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Showing posts from September, 2015

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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal

MU Thompson Research Center event shows new beef genomics, AI breeding

Duane Dailey Senior Writer, University of Missouri SPICKARD, Mo. - It has happened before, but always surprises. The biggest, best-looking beef cows had the worst genetic scores. At the University of Missouri Thompson Farm Field Day, eight cows were sorted out for study by farm visitors. Four cows were top of the herd. Four were on the bottom. They were sorted on genetic value scores from DNA testing. Cows that looked the best to visitors who didn't know the scores were large frame in good condition, but their calves at side were light-muscled and less fleshy. Jared Decker, MU Extension geneticist, said the bottom-scoring cows were ready to "go on down the road." They will be replaced by heifers from high-scoring younger cows. The soon-to-be cull cows had not produced prime-grade calves like the high-scoring cows, Decker said. Farm manager Jon Schreffler agreed with results from the GeneMax Advantage tests. The high-scoring cows also had high scores in herd

Missouri Red Angus Association Creates Centralized Bull Test

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The Missouri Red Angus Association invites all Red Angus breeders large and small, near and far, to participate in a newly established bull test. Come and join the new era of the Missouri Red Angus Association. Missouri Red Angus Association’s (MORAA) Board of Directors has been evaluating the past methodology for marketing bulls at the April MORAA sale in Springfield. Based on their evaluation and consistent member feedback that the old program was inadequate, a new program has been launched. The board believes this will be an excellent marketing opportunity for Red Angus genetics. For cattlemen who have an interest in participating in the project, the test is now accepting entries with receiving dates from Oct. 1–15 for bulls born January, February and March of 2015. Entry-Consignment Fee: $200 per bull Paid at entry to the selected developer Consignor must be a current Missouri Red Angus member Approved Test Facilities & Developers: Green Springs Bull Test - Nev

The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD

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Please see the fact sheet for more information about the random shuffle of chromosomes and genes that happens between generations. This random shuffle explains the differences between full siblings, e.g. flush mates, and the low reliability of traditional EPDs for young animals.