Beef Genetic Survey

Mar 07, 2014

By Warren Rusche

Numerous technologies are available to make effective genetic changes in beef cattle. Selection programs need to be balanced based on sound economics. However, setting production goals are critical to identifying the appropriate direction associated with beef cattle breeding and genetics.

Specialized marketing programs are requiring producers to develop strategies to meet the market demands, which utilize the base cowherd to successfully produce a desirable end product. The South Dakota cowherd varies across the state. However, the goal is typically the same “producing a calf with optimal market value”.

There has been an explosion of technologies which have become available in recent years to assist producers in making more informed genetic selection decisions. EPDs, selection indexes, and genomic markers are just some of the latest tools in the toolbox, with more on the horizon. But given the tremendous amount of information now available, applying these tools to make the best selection decisions can be a daunting task.

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Video: Environmental Effects on Sow Fertility - Dr. Isabela Bez

In this special episode celebrating International Women's Day of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we bring Dr. Isabela Bez, a veterinarian and PhD student in Brazil, who explains how temperature and light regimes influence sow reproductive performance. She discusses seasonal infertility, climate adaptation, and why environmental monitoring inside barns is critical for herd efficiency. The episode highlights practical management strategies to reduce reproductive losses and improve outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms. "Environmental factors are actually very important on sow reproduction, and sometimes these are the factors that producers tend to not pay attention." Meet the guest: Dr. Isabela Bez / isabela-cristina-cola%c3%a7o-bez-1753381b0 is a veterinarian and PhD student in Animal Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her work focuses on swine reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare, with strong expertise in environmental effects on sow performance. She collaborates with international farms and research groups to improve reproductive efficiency through applied science.