A Steak in Genomics™

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 ...

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...

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.