Cloning Success

by IBBA Field Service Representative Matt Murdoch

The purpose of cloning livestock is to reproduce superior livestock genetics and maintain the herd at the highest quality. Cloning allows breeders to recreate an exact genetic copy of an existing animal. Cloning has been used since 1996 when the first successful cloning was completed in sheep. The use of cloning could be considered too expensive for some, and there is no doubt that it is a costly investment. However, breeders and ranchers must think of this as exactly that: an investment opportunity. There can be an acceleration of quality within their herd as they are keeping only the elite genetics. This tool, used to re-implement the most sought-after genetics in the herd, will increase the profitability for the rancher.

One rancher saw this opportunity and took advantage of it with great success. JLS International is owned by Jeff and Darlene Smith who reside in Robertsville, Alabama. The Smiths not only raise cattle, but, also, own companies in heating, air conditioning and plumbing. They got into the Brangus breed and very quickly became a name to remember. The Smith family had Myron Saathoff join the JLS team as manager in 1999. Saathoff, a south Texas native, has worked on many Brangus ranches and now runs the JLS Brangus herd in Devine, Texas. With the knowledge of both Smith and Saathoff, JLS became very successful both in the show ring and in the pasture.

Once JLS heard the results recorded with cloning, they decided to seize the opportunity and give it a shot. In 2010, JLS studied their herd genetics and selected one of their most elite females and chose to recreate that genetic makeup. The 915C cow has done great things for JLS, and she was the female they selected to clone due to her stout, productive build and her ability to pass on her genetic enhancements to her progeny. This cow is one that they put a lot of trust and faith in to build their herd. Once the cloning was completed, they ended up with five clones to put back into production. This year in May, at the 15th annual JLS International Sale, they offered some of the clone genetics for the first time. Two clone daughter lots were sold. One heavy bred and the other had a calf at side and was a top seller catching a bid of $16,000.

This offering not only proves that Myron Saathoff and Jeff Smith are doing a great job with their progressive operation, but also that cloning provides great dividends to those who utilize it well. The JLS International team has certainly shined some light to other Brangus breeders in the association thinking about cloning. Cloning being utilized in the Brangus breed only helps push the breed in the right direction while hopefully convincing other ranchers to keep building with Brangus.