionally, employees suffered damage to their homes and needed time away from work to deal with that. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Due to damage from category 5 hurricane in September 2017 no data was collected on this project. Time has been spent in recovery and clean up of research facilities. Basic animal management was continued.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Cattel producers in the tropics and regions where ticks are a management probelm. Changes/Problems:In September 2017 Hurricane Maria severely damaged the cattle working facilities and pasture fences on the ranch.Since the storm hit time has been spent repairing damage and cleaning up storm debris. Rebuilding will happen in 2018 depending of receipt of disaster relief funds because our limited budget cannot cover the expenses of rebuilding. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Staff and students were instructed in how to evaluate tick burdens on cattle using the subjective scoring system. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were presented at the annual meeting of the multistate project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Because of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, the cattle facilities were damaged and most of the time in the coming year will be spent repairing and rebuilding. It is unclear how much research data can be collected, but it will be assessed as repairs are made.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This study was conducted to evaluate the tick load of Senepol cows and their calves under tropical conditions. Data was collected on 140 spring calving cow calf pairs in 2011 through 2015. Cows and calves were evaluated for tick burden at weaning and calves were evaluated again as yearlings. Tick load was evaluated using a visual score (1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate or 4 = heavy) prior to acaricide treatment. The change in calf tick core between weaning and yearling was calculated as (yearling score - weaning score). Correlations among cow and calf traits were evaluated using PROC CORR. Ticks scores at weaning and yearling, and changes in scores over time (weaning to yearling) were analyzed using GLM with sire, sire line and sex in the model. Cow tick score and calf tick score at weaning were not correlated (r = -.03, P > 0.10). In calves tick score at weaning had a low, negative correlation with yearling tick score (r = -0.18, P = 0.04). Cow tick score at weaning was correlated with calf yearling tick score (r = 0.23, P < 0.009). Tick scores was not different between bulls and heifers at weaning (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.1 respectively; P > 0.10) or at yearling (2.5 ± 0.1 vs 2.3 ± 0.1, respectively: P < 0.10). Tick score increased from weaning to yearling in bulls and heifers (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of change in calf tick score from weaning to yearling was not different between bulls and heifers (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2, respectively; P > 0.10). The tick scores at weaning and yearling were different among sires and sire lines. The change in calf tick score from weaning to yearling was different among sires and lines.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Local, regional, national and international beef cattle producers Changes/Problems:Drought of 2015 impacted 206 calf crop but we are recovering and hope to have calf numbers back up to normal this year and in subsequent years. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Report was made to teh S-1064 technical commiteemeeting held on St Croix in June 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to collect data and collaborate with other members of the project. Additional data to be collected will be udder scores at calving and weaning.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1.1: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of tick load of Senepol cows and their calves under tropical conditions. Data was collected at weaning on multiparous (n = 44) and primiparous (n = 5) Senepol cows and calves (n = 31) born in spring 2015. At weaning cow tick load was evaluated using a visual score (1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate or 4 = heavy) prior to the monthly acaricide treatment. Cow BW, hip height and condition score (1 = thin, 9 = fat) were also measured. Calf BW, hip height and tick load were measured at weaning. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for calves for the period from birth to weaning. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures with cow locational and pregnancy status as the main effect for cow traits and sex as the main effect for calf traits. Correlations among cow and calf traits was also evaluated using PROC CORR. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in 205-d adjusted weaning weight, ADG, hip height or tick score between bulls and heifers. The majority of claves had tick scores of clean or light with only 1 calf having a score of moderate, and no calves had a high tick score. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in 205-d adjusted weaning weight, ADG, hip height or tick score between tick scores of calves. Dry cows had greater BW (P < 0.0001) and BCS (P< 0.002) than lactating cows at weaning, but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in hip height or tick score. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in any trait between open and pregnant cows. Cows with heavy tick burdens had lower BCS than other cows, but there were only 2 cows in the heavy tick score group. There were no differences in either BW or HHT among tick scores. Cow tick score and calf tick score at weaning were not correlated (r = -.02, P > 0.10). Cow tick score had a moderate negative correlation with BCS (r = -0.53, P < 0.002). Calf tick score was not correlated with any calf traits (P > 0.10). Objective 2: This study was conducted to evaluate growth of Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age. Data was collected on Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age using calves born in spring of 2014 (n = 23 heifers and 20 bulls). Hip height (HHT) and weight (BW) were measured at weaning and yearling. Pelvic area (PA) of heifers and scrotal circumference (SC) of bulls were measured at yearling. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from birth to weaning and weaning to yearling. Data were analyzed using sex of calf in the model. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of sex on birth weight or 205-d adjusted weaning weight. Bulls had a greater 365-d adjusted yearling weight (P < 0.04) than heifers. Bulls had a greater ADG from birth to weaning than heifers (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in ADG from weaning to yearling (P > 0.10). Weaning HHT was greater (P < 0.04) in bulls than in heifers but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in yearling hip height.
Publications
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Progress 01/27/15 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Beef cattel producers in the SE U.S., the USVI and other semi-tropical and tropical regiosn of the world. Changes/Problems:The drought in the summer of 2015 and several pasture fires has impacted the grazing management and productivity of the cattle herd. Limited funds prevented purchasing of adequate off island feed for the cattle and the breeidng results for the summer 2015 breedng were poor. Continued dry conditions have resulted in poor pasture recovery and we are dealing with the potential of having to relocate the herd to other land once a new lease is obtained. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two abstracts were presenetd at the American Society of Animal Science meetings in July 2015 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Off island buyers purhcased teh majporoity of the2014 heifer claf crop so ther werent enough animals to collect data for teh 2015 and 2016 seasosn. Additonally, because of a drought and several pasture fires during 2015 the calf crop will be smaller and ther may not be enough animal numbers to collect data on production traits.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of tick load between Senepol cows and their calves under tropical conditions. Data was collected on multiparous Senepol cows (n = 127 observations) and their calves (n = 144 observations) born in fall 2010 and 2011 and spring 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. At weaning cow tick load was evaluated using a visual score (1 = clean, 2 = light, 3 = moderate or 4 = heavy) prior to the monthly acaricide treatment. Calf BW and tick load were measured at weaning and yearling. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for calves for the periods from birth to weaning and weaning to yearling. Data were analyzed using correlation and GLM procedures with calving season and cow tick load as the main effects and sire as a covariate due to unequal representation of sires across years. Calves born in the spring had greater 205-d adjusted weaning weights (P < 0.002) than calves born in the fall but there was no effect of cow tick loads (P > 0.10). There was no effect of calving season or cow tick load on 365-d adjusted weight of calves (P > 0.10). Spring-born calves had a higher ADG from birth to weaning (P < 0.003) than fall-born calves but there was no effect of cow tick load (P > 0.10). Calves of cows with light tick loads had lower ADG from weaning to yearling (P < 0.0001) than calves of cows with clean, moderate or high tick loads. Spring-born calves had greater tick loads at weaning (P < 0.001) than fall-born calves but there was no difference (P > 0.10) as yearlings. There was no effect of cow tick load at weaning on calf tick load ate weaning (P > 0.10). Calves of cows with high tick loads at weaning had lower yearling tick loads (P < 0.02) than calves from cows with clean, light or moderate tick loads. Cow tick load at weaning had low correlations with calf tick load at weaning (r = 0.24, P < 0.008) and at yearling (r = -0.23, P < 0.04). Calf tick load at weaning was not correlated with tick load at yearling (r = -0.01, P > 0.10). Objective 2: This study was conducted to evaluate growth of Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age. Data was collected on Senepol bull and heifer calves from birth to a year of age using calves born in spring of 2012 (n = 11 heifers and 10 bulls) and 2013 (n = 17 heifers and 16 bulls). Hip height (HHT) and weight (BW) were measured at weaning and yearling. Pelvic area (PA) of heifers and scrotal circumference (SC) of bulls were measured at yearling. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from birth to weaning and weaning to yearling. Data were analyzed using year and sex of calf in the model with sire as a covariate due to unequal representation of sires across years. The yearling data (HHT, ADG, PA and SC) was also adjusted for age because of a significant difference in age when yearling data was collected between 2012 and 2013 (314 vs 366 d of age, respectively). Age of dam was not significant (P > 0.10) for any trait. There was no effect of year or sex on birth weight (P > 0.10). Bulls had a greater 205-d adjusted weaning weight (P < 0.008) than heifers but there was no effect of year (P > 01.0). Bulls had a greater 365-d adjusted yearling weight (P < 0.02) than heifers but there was no effect of year (P > 0.10). Bulls had a greater ADG from birth to weaning than heifers (P < 0.001) but there was no effect of year (P > 0.10). Calves born in 2012 had lower ADG from weaning to yearling (P < 0.003) than calves born in 2013 but there was no effect of sex (P > 0.10). Weaning HHT was greater (P < 0.003) in bulls than in heifers and greater (P < 0.002) for calves born in 2012 than in 2013. Bulls had greater (P < 0.0008) yearling HHT than heifers and calves born in 2013 had greater HHT (P < 0.001) than those born in 2012. Yearling SC of bulls was not different (P > 0.10) between years (24.7 ± 1.3 vs. 24.4 ± 0.9 cm, respectively). The PA of heifers was not different (P > 0.10) between years (145.5 ± 7.7 vs. 136.4 ± 5.5 cm2, respectively).
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
R.W. Godfrey Godfrey, R.W. and H.C. Nelthropp. 2015. Characterization of growth traits of Senepol heifers and bulls from birth through a year of age in the tropics.J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93 (Suppl. s3):636.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Godfrey, R.W., A.J. Weis and H.C. Nelthropp. 2015. The influence of tick loads of Senepol cows on calf tick loads and production traits in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93 (Suppl. s3):837.
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