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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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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.
Also coming is the use of sex-sorted semen. This allows making heifers or bulls. The sex can be set before insemination.
Many new tools are available on the genetic side, Decker said. Mostly, the tests are breed-specific. Different tests are used for registered and commercial herds. However, some tests work on crossbred or mixed-breed cattle.
DNA samples can come from blood drawn from a calf’s ear or from the root bulb from tail hair. Many producers use convenient tissue sampling units that take a punch from the ear.
New technology allows breeding higher-value animals, selecting traits that improve pregnancy rates and carry through to final product at the packing plant.
To gain full advantage of the advances will take more attention to marketing of cattle. Further, genetic predictions can actually be used to place a value on the calf crop. Now, the producer can get paid for the genetic merit of their cattle through various programs.
Those attending can start on being a step ahead in building profits in their beef herds. As cattle prices fall, quality premiums gain value. Efficiency improves and adds sustainability.
Options will be explained in the three-hour sessions. A meal will be served at each location.
Meeting places, times and contacts:

  • March 7, Maryville, 5:30-9 p.m. Northwest Technical School. AmieSchleicher, Rock Port, 660-744-6231.
  • March 9, Kingsville, 5-8:30 p.m., Kingsville Livestock Auction. DavidHoffman, Harrisonville, 816-380-8460.
  • March 11, Macon, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Floral Hall, Macon County Park, South Highway 63. Anita Snell, Milan, 660-265-4541; Daniel Mallory, New London, 573-985-3911.
  • March 16, Springfield, 4-8:30 p.m., Springfield Livestock Marketing Center. Eldon Cole, Mount Vernon, 417-466-3102; Andy McCorkill, Buffalo, 417-345-7551.
  • March 28, Jackson, 5:30-9 p.m., MU Extension Center in Cape Girardeau County. Erin Larimore, Jackson, 573-243-3581.

Organizers ask for advance registration to plan meals and handouts. Details available from local organizers.

 Special thanks to our sponsors:
  • Zoetis
  • Neogen-GeneSeek
  • Select Sires
  • International Genetic Solutions
  • Method Genetics
  • MFA Inc.
  • Beefmaster Breeders United
  • Genex
  • ABS



For more than 100 years, University of Missouri Extension has extended university-based knowledge beyond the campus into all counties of the state. In doing so, extension has strengthened families, businesses and communities.

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