News Update
July 16, 2010

Fall NCE available

The fall 2010 Sire Evaluation Report and the updated expected progeny differences (EPDs) and dollar value indexes ($Values) from the latest National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) were released July 12.

To view the latest Sire Evaluation Report online, go to www.angussiresearch.com. Limited printed copies are expected in the Association offices by mid-August.

If you have questions, contact the Association at 816-383-5100.

Accelerated Genetics Announces New Formula

Accelerated Genetics is set to unveil a new and improved First Day Formula® during the third week of July. The First Day and First Life line of calf health products helps ensure a wholesome start to any management program.

First Day Formula is a dual feature product that can serve as either a colostrum supplement or replacement. The new formula features higher levels of bovine globulin protein per package, made from high-quality first and second lactation animals from selected Grade A dairies. The new formula is also guaranteed free of organisms that can cause major colostrum-transmissible diseases, including Johne’s.

“Our new First Day formula has 150 IgG’s (Immunoglobulin G’s) per package to help achieve passive transfer at a very economical price,” said Dan Schreiner, product specialist for Accelerated Genetics.
For more information call 1-800-451-9275, e-mail info@accelgen.com or go to www.accelgen.com.

— Adapted from a release by Accelerated Genetics.

Livestock Antibiotic Use, Human Health Could Be Linked: USDA Official Says

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official told a Congressional panel there is likely a link between agricultural antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in humans.

 “USDA believes that it is likely that the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture does lead to some cases of antibacterial resistance among humans and in the animals themselves, and it is important that these medically important antibiotics be used judiciously,” John Clifford, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deputy administrator for veterinary services, told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health during a hearing Wednesday.

Clifford also discussed the future of the USDA’s role, saying that the USDA wants to expand current partnerships with other federal agencies — and develop new ones.

 “We need to work together to conduct research and develop new therapies that protect and preserve animal health, without increasing the risk of resistance to medically important antibiotics,” Clifford said in prepared testimony.

 “We must identify alternative animal health management techniques — tools and technologies, including newer and better vaccines and diagnostic tests. That portion of the partnership would extend beyond our federal partners to farmers and producers themselves,” he added. “USDA wants to partner with them to facilitate the judicious use of antibiotics in ways that are feasible to farmers and ranchers.”

— by Dani Friedland for Meatingplace.com.

Producers Track Beef From Animal To Plate At 'Show Me Beef University' On MU Campus

Beef producers will see what happens to their product on the way to the supermarket meatcase in two workshops, Aug. 9-11 and Aug. 11-13, at the meats lab at the University of Missouri (MU).

“Producers can learn what adds value to their product,” said Carol Lorenzen, MU Extension meat specialist. “They will see the process from live animal to carcass to retail package.”

The “Show Me Beef University” workshops are sponsored by MU Extension in cooperation with the Missouri Beef Industry Council. The classes will help producers think beyond the farm gate to learn what consumers want when buying beef.

“Too often, beef producers never think about what affects quality. Few think of what happens to their calves once they leave the farm,” said David Patterson, MU Extension beef reproduction specialist.

“The workshops will be very much hands-on,” Lorenzen said. The instructors will be MU professors from animal sciences, veterinary medicine and food science.

A big part of the lessons will focus on food safety at every step of the process. Finally, participants will go into a commercial kitchen to see the final steps to the dinner plate.

Participants will cut a whole rib, progressively, down to the final products. They will also see displays of different types of retail case-ready packages and convenience products. They will see processing of a market steer and a cull cow to learn the difference in meat quality and value.

The workshop will also feature taste-testing of beef to discover the differences between USDA quality grades and aging times of meat.

Enrollees will arrive at 5 p.m. on the first day to study meat products and participate in taste tests. Research updates will follow dinner. The second day runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with lectures and participation exercises. The final day, the participants will see the cutouts from the carcasses graded the day before. The program ends with lunch the third day.

The classes will be limited to 30 participants on a first-come basis. The $100 registration fee includes four meals, a parking pass and instructional materials.

To register, contact Lorenzen at LorenzenC@missouri.edu or 573-882-2452. Tuition can be paid upon arrival. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3301 LeMone Industrial Blvd. in Columbia. Room rate is $89 per night with breakfast included. To make a reservation, call 573-443-8000 by July 26 and ask for the "Show Me Beef University" rate.

— Release from MU Extension.

— Compiled by Shauna Hermel, editor, Angus Productions Inc.