Associate Professor / Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

A218h Animal Science
Lincoln, NE 68583-0908
Phone: (402) 472-6489
Fax: (402) 472-6362
Email: mspangler2@unl.edu

Mini CV
 

EDUCATION

•  Ph.D. - 2006 - University of Georgia - Animal Breeding & Genetics
•  M.S. - 2003 - Iowa State University - Animal Breeding & Genetics
•  B.S. - 2001 - Kansas State University - Animal Science
•  A.S. - 1999 - Butler Community College - Agriculture

POSITIONS HELD

•  Assistant Professor/Extension Beef Genetics Specialist-2008-2012-University of Nebraska-Lincoln
•  Assistant Professor - 2007 - University of Tennessee at Martin - Animal Science

COURSES

•  ASCI 456: Beef Cattle Merchandising
•  ASCI 311E: Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Study Tour
•  Mixed Linear Models in Animal Breeding, online graduate course
•  History and Perspectives in Animal Breeding, online graduate course

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

•  Integrated Resource Management
•  National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium Producer Education Team

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

•  American Society of Animal Science
•  Gamma Sigma Delta

HONORS AND AWARDS

•  Cattlemen Business Weekly, Top 10 Beef Industry Leaders Under 40. 2011.
•  Outstanding New Specialist, Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association, 2011.
•  Holling Junior Faculty Award, 2012.
•  Frank Bank Essay Award Winner, Beef Improvement Federation, Jeremy Howard (M.S. Student under my direction).

EXTENSION PROGRAMS

•  Beef Sire Selection
•  Commercial Ranch Genetic Evaluations
•  National Program for the Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency
•  Utilization of DNA technology in beef cattle selection and management programs

RESEARCH INTERESTS

•  Quantitative Genetics
•  Inclusion of Molecular Information Into Genetic Evaluations
•  Commercial Ranch Genetic Evaluations

Publications:

Journal

Sapp, R. L., M. L. Spangler, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2005. A simulation study for analysis of uncertain
binary responses: Application to first insemination success in beef cattle. Genet. Sel. Evol. 37:615-634.
Spangler, M. L., R. L. Sapp, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2006. Success at first insemination in Australian Angus   
cattle: Analysis of uncertain binary responses. J. Anim. Sci. 84:20-24.
Spangler, M. L., J. K. Bertrand, and R. Rekaya. 2007. Combining molecular test information and correlated
phenotypic records for breeding value estimation.  J. Anim. Sci. 85:641-649.
Spangler, M. L., R. L. Sapp, M. D. MacNeil, J. K. Bertrand, and R. Rekaya. 2008. Different methods of selecting
animals for genotyping to maximize the amount of genetic information known in the population.  J. Anim. Sci.
86:2471-2479.
Spangler, M. L., K. R. Robbins, M. D. MacNeil, J. K. Bertrand, and R. Rekaya. 2009. Ant colony optimization as
an alternative method for genotype sampling. Animal Genetics DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01835.x.
S.D. Kachman, M. L. Spangler, G. L. Bennett, K. J. Hanford, L. A. Kuehn, E. J. Pollak, W. M. Snelling, R. M.
Thallman, M. Saatchi, and D. J. Garrick. 2013.  Comparison of within and across breed trained molecular
breeding values in seven breeds of beef cattle.  Genetics Sel. Evol. (revision submitted).
Tart, J.K., R.K. Johnson, J.W. Bundy, N.N. Ferdinand, J.R. Wood, A.M. McKnite, P.S. Miller, M.F.R. Rothschild,
M.L. Spangler, D.J. Garrick, S.D. Kachman, and D.C. Ciobanu. 2013.  Genome-wide prediction of age at puberty and reproductive longevity in sows. Anim. Genetics. (In Press).

Howard, J.T, S. D. Kachman, D. C. Ciobanu, L. A. Kuehn, and M. L. Spangler. 2012. A genome-wide association
study for body temperature regulation during periods of heat and cold stress in beef cattle. Anim. Genetics (Submitted).
Howard, J.T, S. D. Kachman, M.K. Nielsen, T. L. Mader, and M. L. Spangler. 2012. The effect of Myostatin
genotype on body temperature during extreme temperature events. J. Anim. Sci. (Submitted).

Proceeding Papers (non-reviewed)

Spangler, M. L. 2007. The value of heterosis in cow herds: lessons from the past that apply today. Proc. Range
Beef Cow Symposium XX.
Spangler, M. L. 2009. Using Information to Make Informed Selection Decisions. Proc. Range Beef Cow     Symposium.
Spangler, M. L. 2009. Use of DNA Technology in Beef Cattle Selection. Proc. Bovine Connection.
Spangler, M. L. 2009.  Utilizing Genomic Information in Sire Selection. Proc. West Central Cattlemen’s Field Day.
Spangler, M. L., and D. W. Moser. 2009. Real-time ultrasound: What does image quality mean to genetic
evaluations. Proc. Annual Beef Improvement Federation Meeting.
Spangler, M. L. 2009. Fitting Genetics to Your Environment. Proc. Tri-State Cow/calf Symposium.
Spangler, M. L. 2009 Fitting Beef Genetics to Your Environment. Proc. Farmers and Ranchers Cow/calf College.
Spangler, M.L. 2010.Production (And) Or Profit? Focusing Our Breeding Objectives By Selecting For Profitable
Genetics not Necessarily High Production Genetics. In Proc. Beef Improvement Federation Annual Conference.
Spangler, M.L. 2010. The need for marker assisted EPDs. In Proc. DNA Technology in Beef Cattle:  Where we've
been, where we are, and where we're going.  Available at http://beef.unl.edu.
Spangler, M.L. 2010. Genetic Selection: New tools and advancing technology. In Proc. Ranching for Profitability.
Spangler, M.L. and A. Van Eenennaam. 2010. Utilizing DNA information in beef cattle selection. In Proc. New
York Cattlemens' Annual Convention.
Spangler, M.L. 2011. Implementation of Marker Assisted EPDs. Proc. Range Beef Cow Symposium, Mitchell, NE.
Spangler, M.L. 2011. Realistic expectations of genomic selection. Proc. DNA In Beef Cattle: where we've been,
where we're at, and where we're going, Clay Center, NE.
Spangler, M.L. 2011. The weight trait project: a year in review. Proc. DNA in beef cattle: where we've been, where
we are, and where we're going, Clay center, NE.
Spangler, M.L. 2011. Integrating molecular information into NCE: Expectations, benefits, and needs. Proc. Beef
Improvement Federation Annual Convention, Bozeman, MT.
Spangler, M.L. 2011.  Integration of genomic information into genetic evaluation. Proc. National Cattlemens Beef
Association Cattlemens College, Denver, CO.
Spangler, M. 2012. Incorporating DNA Information Into EPDs for Angus Cattle and Potential for Other Breeds.
Proceedings of the Reciprial Meats Conference
Spangler, M. 2012. Current Use and Expectations about the Realistic Application of Genomics in Animal Breeding
Programs. Proceedings of the 9th Symposium of the Brazilian Society of Animal Breeding.
Spangler, M. 2012. Marker-Assisted EPD for Other Breeds:  A Changing Paradigm. Proceedings: DNA technology
in beef cattle, where we are, where we’ve been, and where we're going.
Bullock, D., Weaber, R., Van Eenennaam, A., and Spangler, M. 2012. National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium
(NBCEC) White Paper - Delivering Genomics Technology to the Beef Industry. National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium and Beef Improvement Federation.
Spangler, M. 2013. Selection for improved feed efficiency. Proceedings: Driftless Region Conference, Dubuque, IA.

Refereed Abstracts:

Spangler, M. L., R. L. Sapp, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2005. Success at first insemination in Australian Angus
cattle: Analysis of uncertain binary responses. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2.):   (Abstr.).
Sapp, R. L., M. L. Spangler, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2005. A simulation study for analysis of uncertain
binary responses: Application to first insemination success in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 2.):   (Abstr.).
Spangler, M. L., R. L. Sapp, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2005. Analysis of first insemination success subject to
uncertainty in Australian Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1.):   (Abstr.).
Sapp, R. L., M. L. Spangler, R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2005. A simulation study for analysis of uncertain
binary responses using fuzzy logic classification. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1.):   (Abstr.).
Spangler, M.L., R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2006.  Success of rebreeding given first parity calving ease scores in
Canadian Charolais cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1.):   (Abstr.).
Spangler, M.L.,  R. Rekaya, and J. K. Bertrand. 2006.  The combination of genetic test information and phenotypic
records for the prediction of breeding values. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1.):   (Abstr.).
Martinez-Avila, J.C., M. Spangler, and R. Rekaya. 2006.  Hierarchical model for zero-inflated count data: A
simulation study. Proc. 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production.
Spangler, M. L., R. L. Sapp, J. K. Bertrand, M. D. MacNeil, and R. Rekaya.  2007.  Different methods of selecting
animals for genotyping to maximize the amount of information known in the population.  J. Anim. Sci. 85
(Suppl. 1.): (Abstr.).
Spangler, M. L., K. R. Robbins, J. K. Bertrand, M. D. MacNeil, and R. Rekaya. 2007.  Ant colony optimization as
a strategic method of genotype sampling.  Proc. European Animal Agriculture Production Meeting.
Butler, J. N., J. E. Mehlhorn, W. Totten, M. Spangler, and T. N. Burcham. 2007. Promoting agriculture literacy
among gifted high school students. NACTA Journal. Abstract pp:99-100.
Spangler, M. L., D. Kirkpatrick. 2008. State funded genetic enhancement programs: An example from Tennessee.
J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1).
Spangler, M. L., S.P. Greiner, T.D. Pringle, J.R. Rumph, D.R. Strohbehn, and W.D. Busby. 2009. Ultrasonically
measured ribeye area in beef cattle: A look into the relationship between image quality and prediction bias.  J.
Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 3)
Dib, M. G., G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and M. L. Spangler. 2010. Factors influencing intake: Diet
composition and carcass characteristics in finishing yearling steers. J. Anim. Sci. 88: E Suppl 2.
Pruitt, S.K., K.M. Rolfe, B.L. Nuttelman, W.A. Griffin, J.R. Benton, G.E. Erickson, D.C. Ciobanu, and M.L.
        Spangler. 2010. Association of myostatin on weight, intake, and carcass traits in crossbred steers adjusted to
different endpoints. J. Anim. Sci. 89: E Suppl 2.
Whitacre, L., and M.L. Spangler. 2010. Population Structure of the American Simmental Breed. J. Anim. Sci. 89: E
Suppl2.
Linda Moody, Dennis Brink, Matt Spangler and Sara Ellicott. 2010. A Collaborative Model for Linking Faculty,
Industry Representatives and, High School and University Students for Awareness and Education. Proc. Annual
NACTA Meeting.
Spangler, M. L., M. K. Nielsen, D. Brink, G. E. Erickson, J. Ellis, D. Mark, D. Burson, D. Smith, and B. Lubben.
2010. The Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Program. J. Anim. Sci. 88: E Suppl 3.
Kachman, S.D., G.L. Bennett, K.J. Hanford, L.A. Kuehn, E.J. Pollak, W.M. Snelling, M.L. Spangler, and R.M.
Thallman. 2011.  Incorporating molecular breeding values with variable call rates into genetic evaluations. J.
Anim. Sci. 88: E Suppl 2.

Pruitt, S.K., K.M. Rolfe, B.L. Nuttelman, W.A. Griffin, G.E. Erickson, and M.L. Spangler. 2011.  Association of
myostatin with weight and carcass traits in crossbred heifers adjusted to different endpoints. J. Anim. Sci. 88: E
Suppl 2.

Summers, A.F., R. A. Cushman, S.P. Weber, M. L. Spangler and A. S. Cupp. 2011 Effects of protein
supplementation during heifer development on reproductive characteristics and success in beef heifers. J. Anim.
Sci. 88: E Suppl 2.

Spangler, M.L., E.J. Pollak, G.L. Bennett, K.J. Hanford, S.D. Kachman, L.A. Kuehn, W.M. Snelling, and R.M.
Thallman. 2011. Enhancing knowledge and technology adoption in a misunderstood discipline: The weight trait
project. J. Anim. Sci. 88: E Suppl. 2.

Taylor, JF, JE Beever, SC Fahrenkrug, DB Faulkner, HC Freetly, DJ Garrick, KA Johnson, SL Hansen, MS Kerley,
DD Loy, HL Neibergs, EJ Pollak, D Pomp, CM Seabury, RD Schnabel, DW Shike, TS Sonstegard, ML
        Spangler, JR Tait, and RL Weaber. 2011. National Program for the Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in
Beef Cattle. Proc. INRA Genomic Workshop, Clearmont-Ferrand, France.
Hergenreder, J., S. Pruitt, G. Erickson, M. Spangler, and C. Calkins.  2011.   Tenderness and nutrient differences of
beef from different genotypes. Proc.  Reciprocal Meat Conf.  64:25 (Abstr. 30).

Howard, J. T., M.K. Nielsen, T. Mader, and M.L. Spangler. 2012. The effect of myostatin genotype on body
temperature during extreme temperature events.  J. Anim. Sci. 90: E Suppl 2..
Pruitt, S., Rolfe, K., Nuttlemen, B., Schneider, C., Benton, J., Griffen, W., Burken, D., Erickson, G., Spangler, M.
2012. Association of inactive myostatin on performance and carcass traits in Piedmontese-influenced steers and heifers. Proceedings of the Plains Nutrition Council.
Wilkin, M., Berger, L., Erickson, G., Nielsen, M., Spangler, M., Kachman, S. 2012. Dataset-specific dry matter
intake prediction equation determination for growing calves. J. Anim. Sci. 90: E Suppl 3.
Stewart, H., Brink, D. R., Burson, D., Husmann, D. E., Rasby, R., Reiling, B., Schacht, W., Spangler, M. 2012.
Comprehensive beef education strategic planning conference. NACTA 56: 34.  
Reiling, B., Brink, D. R., Burson, D., Husmann, D. E., Rasby, R., Schacht, W., Spangler, M., Stewart, H. 2012.
Current state of beef education relative to future needs of the beef Industry. NACTA 56: 77-78.
Tart, J. K., Lucot, K. L., Bundy, J. W., Miller, P., Rothschild, M. F., Spangler, M., Garrick, D. J., Johnson, R.,
Kachman, S., Ciobanu, D. 2013. Genome-wide prediction of pleiotropic regions that influence age at puberty and reproductive longevity in sows. Plant and Animal Genome XXI Conference.
Snelling, W., G. Bennett, M. Thallman, L. Kuehn, E.J. Pollak, S. Kachman, and M. Spangler. 2013. Prioritizing
sequence polymorphisms for potential association with phenotype. Submitted to the Joint ADSA-ASAS meetings.
Ahlberg, C.M., L.N. Schiermiester, J.T. Howard, C. Calkins, and M.L. Spangler. 2013. Genome Wide Association
Study of protein and mineral content of beef from crossbred cattle. Submitted to the Joint ADSA-ASAS meetings.
Schiermiester, L.N., C.M. Ahlberg, J.T. Howard, C. Calkins, and M.L. Spangler. 2013. Genome Wide Association
Study of cholesterol and poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids of beef from crossbred cattle. Submitted to the Joint ADSA-ASAS meetings.

Technical Publications (Nebraska Beef Research Report)

Dib, M. G., L. D. Van Vleck, and M. L. Spangler. 2010. Genetic Analysis of Mature Size in American Angus
Cattle.
Spangler, Matthew L., Stephen Kachman, Kathryn Hanford, Mark Thallman, Gary Bennett, Warren Snelling, 
Larry Kuehn, and John Pollak. 2011. Integration of DNA marker information into breeding value predictions.
Whitacre, L.K. and M.L. Spangler. 2012. The Simmental breed: Population structure and generation interval trends.

Pruitt, S.K., K.M. Rolfe, B. Nuttelman, W.A. Griffin, J.R. Benton, G.E. Erickson, and M.L. Spangler. 2012.
Association of Mysostatin on performance and carcass characteristics in crossbred cattle.

Summers, A.F., R.A. Cushman, S.P. Weber, K.V. Moline, J.W. Bergman, M.L. Spangler, and A.S. Cupp. 2012.
Nutritional regime and antral follicle count impact reproductive characteristics in heifers.
Howard, J., Whitacre, L., Spangler, M. 2013. Efficacy of newborn bovine DNA samples taken via different
mediums in assigning paternity.
Pruitt, S.K., C.J. Schneider, K.M. Rolfe, B. Nuttelman, D.B. Burken, W.A. Griffin, J.R. Benton, G.E. Erickson, and
M.L. Spangler. 2013. Association of inactive Mysostatin in Piedmontese-influenced steers and heifers on performance and carcass characteristics at different endpoints.

Proceedings (Peer reviewed)

Dib, M. G., L. D. Van Vleck, and M. L. Spangler. 2009. Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Weight and Height of
Angus Cows using a Repeatability Model.  Proc. Western Section Animal Science Meetings, Vol. 60 pp 40-41.
Soga, N., M. L. Spangler , C. R. Schwab, P. J. Berger, and T. J. Baas. 2010. Comparison of Connectedness
Measures and Changes in Connectedness of the U.S. Duroc Population. In Proc. 9th World Congress on
Genetics Applied to Livestock Production.

Extension Publications

Spangler, M. L. 2008. Economic Indexes for Beef Sire Selection, University of Nebraska NebGuide G1847.
Spangler, M.L. 2008. DNA Marker Tests for Beef Cattle. University of Nebraska NebGuide G1856.
Spangler, M. L. 2009. Commercially Available DNA Tests for the Genetic Improvement of Beef Cattle, Revision.
NebGuide G1856.
Spangler, M. L. 2009. The Basics of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) in the Beef Industry.  NebGuide
G1967.
Spangler, M.L. 2011. Commercially available DNA tests for genetic improvement of beef cattle. G1856 (Maj.
Rev.).
Spangler, M.L. 2011. EPD basics and definitions. G1967 (Min. Rev.).
Spangler, M.L., and D.L. Anderson. 2011. Genetic defects in beef cattle. G2055.

 Book Chapters
Spangler, M.L. 2013. Breeding in beef cattle. In Encyclopedia of Sustainability and  Technology (In Press).
Spangler, M.L. and D.W. Moser. 2012. Genetics of Ultrasound. Ultrasound Guidelines Council Study Guide.

Spangler, M. L., and A. E. Van Eenennaam. 2010. Utilizing Molecular Information in Beef Cattle Selection.
National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium Sire Selection Manual.
Spangler, M.L. 2009. Beef Cattle Genetics. In Beef Basics II: Breeding for Profitability. UNL Extension Beef
Home Study Short Course.