More to Successful Breeding than Bulls
With spring calves hitting the ground around the state, Kentucky cattle producers should begin to plan now for the breeding season to follow. Most young, healthy cows come back into heat within a few weeks after calving.

Epigenetics: A new Challenge in the Post-Genomic Era
While controversial, epigenetics does appear to offer potentially significant value to livestock genetic programmes. Oscar Gonzalez-Reico from the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain looks at the challenges...

Developing Dairy Origin Beef Systems
Forty seven per cent of prime beef in Northern Ireland in 2011 came from dairy origin beef, said Dr Francis Lively at the 2012 British Cattle Breeders Conference. With this in mind there is a huge potential for dairy origin beef, writes Charlotte Johnston,...

Tools for Science and Selection: Numerical Genomics
Traits of economical importance can be identified through genomic analysis. An overview of the reasons for genomic analysis and software tool development from the final scientific report from the EU group, Sustainable Animal Breeding (SABRE) is presented...

Improving The National Breeding Programme
Teagasc, in association with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Sheep Ireland, has been making strides in the development of the national genetic evaluations for cattle and sheep in Ireland. However access to reliable data is hindering result...

Demand Rising For US Genetics In Eastern Europe
Poland’s demand for US dairy genetics continues to expand, with seven months 2011 trade data showing a 10 per cent increase over same period 2010. For 2010, Poland’s imports total 1.183 million, an increase of $300,000 or 46 per cent over 2009.

Peering At Genes To Detect Origin Of Cattle Diseases
The eyes are said to be the windows into the soul of humans, but in the case of cattle, they may hold clues to overall animal health. A closer look at pinkeye is offering insight into other costly bacterial diseases as well.

Boosting BreedPlan
Three funding terms of Beef CRC have ensured that new, hard-to-measure but economically very important traits have been added to BREEDPLAN, significantly increasing BREEDPLAN’s value to the beef industry. Prediction equations based on DNA information...

Selecting Beef Animals For Feed Efficiency Improves Carcase Traits
Selecting beef animals for improved feed efficiency will also result in larger and leaner carcases, according to Teagasc.

Eating Quality Obtained Through Breeding
Marker assisted selection can be used in the future to allow beef breeders to select for meat quality to meet consumer demands.

Young Sires Benefit From Genomic Selection
Using genomic information in beef animals increases the benefits to selection, particularly for young bulls and selection parameters that have low heritabilities such as residual feed intake.

To Improve Animals, You Must Improve Performance
Most beef producers still prefer to make selection decisions based on what an animal looks like, rather than a calculation of its genetic merit. However, this tradition may be undermining future profitability, writes Wayne Upton, Beef CRC extension s...

Introduction To Beef Genetics
Speaking at the 2011 NCBA Convention and Trade Show, Cattlemen's College, Darrh Bullock, from the University of Kentucky, gave a basic introduction to genetics. The application of basic genetic principles can have a major impact on the quality of a herd...

What Is An EBV And How Can It Help You?
Estimated breeding values (EBVs) are an essential selection tool, which are underused in the UK, says William Haires, Nuffield scholar and Pedigree/ Commercial beef breeder.

Improving Performance In Suckler Herds Through Breeding Plans
Breeding is the key to a successful future for suckler herds , said William Haires, Nuffield scholar at the British Cattle Breeders Conference. Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite Editor reports.