By Scout Nelson
Two researchers from South Dakota State University (SDSU) played important roles in a five-year nationwide research project that received the 2026 Excellence in Multistate Research Award. The project focused on improving livestock reproduction, animal health, and productivity through scientific research and cooperation among universities.
The award recognized the W4112 project, which operated from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2026. Morgan Marketon from South Dakota State University highlighted the contributions of SDSU researchers Jessica Nora Drum and Manuel Alexander Vasquez-Hidalgo, who worked with scientists from land-grant universities across the United States. The group focused on improving reproductive performance in cattle, sheep, and other ruminant livestock.
The project addressed several challenges that affected livestock reproduction and farm profitability. Its main goals included improving knowledge of animal reproduction, studying how management practices and environmental conditions influenced fertility, and understanding pregnancy and fetal development. Researchers also examined factors affecting male fertility and supported the training of future livestock scientists.
SDSU Researcher Led Nationwide Collaboration
Jessica Nora Drum, an assistant professor in SDSU's Department of Animal Science and an SDSU Extension reproductive physiology specialist, served as chair of the W4112 committee for the final two years of the project. She helped coordinate activities among participating universities and supported research partnerships across the country.
"Our team has conducted research examining estrus expression, follicular development, reproductive tract microbiology and fertility outcomes," Drum said. "We have also investigated maternal nutrition, embryo-maternal communication and factors influencing pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, which are important indicators of placental function and pregnancy establishment."
One important research area examined how cows responded to the 7&7 Synch breeding protocol. Researchers found that cows showed differences in the timing of estrus, or the period when they were ready for breeding. This finding provided opportunities to improve artificial insemination timing and potentially increase pregnancy rates in beef cattle.
Another area of research focused on proteins connected with pregnancy and placental function. The team identified differences between cows carrying male and female fetuses. These findings helped researchers better understand how pregnancies developed and how fetal growth was supported.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor because it recognizes the impact of collaborative science," Drum said. "Many of the reproductive challenges facing livestock producers today are too complex for any single institution to address independently."
Research Examined Sheep Pregnancy and Fetal Growth
Manuel Alexander Vasquez-Hidalgo, an assistant professor in SDSU's Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, participated in the multistate research group during the final two years of the project. His work supported research goals related to reproductive health, fetal development, and student education.
"Our research showed that shearing pregnant ewes during mid-gestation improves blood flow from the mother to the fetus and increases fetal size," Vasquez-Hidalgo said. "We are continuing this work and several other developmental programming studies with collaborators at SDSU and other universities."
His research produced scientific publications and presentations at national research meetings. The findings also supported the development of practical information that livestock producers could use to improve animal management and production.
University Partnerships Supported Scientific Progress
SDSU also supported the W4112 project by hosting its annual meeting in Brookings, South Dakota, in May 2026. The meeting brought reproductive scientists from different parts of the country together to share research findings, strengthen existing partnerships and develop new opportunities for collaboration.
Through the project, Drum worked with researchers from several universities, including the University of Missouri, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wyoming. These partnerships supported joint research projects, scientific publications, and graduate student training.
"Being a new member, it's an honor to be part of this group," Vasquez-Hidalgo said. "As a student, I looked up to many of these scientists and the groundbreaking research they conducted. Now, I'm grateful to work alongside them, develop collaborations, and contribute to the group's overall objectives."
Students Gained Valuable Research Experience
Student participation remained an important part of the W4112 project. Graduate and undergraduate students contributed to research activities, scientific presentations, and publications. These opportunities helped students gain practical experience in animal reproduction, livestock management, and agricultural research.
"The publications, student training opportunities and research innovations generated through W4112 are a testament to the value of these long-term partnerships," Drum said. "The award highlights the importance of the multistate research system in fostering collaboration, sharing expertise and resources and accelerating scientific discovery."
The 2026 award recognized the value of cooperation among universities in addressing important livestock production challenges. Through the W4112 project, SDSU researchers contributed to scientific discoveries that supported better reproductive performance, healthier animals, and improved livestock productivity.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle