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Showing posts from July, 2020

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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...
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Leaders in Beef Reproduction Respond.

Let's be frank. Reproductive technologies, like most other technology in agriculture, work. Key is using the technology properly, perhaps even relying on expert advice, to be more profitable. See this response by the Beef Reproduction Task Force. https://farmprogress.com/reproduction/readers-respond-blog-ai-and-sexed-semen p.s. Title should have been "Leaders respond..."
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Tackling Lameness: Missouri Beef Cattle Producer Survey

Beef Cattle Producer Survey – Cattle Lameness and Antimicrobial Usage in Missouri Researchers at the University of Missouri are conducting a survey of beef cattle producers in Missouri. The purpose of this research survey is to gather information regarding lameness in adult (greater than or equal to 18 months of age) cattle, including bulls, cows, and replacement heifers. The goals of this study are to determine the most common causes of lameness in beef cattle in Missouri and which antibiotics and treatments are most commonly used to treat these lamenesses. The survey is anticipated to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. To take the survey, please follow this link.  https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1BV2TqAhImIBzJb The University of Missouri researchers thank you for your time and interest in participating in this survey!  If you have any questions about this research study, please contact: Pamela Adkins, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Kelsey Walker, DVM University o...
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Heifer Puberty and Fertility Project: Participation Overview

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University of Missouri USDA Funded Heifer Puberty and Fertility Project Participation Overview Project Goals  Fertility is critically important to both commercial and seedstock breeders. This project aims to improve genetic/genomic predictions for puberty and fertility of heifers by collecting DNA samples and relevant phenotypes, specifically relating to pubertal status and date of conception within the breeding season. This project is funded by the USDA-NIFA Animal Reproduction Program . The project is recruiting 2,500 Hereford and 2,500 Red Angus heifers , to add to a data set of 6,000 Angus heifers. Participation  To inquire about participating in the project, please first contact one of the project coordinators by email or phone:  Erin Larimore Phone: 660-281-5518 Email: LarimoreE@missouri.edu  Dr. Jared Decker   Phone: 573-819-0837  Email: DeckerJE@missouri.edu  Dr. Jordan Thomas   Phone: 573-289-959...
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Do Hips Lie?

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My older son Jaden Decker competed in the Missouri Junior Hereford Association Illustrated Speech Contest.  The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has been very successful helping farmers and ranchers better manage beef heifers. We recently received USDA funding to use reproductive tract scores, pelvic measurements, and fetal age from ultrasound to better predict heifer reproduction EPDs. We are recruiting 2,500 Hereford and 2,500 Red Angus heifers for this project. Jaden discusses using these management practices and collecting this data in his herd.
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