Streamlining Genomic Testing for Cow-Calf Producers

In the intricate world of cattle ranching, every producer faces their strengths and weaknesses. However, with the evolving landscape of technology and resources, there are now viable options available to bridge these gaps effectively. Whether it’s delving into research, embracing technological advancements, outsourcing tasks, or delegating responsibilities, the journey to improvement is multifaceted.

Navigating the myriad variables of cow-calf production can often pose challenges, leaving producers grappling with decision-making uncertainties. Yet, in 2024, ranchers fnd themselves armed with an array of tools to bolster their confdence in managing their operations, with genomic testing emerging as a pivotal asset. Nick Hammett, Key Accounts

5700 HEAD

1. Genomic Testing Revolutionizes Decision-Making: The article underscores how genomic testing, once associated primarily with seedstock operations, has become a game-changer for commercial cow-calf producers of all scales. By providing comprehensive insights into production characteristics and genetic profles, genomic testing empowers producers to make informed decisions regarding replacement heifers, bull selection, and marketing strategies.

2. Enhanced Effciency and Proftability: Through genomic testing, producers can strategically breed heifers with optimal maternal traits, performance, and feed effciency. This selective breeding approach not only mitigates input costs but also enhances overall proftability. The article highlights how genomic testing serves as a key tool in driving down costs, optimizing resource allocation, and ultimately improving the bottom line.

3. Parallels to Technological Advancements in Farming: The article draws parallels between genomic testing in cattle production and variable rate application in farming. Just as variable rate application optimizes input allocation in farming, genomic testing optimizes breeding decisions in cattle production. Both technologies represent transformative tools that enable producers to maximize effciency, minimize costs, and drive overall productivity.

Manager for Neogen®, sheds light on how genomic testing, such as Igenity® Beef, is revolutionizing decisionmaking processes for commercial cow-calf producers, as highlighted in Season 7, Episode 11 of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast. Traditionally associated with seedstock operations, genomic testing has now transcended its boundaries, proving to be invaluable for operations of all sizes.

“I think that’s maybe one of the biggest values of genomics is that you don’t have to be a seedstock operator,” notes Hammett. With a mere tissue sample from the animal’s ear, genomic testing unveils a wealth of information by they empower producers to make informed decisions when selecting replacement heifers, purchasing bulls,

A Gateway to Confdent Decision-Making

scrutinizing the animal’s genome, offering insights into production characteristics and genetic profles.

Once the tissue samples undergo analysis, producers receive comprehensive reports encompassing 17 different traits and 3 indexes. While these scores do not constitute true EPDs,

A/c P & J Fuhrmann & Family, Mummulgum, EU Acc

350 Charolais X weaner steers

350 Charolais X weaner heifers

Sired by AYR Charolais bulls out of Santa Hereford Cows

A/c BD, JB & WD Cooke, Stratheden

50 Charolais X weaner steers

30 Charolais X weaner heifers

A/c IM Hewetson, Mallanganee, EU Acc

200 Simmental X weaner steers

200 Simmental X weaner heifers

A/c R & C Dean, Culmaran Creek, EU Acc

75 Hereford Simmental weaner steers

A/c G & V Love, Murwillumbah

10 Charolais X weaner steers

15 Charolais X weaner heifers

A/c Charters Family, Coraki, EU Acc

50 Charolais weaner steers

20 Charolais weaner heifers

DAY THREE

Friday 22nd March 2024

10:00AM DST

Bos Indicus Breeds Sale 2200 Head

Weaners

Comprising:

1000 Santa Hereford weaner steers

300 Brangus weaner steers

200 F1 Brahman X weaner steers

800 Santa Hereford weaner heifers and even marketing opportunities. “The best starting point with the greatest return on investment is testing your potential replacement females to make more accurate decisions on which ones will stay in the herd longer,” Hammett emphasizes.

Moreover, genomic testing extends its benefts to bull selection, enabling commercial cattlemen to make discerning purchases with confdence. By objectively measuring strengths and weaknesses, producers can hone in on areas requiring improvement and align their breeding decisions accordingly. Seedstock producers, in turn, play a pivotal role in guiding their commercial counterparts towards sounder purchasing decisions. While genomic testing may not feature prominently in operational budgets, its impact on effciency and productivity cannot be overstated. By selectively breeding heifers with optimal maternal traits, performance, and feed effciency, producers can mitigate input costs and enhance overall proftability. Hammett draws a parallel to variable rate application in farming, underscoring the transformative potential of genomics in driving down costs and optimizing resource allocation.

As the spring calf crop arrives, producers are urged to contemplate the transformative potential of genomic testing in enhancing herd performance and bottom-line proftability. In an era defned by technological advancement, embracing genomic testing emerges as a strategic imperative for cow-calf producers striving for operational excellence and sustainability.

A/c D & S Summers, Mallanganee, EU Acc

20 Brahman Hereford X weaner steers

18 Brahman Hereford X weaner heifers

100 F1 Brahman Hereford weaner heifers