Agricultural News
Animal Scientist Dr. Bob Weaber Calls Genomics a 'Game Changer' for the Beef Cattle Industry
Fri, 07 Jul 2017 11:04:45 CDT
Animal Scientist Dr. Bob Weaber is just back from the Beef Improvement Seminar, where the future of genomics, as it relates to the beef cattle industry, was the main topic of discussion. Genomics, although a relatively new technology that has become available, has benefitted dairy producers already allowing them to quickly improve their dairy animals. Weaber spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about genomics and the opportunity cow/calf producers have to implement genomics into their own operations to improve record keeping and assist with breeding decisions.
"If you don't get on the bus and adopt technology, you're not just standing still, you're relatively moving backwards," Weaber said. "If your competitors adopt a technology and uses a technology to accelerate genetic improvement, that has consequences for your business."
One question Weaber believes to be important for producers to consider when introducing genomics into their decision making, is how to strategically position themselves to maintain or potentially improve their competitive position. Whatever the answer, Weaber says it will certainly require adoption and effective utilization.
"It's one thing to genotype a bunch of animals, but it's a whole other thing to actually use that information in an effective way to make selection and improvement," he said, "which really changes the way you should think about replacement selection as a seedstock producer."
Listen to Dr. Weaber and Hays discuss the benefits of using genomics as a resource for decision making in the management of your herd, on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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