Commercial Ranch Projectand DNA testing

John Pollak

Cornell University

The Commercial Ranch Project

Dave Nichols, Iowa

Rob Brown, Texas

Seedstock and Commercial Programs

Seedstock cattle

EPD’s

Genetic programs

Sire Selection

Commercialcattle

Crossbreeding

Individual animal selection

Seedstock and Commercial Programs

Seedstock cattle

Animal Identification

Data collection

Pedigree recording

Commercialcattle

Multiple sire pastures

No individual data or identification

Pilot Research Project

Cornell UniversityBell Ranch

Unique Experiences

Mule Camp

Seedstock Division

Produce 40 yearling bulls a year for the commercial herd.

4000 Commercial Cows

Progeny Testing Commercial Bulls

The commercial ranch project centers on the progeny test of commercial bulls.

In the case of the Bell Ranch, the focus is on the 40 yearlings.

Obstacles to Progeny Testing

Sire Identification

Individual Animal Identification

Data Collection

Steps to Genotyping

1 - Collection of DNA

On bulls and on calves

Branding

Sample from Tail

Hair Samples

EID’s

Recording

Recording

Frontier Beef Systems

Genetics service provider, Jim Gibb

Process DNA cards and send clips to DNA Company

GeneSeek

Markers for Parent Identification

and

mu-calpain for shear force