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: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.