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Hereford and Red Angus Heifers Recruited for Genomics Research

The University of Missouri is recruiting 2,500 Hereford heifers and 2,500 Red Angus heifers to participate in a heifer puberty and fertility genomic research project. Heifers should be registered Hereford, registered Red Angus, or commercial Hereford or Red Angus. Hereford x Red Angus crossbred heifers targeted for the Premium Red Baldy Program would also be a good fit for the research project. Producers must be willing to work with a trained veterinarian to collect the following data: ReproductiveTract Scores collected at a pre-breeding exam 30 to 45 days prior to the start of the breeding season. PelvicMeasurements (height and width) collected at the same pre-breeding exam 30 to 45 days prior to the start of the breeding season. Pregnancy Determination Using Ultrasound reporting fetal age in days. Ultrasound will need to occur no later than 90 days after the start of the breeding season. In addition, heifers must have known birth dates and have weights recorded eithe
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Beef Genetics Extension
My new career in science communication and translational research

I am excited to announce that I have accepted a tenure-track faculty position in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri focusing on beef cattle genetics extension and research. While my basic research efforts will continue, such as reassembling the bovine reference genome sequence, a much larger part of my efforts will focus on my extension program.

My Extension Program

My extension program will be a mix of science communication and collaborative translational research, concentrated on using genomic technology in beef cattle breeding and production. I will work with beef breeders to help them understand and use new genomic technologies in their operations. I will collaborate with breed associations to assist in developing and deploying genomic selection programs. I have adopted Cees Leeuwis' redefinition of extension education as communication for rural innovation.

My Motivation

When I was 9 years old I exhibited a heifer at my county fair. I was dead last in a class of about a dozen heifers. Due to my competitive nature, I did not enjoy that experience! This motivated me to learn as much as possible about genetic improvement and animal breeding. The Hereford World became one of my favorite magazines. My final year in 4-H I bred and exhibited the champion heifer at my county fair.
Goldie, my champion show heifer from the 2001 show season.

It was while reading the Hereford World that I first became aware of and interested in DNA technologies. Obtaining a PhD in Genetics was a perfect fit for my life-long interest in science, evolution, selection, and animal agriculture. Becoming a professor and using genomic information to improve animal breeding is a youthful aspiration come true. Thanks to everyone who has made this a reality. Now, let's deliver on the promise of genomics!

Comments

Testing Dan said…
Congratulations on your tenure track, here's hoping that you'll continue to inspire new generations of genomics students for years to come.
August 13, 2013 at 1:50 PM
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Hereford and Red Angus Heifers Recruited for Genomics Research

The University of Missouri is recruiting 2,500 Hereford heifers and 2,500 Red Angus heifers to participate in a heifer puberty and fertility genomic research project. Heifers should be registered Hereford, registered Red Angus, or commercial Hereford or Red Angus. Hereford x Red Angus crossbred heifers targeted for the Premium Red Baldy Program would also be a good fit for the research project. Producers must be willing to work with a trained veterinarian to collect the following data: ReproductiveTract Scores collected at a pre-breeding exam 30 to 45 days prior to the start of the breeding season. PelvicMeasurements (height and width) collected at the same pre-breeding exam 30 to 45 days prior to the start of the breeding season. Pregnancy Determination Using Ultrasound reporting fetal age in days. Ultrasound will need to occur no later than 90 days after the start of the breeding season. In addition, heifers must have known birth dates and have weights recorded eithe
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