IBBA Board Approves DNA Show Rule Update

The International Brangus Breeders Association’s (IBBA) Board of Directors voted in favor of a show rule update at the board meeting on Aug. 19 in Okeechobee, Florida.

All Brangus®, Red Brangus, Ultrablack®, and Ultrared animals exhibited in IBBA-sanctioned shows must be parent-verified. This rule is effective beginning with the 2018-2019 show year and all years thereafter. Parents must be verified on all animals for exhibition in the 2018-2019 season no later than May 15, 2018.

“The board believes moving forward with only the best, confirmed Brangus genetics being displayed in the show ring will continue to push Brangus to the forefront of registered breeds,” said IBBA President Brandon Belt.

Parent verification is completed through DNA sample collection by the owner, testing of the sample at an approved laboratory, and parent validation by IBBA staff upon receiving the results from the testing lab. The DNA sample required for testing may come in the form of the animal’s blood, tissue, or hair follicles.

“To parent verify the show animal, a DNA sample is needed on the dam, sire, and progeny,” said IBBA Member Relations Specialist Tullina Wilson. “Samples take time to be processed, breeders and exhibitors should be working to pull samples on parents of future show animals now. This is the first crucial step in ensuring this is completed in a timely manner.”

Test results for parent verification should be received at the testing lab on or before April 15, 2018, in order for the results to be received by IBBA for parent validation prior to May 15. A minimum of 28 days is required from receipt of DNA samples. Therefore, show animal exhibitors are encouraged to initiate this process sooner than later. If a producer knows they own a sire or dam of a show animal, he or she is encouraged to start collecting DNA on parent animals now.

“Parent verification validates the animal’s genetic identity; this provides a peace of mind to breeders and buyers that the animal’s pedigree is accurate,” said Wilson. “DNA testing not only benefits the breeder, but the Brangus breed in its entirety. The data offered through DNA testing provides a valuable insight to the genetic possibilities within our breed.”

Breeders may contact Wilson to request blood or hair sample cards in the IBBA office at (210) 696-8231 or [email protected].

“This rule further validates how progressive and serious IBBA is about the role DNA technologies will play in the future of our breed,” stated IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS. “I applaud the IBBA board of directors for their vision and foresight to place emphasis on this very important genetic validation tool for our cattle.”

 

For DNA sample instructions, click here.

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