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Showing posts from February, 2017

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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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2017 North Carolina Cattlemen's Convention

I had the privilege of speaking during the North Carolina Cattlemen's Convention. Thanks to Daniel Poole and the North Carolina Cattlemen's staff for bringing me out. Below are my slides. Using DNA on your farm to select more profitable cattle from Jared Decker Midwest producers, if you would like to learn more about these topics (and many more) please attend one of our five  ReproGene Workshops held across Missouri.
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ReproGene Workshops: High-quality, profitable beef made possible by genetic tests

Five meetings explain options. Making quality beef for more farm profits becomes predictable by using genetic testing. Meetings across Missouri will review current breeding technology and explain new genomic tools. University of Missouri Extension specialists plan meetings in Maryville, Kingsville, Macon, Springfield and Jackson. The five meetings are called "ReproGene:  Taking the next steps in beef cattle reproduction and genetics." Missouri herd owners can learn to produce more profitable cattle with better genetics.  EPDs, expected progeny differences, guided improvement. With genomic testing, all heifers in a herd can be DNA-tested. This provides accurate predictions of future calf performance. Now producers can use genetic information on the male and female side of the herd, Decker says. On the reproduction side, Dave Patterson will tell of new research that offers better conception rates from artificial insemination (AI). Split-time AI gets more cows pregnant....
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Red Angus DNA Scores Align with Carcass Results

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Denton, Texas — Cattlemen and women frequently ask if DNA scores are truly predictive of phenotypic results. A recent study completed by the Red Angus Association gathered DNA data on a set of Red Angus calves and followed the cattle through harvest, collecting phenotypic data. The results illustrated the Igenity® DNA scores accurately predicted carcass weight, marbling score and overall carcass value. The cattle were raised and owned by Bob and Elaine Yackley of Onida, South Dakota, and fed at a custom feed yard. A total of 91 head of 2015-born steers comprised the group that was DNA tested with Igenity Silver and followed through harvest to obtain carcass data on each individual animal. The top 25 head with the highest DNA scores for Average Daily Gain (ADG) and marbling were compared to the bottom 25 head, which exhibited the lowest combined DNA scores for the same two traits. Summarized results for the two groups are shown in the table. This comparative analysis reveals that ...
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