Thomas W Murphy (Tom)

Research Geneticist (Animals)

Please view our story map to easially access our sheep research:

Sheep Trails (arcgis.com)

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • Factors affecting the length of productive life in U.S. Katahdin ewes-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • Adding gastrointestinal parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep: Initial steps-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • Serum energy metabolite and mineral concentrations in a contemporary flock of Western white-faced ewes during the periparturient period -(Abstract Only)
    Laverell, D.M., Murphy, T.W., Engle, T.E., Kersh, A.J., Mills, J.B., Stewart, W.C. 2024. Serum energy metabolite and mineral concentrations in a contemporary flock of Western white-faced ewes during the periparturient period [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 102(Supplement 3):484-485. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae234.550.
    
  • Heritability estimates for longevity-related traits in U.S. Katahdin ewes -(Abstract Only)
    Pinto Batista, L.F., Lewis, R.M., Rocha, A.O., Nilson, S.M., Murphy, T.W., Wilson, C.S., Freking, B.A., Burke, J.M., Brito, L.F. 2024. Heritability estimates for longevity-related traits in U.S. Katahdin ewes[abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 102(Supplement 3):452-453. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae234.511.
    
  • Survival analyses of the productive life in U.S. Katahdin ewes -(Abstract Only)
    Pinto Batista, L.F., Lewis, R.M., Rocha, A.O., Nilson, S.M., Murphy, T.W., Wilson, C.S., Freking, B.A., Burke, J.M., Brito, L.F. 2024. Survival analyses of the productive life in U.S. Katahdin ewes[abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 102(Supplement 3):441-442. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae234.500.
    
  • Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of U.S. Polypay sheep from breed origins to future genomic selection -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Wilson, C.S., Petersen, J.L., Brito, L.F., Freking, B.A., Nilson, S.M., Taylor, J.B., Murphy Jr, T.W., Lewis, R.M. 2024. Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of U.S. Polypay sheep from breed origins to future genomic selection. Frontiers in Genetics. Volume 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1436990.
    
  • Milk microbiome in the first month of lactation and at weaning from ewes supplemented with zinc pre- and postpartum -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Knuth, R.M., Page, C.M., Stewart, W.C., Hummel, G.L., Woodruff, K.L., Whaley, J.R., Springer, A.L., Austin, K.J., Murphy, T.W., Bisha, B., Cunningham-Hollinger, H.C. 2024. Milk microbiome in the first month of lactation and at weaning from ewes supplemented with zinc pre- and postpartum. Journal of Animal Science. 102. Article skae163. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae163.
    
  • Flashtags: Evaluating a novel deterrent to reduce livestock depredation-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • Adding parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep -(Abstract Only)
    Forbes, R.M., Murphy, T.W., Burke, J.M., Lewis, R.M. 2024. Adding parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 102(Supplement 2):32-33. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae102.039.
    
  • Sheep GEMS Update: Lambing assistance and udder health scores -(Popular Publication)
    Lewis, R., Murphy, T., Freking, B., Burke, J. 2024. Sheep GEMS Update: Lambing assistance and udder health scores. Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins Newsletter. Winter 2023 Newsletter. p. 10-11.
    
  • An extreme model of fertility in sheep demonstrates the basis of controversies surrounding antral follicle count and circulating concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone as predictors of fertility in ruminants -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Cushman, R.A., Yake, H.K., Snider, A.P., Lents, C.A., Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A. 2023. An extreme model of fertility in sheep demonstrates the basis of controversies surrounding antral follicle count and circulating concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone as predictors of fertility in ruminants. Animal Reproduction Science. 259. Article 107364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107364.
    
  • Meet the Research Leaders at NSIP-(Popular Publication)
    Murphy, T.W., Brito, L.F., Hess, A.S., Lewis, R.M. 2023. Meet the Research Leaders at NSIP. Sheep Industry News. (27)8:14-15.
    
  • The potential value of international sheep evaluations-(Popular Publication)
    Hess, A.S., Brito, L.F., Murphy, T.W. 2023. The potential value of international sheep evaluations. Sheep Industry News. (27)8:30-31.
    
  • Birth season and production system effects on post-weaning growth and gastrointestinal nematode infection of Katahdin lambs -(Abstract Only)
    Murphy, T.W., Hess, A.S., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M. 2023. Birth season and production system effects on post-weaning growth and gastrointestinal nematode infection of Katahdin lambs [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 101(Supplement 3):306-307. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.366.
    
  • Genetic parameter estimates of post-weaning growth and gastrointestinal nematode infection traits of Katahdin lambs -(Abstract Only)
    Hess, A.S., Murphy, T.W., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M. 2023. Genetic parameter estimates of post-weaning growth and gastrointestinal nematode infection traits of Katahdin lambs [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 101(Supplement 3):303. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.362.
    
  • Characterization of Katahdin lamb carcasses in a traditional lamb marketing context -(Abstract Only)
    Phillips, M.K., Gifford, C., Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A., Newman, C.E., Ritchie, C.R., Stewart, W.C. 2023. Characterization of Katahdin lamb carcasses in a traditional lamb marketing context [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 101(Supplement 3):658-659. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.766.
    
  • A journey into sheep GEMS-(Popular Publication)
    Lewis, R.M., Brito, L., Freking, B., Burke, J.M., Murphy, T., Taylor, J.B., Wilson, C.S., Nilson, S., Arisman, B., Oliveira Rocha, A., Yazar Gunes, H. 2023. A journey into sheep GEMS. Sheep Industry News. 27(8):24-26.
    
  • Targhee sire benchmarking at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Serum mineral and vitamin concentrations in central performance tested Rambouillet rams with and without angular limb deformities -(Abstract Only)
    Laverell, D.M., Murphy, T.W., Smylie, J.M., Kersh, A., Engle, T.E., Stewart, W.C. 2023. Serum mineral and vitamin concentrations in central performance tested Rambouillet rams with and without angular limb deformities [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 101(Supplement 3):660-661. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.768.
    
  • Is scrotal ultrasound a useful tool in ram breeding soundness examination? -(Abstract Only)
    Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A., Wildeus, S., Miles, J.R., Cushman, R., Snider, A.P., Rempel, L.A. 2023. Is scrotal ultrasound a useful tool in ram breeding soundness examination? Journal of Animal Science. 101(Supplement 3):654. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.761.
    
  • Comparison of three maternal composite sheep breeds managed under pasture lambing and purebred or terminal mating systems: Ewe body weight, reproductive efficiency, and longevity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A., Bennett, G.L. 2022. Comparison of three maternal composite sheep breeds managed under pasture lambing and purebred or terminal mating systems: Ewe body weight, reproductive efficiency, and longevity. Journal of Animal Science. 101. Article skac418. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac418.
    
  • CRISPR/Cas9-editing of KISS1 to generate pigs with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as a castration free trait -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Florez, J.M., Martins, K., Solin, S., Bostrom, J.R., Rodriguez-Villamil, P., Ongaratto, F., Larson, S.A., Ganbaatar, U., Coutts, A.W., Kern, D., Murphy, T.W., Kim, E., Carlson, D.F., Huisman, A., Sonstegard, T.S., Lents, C.A. 2023. CRISPR/Cas9-editing of KISS1 to generate pigs with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as a castration free trait. Frontiers in Genetics. 13. Article 1078991. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1078991.
    
  • Impact of four ovine TMEM154 haplotypes on ewes during multiyear lentivirus exposure -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Freking, B.A., Murphy, T.W., Chitko-McKown, C.G., Workman, A.M., Heaton, M.P. 2022. Impact of four ovine TMEM154 haplotypes on ewes during multiyear lentivirus exposure. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23(23). Article 14966. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314966.
    
  • Effects of harvest season on carcass characteristics of lambs in the Intermountain West -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Whaley, J.R., Murphy, T.W., Gifford, C.L., Means, W.J., Ritten, J.P., McKibben, H.N., Page, C.M., Stewart, W.C. 2022. Effects of harvest season on carcass characteristics of lambs in the Intermountain West. Applied Animal Science. 38(5):393-401. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02322.
    
  • Genetic reference flocks established at ARS stations-(Popular Publication)
    Murphy, T.W., Freking, B., Burke, J., Taylor, J.B. 2022. Genetic reference flocks established at ARS stations. Sheep Industry News. 26(8):22-23.
    
  • Collaboration guides Sheep GEMS project-(Popular Publication)
    Lewis, R., Boyer, T., Brito, L., Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A., Burke, J.M., Taylor, J.B. 2022. Collaboration guides Sheep GEMS project. Sheep Industry News. 26(8):24-27.
    
  • Sperm characteristics of maternal composite rams before and after the breeding season-(Abstract Only)
    Snider, A.P., Freking, B.A., Miles, J.R., Rempel, L.A., Crouse, M.S., Cushman, R.A., Wildeus, S., Murphy Jr, T.W. 2022. Sperm characteristics of maternal composite rams before and after the breeding season [abstract]. Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting, July 26-29, 2022, Spokane, Washington. Poster P233.
    
  • Effects of increasing dietary zinc sulfate fed to gestating ewes: II. Milk somatic cell count, microbial populations, and fatty acid composition -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Page, C.M., Knuth, R.M., Murphy, T.W., Rule, D.C., Bisha, B., Taylor, J.B., Stewart, W.C. 2022. Effects of increasing dietary zinc sulfate fed to gestating ewes: II. Milk somatic cell count, microbial populations, and fatty acid composition. Applied Animal Science. 38(3):285-295. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02268.
    
  • Genetic approaches to improve reproductive performance in the U.S. sheep industry -(Abstract Only)
    Murphy, T.W. 2022. Genetic approaches to improve reproductive performance in the U.S. sheep industry [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 100(Supplement 3):376. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac247.338.
    
  • Are ovarian reserve parameters related to reproductive tract development and fertility in ewes? -(Abstract Only)
    Cushman, R.A., Yake, H.K., Snider, A.P., Murphy Jr, T.W., Freking, B.A. 2022. Are ovarian reserve parameters related to reproductive tract development and fertility in ewes [abstract]? Journal of Animal Science. 100(Supplement 2):85. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.138.
    
  • Effect of TMEM154 E35K variant (haplotypes 1 and 3) on the incidence of ovine lentivirus infection and ewe productivity during lifetime exposure -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murphy, T.W., Chitko-McKown, C.G., Heaton, M.P., Freking, B.A. 2021. Effect of TMEM154 E35K variant (haplotypes 1 and 3) on the incidence of ovine lentivirus infection and ewe productivity during lifetime exposure. Journal of Animal Science. 99(11). Article skab304. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab304.
    
  • The relationship between milk score near parturition and udder score near weaning and their effects on Polypay, Rambouillet, and Targhee ewe productivity -(Proceedings)
    Murphy Jr, T.W., Taylor, J.B. 2021. The relationship between milk score near parturition and udder score near weaning and their effects on Polypay, Rambouillet, and Targhee ewe productivity. Translational Animal Science. 5(Supplement S1): S134-S138. Article txab176. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab176.
    
  • Invited Review: Sheep mineral nutrition considerations for extensive production systems -(Review Article)
    Stewart, W.C., Scasta, J.D., Taylor, J.B., Murphy Jr, T.W., Julian, A.A. 2021. Invited Review: Sheep mineral nutrition considerations for extensive production systems. Applied Animal Science. 37(3):256-272. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2021-02143.
    
  • Evolution of the sheep industry and genetic research in the United States: Opportunities for convergence in the 21st century -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Thorne, J.W., Murdoch, B.M., Freking, B.A., Redden, R.R., Murphy Jr, T.W., Taylor, J.B., Blackburn, H.D. 2021. Evolution of the sheep industry and genetic research in the United States: Opportunities for convergence in the 21st century. Animal Genetics. 52(4):395-408. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.13067.
    
  • Relationships among intramammary health, udder and teat characteristics, and productivity of extensively managed ewes -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Knuth, R.M., Stewart, W.C., Taylor, J.B., Bisha, B., Yeoman, C.J., Van Emon, M.L., Murphy, T.W. 2021. Relationships among intramammary health, udder and teat characteristics, and productivity of extensively managed ewes. Journal of Animal Science. 99(4):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab059.
    
  • Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during fall lambing and body weight and longevity through six production years -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murphy, T.W., Freking, B.A. 2021. Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during fall lambing and body weight and longevity through six production years. Journal of Animal Science. 99(1):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa400.
    
  • Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during spring lambing under intensive and extensive production systems -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Freking, B.A., Murphy Jr, T.W. 2020. Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during spring lambing under intensive and extensive production systems. Journal of Animal Science. 99(1):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa397.
    
  • Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes and associated management factors in Intermountain West sheep flocks-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Stewart, W.C., Scott, D.M., Howell, S.B., Kaplan, R.M., Roeder, B.L., Murphy, T.W. 2020. Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes and associated management factors in Intermountain West sheep flocks. Sheep and Goat Research Journal. 35:30-37.
    
  • Assessment of alternative models for genetic analysis of worm and tick infestation in nellore cattle -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Passafaro, T.L., Lopes, F.B., Murphy Jr, T.W., Valente, B.D., Leite, R.C., Rosa, G.J., Toral, F.L. 2021. Assessment of alternative models for genetic analysis of worm and tick infestation in nellore cattle. Livestock Science. 244. Article 104276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104276.
    
  • Effect of increasing dietary zinc sulfate fed to primiparous ewes: I. Effects on serum metabolites, mineral transfer efficiency, and animal performance -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Stewart, W.C., Murphy Jr, T.W., Page, C.M., Rule, D.C., Taylor, J.B., Austin, K., Pankey, C. 2020. Effect of increasing dietary zinc sulfate fed to primiparous ewes: I. Effects on serum metabolites, mineral transfer efficiency, and animal performance. Applied Animal Science. 36(6):839-850. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2020-02057.
    
  • Genetic and nongenetic factors influencing ewe prolificacy and lamb body weight in a closed Romanov flock -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murphy Jr, T.W., Keele, J.W., Freking, B.A. 2020. Genetic and nongenetic factors influencing ewe prolificacy and lamb body weight in a closed Romanov flock. Journal of Animal Science. 98(9):1-8. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa283.
    
  • Estimated breeding values for enhanced flock productivity-(Other)
    
    
  • Phenotypic and genetic differences in Rambouillet lines divergently selected for reproductive rate over 50 yr -(Abstract Only)
    Murphy, T., Thomson, J.M., Berardinelli, J., Roeder, B. 2020. Phenotypic and genetic differences in Rambouillet lines divergently selected for reproductive rate over 50 yr [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 98(supplement 4):206. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.379.
    
  • Development, selection criteria, and performance of Composite IV sheep at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center -(Proceedings)
    Murphy, T., Freking, B., Bennett, G.L., Keele, J.W. 2020. Development, selection criteria, and performance of Composite IV sheep at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 98(Supplement 4):207. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.381.
    
  • Effects of dietary Zn on ewe milk minerals and somatic cell count -(Proceedings)
    Page, C.M., Murphy, T., Taylor, B., Julian, A., Whaley, J., Woodruff, K., Hummel, G., DeMarco, C., Laverell, D., Cunningham, H., Rule, D., Stewart, W. 2020. Effects of dietary Zn on ewe milk minerals and somatic cell count [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 98(Supplement 4):213-214. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.394.
    
  • Harvest season, carcass weight, and fat measurements effects on lamb carcass characteristics and economic comparison of moderate and heavy weight lamb carcasses in the Western lamb processing industry -(Proceedings)
    Whaley, J., Means, W., Ritten, J., Murphy, T., Gifford, C., Cunningham, H., Woodruff, K., McKibben, H., Page, C.M., Stewart, W.C. 2020. Harvest season, carcass weight, and fat measurements effects on lamb carcass characteristics and economic comparison of moderate and heavy weight lamb carcasses in the Western lamb processing industry [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 98(4):190-191. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.351.
    
  • Fleece and fiber characteristics of Rambouillet, Targhee, and their reciprocal-crosses at first shearing -(Proceedings)
    Murphy, T., Stewart, W.C., Notter, D., Knuth, R., Feagler, T., Taylor, B. 2020. Fleece and fiber characteristics of Rambouillet, Targhee, and their reciprocal-crosses at first shearing [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 98(supplement 4):206-207. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.380.
    
  • Subclinical mastitis in sheep: etiology and association with milk somatic cell count and ewe productivity in three research flocks in the Western U.S. -(Proceedings)
    Knuth, R., Stewart, W., Taylor, J.B., Yeoman, C., Bisha, B., Page, C., Rowlye, C., Lindsey, B., Van Emon, M., Murphy Jr, T.W. 2019. Subclinical mastitis in sheep: etiology and association with milk somatic cell count and ewe productivity in three research flocks in the Western U.S. Translational Animal Science. 3(1):1749-1753. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz078.
    
  • Association of a nucleotide variant in Tenascin X with objective milk production traits in US dairy sheep-(Abstract Only)
    Hemmerling, K.M., Murphy, T.W., Herndon, M.K., Massa, A.T., Cinar, M.U., Thomas, D.L., White, S.N., Mousel, M.R. 2019. Association of a nucleotide variant in Tenascin X with objective milk production traits in US dairy sheep [abstract]. International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). Abstract #P65 (Abstract Book p. 81). Available: https://www.isag.us/Docs/Proceedings/ISAG2019_Proceedings.pdf
    
  • Effects of feeding juniper as a roughage on feedlot performance, carcass measurements, meat sensory attributes, and volatile aroma compounds of yearling Rambouillet wethers -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Kerth, C.R., Wall, K.R., Miller, R.K., Whitney, T.R., Stewart, W.C., Boles, J.A., Murphy Jr, T.W. 2019. Effects of feeding juniper as a roughage on feedlot performance, carcass measurements, meat sensory attributes, and volatile aroma compounds of yearling Rambouillet wethers. Journal of Animal Science. 97(7):2816-2830. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz174.
    
  • Evaluation of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov–White Dorper x Rambouillet ewes mated to terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: Body weight and wool characteristics -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murphy Jr, T.W., Stewart, W.C., Notter, D.R., Mousel, M.R., Lewis, G.S., Taylor, J.B. 2019. Evaluation of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov–White Dorper x Rambouillet ewes mated to terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: Body weight and wool characteristics. Journal of Animal Science. 97(4):1568-1577. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz070.
    

• Projects

  Discovery of Novel Traits to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability of Different Sheep Production Systems In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:442610

  Improving Robustness and Climatic Resilience in U.S. Sheep Populations through Genomics Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:443038

  Improving Robustness and Climatic Resilience in U.S. Sheep Populations through Genomics Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:443114

  Quantifying Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Associated with Lamb Growth and Carcass Characteristics Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:441538

• ARS News Articles

  No news articles listed for this employee.