continued from page 12
Take data collection and reporting seriously—Phenotypes are the
fuel that drives the genetic evaluation. Take pride in collecting accurate
data. If possible, try to collect additional phenotypes like mature cow
weight, cow body condition score, feed intake and carcass data.
Use genomics—DNA testing adds more information to what we
know about an animal. The more genotypes we collect, the better
we can predict DNA-tested animals in the future. Also, the more
relatives genotyped, the better we can predict their relatives in future
generations. Therefore, to ensure your bloodlines are well represented
in the predictions, genotype your animals.
As the IGS cattle evaluation continues to evolve and improve,
Limousin will be a big part of the accuracy improvements. Wulf Cattle
has always been data driven and a big user of data analysis, whole herd
reporting, and one of the first to embrace genomically enhancing their
cattle for increased accuracy. Thanks to the Wulf Cattle, Limousin
will begin to have a tremendous impact on actual carcass phenotype
reporting as they are providing a substantial amount of carcass data
into the herdbook and the IGS evaluation next year.
As seedstock breeders who are also heavily engaged in the cattle
feeding business, the national cattle evaluation will be enhanced
with thousands of carcass phenotype records specific to actual carcass
weight, ribeye area, marbling, backfat and yield grade data. This will
not only impact Limousin sires, but also Angus and Red Angus cattle
used in the production of both Lim-Flex® and purebred cattle.
The Limousin breed has other members that are cattle feeders and
many of those are beginning to contribute carcass data on cattle that
have pedigree information to track sires and dams. While ultrasound data
is still heavily used and needed for carcass trait EPD accuracy, having a
substantial amount of actual carcass data to a logical slaughter end point
will vault Limousin to the front of actual supplied carcass data to the front
of carcass phenotype submission in the U.S. in the near future. The rest of
the seedstock industry is aware of this and watching for the results.
The future is here and now with accelerated accuracy, analysis tools,
single-step cattle evaluations and genomic testing increasing in the
seedstock business. While many Limousin members are increasingly
getting their bull sale offerings genomically-enhanced, many
producers are starting to realize they need to start getting their cow
factory’s genomically-enhanced as well.
While customers are demanding their bull purchases be genomically-
enhanced prior to purchase, members are starting to realize their cow
factory that stays on the place every year needs to be enhanced as
well. This is not always affordable in many operations but some have
begun to enhance their replacement heifers every year in an effort to
eventually have their cow herds on the profilers. Once a member’s
cows are genomically-enhanced and they are mated to sires that are
as well, the progeny will benefit and see less variability in their EPDs.
The North American Limousin Foundation staff and its board of
directors are diligently working to provide our breeders the best tools
in the business in the race to make the right kind of cattle that are
relevant in the commercial cattle industry throughout the United
States. Please call us as you have questions about the tools and services
that are available.
14
NALF STAFF LISTING
NORTH AMERICAN LIMOUSIN FOUNDATION
6205 S. Main St. Ste D-280 • Aurora, CO 80016-5370
ph: 303-220-1693 • fax: 303-220-1884
[email protected] • www.nalf.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR................................................... Mark Anderson
Ext. 51, [email protected] • 970-590-9576 (c)
Responsibilities include: Organizational leadership and direction; Liaison
between the board of directors and staff.
DNA PROCESSING & ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT.......... Tammy Anderson
Ext. 57, [email protected]
Responsibilities include: Accounts receivable for NALF members; DNA
sample submissions; Assist with DNA results; Assist with accounts payable.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA....................Mallory Blunier
Ext. 61, [email protected] • [email protected]
Responsibilities include: NALF communications and press releases;
Marketing coordinator; NALF.org website manager and updates; Blog
manager; Design services; E-Partners e-newsletter; Social media; State
association communications liaison; Sale downloads.
DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES..............................................Katie Campbell
Ext. 43, [email protected] • 913-683-1415 (c)
Responsibilities include: Junior programs; Medal of Excellence (MOE) shows;
NALJA Board of Directors.
DIRECTOR OF DNA PROCESSING & ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS..... Alison Jones
Ext. 59, [email protected]
Responsibilities include: Paying your NALF bill; Bill discrepancies; Request
statements; All DNA services; LIMS program; Herd EPD downloads;
International import/export paperwork.
REGISTRY & MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST..... Stephanie Kramer-Beddo
Ext. 27, [email protected]
Responsibilities include: Membership questions; Registering natural and
foreign animals; Recording weaning and yearling weights; Transfers of live
animals and embryos; Bull and cow leases; New memberships; NALF-Digital
Beef Member Site questions; Ultrasound results and barn sheets; Mailing
certificates, supplies, and promotional material.
• JANUARY 2020