Genetic Tools for Raising Cattle

Many tools are available for cattle producers to make educated decisions when selecting the right genetics for their herd, but it takes information from all producers to have better accuracy.

Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension beef genetics specialist, said statistical models can only work if the proper data is provided.

"Whole-group reporting when it comes to weights gives the best information on your herd," Spangler said. "If only the best animals are reported, the data is skewed. It actually makes the data on the good cattle worse than it should be."

Knowing and understanding the genomics between individuals and their lineage helps to do a better job of predicting genetic merit. This means a seedstock producer needs to genotype every calf born, not just the very best ones. This then allows these producers to make better decisions on the progeny.

"If all the information is reported, this allows corrections to be made in pedigrees and makes the EPDs (expected progeny differences) more accurate," he said. "An increased accuracy of EPDs is seen through the use of genomic testing earlier in a bull's life, which gives us the potential for faster genetic change."

Genomics helped the dairy industry make important genetic changes without having to wait for a bull's daughters to be in production and mark the changes physically. In beef cattle, this can be measured in stay-ability of a heifer to be in a herd.

PHENOTYPE IS KING

Spangler said even in the era where genotypes and genomics are being used extensively, phenotype is still king and is important for selecting cattle in a herd.

While there are EDPs for foot and leg structure, mature cow weight and carcass traits, these all must be physically collected. Spangler said it's important to have good data recorded and turned in to help with the accuracy of the EPDs.

"Traits that are directly associated with a revenue stream are the most relevant. Weight traits are dependent on the individual operation," he said.

Multiple-trait selection is done with an independent culling level. Producers must know what they want before choosing the traits in the cattle selected for their herd. Some producers say they use tandem selection, using one trait until it's met and looking at another. Spangler said this is flawed, as they still must meet both traits.

"We've made it too hard for producers with so much data available," he said. "Bull buying or semen purchasing is a capital investment for an operation. Know what you are looking for and expect a return on your investment."

Spangler stressed for producers to know what they need based on where current performance is and the endpoint. The right cattle can then be selected on the traits needed for improvement.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JennCattleGal

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