A fundamental understanding of trait heritability and knowledge accuracy can help the meat cattle producer in choosing the proper bull to greatest match the wants of the herd, mentioned Okay-State beef cattle geneticist Megan Rolf on a latest Cattle Chat podcast.
Talking with the opposite specialists on the Beef Cattle Institute, Rolf talked in regards to the variations within the heritability of cattle traits (how traits are handed down from one era to the subsequent). “There are variations among the many heritability of traits, and it’s useful to know these as we make a plan for the best way to handle the herd,” she mentioned.
Traits which can be extremely heritable are carcass traits and construction. Rolf categorized traits which can be reasonably heritable as progress traits, corresponding to weaning weights. The traits with low heritability embody fertility and longevity, she mentioned.
“Figuring out the trait heritability will give us a greater understanding about how straightforward will probably be to make genetic change,” Rolf mentioned. “Even with a trait that’s lowly heritable, we nonetheless could make choice progress.”
Within the case of fertility, Rolf mentioned that together with utilizing the choice instruments, it is usually essential to handle the cows in a manner that favors cattle well being. “We’re in a position to enhance fertility by specializing in caring for the cattle in a wholesome setting and assembly their dietary wants appropriately.”
Rolf additionally added that the meat business has made progress in bettering fertility when producers use Anticipated Progeny Distinction calculations of their choice choices. “EPDs comprise all the knowledge we’ve got about that particular person’s genetic advantage that’s correctly weighted based mostly on its supply, whether or not that’s particular person data or a genomic check,” she mentioned.
She has additionally seen traits change following the incorporation of EPDs by the meat breed associations.
“In case you take a look at genetic traits over time, as quickly as producers determined to place some emphasis on heifer being pregnant by way of EPDs, there was an enchancment in that trait,” Rolf mentioned.
She provides that EPD accuracy is one other essential issue to weigh in choosing bulls. “EPD accuracy is the very best threat administration software we’ve got from a genetic standpoint,” Rolf mentioned. “The accuracy quantity tells us how a lot genetic data goes into that prediction.”
She mentioned that sires utilized in synthetic insemination packages will are inclined to have larger accuracy numbers due to the quantity of offspring which can be included in that calculation.
“When you’ve got a trait that’s essential, then it’s price contemplating utilizing an A.I. sire, however we do have a software that may enhance the accuracy of the yearling herd sires: genomic testing,” Rolf mentioned.
She defined that the genomic check is carried out through the use of a DNA pattern from the person. “When the genomic check is factored into the EPD calculation, it is going to enhance the accuracy and will give breeders extra confidence in that EPD prediction,” Rolf mentioned. “A method we are able to steadiness the chance of EPDs altering over time is to make use of a number of sires within the herd.”
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