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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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BIF Genetic Prediction: Genetic Evaluations at International Genetic Solutions

Mahdi Saatchi
International Genetic Solutions

IGS has data from about 15 different breed associations. They have 180,000 genotyped animals in the evaluation. Two years ago, they have 65,000 animals genotyped in IGS. Most of these were males. So, in the last two years they have almost tripled this number and have added many more females, through programs such as Cow Herd Roundup.

IGS uses the BOLT software developed by Theta Solutions. This software allows many different types of models to be fit. IGS fits the single-step hybrid model. In single-step BLUP, you blend the pedigree relationships with the genomic relationship to have a single relationship matrix. In single-step hybrid you blend the genotypes and pedigree to infer genotypes for every animal in the pedigree. They then use the marker effects to estimate breeding values.

In their genetic evalution they use a subset of markers that they have identified as predictive in multiple breeds. This subset of markers provides more accurate predictions compared to using all 50,000 markers.

Saatchi performed validation work comparing the old system to the new hybrid BOLT model. He used data collected prior to 2015 and validated in data collected after 2015. The new hybrid BOLT model was more accurate.

IGS uses multi-breed and complex models to achieve more accurate genetic predictions.
IGS wants to add new traits such as heifer pregnancy and feed efficiency. They also want to continue to refine which markers are included in their marker subset.
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA

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