Advances in Cattle Genetics

Knowing the genetics of your cattle is getting easier. Livestock genetics consultant Sean McGrath explains how experts can tell you the genetic traits of your animals at as young as six months. You can use the data to run multiple bulls in one pasture and verify the sire of each calf, or choose desirable heifers to keep as replacements. And, it's not as expensive as you might think. Video highlights: • This technology could be a game changer for commercial producers because it takes years off the breeding and selection process. • Adding genomics to what we already know about expected progeny differences (EPDs) can increase accuracy and make genomic change even quicker. • Plan to have multiple targets to be most effective -- for example, if you're selling terminal cattle, target yield and quality grade to find the right balance. • The larger the breed association, the more advantage they have because of the size of their database. http://www.fcc.ca/multimedia