Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/831897
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? The information gained from GE-EPD on each animal allows produc- ers to make decisions quicker and with more accuracy than conventional genetic evaluations. Genetic testing of calves ac- curately assigns parentage verification and gives the calf's genetic merit (GE-EPDs) right away rather than having to observe the calf and offspring for several years or more. The rancher can use this informa- tion to determine the calf's future: should it become seedstock, should it be sold to a feedlot or packing plant, or should it be sold as a cow or bull representing that ranch's purebred stock. Cattlemen have the benefit of select- ing calves that have traits to enhance their herd for a variety of reasons, such as being compatible to a particular environment. Data also points the way to deciding what semen or bull to purchase to mate with specific females. It helps to seek out with confidence young sire prospects from the herd. In addition, the cattlemen of purebreds gain peace of mind because testing indicates that they are selling a calf that will perform as they have marketed it to perform. In addition, genetic testing provides insights into traits that affect op- erating costs but are difficult to measure, such as net feed intake, cow size, and level of milk production. "Genetic testing is also important to commercial beef producers because genetic reports reveal how to improve a herd from year to year by indicating which heifers to keep as seedstock," said Gran. Genomic information is only valuable if it is used to provide more accurate detail for better selection, mating, and marketing decisions. The bottom line is that it should lead to efficiency and profitability. F 406 FARM 406 24 • Having grown up on a farm that is still in the family, Suzanne Waring maintains an interest in advances being made in agriculture. Eli Berry pulls a frozen embryo from a holding tank before transferring it to a surrogate cow. Bovine Embryo Transfer Specialists Rocky Mountain Reproductive Services, Inc. Personally dedicated to making your ET program successful American Embryo Transfer Association certified company On farm and in house embryo collection and transfers Donor housing facilities Sexed Semen protocols available Weaned calf program with a variety of locations and calving dates Embryo storage and shipping In Vitro Embryo production DR. MICHAEL E. WEHRMAN • REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGIST 406-581-6685 • 4737 Hoskins Rd. • Billings, MT 59105-5102 Info@RockyMtnReproductive.com • www. RockyMtnReproductive.com