Beef Genetics
Feed is a major cost input for all segments of beef production. Feed efficiency is always a primary determinant of profitability, but when feed costs are high, it becomes even more important.
Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 43rd production sale held Saturday, April 2, in Ashland, Kan., saw 874 head sell to 264 buyers from 30 states.
Adopting genetic improvement is one of the most consumer-friendly technologies to improve product quality and production efficiencies that we can use.
When choosing replacement heifers for the cowherd, there are several considerations to keep in mind. OSU’s Mark Johnson describes some important qualities to help with selection.
Raising cattle to qualify for the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand requires a black hided animal and meeting 10 carcass specifications.
Dr. Bob Weaber shares how the beef on dairy phenomena is a disrupter in the usual dairy and beef business and discussed research findings from a beef on dairy carcass trait collaborative project.
By adding one more pig to a litter, the U.S. pork industry could increase production by an estimated $120 million annually. To do that, Karl Kerns says we need to learn what influences the capacity of sperm to fertilize.
Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist Mark Z Johnson provides an answer to the question he posed in Part 1: Which bull transmits more profit potential to this operation?
Sales of live and frozen Hereford genetics increased in 2021, with continued growth forecasted for 2022.
By comparing the EPDs of new bulls under consideration to the five bulls that sired our existing cowherd, we can predict genetic change expected in the next generation of cows in an operation.
Angus Genetics Program Director explains how ultrasound and genomic data will increase accuracy of expected progeny differences.
The tools for selecting your next herd bull have expanded significantly over the past several years. The following defines how genetic values are determined with examples of each and how to use them.
Vytelle is progressing on a five-year plan to provide accessible hormone-free bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) to producers. Three new laboratories will soon be operational and accessible to cattle producers.
The slaughter pace last week was the best we’ve seen in 2022, with an estimated Federally Inspected total of 659K. Given the previous week’s disappointing pace due to weather, these are very promising totals.
Randie Culbertson explained IGS technology, challenges with the multi-breed genetic evaluation, and how the technology works for seedstock and commercial producers during the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium.
Nichols Farms, Bridgewater, Iowa, sold 201 bulls during its opening day event on January, 28, 2022.
University of Missouri associate professor Jared Decker explains the importance of utilizing hair shedding EPDs to increase animal adaptability.
An early season barometer of rancher optimism and demand for high-quality bulls, Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 5th Annual “Early Bird” bull sale was held on Monday.
Seedstock and commercial cattle producers enrolled a record 756 head of Hereford and Hereford-influenced steers in the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) 2022 feedout programs.
During the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium last June, Bruce Golden explained how beef producers can improve their sales through situational indexes.
Cattle and beef market dynamics the past year were nothing if not volatile, and in some ways, unprecedented. Supply chain imbalances and processing sector issues have been the focal point of beef price inflation.
“Will easy calves grow into cows that have more calving difficulty?” and “Will calves from easy cows have higher mortality?” Study results were presented at the BIF Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, June 23.
During the past six months, beef consumers have reinforced their preference for product at the top end of the market. Both branded and Prime products have been supported by unprecedented demand.
The American Hereford Association reports the breed experienced notable growth and increased use of Hereford genetics in the commercial cattle industry.
Understanding and valuing genetic data can present a daunting task to seedstock and commercial producers. Panelists were asked to describe how they use genetic data to navigate breeding decisions and market cattle.
Mature Weight (MW) is moderate in heritability (35%) meaning response to selection pressure to downsize cows can be accomplished more effectively. Most beef cattle registries calculate MW EPDs.
Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 19th Profit Proven GAR-Influenced commercial female saw 653 head sell for an average of $2,155.
Genetics solutions exist to achieve superior feed efficiency and superior carcass quality. Both are relevant to profitability in cattle production.
The Beef Grand Challenge Project was launched to ascertain the interaction of genetic and environmental effects, improve production efficiency and evaluate nutritional benefits of beef raised in different environments.
AgBoost adds Jorgensen cattle genetics expertise to their development and commercialization of AgBoost tools for cattlemen.