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MARC Releases 2012 Across-Breed EPD Table

EPDs predict differences expected in performance of future progeny of two or more bulls within the same breed for traits including birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and maternal milking ability. Most breed associations publish EPDs at least annually, but normally, the EPDs of bulls from different breeds can’t be compared because most breed associations compute their EPDs in separate analyses and each breed has a different base point. The across-breed adjustment factors presented in this table allow producers to compare the EPDs for animals from different breeds.

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  • May 11, 2012
    Article

    Pressure Points In Genetic Selection Will Vary

    Every year, commercial cow-calf producers hit the road to attend bull sales, looking for the next group of herd sires that will move their genetics forward. But unless you have a carefully thought out breeding objective for your ranch, and have committed it to paper, you run the risk getting sidetracked in your selection criteria....More
  • May 4, 2012
    blog

    Some Thoughts On The True Cost Of AI

    My wife, who has worked in the cattle genetics industry for a decade, has closely documented the cost of an artificial insemination program. Problem is, she hasn’t accounted for many of our program’s “must have” requirements. For instance, you must have an expensive cutting horse to bring in the hot cows....More
  • May 3, 2012
    Article

    MARC Releases 2012 Across-Breed EPD Table

    EPDs predict differences expected in performance of future progeny of two or more bulls within the same breed for traits including birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and maternal milking ability. Most breed associations publish EPDs at least annually, but normally, the EPDs of bulls from different breeds can’t be compared because most breed associations compute their EPDs in separate analyses and each breed has a different base point. The across-breed adjustment factors presented in this table allow producers to compare the EPDs for animals from different breeds....More
  • Mar. 28, 2012
    Article

    Lack Of Fertility In Cows Linked To Mysterious Male DNA

    The genomes of cows that have difficulty reproducing often contain fragments of the male Y chromosome, according to a new study in press in the Journal of Animal Science. The researchers say this finding could help cattle producers identify subfertile females before investing time and resources on breeding attempts....More
  • Mar. 28, 2012
    Article

    Pfizer Animal Health And American Brahman Breeders Association Introduce Tenderness GE-EPD

    The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) is proud to release a new genomic-enhanced expected progeny difference (GE-EPD) for tenderness that now incorporates DNA information from GeneSTAR® and Pfizer Animal Health. The results show up to a 10 percent increase in accuracy for tenderness when compared with the previous tenderness EPD offered by ABBA....More
  • Mar. 22, 2012
    Article

    Do Genomics Have Value For Cow-Calf Producers?

    Remember that old comedic song, “Along Came Jones” with poor Sweet Sue tied to the railroad tracks and the chorus “And then along came Jones. Tall, thin Jones. Slow walkin’ Jones, slow talkin’ Jones. Along came long, lean, lanky Jones”?...More
  • Mar. 15, 2012
    Article

    Can Genomics Work In The Feedyard?

    There is value – measured in hard dollars and cents – in improving cattle performance in the feedyard. “If we could change feed efficiency 5% on a pen of cattle, that would be about a $30-$35/head premium for us,” says Tom Hill with Agri-Beef in Boise, ID....More
  • Mar. 14, 2012
    video

    What Is The Value Of Genomics?

    The onset of DNA marker testing has the industry asking, “What’s the value of genomics?” Presently, the technology allows cattlemen to more efficiently manage genetic defects and to increase the accuracy of EPDs, particularly on young, unproven bulls. Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California-Davis Extension beef geneticist, gives her perspective on the issue....More
  • Mar. 14, 2012
    video

    Practical DNA Application

    How can cattlemen use DNA testing in their herds? One application is to develop within-herd EPDs in multi-sire pastures. John Genho with Livestock Genetic Services in Woodville, VA, explains....More
  • Mar. 5, 2012
    Article

    Using Genetics To Get More Efficient 1

    Improvement of the economic position of the farm or ranch is an ongoing process for many commercial cow-calf producers. Profitability may be enhanced by both increasing the volume of production and the value of products you sell. The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and reduce input costs is essential to maintain or improve the competitive position of the operation....More
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