Genetics in the Genomics Era : Improving the Accuracy of Selection
GE-EPDs increase the accuracy of selection for traits influenced by thousands of genes .
As we approach the time of year that spring calving operations will be weaning , selection decisions will be made regarding how many heifers should be developed as replacements ; for marketing or culled . Likewise , which bulls should be developed as potential herd sires to use or sell . These decisions impact marketing success , how we will utilize feed resources and the accuracy of these selection decisions dramatically impacts how much longterm genetic improvement we will make . With this in mind , using available DNA testing technology can cost effectively accelerate reaching our breeding goals .
What can we learn from DNA testing ?
By working with your breed association to order the tests , submitting DNA samples and obtaining the lab results , current DNA testing technology can : 1 ) verify parentage , 2 ) determine genotypes
for simply inherited , qualitative traits ; and 3 ) identify genes having an additive genetic effect on the variation of quantitative , polygenic traits which result in higher accuracy , Genomically-Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences ( GE-EPDs ). This information is typically available within several weeks of when DNA samples are submitted yielding genetic information that would otherwise take generations of calf crops to obtain .
Determining genotypes for qualitative , simply inherited traits , when dominant / recessive gene action is occurring at a locus , can identify homozygous or “ carrier ” genotypes of animals with the same phenotype . For example , the horned / polled phenotype where the polled allele is dominant to the horned allele means that polled cattle can be either homozygous polled or heterozygous polled . If our
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Herd Bull Headquarters
We have never had a more powerful Herd Bull Battery . Incorporate these sires in your program to add breed-leading phenotype , performance and marketability to your next calf crop .
High Roller
CELL High Roller 0239H
Homo Polled • Homo Black • 43 % Lim-Flex • MAGS Ali x MAGS Ur Salina CE : 11 BW : 1.8 WW : 78 YW : 119 MK : 24 CM : 6 SC : 1.8 DC : 12 YG : -0.12 CW : 42 REA : 0.62 MB : 0.12 $ MI : 59
AHCC Hemi 0901E
Homo Polled • Homo Black • 50 % Lim-Flex • S A V Resource 1441 x LVLS 9066U CE : 10 BW : 2.5 WW : 95 YW : 159 MK : 17 CM : 3 SC : 1.6 DC : 19 YG : -0.11 CW : 71 REA : 0.98 MB : 0.25 $ MI : 69 Semen $ 40 . Grassroots Genetics .
CJSL Creed 5042C
Homo Polled • Homo Black • 53 % Lim-Flex • MAGS Aviator x CJSL 2090Z CE : 15 BW : -0.5 WW : 70 YW : 123 MK : 19 CM : 8 SC : -0.30 DC : 10 YG : 0.03 CW : 34 REA : 64 MB : 0.72 $ MI : 77 Semen $ 40 . Grassroots Genetics .
Hemi
Come see these herd bulls and their progeny in our programs .
26525 Hwy . AA Lebanon , MO 65536
TERRY & NANCY GRAVEN 417 / 594-0257 cell
terry @ gravenchrysler . com
Creed
Charles & Heather Linhart Aaron , Kyle & Kevin 27195 175TH STREET LEON , IA 50144 Charles 641 / 340-1306 Aaron 641 / 414-5060 WWW . LINHARTLIMOUSIN . COM
46 • OCTOBER 2021