News Update

June 12, 2015

New Genomic Testing Option
Opens Doors

Breeders now have a more affordable option for genomically testing registered-Angus cattle.

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), the genetic services engine of the American Angus Association, June 11 announced availability of low-density (LD) genomic tests that offer important data for incorporation into genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) at nearly the same level of accuracy as high-density (HD) options.

Both AGI partner labs Zoetis and GeneSeek will offer the LD tests, available through www.angus.org beginning June 17. GeneSeek will offer the GGP-LD for $45, and Zoetis will offer the i50K test for $47.

“This new low-density test, or LD option, is very similar to the products already available but at a lower cost, making genomic-testing more animals feasible,” says Dan Moser, AGI president and Association director of performance programs. “For most animals, the LD test is a suitable option.”

Nearly equivalent accuracy levels for the low-density tests are possible, says Tonya Amen, AGI director of genetic services, due to a process called imputation.

Beginning June 17, both the GGP-LD and i50K tests will be available alongside HD testing options through the Association’s AAA Login service or at www.angus.org. More information about the LD testing option is available at www.angus.org, www.bifconference.com or in the July Angus Journal.

For more information, please view the full release on the Association’s website.

— Adapted from a release by Crystal Albers, Angus Media.

How Long is Too Long in a Trailer?

Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, AgCanada, offers several tips for transporting cattle in the summer heat. She says time in transport for cattle is one of the first things to consider before planning a shipping route.

“Our Canadian regulations indicate that animals can be on the trailer for up to 52 hours. My recommendation is to push that limit, or line in the sand, to about 20-24 hours in transport,” she clarifies.

She adds that the condition of the animal being loaded will dictate the condition of the animal that walks off the trailer at the destination. Nothing can compensate, not transport time, weather conditions, or loading density, for a poor loading decision at the start.

View the full interview on this week’s The Angus Report online.

— Adapted by Angus Media.

Safety When Handling Cattle

Agriculture is a hazardous occupation, and part of the risk is handling cattle. Shannon Williams, Lemhi County Extension educator with the University of Idaho, says it’s important to make sure corrals and facilities are in good repair and working properly before you bring in cattle.

“Take time to replace broken boards/poles, rehang a gate, remove boards or poles that might be lying along the fence, grease the equipment, clean the walkways. Make a plan for the day, and go over it with the crew. If you frequently work cattle with the same people, you know how they think and what they are going to do, and everything usually goes smoothly. If you bring in new people, they may not know which gate the cattle are coming in or will be going out, and [they] might not know where to be to not be in the way,” she says.

“Have sorting flags or sorting sticks for everyone helping with sorting, so they don’t resort to waving their arms and yelling. Low-stress, quiet cattle handling makes things safer for the animals and the people handling them,” Williams adds.

Read the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article by Heather Smith Thomas.

Farm Bureau Hails Committee Action To Stop EPA Overreach

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s passage of a bill to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule shows Congress is listening.

The controversial WOTUS rule gives federal agencies new powers to regulate many normal farming, ranching and business activities, making it the largest federal overreach in memory, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The Federal Water Quality Protection Act, S. 1140, would force EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to scrap its own interpretation of the Clean Water Act and return to the drawing board, this time to craft a new rule that would fall within the parameters of Congress’ intent. The EPA and Army Corps would be required to take into consideration the concerns of farmers, ranchers, homebuilders and others who would be affected by the new rule.

The measure would require a comment period on the revised proposed rule of no fewer than 120 days and a final rule published no later than Dec. 31, 2016.

For more information, please view the full Farm Bureau release online.

— Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

International Symposium Offers Latest Education and Research on Food Animal Mortality Management

Animal agriculture is, at its heart, about life. The breeding and managing of food animals for human consumption is one of humanity’s oldest occupations. Globally, the livestock and poultry being raised for human consumption provides farmers and their families with a means for a living while their products provide sustenance for others.

Food-animal production includes mortalities during a disaster event or disease incursion, and it is sometimes necessary to prematurely remove these animals from the production cycle through humane euthanasia methods. While this process can be an emotionally difficult task, it is crucial that it be done in ways that are rapid, efficient and humane for the animal and safe for the humans involved.

Ag managers, emergency responders and researchers involved in food-animal agriculture can learn more about euthanasia, its application, tools and risks at the 5th International Symposium on Managing Animal Mortalities, Products, Byproducts & Associated Health Risks: Connecting Research, Regulations & Responses. The Symposium will be hosted Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2015, in Lancaster, Pa.

For more information please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.

— Adapted from a release by the Institute of Infectious Animal Diseases.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal.