IBBA Releases June 2017 Genetic Evaluation

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) has announced the release of June 2017 Genomic-Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (GE-EPDs). In this round of genetic evaluation, over 1.4 million animals were considered. Of those, GE-EPDs were produced for approximately 11,500 Brangus®, Red Brangus, UltraRed and UltraBlack® animals that have either high- or low-density genomic profiles in the…

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Onward & Upward

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS Parts of the country continue to receive beneficial and much needed rainfall. It is nice to see baby calves being born and to appreciate the genetic improvement our breed continues to make every day. Remember, early nutrition is important in the life of the newborns as…

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Selection Considerations to Improve Longevity

by Associate Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Longevity Jason Banta, PhD., PAS Every cow-calf producer wants a cow that is productive for 12 to 15 years or more. Longevity of both cows and bulls is influenced by a host of factors including disposition, feet and legs, udder and teat confirmation, fleshing ability, fertility, function…

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IBBA Releases Winter 2016 Genetic Evaluation

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) has announced the release of Winter 2016 Genomic-Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (GE-EPDs). In this round of genetic evaluation, over 1.4 million animals were considered. Of those, GE-EPDs were produced for approximately 8,250 Brangus®, Red Brangus, UltraRed and UltraBlack® animals that have either high- or low-density genomic profiles in the…

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Reproduction, Twinning and Genomics

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist Joe Paschal, PhD. Reproduction in cattle is generally thought to be lowly heritable (0.10-0.20 percent), and as a result selection response is low. Regardless of what reproductive trait is being selected, there is not a lot of variability in breeding value from which to select. These reproductive traits…

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The Dance Steps of Genomics Part I: Understanding Genomic Prediction

by Jared Decker, PhD., University of Missouri Extension Whenever I hear the words “two-step” my mind goes back to my teenage years when I danced with cute girls at the county fair. But, in this article we will be discussing a different type of two-step. There are two common methods, referred to as two-step or…

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