THE NORMALIZATION OF DNA THROUGH YOUTH

HOW DNA HAS BECOME COMMONPLACE IN AND OUT OF THE SHOW RING PLUS TIPS ON HOW TO BE READY FOR TESTING REQUIREMENTS.

by Emme Demmendaal

The Brangus breed was founded on the principles of producing efficient cattle that perform for the commercial producer and satisfy the consumer, a project accomplished through years of data collection. Brangus’ science-based approach is balanced with youth development. This summer, their junior program and breed advancement merge at the Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association State Show and the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) hosted in Bryan and Belton, Texas, respectively.

Recently, both the Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association (TJBBA) and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) board of directors voted to require DNA parent verification. For the TJBBA, all animals entering the ring will be required to have DNA; while at the NJBS, animals born after January 1, 2021 and all percentage cattle will need parentage testing.

“A number of juniors who exhibit in dual junior and open shows are already highly invested in DNA technology,” says IJBBA director of youth, Tyler Dean. “The NJBS requirement will not only help educate more members on DNA technology, but will also validate more show animals to be entered in more of International Brangus Breeders Association’s Standard of Excellence Shows.”

The junior-voted regulations illustrate how DNA testing has started to become a normalized part of seedstock operations in and out of the show ring and Brangus youth are at the forefront.

“As an industry, parent verification is critically important because if you don’t get the parents right, you’re not going to get the EPDs or future matings right,” explains Dr. Randy Schmidt, Brangus producer based out of Texarkana and IBBA’s Breed Improvement Committee chairman. “Our juniors select females that phenotypically fit what they can afford and fit what they want to show. And if DNA testing is done on the front end, they have a little better opportunity to know exactly what they’re getting and how it will perform.”

DNA testing adds a level of transparency to exhibiting some of the breed’s top genetics. David Parkey, TJBBA advisor, says, “I might ask, why shouldn’t juniors and seedstock producers hold themselves to this standard of DNA testing? Whether it’s an open show or junior show, DNA isn’t expensive and it’s easy to do.”

Dean couldn’t agree more, adding “Our junior membership is key to the survival of our breed and, as such, educating and involving them in as much technology driven advancements as we can will do nothing but improve our future as breeders.”

By requiring that each animal that enters the ring will be verified to the sire and dam prior to being able to show, both the seedstock supplier and junior are protected. Schmidt and Parkey agree that parent verification is an encouraged practice for all seedstock producers prior to selling or showing cattle. DNA instills confidence that the customers are buying exactly what they think they are buying.

Schmidt says, “At our operation, we are DNA testing about 300-400 head a year. We keep meticulous calving records but still don’t always get it right. When we parent verify each calf, we will have six to seven percent of our calves’ parentage incorrect. It is not always human error. There can be mix ups at the embryo or AI tank, or calves lose an ear tag prior to or after weaning. We have had calves whose dams switched babies at birth, or your AI and clean-up dates are so close together you cannot distinguish sire at calving. Because of DNA, we can run more than one clean-up bull in the breeding pasture. Parent verification eliminates those mistakes prior to marketing our registered bulls and heifers.”

For Parkey and his children, implementing DNA has become a routine part of their cattle management along with showing each year. He shares that testing the whole herd all at once isn’t sustainable for many operations, but doing it slowly over the years has worked for his family.

“We didn’t DNA test everything at one time. We just started off with what we were showing and kept doing a little bit more each year. We would take a DNA sample on every calf and send in the samples on the ones we exhibited and bred. Then all of a sudden, we realized we’ve DNA tested the majority of our herd and have a pretty good grasp on our genetics,” says Parkey.

By requiring DNA testing on cattle in the TJBBA State Show, the board equips each attendee with the skills and abilities to succeed as a cattle producer in and out of the ring. Kyler Klepac, a Texas exhibitor and current TJBBA president is a testament to that goal.

“There is a future using DNA in our operation,” she says, referring to building her own herd alongside her family’s. “We need to be able to analyze different animals and pick out what

is the best and what their weaknesses are. Parent verification and DNA play a big role, because genetics can vary. We can better select cattle because the genotype of calves has a lot to do with the phenotype. We can find the best of both, pair them together to make that champion.”

The adoption of parent verification at the show level actively moves the needle in making better breeding decisions sooner. Jake Trout, Texas Neogen territory representative, is a firm believer in building the future of beef production through DNA testing. He shares that juniors testing their cattle now gives them the competitive edge in future breeding decisions and as future cattlemen, they will be more prepared to make adjustments as technology advances.

“Juniors are getting better information with more data. As they move into making decisions on cattle operations and have DNA incorporated into their management routine such as breeding protocols, branding and taking weights, they will be in a better position to make better breeding decisions, sooner,” says Trout.

The end goal will be balanced, proven cattle that succeed in the show ring and America’s pastures. And, of course, kids with a passion for Brangus who will someday blaze their own trail in the cattle industry.

WHAT DNA TESTING IS AVAILABLE:

with Macee Prause, IBBA director of genomics & research

To limit complications at upcoming cattle shows, it is important to keep the DNA timeline in mind. Start by choosing a DNA sample kit type and the specific test you would like to complete.

When choosing DNA tests that will meet show requirements, juniors can choose the base level SeekSire (SNP) test or the SNP + STR Parentage test. The SNP + STR Parentage test should be considered if you are trying to parent verify to an older sire or dam that had STR DNA testing originally complete. If you’re unsure, feel free to email IBBA. In addition to base parentage testing, IBBA offers genomic testing which includes parent verification that will qualify the calf to show.

There are three main types of DNA sampling kits you can use to test your calf: hair, blood, and tissue (also called Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU)).

Blood: A blood sample is collected on a card and should fill 75% of the circle. Allow the card to dry prior to closing and shipping, typically overnight. The most common place for blood collection is under the tail followed by the tip of the ear. Blood samples are not recommended for twins nor calves under the age of three months.

Hair: A hair sample, typically pulled from the tail switch, is also placed on a card. The sample must include the root bulb of at least 30 hair follicles. Hair collection is not recommended on animals six months or younger because the follicles are smaller and more fragile.

Tissue: A TSU collects a tissue sample by using an applicator gun. It punches a small hole in the ear of the animal, and the sample is immediately sealed in a preservative preventing further contamination.

JUNIOR CHECKLIST FOR DNA SUCCESS:

 Submit the DNA sample early! DNA testing can take up to 90-days once the sample is received at the lab.  Clean the sampling location (i.e.: ear, tail, etc.) prior to taking the sample. Any dirt, manure, tattoo ink, or foreign material may cause the sample to fail testing.  Store samples in a room temperature location out of direct sunlight prior to shipping. Improper storage can start early DNA degradation in the sample causing a sample failure.  Complete the online DNA order form. Keep a copy of the paperwork submitted for DNA processing to validate the lab’s order and your results received.  Track the package in transit to the lab. The only way to expedite DNA testing is to overnight ship the sample to the lab.

For more information on how to parent verify your calf or request a DNA kit visit the IBBA website at gobrangus. com or email mprause@gobrangus.com.