Genetic Traits

South Central: What makes a good commercial cow

jason.banta@ag.tamu.edu — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The list of traits that make a good commercial cow may vary some by producer. However, there are several fundamental things every producer should keep in mind when evaluating commercial cows.

When it comes to genetic improvement, phenotypes are king

trowan@utk.edu — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When we look back at the evolution of genetic improvement in the beef industry, almost all of our major improvements have come relatively recently. Each of the steps in this evolution improved the accuracy with which we make selection decisions.

Gestation calculations: A better management lever than ‘days carried calf’

pjackson@bovisync.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

”Days carried calf” (DCC) is a familiar number – easy to filter and easy to build protocols around – but it can also be misleading. The issue is that DCC typically assumes a single fixed gestation length (often 280 days), while real-world gestation length shifts meaningfully with breed, parity, season/month, twinning, calf sex and sire genetics.

Planning your herd’s genetic future: 4 points to consider

gpowers@genex.coop — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Although the industry has achieved rapid genetic advancement, with today’s competitive market, return on investment (ROI) is imperative. Here are several steps to consider when planning your herd’s genetic future for the best possible return on investment.

Progressive mating strategies drive genetic progress: Results from recent study

lb5624@psu.edu — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Herds that genotyped and used all semen types had heifers with more than a $100 advantage in net merit than those that used all semen types but did not genotype heifers.

Selection indexes: Simplifying sire selection

katie.martin@urus.org — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Bull sale season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in a cattle operation, offering an opportunity to shape the future of the herd. Unfortunately, it may also bring confusion. Over time, the amount of data available to guide sire selection decisions has grown significantly. While more information can lead to better outcomes, it can also create undue stress and decision fatigue.

Selecting for improved productivity and adaptability in fescue environments

ebrajo@ncsu.edu — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

To succeed in the Fescue Belt – particularly in endophyte-infected pastures – producers should chase these traits in their herds.

Managing cow size, bull selection in rangeland operations

dave.bohnert@oregonstate.edu — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Over the past several decades, beef cows have quietly gotten bigger. In 1975, the average beef cow weighed just over 1,000 pounds; by 2009, that number had jumped to 1,350 pounds, and today, many herds include cows tipping the scales at 1,400 pounds or more.

Well-intended strategies, unintended outcomes

arobinson@neogen.com — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In reviewing large commercial datasets, experts are seeing certain patterns beginning to emerge – particularly as it relates to a cow’s ability to stay in the herd. These trends are important to be aware of to identify challenges as well as opportunities.

Genetically mitigating risk for bovine congestive heart failure

kramsey@neogen.com — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Over the past decade, bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) has emerged as one of the biggest threats to the health and productivity of cattle on feed.

Weekly Digest: September fluid milk sales fall by 1.6%

karen@agproud.com — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:12:52 -0500

Here is what is happening in dairy-related news as we start the final month of the year: Fluid milk sales declined in September, Trump nominates Brooke Rollins for secretary of agriculture, Holstein updates pedigrees with slick gene label, and new dairy innovations are promoted.

Basic numbers and big data: Measuring herd success

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Cattle producers select their breeding stock variably, using an assessment of parentage production, price, expected progeny differences (EPDs), genetic testing or a simple eyeball test. A few swear by the oft-forgotten linear measurements, which gauge numerous body parts with uniquely designed calipers.

[Podcast] Terminal crossbreeding and regenerative ranching – with Mark Thallman and Josh Gaskamp

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Tyrell visits with Mark Thallman from the USDA's Meat Animal Research Center about the merits and drawbacks of implementing terminal crossbreeding systems. Then, the Noble Research Institute's Josh Gaskamp joins Carrie to chat about how educational opportunities for producers to better their land for long-term profitability. Finally, join the gang as they discuss the joys of county fair season, weigh in on what tattoo Paul should get (and where), and debate the viewing value of various Olympic sports.

The challenge of marketing ‘sustainable’ beef

wejulien@glenantrim.com — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As a beef producer, sustainability is defined as your continued ability to live comfortably, to maintain a way of life that you have chosen for yourself and to ensure that you can pass that way of life on to your children and your children’s children.

Breeding the optimal cow for your environment

trowan@utk.edu — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In high school biology, we were introduced to the fact that a phenotype is a function of genetics and environment. As cattle producers, we are constantly trying to optimize these two pieces.

Researchers identify new genetic defects in cattle

rreith2@huskers.unl.edu — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Understanding and identifying genetic mutations allows beef producers to make breeding decisions that avoid producing cattle affected by those mutations. Working toward that goal, researchers have spent years studying genomics, identifying mutations and developing tests to help producers make those decisions.

Getting a clearer picture with the help of genomics

trowan@utk.edu — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Genomics has become one of the most powerful tools in the cattle industry over the last decade, but the technology is often misunderstood. The goal here is to help dispel some myths and confusion around the use of genomics.

The truth about genomic prediction every rancher should know

deckerje@missouri.edu — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The truth is simple. Genomic prediction works. However, it is not a magic bean.

Data into profit: Using genomic tools to produce and select superior replacement heifers

kamacmil@ualberta.ca — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Historically, the relative value of traits to the commercial cow-calf sector has been stated as the “10-to-2-to-1 rule of thumb,” where fertility traits are 10 times more important than carcass traits and five times more important than growth traits.

The ongoing debate over EPD vs. phenotype

rculber@iastate.edu — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Using an EPD versus an animal’s phenotype is an ongoing debate among cattlemen. The question really boils down to whether the animal’s actual performance or the performance of its offspring is your primary interest.

6 'essential' traits for improving your herd

vtcattle@hotmail.com — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Known as the “six essentials,” selection for these traits can improve profitability of any herd, of any breed, in any location: disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, hardiness and milk production.

Researchers to ID genetic tools to improve growth efficiency

tyrell@agproud.com — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The study will focus on cattle’s mitochondria, cell components whose biochemical activity produces most of the body’s energy for cell function. The researchers hope the project will expand the range of genetic tools used by animal breeders.

Six Things You May Not Know About Akaushi Cattle

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Akaushi (pronounced ah-kuh-OO-shi), or Japanese Red, is one of the four Wagyu breeds. Akaushi genetics can make an immediate impact on your next calf crop. You’ll find Akaushi cattle on ranches spanning from coast to coast.

Maximizing profits with smaller cows

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Larger cows and their calves’ heavier weaning weights may not bring profits to the operation. How do these cattle impact productivity, and what changes can beef producers make to improve profitability?

Inbreeding: Is it really as bad as it seems?

lschirm@wwsires.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 08:55:31 -0400

Inbreeding is thought to be a big problem. But is it?

Genetic testing benefits from a commercial cattleman’s point of view

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:33:33 -0400

Over the past few years, genetic testing has become more readily available and used by commercial cattlemen. Information that was once used mainly by registered cattle producers is being utilized to make improvements on commercial operations and produce higher-performing cattle by making decisions with more information.

Using the power of genetics to improve hoof health

hsweett@lactanet.ca — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 06:41:59 -0400

In dairy herds across the globe, feet and leg problems that typically lead to lameness consistently rank as one of the top culling reasons.

Simple inheritance, genetic defects and DNA testing

rculber@iastate.edu — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I recently had a conversation with a gentleman contemplating purchasing a bull who was concerned that the prospective bull may be a carrier for a genetic defect. This led to a conversation on simply inherited traits and how DNA testing plays a big role in selecting against genetic defects.

Genetics can improve livestock grazing in South Texas

skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Using new fitness traits like heat tolerance and grazing behavior, Milt Thomas, a department of animal science professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is determined to help improve beef cattle systems in South Texas.

Development of heat-tolerant breeds in the U.S.

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:34:57 -0400

Almost all breeds in the U.S. today are of British and European descent, but many ranchers in Southern areas prefer cattle with some Zebu influence. In recent years, African types with less Zebu genetic influence and more Bos taurus have been introduced.