Latest News From Beef Genetics

Breeding for Survivability with Genetic Selection and Measurement
Breeding for Survivability with Genetic Selection and Measurement

The general manager of Southern Cattle Company describes how the ranch uses genetic selection to breed heat tolerant animals with survivability and stayability in a harsh climate.

Which Cows Are Worth Keeping? Select Cows That Best Fit Your Operation
Which Cows Are Worth Keeping? Select Cows That Best Fit Your Operation

In a year like this, taking time to evaluate your herd and its present genetics may be valuable to set your operation up for success in the coming years.

Vytelle Expands Network of Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories
Vytelle Expands Network of Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories

Vytelle announces the opening of a laboratory in New Zealand, part of a five-year plan to double the laboratory capacity to produce bovine embryos through in vitro fertilization.

Pick of Feddes Red Angus Heifer Crop Offered By RAAA
Pick of Feddes Red Angus Heifer Crop Offered By RAAA

The pick of the Feddes family 2021 and 2022 heifer calf crop will be sold during the Red Angus Foundation Inc. auction to be held Thursday, Sept. 15, during the National Red Angus Convention.

Heartache: Bovine Congestive Heart Failure A Growing Concern
Heartache: Bovine Congestive Heart Failure A Growing Concern

Sudden deaths late in the feeding phase are both frustrating and expensive. Simplot Land & Livestock says its research suggests genetic selection can greatly reduce the incidence of bovine congestive heart failure.

Vertically Integrated Beef Production Drives Genetic Progress
Vertically Integrated Beef Production Drives Genetic Progress

Dr. Phil George, Miratorg Agribusiness Holding beef & lamb operations production director, explains opportunities for genetic progress in vertically integrated beef production systems.

Cattle Genetics and Sustainability
Cattle Genetics and Sustainability

Consumers want to know how beef production contributes to environmental sustainability. AHA-CSU research aims to identify genetic traits that influence cattle's environmental footprint.

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Genetic Thieves: How Much Are They Costing You?

Genetic thievery in commercial herds! It’s a real problem, though it often goes unnoticed. Calves with bottom-end genetics pull average weights down and shrink the size of your calf check.

Application of G x E to Production Can Move U.S. Beef to a Climate Neutral
Application of G x E to Production Can Move U.S. Beef to a Climate Neutral

Understanding gene x environment interaction (G x E) is important for beef production as some animals perform better in an environment than others.

The $ Power of Genetics
The $ Power of Genetics

Profit is a pillar of ranch sustainability and superior genetics is the foundation.

Keep the Long-Term in Mind with Every Genetic Decision
Keep the Long-Term in Mind with Every Genetic Decision

Genetics are cumulative, with long-lasting impacts in both positive and negative ways, says Red Angus Assn. CEO Tom Brink. The stronger the cowherd, genetically speaking, the greater the payback for many years to come.

U.S. Feeder Cattle Exports Significantly Influenced by Demand for Proven Genetics
U.S. Feeder Cattle Exports Significantly Influenced by Demand for Proven Genetics

Tony Clayton explains the opportunities for feeder cattle exports driven by genetic demands.

Hereford Feedout Program Success Continues
Hereford Feedout Program Success Continues

Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics enrolled a record number of steers in the 2022 Hereford Feedout Program to find out how their genetics perform in the feedlot and on the rail.

Dr. Bobby Rankin Presented BIF Pioneer Award
Dr. Bobby Rankin Presented BIF Pioneer Award

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Bobby Rankin, Las Cruces, New Mexico, the BIF Pioneer Award June 3 during the group’s annual research symposium in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Dr. R.L. “Bob” Hough Presented BIF Pioneer Award
Dr. R.L. “Bob” Hough Presented BIF Pioneer Award

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Dr. R.L. “Bob” Hough, Lone Tree, Colorado, the BIF Pioneer Award June 3 during the group’s annual research symposium in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

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Hereford and CSU Begin Sustainable Genetics Research

The American Hereford Association announces a cooperative research agreement with Colorado State University to leverage decades of AHA genetic data associated with production efficiency and sustainability.

Vytelle Announces the 2022 Top 150 Proven Bulls
Vytelle Announces the 2022 Top 150 Proven Bulls

Together, with more than 30 of their network partners, Vytelle is sharing high accuracy bulls that have risen to the top of more than 94,000 animals of 25 different breeds and more than 289,000 RFI EPDs.

Genetics Valued Over Hide Color
Genetics Valued Over Hide Color

Genetic merit should matter more, while hide color should matter less, according to a recent survey conducted by the Red Angus Association of America.

Benefits of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination
Benefits of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination

Estrus synchronization can be an important management tool to get cows settled as early in the breeding season as possible and get cows bred to bulls with highest possible genetic value.

7th Gardiner Angus ‘Meating Demand’ Bull Sale Averages $6,718
7th Gardiner Angus ‘Meating Demand’ Bull Sale Averages $6,718

The 7th Annual Gardiner Angus Ranch "Meating Demand" bull sale was held Monday, May 2, 2022, at the ranch near Ashland, Kansas.

American Breeds Provide Selection Indexes for Beef Producers
American Breeds Provide Selection Indexes for Beef Producers

Dr. Kari White, Neogen genetic evaluation specialist, explains the importance of understanding the benefits and consequences of selection indexes.

4 Tips to Include Bovine In Vitro Fertilization into Breeding Season
4 Tips to Include Bovine In Vitro Fertilization into Breeding Season

The speed of genetic progress by quickly multiplying offspring from elite performing animals and shortening generation intervals through reproductive efficiency can be improved exponentially using four basic IVF tips.

Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle
Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle

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 Bulls Average $9,058
Gardiner Angus Ranch Bulls Average $9,058

Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 43rd production sale held Saturday, April 2, in Ashland, Kan., saw 874 head sell to 264 buyers from 30 states.

Sexten: Advancing Genetic Improvement
Sexten: Advancing Genetic Improvement

Adopting genetic improvement is one of the most consumer-friendly technologies to improve product quality and production efficiencies that we can use.

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Spring 2022 Replacement Heifer Management Considerations

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.

Missing the Mark Leaves Money on the Table
Missing the Mark Leaves Money on the Table

Raising cattle to qualify for the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand requires a black hided animal and meeting 10 carcass specifications.

How Does Iowa State Research on Swine Sire Fertility Impact Cattle, Humans?
How Does Iowa State Research on Swine Sire Fertility Impact Cattle, Humans?

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.

Carcass Trait Accuracy Improves with Beef on Dairy Data
Carcass Trait Accuracy Improves with Beef on Dairy Data

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.

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The Impact of Bull Selection – Part 2

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?

Demand Increases as More Producers Come Home to Hereford
Demand Increases as More Producers Come Home to Hereford

Sales of live and frozen Hereford genetics increased in 2021, with continued growth forecasted for 2022.

The Impact of Bull Selection – Part 1
The Impact of Bull Selection – Part 1

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.

Ultrasound and Genomic Data Enhances EPDs
Ultrasound and Genomic Data Enhances EPDs

Angus Genetics Program Director explains how ultrasound and genomic data will increase accuracy of expected progeny differences.

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Terminology of Modern Beef Cattle Genetic Prediction

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 Expands Network Of In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories
Vytelle Expands Network Of In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories

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.

CAB Insider: Prime Grade Prompts Attention
CAB Insider: Prime Grade Prompts Attention

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.

New Technology Allows Producers To Compare EPDs Across Breeds
New Technology Allows Producers To Compare EPDs Across Breeds

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 Private Treaty Bull Sale Report
Nichols Farms Private Treaty Bull Sale Report

Nichols Farms, Bridgewater, Iowa, sold 201 bulls during its opening day event on January, 28, 2022.

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Increase Adaptability Through Use of Hair Shedding EPDs

University of Missouri associate professor Jared Decker explains the importance of utilizing hair shedding EPDs to increase animal adaptability.

Gardiner Angus 'Early Bird' Bulls Average $7,158
Gardiner Angus 'Early Bird' Bulls Average $7,158

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.

Record Numbers Enroll in Hereford Feedout Programs
Record Numbers Enroll in Hereford Feedout Programs

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.

Situational Indexes Positively Impact Beef Production Selection Decisions
Situational Indexes Positively Impact Beef Production Selection Decisions

During the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium last June, Bruce Golden explained how beef producers can improve their sales through situational indexes.

CAB Insider: Carcass Premium Structure Advanced in 2021
CAB Insider: Carcass Premium Structure Advanced in 2021

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.

Calving Ease Cows – Optimal or Extreme?
Calving Ease Cows – Optimal or Extreme?

“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.

Speer: Quality is Driving the Market
Speer: Quality is Driving the Market

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.  

Hereford Association Celebrates Year of Growth
Hereford Association Celebrates Year of Growth

The American Hereford Association reports the breed experienced notable growth and increased use of Hereford genetics in the commercial cattle industry.

Maximizing the Use of Genetic Data Will Pay Dividends
Maximizing the Use of Genetic Data Will Pay Dividends

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.

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Selection for Improved Cow Efficiency

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. 

GAR-Influenced Commercial Female Replacement Sale Results
GAR-Influenced Commercial Female Replacement Sale Results

Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 19th Profit Proven GAR-Influenced commercial female saw 653 head sell for an average of $2,155.

The Start of a Beef 'Grand Challenge'
The Start of a Beef 'Grand Challenge'

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.