The Power of Genomics in
Registered Herds - It’s Not
Just About the Bull Anymore
By Jamie T. Parham, Ph.D.
The use of genomics, or DNA, in genetic
evaluations has been happening for about a
decade, providing “Genomic Enhancement” to
the EPDs producers were already accustomed
to. Like any new technology, advancement
and understanding led to growing pains, but
it is safe to say that it has been quite impactful.
In today’s industry, genetic evaluations are
used to characterize the genetic potential of
registered cattle to ensure the correct animals
are being selected and propagated for key
economically relevant traits. To do this, seedstock
producers invest heavily into capturing data
and characterizing their herd for key trait
attributes. In the end, it’s about more than
producing the best cattle, it’s about reputation.
Recording data combined with genomic testing
of cattle strengthens the power of the genomic
evaluation and increases its accuracy. After all,
an EPD is an “estimate” of an animal’s genetic
merit for a trait. An increase in accuracy helps
narrow the margin of error around that estimate.
This is most important for traits such as heifer
pregnancy and carcass traits that are either
difficult to measure or are measured later in life.
Most commercial and seedstock producers
understand the benefit the technology brings
to them and their cattle. As a result, seedstock
producers use it to develop high quality seedstock
that their commercial customers have come to
rely upon. This relationship is based on trust and
reputation as much as on the bulls which are
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