News Update
May 17, 2018
Do’s and Don’ts of TSU Sampling
The American Angus Association began accepting tissue-sampling units (TSU) sampling in July of 2017. As a new DNA collection method, it makes collecting DNA easier and more streamlined in comparison to traditional hair or blood sampling methods. A TSU collects an ear punch from an animal that can replace the tail hair, blood or semen sample used for DNA sampling. It is a quick and cost-effective way of collecting DNA to be used for parentage verification, genetic condition testing, genomic profiling and even bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) diagnostics. TSUs are also an effective sample method for twins.
A special applicator gun is used to punch a small bit of ear into a specialized container. The tissue is collected in seconds with a single squeeze motion with minimal stress on the animal.
Click here to find a step by step guide to collecting TSU samples, or watch this tutorial video.
As TSU sampling gains popularity, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) representatives have noticed a few common problems were found. Here are some do’s and don’ts to successful TSU sampling:
Read more of this Angus Media news article online.
ARSBC Symposium Will Be Aug. 29-30
Registration is open for the 2018 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) symposium to be hosted at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Ruidoso, N.M., Aug. 29-30.
Considered the premier national event in beef cattle reproductive management, the meeting has a long history of providing the latest information on the application of reproductive technologies and includes a range of topics related to cow herd reproduction — such as nutritional interactions, management and male fertility.
New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service will host the event in collaboration with the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, New Mexico Beef Council and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The program is a joint effort of the host organizations and the Beef Reproduction Task Force, which includes reproductive physiologists from land-grant universities who work together on reproductive management education.
“The extensive production systems in the Southwest pose many challenges, especially in dry years like we are currently facing,” said Craig Gifford, Extension beef cattle specialist at NMSU. “We are fortunate to have this meeting come to our region and bring together leading experts in beef cattle reproduction to provide practical information about maximizing profitability through both resource and reproductive management.”
For more information, read the full ARSBC news release online.
Feed for Fertility
Young bulls must be adequately fed for proper growth and development and future fertility, but we are still learning about the best ways to feed for optimum fertility.
John Kastelic, veterinarian and professor of cattle reproductive health at the University of Calgary, has done many studies on nutrition in bulls. He says breeders need to understand the importance of the preweaning phase of the young bull’s life.
“There was some work done in the 1950s in dairy bulls, and then we started our studies 20 years ago. Most beef bulls are still on their mothers during the first months of life, and we assumed that she is going to feed him adequately,” Kastelic says.
“Some work in the 1970s at Colorado State University, looking at scrotal circumference in yearling bulls, came up with an adjustment formula; if the bull had a heifer for a mother, you added 1.5 centimeters to the yearling scrotal circumference (since heifers’ calves tend to be smaller as yearlings and catch up later) and if he had a really old dam you also added a small amount of correction for maternal nutrition,” he says.
Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Young Stockmen Learn More about
Animal Health, Beef Marketing
Young producers from across the state recently spent three days in Kansas City learning more about the animal health industry and how beef is marketed to consumers. Merck Animal Health, exclusive sponsor of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA), kicked off the tour, which was May 7-9, by hosting the class of 20 at its office in DeSoto, Kan. Staff from Merck gave attendees an overview of the animal health industry, provided a tour of the research farm and led a discussion on how to connect with various personality types to create strong and effective relationships.
YSA members saw various ways beef is marketed in the meatcase while visiting Bichelmeyer Meats, The Local Pig and Whole Foods Market. The Bichelmeyer family has been providing hand-cut meat to consumers for more than 70 years. Joe Bichelmeyer said their beef is dry-aged 14 to 21 days for added flavor and tenderness.
A stop was made at Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), where the class toured the warehouse and coolers. AWG is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler, serving more than 3,800 independently owned supermarkets.
Learn more in the KLA release online.
Comment Period Closing for USCA Truthful Labeling Petition
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is asking all producers and consumers to submit their comments on truthful labeling of plant-based and lab-grown products ahead of this week’s deadline, Thursday, May 17.
On Feb. 9, 2018, USCA filed a petition for rulemaking with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) requesting that any product labeled as “beef” come from cattle that have been born, raised and harvested in the traditional manner. The petition states that any alternative proteins, including soy-based, vegetable-based, synthetic protein and cultured cells, are to be prevented from using the terms “meat” or “beef” on their products and that USDA FSIS retain jurisdiction over cell-cultured products. USCA’s petition may be found here.
USCA continues to lead on this issue and appreciates the support from agriculture and livestock groups from across the country who have submitted comments in support of the petition including National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau Federation, Organization for Competitive Markets, Livestock Marketing Association and others. USCA will continue its work with the administration following the deadline to secure accurate and truthful labeling for meat products in today’s marketplace. Comments may be submitted here.
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