Genetic evaluation and selection of beef cattle

2007 Impact statement
  • Pollak, Emil John

abstract

As animal breeders and genetic specialists, we work to apply genetic principles to the selection of beef cattle with economically relevant traits.

submitted by

issue being addressed

Beef production is the fourth largest U.S. economic industry. Close to one million privately owned farms across the U.S. raise beef cattle. The improvement in performance of these production animals is necessary to continue to provide affordable sources of protein to the U.S. consumer. Selection for improvement in performance across a wide range of environments and under a varying economic background (current corn price situation) is a national effort requiring collection and analysis of large databases. The objective in this research program is to amass and analyze these databases.

response

We have built a national database of beef records representing 16 breeds of U.S. beef cattle. We have also created a national pedigree file of registered cattle. Together, these are being used to generate the first-ever national multibreed genetic evaluation for beef cattle. We have also initiated three large projects to provide information on traits that are typically difficult for the beef industry to collect in enough numbers to support a national selection program. These include, healthfulness characteristics of beef products, cattle feedlot health, and stayability. These data will be used to investigate the opportunities for “whole genome enable animal selection” based on comparing these phenotypic observations to genotypes from a high density SNP array. We currently have 1000 samples for which we are obtaining fatty acid profiles for the healthfulness project, 1600 calves on feed for which we have health data, and 3600 heifers recorded to date for stayability to four years of age.

impact assessment

The National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) works with breed associations within the U.S. that represent much of the seedstock industry. These associations provide data on beef records that they receive annually from their membership. The genetic evaluations are disseminated through these breed associations to their members. The breed association membership includes seedstock producers in virtually every state in the union. Two of our three large genomics projects—cattle health and stayability— address input costs to the beef industry. Successful reduction in cost of health care and cost of animals due to health issues (especially due to Bovine Respiratory Disease) in the feedlot would enhance the economic viability of the beef industry and provide the U.S. consumer with products from animals less dependent on antibiotics. The healthfulness project is aimed at improving the proportion of unsaturated fats to saturated fats in beef. Success in this endeavor benefits consumers at home and abroad.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

more links 26 more

funding source description

  • Beef breed associations
  • Genomics companies
  • Hatch

collaborators

  • Iowa State University
  • Colorado State University
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Georgia
  • University of California

key personnel

  • Dorian Garrick
  • Keith Bertrand
  • Mark Enns
  • Alison Van Eenannaam
  • Darrh Bullock

department, unit, division

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008