Swine producers could someday live high off the hog if ARS and University of Missouri researchers learn how to control a newly-discovered obesity gene and its hormonal product, leptin. Leptin, found in fat cells, depresses appetite; the more leptin a pig has, the less it's likely to eat. The ARS researchers were the first to discover and clone three different forms of the leptin gene product in the pigs' fat cells. If leptin levels in pigs can be regulated--either through management practices or with feed modifications--producers could pack more marketable pounds on their pigs.
Animal Physiology Research Unit, Columbia, MO
Robert Matteri, (573) 882-1047

A computer simulation model is teaching farmers, farm consultants, and educators to better manage dairy operations. Created by ARS researchers, the Dairy Forage System Model--DAFOSYM--simulates the integration of feed production and manure handling with other farm components for dairy farms in the northern U.S. The model provides a unique tool for measuring the impact of changes on the long term performance and economics of dairy farms. DAFOSYM is now available on the Internet at http:\\www.dfrc.wisc.edu.
U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI
C. Alan Rotz, (517) 353-1758

Cattle raisers may wisely include birthing ease among criteria for selecting breeding animals, according to ARS research. Having a herd in which first-time mothers calve easily will save labor and veterinary costs, ensure more calves survive and grow well and help cows continue reproducing in good health. In the recent four-year study, calving assistance was required 24 percent less frequently among young cows scientists had selected based on their ancestral records for calving ease dating back to 1978. Additional criteria included growth and indirect measures that affect calving ease such as lower birth weight. Even though the average birth weight of calves born to easy-calving two-year-olds was 6.6 pounds lighter than calves from unselected breeding lines, yearling weight was not affected.
U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE
Gary L. Bennett, (402) 762-4254, bennett@marcvm.marc.usda.gov

Farmers now can pinpoint high-producing bulls and cows three months sooner. That's because ARS has doubled the frequency--from semi-annually to quarterly--of its reports evaluating dairy breeding animals. The reports show which breeding animals have outstanding milk yield, milk composition and other valuable traits. Farmers and businesses specializing in artificial insemination and embryo transfer rely on these evaluations. With more frequent reports, producers can stay more competitive because they can act twice as fast in response to the latest information on top-performing cows and bulls. As a result, these producers can obtain more offspring from the animals over time. Identifying key performers sooner also helps domestic dairy producers stay competitive in the international market. That's important: other countries also are increasing their number of evaluations. The ARS reports evaluate each breeding animal based on data from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association program. ARS scientists analyze the data and prepare and distribute the reports.
Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
Duane Norman, (301) 504-8334, duanen@ggpl.arsusda.gov

One hundred fifty alfalfa leafcutter bees perform as well as 3,000 domesticated honeybees when pollinating carrots in screened enclosures or greenhouses, an ARS study in Idaho has shown. The ARS study was the first to pinpoint precisely how efficient leafcutter bees were in comparison with honeybees for pollinating carrots in enclosed cages. Carrot breeders developing new, tastier or more nutritious varieties use the screened enclosures to keep out unwanted pollen. Alfalfa leafcutter bees are gentler than domesticated honeybees and aren't vulnerable to two mite species that have destroyed many commercial honeybees in recent years. Plus, the honeybees can become irritable when confined in large numbers to small spaces like greenhouses. Alfalfa leafcutter bees generally don't buzz annoyingly close to or land on people working in the enclosures.
Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, Logan, UT
Vincent J. Tepedino, (801) 797-2559, andrena@biology.usu.edu

New information about elk could someday help rangeland cattle bear healthier calves even if the cows have eaten Ponderosa pine needles during pregnancy. The pines, common on Western grazing lands, cover 27 million acres in the United States. When pregnant cattle eat Ponderosa pine needles in the last trimester, blood flow to the uterus decreases dramatically. The cow delivers early, and her calves often die. Now, ARS scientists have discovered that pregnant elk that eat the needles show no reproductive problems or constriction in their blood vessels. The scientists believe natural microorganisms in the elk rumen--the first of four stomachs in many grazing animals--render the needles harmless. They are working to determine the differences between elk and cow rumen flora, with the goal of reducing or eliminating the needles' toxic effects. They are also evaluating bighorn sheep and white-tailed deer for tolerance to the pine needles.
Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT
Robert Short, (406) 232-4970, bshort@larrl.ars.usda.gov

Last Updated: July 10, 1997
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