Beef Genomics Is Providing Speedy Accuracy In Genetic Selection For Cattle Producers

Feb 17, 2016

With the rapidly developing world of genomics in beef cattle breeding- improvements in the information that a cattle producer can see about their cattle is amazing. That's the takeaway from a conversation that Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays had with Ryan Ruppert of Neogen at the recent Cattle Industry Convention in San Diego. Ruppert says that when he was in school not that many years ago- genomics was not even a word.

The world of genomics as it relates to the Beef Cattle business really began in 2007, when the bovine genome sequence of the Hereford Beef Cow Dominette was finished. Ruppert says that now "genomics is a major part of cattle producers everyday life- and that if you havn't been doing anything with genomics- you will be."

Ruppert says in today's Beef Buzz that this is all about the accuracy on the production information a cattle producer can learn about their animals at an earlier age than ever before. It results in "the kind of accuracy of data that it used to take years to get on your cattle."

Click here to see more...

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.