Agricultural News
Hereford Association Showcases Advancements Made Under Breed's Genetic Evaluation Overhaul
Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:51:27 CST
The American Hereford Association (AHA) continues to leverage the breed's strengths to meet the needs of every component of the beef supply chain.
AHA team members shared the proactive efforts the Association is taking to position the breed in the marketplace at a media briefing held Jan. 31 during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show in New Orleans. At that briefing, Shane Bedwell, AHA chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, remarked on the association's recent work to advance the genetic merit of the breed, in recognition of the need for high-quality cattle in the marketplace. He spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn to expound on some of the points he highlighted during the briefing. You can listen to that complete interview by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
Last year, the AHA overhauled its genetic evaluation system, implementing a single-step marker effects model utilizing BOLT technology, which simultaneously analyzes pedigrees, phenotypes and genotypes and allows for a fully automated, weekly genetic evaluation. According to Bedwell, the overhaul has been equipped with a genomic pipeline to provide quality control of the 70,000 genotypes entering the evaluation.
Another change to the genetic evaluation, Bedwell reported, was the adoption of the North American Hereford Genetic Evaluation, which merges data from the AHA and the Canadian Hereford Association. All data are totally supported by the AHA Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPRTM) program, ensuring an unbiased data set.
"Our breeders are getting the most up-to-date, relevant information to make the most informed decisions possible," Bedwell said.
In collaboration with Neogen® and Allflex®, the AHA also launched the Whole Herd DNA Cow Herd project in 2018 to incorporate more female genotypes into the updated genetic evaluation. Nearly 10,000 genotypes were collected through the project and Bedwell indicates plans are underway to incorporate the recently introduced Sustained Cow Fertility (SCF) trait, as well as other maternal traits, into the marker effects model.
In addition, the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP) continues to grow and add value to Hereford genetics. The NRSP allows for unbiased, third-party data from large contemporary groups and supplies the majority of the economically relevant traits to the AHA's genetic evaluation. Last year, more than 3,500 females were exposed to Hereford bulls through the program. There are seven test herds located throughout the U.S., three of which were added in 2018. Since inception, the program has tested 375 sires for progeny data from birth to harvest, and last year's data highlighted the progress the breed has made in terms of marbling and feed conversion.
"It's exciting what can happen with genetic progress when you apply selection pressure," Bedwell said. "The advantage Hereford has that we all know about is fertility, docility, efficiency and longevity, and how that can work in different cow herds across the nation. We have been able to take this message and apply it to our commercial programs."
As well, commercial opportunities for Hereford-influenced genetics continue to increase. Backed by the Baldy Maternal (BMI$) and Brahman Influence (BII$) indices, the Premium Red Baldy and Maternal Advantage programs have been successful in their first year in extending the benefits Hereford genetics provide from a maternal standpoint. Along with maternal-focused commercial programs, the Hereford Advantage program, backed by the Certified Hereford Beef index (CHB$), is growing and adding value to high-quality Hereford-influenced feeder cattle.
The AHA is also working with Neogen to develop a Hereford commercial genomic panel. The purpose of the panel is to create a tool within the industry to leverage the data generated through the growing NRSP, ultimately adding value and strength to Hereford genetics in both the seedstock and commercial industries.
Due to this focus and dedication to breed improvement, the Certified Hereford Beef program has seen a nearly twofold increase since the establishment of the Certified Hereford Beef brand in 1995 with 80 percent of CAB qualifying carcasses grading at Choice or higher.
Looking ahead, the AHA has exciting things in store for 2019. The Association recently updated its virtual registration system, MyHerd, to feature a modern, user-friendly design that is compatible with mobile website browsers.
Our coverage from New Orleans and the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be powered by Corteva Agriscience, delivering solutions to help you manage weeds and brush- learn more by clicking here for their website- www.RangeAndPasture.Com.
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