Featured Post

Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

Image
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
Post a Comment

New Price for Hereford GE-EPDs

Previously I discussed companies lowering prices for Angus genomic-enhanced EPD tests and a cost-sharing program for the American Hereford Association.
Now the American Hereford Association has decreased the cost for all animals to $85. From the Hereford eNews:

Price Change for DNA Testing

The American Hereford Association (AHA) has worked closely with GeneSeek Inc. and the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) to adopt a new pricing structure for genomic-enhanced expected progeny difference (GE-EPD), parentage and abnormality testing.
The new cost will be $85 and will be inclusive of all of testing except horned/polled (H/P), that cost will still be an additional $48.
This $15 savings will allow breeders the opportunity to do more comprehensive herd testing. The basic panel for parentage and abnormality testing is still available for $30 or $20 if you do 50 animals or more. The procedure is still the same and hair follicles from the tail are still the preferred method of DNA. You can find an instructional video for proper hair collection on the Hereford YouTube Channel.
For more about Hereford DNA testing download the DNA Testing Procedures Fact Sheet. To request DNA kits or for more information, contact Toni Shapiro at 816-842-3757 ortshapiro@hereford.org.
If you've not had a chance to check out the Hereford educational videos take time to visit the Hereford YouTube channel or Hereford.org and see what's available.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Show-Me-Select Board Approves Genomic Testing Requirement for Natural Service Sires

Image
All bulls purchased after February 1st, 2019 for use as natural service sires in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program ™  must be DNA tested to have genomic-enhanced EPDs. All bulls used as natural service sires after February 1st, 2020 must have genomic-enhanced EPDs, regardless of when they were purchased. Seedstock producers classifying bulls as Show-Me-Select qualified in sale books must have genomic-enhanced EPDs on those lots. Bulls purchased prior to February 1st, 2019 will be grandfathered into the program, as is the common practice with all natural service sires. However, this grandfather grace period will end February 1st, 2020. At that time for a bull to qualify for use in the program, it must have genomic-enhanced EPDs. Why the change? The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has the goal of producing premium heifers that perform predictably as 2 year olds. The program has a history of requiring Show-Me-Select producers to go beyond typical cat
Read more

New Show-Me-Select Sire EPD Requirements Announced

Image
At the January 4th Show-Me-Select Board of Directors meeting, new service sire EPD requirements were approved. All sires, artificial insemination and natural service, must meet minimum Calving Ease Direct (CED) EPD requirements. In addition to yearly updates, two changes were made. First, no Birth Weight EPD requirement will be published. All commonly used breeds now have CED EPDs available. Second, all breeds in the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) genetic evaluation are now set to a common requirement. In the summer of 2018, breeds within the International Genetic Solutions switched to a single-step BOLT multi-breed genetic evaluation. The EPDs for animals in the IGS genetic evaluation are directly comparable across breeds. In 2017, the Red Angus requirement for CED was a CED of 8, which represents the 30th percentile. Less than 5% percent of heifers breed to a bull with a CED EPD of 8 or larger had calving difficulty. We feel that this require is meeting the need to re
Read more