2021 Symposium
A Look into the Past, Present and Future of Carcass Ultrasound Procedures
Perkins discusses carcass ultrasound history and implications for the future. “Breeders should not be afraid of using the new technology as we move away from the old gold standard,” explained Dr. Tommy Perkins, West Texas A&M University associate professor. Perkins gave his presentation titled “Use of New Generation Ultrasound Equipment…
The Start of a Beef “Grand Challenge”
During the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Beef Grand Challenge Project was introduced. Dr. Larry Kuehn, research geneticist at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, explained that the project was launched to ascertain the interaction of genetic and environmental effects, improve production efficiency…
Understanding the Value of Accuracy
UNL geneticist compares accuracy versus confidence interval values in beef cattle. When selecting a sire to breed cows to, producers have an abundance of data at their disposal. Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska- Lincoln beef cattle geneticist, suggests accuracy values may not be as valuable as producers might think…
A Look into Predicting Bull Fertility
Peñagaricano researches opportunities to predict bull fertility. “Phenotypes for bull fertility may be laboratory measurements centered around sperm quality, breeding soundness exams, and scrotal circumference but these are really indicator traits, and the ideal phenotype is a sire conception rate,” said Dr. Francisco Peñagaricano, University of Wisconsin assistant professor of…
Gene Editing in Today’s Beef Industry and the Future
Van Eenennaam explains new gene editing technologies and their role in the beef industry. “The United States produces 18% of the world’s beef with 6% of the world’s cattle. That’s why genetics are important,” said Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Professor of Cooperative Extension in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology at the…
Economic Impact of Increased Cow Milk Production
Researcher explains the true cost of extra milk production in cow herds. Since 1972, there has been an increasing trend for the Milk expected progeny difference (EPD) within the Angus breed. Is this trend of increased Milk EPD a benefit or burden for producers? Ben Crites, University of Kentucky Extension…
Think Profitably
Locke says raising cattle is different than running a business that raises cattle. “If you always think what you’ve always thought, then you will most likely get what you’ve always got, and most likely, you will fall behind; you will fail,” says John Locke, a Ranching for Profit (RFP)…
Selection Indexes Increase Profitability
Rowan explains how using selection indexes correctly will increase breeder profitability. “Breeding goals should be realistic, consistent but flexible, data-driven and profitable,” said Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee assistant professor. Rowan gave his presentation titled “Selecting for Dollars: Putting Selection Indices to Work” during the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium…
We Can Sell More Beef
Thomson says the beef industry needs to shift from reactive to proactive. Seeing your own work on display can elicit pride. For those raising cattle and beef, producers often feel proud of the work they do every day to feed the world. To continue that feeling of pride, Dr. Dan…
Targeting Selection to Meet Consumer Demands
K-State geneticist suggests modifications to breeding systems to achieve end product goals. The gap between consumers and cow-calf producers is wider than the misconceptions about how beef gets from ranch to table. This gap also exists in desired traits between cattle on the ranch and beef in the grocery…