Agricultural News
Genomic Research Becoming an Important Driver of Profitability Across the Beef Value Chain
Mon, 10 Jul 2017 11:37:44 CDT
Animal Scientist Dr. Bob Weaber, took part in recent educational seminars hosted by the Beef Improvement Federation, at which, all things genomics were discussed in depth. One concept discussed that was especially interesting, Weaber told Ron Hays, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network farm director, was the idea of stretching ourselves in the beef industry, when it comes to research on how to effectively use genomics.
"The power of genomics has really helped us I think, in the beef research sector, to start to explore some traits that are difficult or really expensive to measure but we know are important in the beef value chain from a profitability standpoint," Weaber said. "Things like new predictions of cow longevity, or disease resistance, adaptation to weather patterns, tolerating toxic substance challenges-"
All of which Weaber says will truly benefit the beef industry in the long-run. By deciphering the differences in phenotypic performance for each of those particular trait cases, he suggests, the genomic information can then be leveraged to help spread that information across the breeding population. Essentially, he says the research could help us to better understand, how to make money using the new technology now at hand.
"I think one of the really valuable bits of BIF, is organizationally, we spend a fair amount of time thinking about the technology and the new innovation side, but in particular," he said, "how to use that technology in a really pragmatic way that drives improved profitability across the beef value chain."
Listen to Dr. Weaber and Hays discuss how genomic research is becoming an important driver of profitability in the beef value chain, 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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