A group of Angus cows and their calves graze at Thompson Research Farm.
Newswise — In the Show-Me State, numerous ranches oversee a sizable population of around two million cattle, with a notable portion being Angus, a premium breed renowned for its unmatched achievements in the commercial beef industry. Recently, a significant advancement was made by University of Missouri researcher Jared Decker and Thompson Research Farm in their investigation. They utilized a cutting-edge commercial genomic prediction tool known as Zoetis GeneMax Advantage to assess a group of commercial Angus cows and predict their calves' performance and profitability. This project marks a crucial milestone in guiding the selective breeding of commercial cowherds, granting Missouri cattle producers a valuable edge in the competitive market.
During the testing phase at MU's Thompson Research Farm, Jared Decker and his team conducted a study involving a sample of commercial Angus females and their offspring. Their findings revealed noteworthy correlations between the genetic merit of the cows and the performance of their calves. The researchers particularly concentrated on key traits, including weaning and carcass weight, marbling, fat content, and ribeye area. These specific characteristics play a crucial role in determining the overall quality and profitability of the cattle in the commercial beef market.
Jared Decker, the Wurdack Chair of Animal Genomics in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, shared that Thompson Research Farm made a deliberate effort to prioritize the utilization of the genomic prediction technology. As a result, they recently harvested a group of 35 steers, an impressive 70% of which achieved the highest quality grade, known as "prime," according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat ranking system. Decker emphasized that compared to the industry average of 6% for grading meat as Prime, this exceptional rate of 70% is truly remarkable. It highlights the significant advantage and success that can be achieved through the informed use of advanced genomic tools in commercial cattle breeding and production.
According to Decker, the remarkable success experienced can be attributed to the cutting-edge genomic prediction technology. The ability to conduct DNA testing empowers farmers to make more informed decisions, enabling them to select superior cows and enhance their herds by focusing on both excellent genetics and effective management practices. As a specialist deeply invested in leveraging technology to optimize farming processes, Decker perceives it as his mission to assist producers in gaining a competitive edge in the market. By embracing these advanced tools, farmers can strategically position themselves to excel in the industry and achieve greater success in their cattle breeding and production endeavors.
Decker expressed his dedication to assisting producers in embracing innovation, enabling them to gain a notable competitive edge in the cattle market. His mission is to facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies, such as DNA testing and genomic prediction, to enhance their practices. With historical data available on calf performance regarding growth and carcass quality, the study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies to farmers, ranchers, extension professionals, veterinarians, and academics. The research confirmed a significant relationship between calf performance and the genetic merit of the cows, reinforcing the value of utilizing such cutting-edge tools in the industry.
Although genomic prediction has a legacy of success in seedstock cattle — purebred animals with documented pedigrees — this is the first time it’s shown to work in a sample of commercial cattle.
For Missouri’s beef industry, a leading driver of state revenue, genomic prediction technology represents an opportunity for growth, both for producers and the economy.
Decker highlighted the transformative power of genomic prediction tools, which enable farmers to move from a position of uncertainty about an animal's pedigree and performance data to gaining precise insights by simply taking a DNA sample. This newfound accuracy allows them to make informed decisions regarding the genetic merit of heifers. As a result, commercial producers can be more assertive in selecting the most suitable females to reintegrate into their herds. This informed approach not only opens doors for improved breeding strategies but also enhances sustainable profitability, offering farmers a valuable opportunity to thrive in the competitive market.
Genomic prediction technology is a game-changer for family-run farms, as it not only proves to be affordable but also opens up exciting possibilities for smaller operations. With this technology, these farms can now document their calf crops, showcasing superior genetic scores. This invaluable information allows farmers to make strategic decisions. They can choose to retain the calves for an extended feeding period, capitalizing on their exceptional carcass merit to achieve a higher profit. Alternatively, they have the option to market the weaned calves at a premium, based on their outstanding genetics, rather than settling for typical commodity prices. This newfound capability empowers family-run farms to optimize their operations, leverage their genetic advantages, and explore avenues for increased profitability in a competitive market landscape.
According to Decker, farmers and ranchers hold deep appreciation for their way of life and the enduring family tradition that comes with it. This strong sense of tradition provides them with the resilience and determination to confront even the most difficult circumstances, be it droughts, low prices, or any other significant challenges they may encounter. By assisting them in strategically optimizing their calf crops through genomic prediction and other innovative technologies, we empower these families to ensure the profitability and continuity of their cherished family farms. This approach not only enhances their livelihoods but also safeguards the legacy of agriculture for future generations, preserving the enduring values and spirit that make farming a truly exceptional way of life.
“Evaluation of Zoetis GeneMax Advantage genomic predictions in commercial Bos taurus Angus cattle” was published in Livestock Science. Co-authors include Brian C. Arisman, Troy N. Rowan, Jordan M. Thomas, Harly J. Durbin, William R. Lamberson and David J. Patterson.
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