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August 2023 News
As we’re in the midst of farming, picking bales, hauling hay, irrigating and second/third cuttings, I interrupt to bring our attention to a few items on the cow front. As always, let me know if you have any questions or need to visit about upcoming plans.
Fall Calvers
The International Birth Year letter for 2023 is ‘L’. A full list is located here.
If you are collecting udder scores on females, make sure they are collected within 24 hours of calving and you record an udder suspension score in addition to a teat size score. Scoring information can be found here or I can provide a PDF via email.
The time to order TSUs to have on hand to collect DNA samples at calving or first time through the chute is now. Contact me to get your order placed.
Spring Calvers
It’s time to send in your 2023 calf data so we can get it reported into the breed association databases in a timely fashion. You can send me a spreadsheet with the information, photos of your calving notebooks, however it works best for you to provide me with the data. If you use sire codes, please send a key with the registration numbers and short codes so I can match those up appropriately.
For weaning/post weaning time, low hanging fruit to capture is docility scores. Scoring is on a 1-5 scale (no half scores). Read more about ideal circumstances and how to score this trait on the BIF website
Mature Cow Weights ideally are collected within 45 of weaning and along with the weight, a Body Condition Score (BCS) and/or Hip Height (HH) measurement is optimal. A goal is to capture weights on every first calf heifer, and then weights again every 2-3 years throughout her productive life. If you’re able to weigh and BCS and/or HH every female each year, that is great. If you do not have the set-up to do so, make sure to try and weigh the cow herd every few years.
Simmental Members
Fall 2023 THE – last day to make adjustments and remove females from inventory is August 15, 2023. Send any changes over my way along with appropriate culling reason so we can get that turned in.
DNA on 2023 born calves, consider collecting samples on >90% of the males and/or females and you can participate in the Calf Crop Genomics project and receive GGP100K testing for $25.00/ea. Aim to have samples collected and submitted to ASA this summer so we can beat the rush next fall.
Red Angus Members
Fall THR Inventory is due to RAAA by September 6. Please send over your updated enrollments via email by September 1 so I can get those completed on time.
Membership dues and the first installment of spring THR are viewable on your monthly statements mailed on Aug. 1. Be sure to read the renewal letter upon receipt. Reminder that RAAA bills finance charges after 30 days so please ensure your account is paid to avoid unnecessary fees.
Transfer fee update as of July 1, 2023 – Transfers completed within 120 days from the date of sale will be free of charge. Transfers after 120 days will be charged $25.00.
Angus Members
The Phenotype-Genotype show continues to grow year to year. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to converse with juniors and expand education around EPDs and visual appraisal of animals. Read more here.
Angus Genetics Inc (AGI) implemented the annual updates to economic assumptions and genomic scores, as well as the bi-annual updates to main and supplemental sire listings, EPD averages and percentile ranks on June 2. Some change is expected but if you have an animal that moves significantly please reach out so we can discuss further with AGI. Read more about these changes here or additional information on the Angus podcast, transcript here.
Industry Tidbits
Superior Livestock will host the Big Horn Classic in Sheridan, WY August 21-25. Catalog information is located at the following links:
Clint Berry Team Lots – 73 lots and just over 8300 head including :
– Nearly 2400 Feeder Steers & Heifers
– Over 3200 Weaned Steers & Heifers
– And 2700 Steer & Heifer Calves
22 Lots featuring IMI Global’s BeefCare / Care Certified cattle.
– 8 Lots featuring GAP Verified cattle.
– 19 Lots of NHTC Verified cattle
– 11 Lots featuring a variety of DNA/Genetic Merit Verifications
As always – reach out via email, text or phone for more information on any of the above.
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June 2023 News
This spring has been quite the doozy for many parts of the country and for some of us the delayed entry into the fields piled the cow work on top of farming, leading to a bit of a wild May. Here’s to hoping your cows have made it to summer grass and let’s get down to what is on the radar this month.
Fall Calvers
If you have not sent your 2022 birth or weaning data, let’s aim to get it wrapped up and reported this month.
Total Herd Enrollment/Total Herd Reporting
Simmental inventory is due by June 15 – if you have not updated your enrollment, we need to get that completed, preferably before the 15th.
Angus Maternal Plus is currently open and deadline to enroll is July 15.
Red Angus opens Fall THR enrollment July 5 and it’s due by September 6.Spring Calvers
The International Birth Year letter for 2023 is ‘L’. A full list is located here.
If you have finished calving there is no time like the present to send me the 2023 calving data. If you would like a spreadsheet or PDF template let me know.
Simmental Members
Hydrops Preganancies in Simmentals – this is a must read if you have kept daughters out of WS ALL ABOARD B80 – ASA # 2852207.
Fall 2023 THE deadline to enroll is June 15, 2023. If you have dams listed on a Fall preliminary list you should have received an email from me along with update instructions. Call with questions.
DNA on 2023 spring born calves, consider collecting samples on >90% of the males or females and you can participate in the Calf Crop Genomics project and receive GGP100K testing for $25.00/ea. Aim to have samples collected and submitted to ASA this summer so we can beat the rush next fall.
Register for Fall Focus 2023 August 25-26 with ASA board meetings following on August 27-29 in Denver, CO.
Red Angus Members
Reminder that RAAA does bill finance charges so please make sure to keep up to date on payments. Statements are mailed at the first of each Month and beginning of fiscal year begins July 1 so membership dues and Spring THR invoices will need to be paid by August.
Register for National Red Angus Convention taking place September 13-15 in Denver, CO.
Angus Members
Fall enrollment for Maternal Plus is open until July 15. Connect as needed for assistance with enrollment.
Angus Genetics Inc (AGI) implemented the annual updates to economic assumptions and genomic scores, as well as the bi-annual updates to main and supplemental sire listings, EPD averages and percentile ranks on June 2. Some change is expected but if you have an animal that moves significantly please reach out so we can discuss further with AGI. Read more about these changes here or additional information on the Angus podcast, transcript here.
Hereford Members
Not all Traits are Created Equal – short article on why collecting carcass information can be vital to your EPDs and genetic progress on page 48 of the May/June 2023 Hereford World authored by Leoma Wells
Industry Tidbits
Beef Improvement Federation symposium will be held in Calgary July 3-6th. For more information or to register, click here.
Can You Reimplant? FDA’s Guidance #191 threatens to affect use of growth implants by Troy Smith, field editor, Angus Beef Bulletin Extra May 25, 2023
Superior Livestock is kicking off the summer with their Cornbelt Classic June 7-8 in South Sioux City, NE offering 64,500 head of cattle for sale. You can view the whole catalog here or specifically the Clint Berry Marketing Group’s lots here.
As always – reach out via email, text or phone for more information on any of the above.
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May 2023 News
As spring calving is wrapping up, here’s some items you may to take into consideration.
The Allied Genetic Resources semen directory is available online or you can request a copy to be mailed by contacting me.
Transfers
Ideally, transfers should be submitted within 60 days of the date of sale to avoid higher fees (depending on the Association, check out the February news to view transfer fees). If you would like me to complete the transfers from your sale(s) this spring, please send over the date of sale, animal, buyer information and if the animal is female, I’ll need to know if they were open/bred at time of sale.
Fall Calvers
Capturing mature cow weights, body condition scores (BCS) and/or hip heights (HH) within 45 days of weaning off the calves is ideal. It’s not necessary to weigh females every year but it’s desirable to have a few different weight measurements taken during their lifetime. Females should be weighed after they wean their first calf and then every 2-3 years following.
Even though BCS and HH scores are subjective, as long as the same individual is scoring all of the females for that given year, it allows for a comparisons to be made within the herd and is entered into the evaluation for a standardized assessment.Weaning Weight data – make sure to forward over so we can ensure it is entered into the database along with removal codes for any animals that didn’t make it to weaning or were culled shortly after. If you need a list of removal/disposal codes for a specific Association, reach out.
Docility Scoring – animals can be scored at weaning, yearling time or both. It’s important for the scores to reflect differences in the cattle temperament. For example, if you turn in that all the evaluated animals scored as a 1 and there’s no variation in the data set, it’s not likely they were all equally as docile and that information holds no value in the evaluation of the group. In most cattle groups, there is always at least a few that are different than the others but use the 1-5 scoring scale to indicate within your herd the differences you see. As with all subjective measurements it is important to have the same individual(s) scoring all of the animals and not switch jobs halfway through.
Total Herd Enrollment/Total Herd Reporting fall inventory submissions will need to be turned in soon, I’ll be reaching out to you individually with your dam lists to update and more information.
Spring Calvers
Make sure to be collecting Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSU) samples on calves, either at birth, branding or first working. One of the most vital pieces of information is ensuring the correct ID is written down that corresponds to the TSU. Mis-Identification has become an issue and can lead to a variety of problems down the road so make sure to appoint a detail oriented individual(s) to this task.
If you need to order TSUs, give me a call and let’s coordinate.The International Birth Year letter for 2023 is ‘L’. A full list is located here.
Simmental Members
Hydrops Preganancies in Simmentals – this is a must read if you have kept daughters out of WS ALL ABOARD B80 – ASA # 2852207.
Fall 2023 THE inventory opens April 15 and the deadline to early enroll is June 15, 2023. I will send out email communication if you have females on a Fall preliminary list along with instructions so we can get it updated on time.
Spring 2022 reporting – If you have not sent in the yearling weights and hip heights on replacement heifers, please do so. We can get everything registered and updated if they were not kept in the herd.
DNA on 2023 spring born calves, consider collecting samples on >90% of the males or females and you can participate in the Calf Crop Genomics project and receive GGP100K testing for $25.00/ea. Aim to have samples collected and submitted to ASA this summer so we can beat the rush next fall. Call with questions.
Red Angus Members
Spring 2022 No Progeny dam lists need to be updated by May 19. I will email out dams that did not have a calf reported so we can get these cleared up.
Note from Red Angus website:
Starting with the Spring 2022 Inactivations on May 26th, 2023, reactivation fees on females will increase to $50.00 if data is reported within 6 months from the inactivation date and $100.00 for data that is reported after 6 months from the inactivation date. Please note that any females that fall inactive on May 26th and any females that have been previously inactivated will be subject to the new fees. To avoid further reactivation fees, please report calf data for females on your Spring 2022 no progeny list by May 19th.If you are ordering TSUs from RAAA, they are now $30 per 10 count box or $3/TSU for loose bags as of May 8, 2023. TSU Applicator is $45.00. Shipping via FedEx will cost $25-$30 depending upon location.
Angus Members
Fall enrollment for Maternal Plus is open until July 15. Connect as needed for assistance with enrollment.
Gene editing is a hot industry topic, read more about it in the Angus Journal.
Hereford Members
Genomics – Investing in the Why featured in Hereford World written by Leoma Wells.
Catch up on the latest news
Industry Tidbits
Read more on the hair shedding research published in January 2023 through the University of Missouri.
Beef Improvement Federation symposium will be held in Calgary July 3-6th. For more information or to register, click here.
Sign up for the Cattleman’s Advisory Newsletter (free) to receive weekly market news from Kirk Donsbach, StoneX. Reach out to Kirk.donsbach@stonex.com for more information on how to sign up.
As always – reach out via email, text or phone for more information on any of the above.
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April 2023 News
As spring calving is wrapping up, here’s some items you may to take into consideration.
The Allied Genetic Resources semen directory is available online and hard copies should be in mailboxes by next week.
Transfers
Ideally, transfers should be submitted within 60 days of the date of sale to avoid higher fees (depending on the Association, check out the February news to view transfer fees). If you would like me to complete the transfers from your sale(s) this spring, please send over the date of sale, animal, buyer information and if the animal is female, I’ll need to know if they were open/bred at time of sale.
Fall Calvers
Capturing mature cow weights, body condition scores (BCS) and/or hip heights (HH) within 45 days of weaning off the calves is ideal. It’s not necessary to weigh females every year but it’s desirable to have a few different weight measurements taken during their lifetime. Females should be weighed after they wean their first calf and then every 2-3 years following.
Even though BCS and HH scores are subjective, as long as the same individual is scoring all of the females for that given year, it allows for a comparisons to be made within the herd and is entered into the evaluation for a standardized assessment.Weaning Weight data – make sure to forward over so we can ensure it is entered into the database along with removal codes for any animals that didn’t make it to weaning or were culled shortly after. If you need a list of removal/disposal codes for a specific Association, reach out.
Docility Scoring – animals can be scored at weaning, yearling time or both. It’s important for the scores to reflect differences in the cattle temperament. For example, if you turn in that all the evaluated animals scored as a 1 and there’s no variation in the data set, it’s not likely they were all equally as docile and that information holds no value in the evaluation of the group. In most cattle groups, there is always at least a few that are different than the others but use the 1-5 scoring scale to indicate within your herd the differences you see. As with all subjective measurements it is important to have the same individual(s) scoring all of the animals and not switch jobs halfway through.
Total Herd Enrollment/Total Herd Reporting fall inventory submissions will need to be turned in soon, I’ll be reaching out to you individually with your dam lists to update and more information.
Spring Calvers
Make sure to be collecting Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSU) samples on calves, either at birth, branding or first working. One of the most vital pieces of information is ensuring the correct ID is written down that corresponds to the TSU. Mis-Identification has become an issue and can lead to a variety of problems down the road so make sure to appoint a detail oriented individual(s) to this task.
If you need to order TSUs, give me a call and let’s coordinate.The International Birth Year letter for 2023 is ‘L’. A full list is located here.
Simmental Members
Fall 2023 THE inventory opens April 15 and the deadline to early enroll is June 15, 2023. I will send out email communication if you have females on a Fall preliminary list along with instructions so we can get it updated on time.
Spring 2022 reporting – If you have not sent in the yearling weights and hip heights on replacement heifers, please do so. We can get everything registered and updated if they were not kept in the herd.
DNA on 2023 spring born calves, consider collecting samples on >90% of the males or females and you can participate in the Calf Crop Genomics project and receive GGP100K testing for $25.00/ea. Aim to have samples collected and submitted to ASA this summer so we can beat the rush next fall. Call with questions.
Red Angus Members
Spring 2022 No Progeny dam lists need to be updated by May 19. I will email out dams that did not have a calf reported so we can get these cleared up.
Note from Red Angus website:
Starting with the Spring 2022 Inactivations on May 26th, 2023, reactivation fees on females will increase to $50.00 if data is reported within 6 months from the inactivation date and $100.00 for data that is reported after 6 months from the inactivation date. Please note that any females that fall inactive on May 26th and any females that have been previously inactivated will be subject to the new fees. To avoid further reactivation fees, please report calf data for females on your Spring 2022 no progeny list by May 19th.Fall Heifer Exposure reporting is due by April 26. If you have breeding records on replacement heifers it’s very useful information to begin submitting into the breed association database.
Angus Members
Phenotype data reporting continues to be a focal point, especially feet and leg scoring and docility. Angus University provides an opportunity to learn more about various subject matters.
Contemporary Groups are another hot button topic, make sure cattle are being placed into the correct groups when they are entered into the registry system. The way I think about a contemporary group is where the cattle have an equal opportunity to perform, environment wise. They go into depth in this video or if you would like a written format, let me know.
Hereford Members
Did you catch the March 2023 article about genomics in Hereford World? If not, check it out, page 36-37. Written by Dr. Jamie Courter, it discusses the importance of phenotype and genotype reporting, especially when it comes to the cow herd. With the rowing demand for Hereford genetics, you want to put yourself at the forefront of the genetic progress.
As always – reach out via email, text or phone for more information on any of the above information.
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AI Sire and Donor Dam Requirements
We will outline the AI sire and Donor Dam requirements for specific Association’s below.
Disclaimer: board policy is subject to change. It is ALWAYS best to confirm the breed’s current DNA testing policy before collecting a sire or flushing a female.American Angus Association (AAA)
AI Sires and Donor Dams are required to have DNA parentage markers on file with Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI).
AI Sires born after January 1, 2018 are required to have testing for all genetic conditions that are commercially monitored by AAA.
Starting on page 46 of the Breeders Reference Guide it addresses AI requirements. Page 35 goes over embryo calf registrations, including donor dam requirements.Helpful tip:
The most efficient and cost effective way to test for the genetic conditions is to add them to your AngusGS or HD50K genomic testing request when submitting your DNA testing to AGI. Total cost is presently $55.00 ($37.00 for the genomic testing and $18.00 for all genetic conditions) and then the sire is approved for AI use and collection.American Simmental Association (ASA)
AI Sires and Donor Dams are required to have a GGP100K genomic test or other breed Association equivalent (if registered with another breed as the animal’s primary) in order to be approved with the ASA for AI and donor use. ASA website link to DNA requirements
In addition, if an AI sire or Donor Dam displays a risk or carrier in lineage for genetic conditions that ASA monitors (AM, NH, CA, DD, TH, PHA or OS) they will need to be tested in order to prevent genetic holds from taking place on AI sired or ET progeny.
*Note: if the AI sire or Donor Dam displays a risk or carrier in lineage for genetic conditions but is unavailable for testing, the owner of the progeny can elect to test the progeny for genetic conditions and upon doing so the progeny will be removed from genetic hold and receive EPDs.If your AI sire or Donor Dam is registered with another breed Association as their primary breed and you are importing them into the ASA database as a Foreign registration, here is what you will need the primary breed Association to forward along to ASA once the animal has been registered with ASA.
– A copy of the SNP parentage markers
– Confirmation of genomic testing panel for the animal, i.e., AngusGS, HD50K, GGP100K, 150K, 80K, etc.
– Date the animal was genomic tested
All of the above information can be forwarded from the primary breed to dna@simmgene.com
As long as ASA requirements have been met, the foreign animal will be updated as an approved AI sire/Donor Dam with ASA.Red Angus American Association (RAAA)
AI Sires and Donor Dams are required to have Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) DNA parentage markers on file with RAAA.
ALL sires, including pasture sires, beginning with calves born after January 1, 2017 are required to have SNP DNA parentage markers on file with RAAA.
DNA Testing Requirements begin on page 40Genetic Defect Testing Policy applies to AI sires and Donor Dams if they display a carrier in the lineage for one of the RAAA monitored conditions. Page 37 and 38 go over this policy in the above DNA testing requirements link.
American Hereford Association (AHA)
AI Sires are required to have a DNA profile and be confirmed (qualified) back to both parents to have an AI permit issued.
Donor dams must have a DNA profile on file with ASA to have ET calves reported.
All sires, including herd sires, born after January 1, 2011 are required to be DNA genotyped at the official AHA laboratory prior to progeny being eligible for registration.DNA requirements start on page 26
American Gelbvieh Association (AGA)
AI sires are required as of March 1, 2013 to have genomics testing with parentage markers minimum of GGP-HD, tested for all monitored genetic conditions and be parent verified. In addition, they will need an AI Permit which is a one time $50.00 fee and are eligible for their permit to be issued once the required DNA testing has been completed.
Effective January 1, 2016 all sires are required to have a minimum of a genomic GGP-LD test on file with AGA. This includes imported sires from other breed associations.Donor dams as of March 1, 2013 to have genomics testing with parentage markers minimum of GGP-HD, tested for all monitored genetic conditions and be parent verified. This includes imported donor dams from other breed associations.
DNA requirements start on page 9
American International Charolais Association (AICA)
AI sires used out-of-herd must be DNA tested before the progeny can be registered.
*There is only one current genetic condition being monitored in the AICA population and it is Progressive Ataxia(PA), however, there are no testing requirements at this time but it is encouraged to test sires for PA if their status is unknown.Donor dams must be DNA tested.
AICA DNA requirements are on page 5 and page 10 for AI
More breeds will be added soon – let me know which breeds would like to see listed here.
North American Limousin Foundation (NALF)
AI sires born on or after January 1, 2015 will be required to have a high density (50K or greater) SNP profile on file in addition to parent verification.
Donor dams born on or after January 1, 2015 will be required to have a high density (50K or greater) SNP profile on file in addition to sire verification.
ET calves born on or after January 1, 2014 must be parent verified to both sire and dam through SNP typing.
Genetic Conditions
Any animal with a documented carrier of AM, CA, NH, OS, TH, PHA, or protophyria in the pedigree, unless the intermediary ancestors are tested-free or designated pedigree-free.
Any sire or embryo donor dam with 1/8 blood or more of the defective gene source (breed, line, herd) unless the intermediary ancestors are tested-free or pedigree-free.NALF DNA requirements begin on page 4
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Year Letters and Locations
Year Letters
If you utilize the year letters in your tagging systems (or have to for registration purposes), here is an easy reference guide for you. Keep in mind, the letters in the alphabet we skipp are: I, O, Q and V.
Location of Tattoo or Brand
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February 2023 News
New
- If you’re interested in using RightMate for Spring breeding season please reach out and have your list of up to 20 sires ready. As long as we have access to a genotype on the female and the sire you wish to mate to, Top Genomics, LLC can assist with their precision mating tool. RightMate can be used on ANY breed! Make sure to provide enough time (~3 weeks) for RightMate to run.
– This is a great time to check if the animals you DNA tested have GE-EPDs displayed on their records. - Simmental is now invoicing a $7.20/semen submission for DNA testing. This will apply whether it’s a straw or semen blotter card.
DNA Testing
If you have not ordered your Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) for 2023 calving season, there’s no time like the present. A TSU is a TSU to an Association or the lab, so anywhere you can obtain them from will work for DNA submissions, regardless of breed.
Ordering through Simmental? They are $22.00/box of 10 (as of April 1, 2023) + shipping.
–If you need me to submit your order let me know how many TSUs you would like and I’ll coordinate that for youOrdering direct from Neogen? I highly recommend connecting with your Neogen territory manager to coordinate order. Reach out to me if you need their contact information.
Have a connection at Zoetis? Connect with a rep and see if you can get a deal, especially if you order other animal health products through them.
If you’re sitting on samples, let’s get those off your desk and into testing. Let me know how I can help.
2022 Fall Calf Data Reporting
–If you haven’t sent in your calf data yet, there is no time like the present
–Weaning weights and calf removal codes, i.e., calves that left after weaning, send them over
2023 Spring Calf Data Reporting
-If you need a template for calf data reporting (either spreadsheet or one to handwrite in) let me know and I can generate it for you.
–Keep in mind, collecting udder scores on females within 24 hours of calving is ideal. Use the BIF guidelines to score the dams. They receive two scores, one for udder suspension and the other for teat size. Both scores must be recorded to submit into the database.
Sale Transfers
–If you have cattle to transfer from 2023 sales, send over the animal, buyer information, if females I’ll need breeding information along with date of sale. Aim to have this completed within 60 days of sale.
Simmental – First transfer of any animal is FREE of charge
Red Angus
Black Angus
Hereford
Simmental Members
Check your account balances, if they go past 90 days then we’re unable to process jobs on the account. There’s also a credit limit established on each account. If we are above the credit limit, no further business can be conducted until the amount due is below the threshold. If you would like to call me with payment, I can get it applied to your account.
Red Angus Members
Spring 2023 THR inventory updates are due to the Association by March 1, 2023. Red Angus THR fees will increase to $27.50/female (previously $20.00/female) as of July 1, 2023 and will apply to Spring 2023 THR enrolled females. Let’s make sure to double check the enrollment and remove any females that are no longer active.
Red Angus eNews February 15, 2023
Black Angus Members
Reminder, if there’s a set of 2023 born calves you know will be registered, we can get them submitted right away and save a bit on registration fees.
– Make sure to have your AI certificates requested/loaded into your accounts to prevent registration holds.
If you have questions about any of the above information, please reach out to cattledatagenie@gmail.com
- If you’re interested in using RightMate for Spring breeding season please reach out and have your list of up to 20 sires ready. As long as we have access to a genotype on the female and the sire you wish to mate to, Top Genomics, LLC can assist with their precision mating tool. RightMate can be used on ANY breed! Make sure to provide enough time (~3 weeks) for RightMate to run.
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Common Parentage Terminology
All information contained on this page is penned by Data Genie LLC and permission to reprint or publish any/all content needs to be granted by the owner. Thank you.
I receive questions weekly about parentage results and how to interpret them. Having a basic understanding of key terminology used by Associations is helpful. Keep in mind, breeders submit DNA parentage testing to confirm likely sire/dam for the offspring. Submitting potential candidate parent(s) for an offspring is crucial to locating the appropriate sire and dam. Depending on genetic variation within a breed or in herd population, you can have multiple parent(s) qualify to an offspring due to the close relationship and number of markers being utilized in comparisons. If you have a closely related population it is always encouraged to have SNP parentage markers for the possible sire and dam’s of the offspring so that a trio comparison can be performed and exclude the incorrect mating(s) for the offspring. If you have questions on parentage, reach out or comment below.
Qualified – offspring does not exclude to parent(s) provided
Exclusion – offspring does not qualify to parent(s) provided
*Mating Exclusion – offspring qualifies to sire and dam independently, but does not qualify as a mated pair
Trio Qualification – offspring qualifies to sire, dam and as a mated pair
Not on File – parentage markers not located in Association database for the given animal
Re-Check – Compare offspring to alternate parent(s)
Marker Exclusions – how many markers are not matching from parent to offspring
– This is great information to be aware of so alternate parent(s) can be potentially narrowed down
Common Markers – how many markers were compared between parent and offspring
Sire Verified – sire listed on pedigree has qualified as the likely sire for the animal, dam does not have DNA parentage on file for comparison
Dam Verified – dam listed on pedigree has qualified as the likely dam for the animal, sire does not have DNA parentage on file for comparison
Parent Verified – parents listed on pedigree have qualified as the likely parents for the animal*Mating Exclusions
Mating exclusions are tough to explain, can be complicated and frustrating for all involved. Here’s my best attempt at explaining how this happens.
Offspring is compared to sire, dam and then as a mated pair. There are instances where the calf qualifies to the sire and dam independently but not to the mating. For example, if the offspring is A/T and the sire is T/T, qualifies. Dam is T/T, qualifies but when put together we have a calf that received an A from a parent and neither parent in this case had an A to give. Therefore that counts as a “Mating exclusion”. Offspring are typically allowed 1 marker exclusion per 100 markers compared to be considered a qualifying result. Oftentimes mating exclusions can be cleared up in the following ways:
– likely parent may be closely related to nominated parent, i.e., full siblings or parent/offspring scenario
– asking for evaluation of SNP marker calls to ensure calls are solid at exclusion markers for sire, dam and offspring
– submitting a new sample for testing using a different sample type and test, i.e., if you ran a genomic panel the first time via TSU, submitting a blood/hair card for SeekSire (parentage only) testing the 2nd time
If you’re not a Data Genie client, consulting directly with the breed association DNA staff is always advised to get a better feel for your specific case.
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November News
New
Data Genie now has a website, www.datageniellc.com
DNA Testing
Start thinking about ordering your TSUs for 2023 calving season NOW. They are still running on limited supplies so if you start calving in December/January it’s not too early to place your order.
–If you need me to submit your order let me know how many TSUs you would like and I’ll coordinate that for you
If you’re sitting on samples, let’s get those moving, Associations and the lab are moving into “busy” season, let me know how I can help
2022 Spring Calf Data Reporting
–If you haven’t sent in your calf data yet, there is no time like the present
–Weaning weights and calf removal codes, i.e., calves that left after weaning, send them over
2021 Fall Calf Data Reporting
–Yearling weights on anything you still have, removal codes if calves fell out of the herdMature Cow Weights
–If you have cow weights and Body Condition Scores (BCS) or Hip Heights (HH) on your females aged 2 and over, send them. It’s been a few years since the Cow Herd Roundup project and quite a few of the younger females do not have weights attached to their records. Let me know if you would like me to pull a list of cows.
Sale Transfers
–If you have cattle to transfer from 2022, send over the animal, buyer information, if females I’ll need breeding information along with date of sale.
Congrats going out to these Simmental Data Genie clients for your Performance Advocate Recognition for Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 (page 19 of Late Fall SimTalk) – outstanding job, well done!
Driven Performance Advocates (reported 10 or more traits)
McDonald Farms (Bill McDonald – Blacksburg, VA)
Green Valley Farm (Brian Harris – Ithica, MI)
Dedicated Performance Advocates (reported 8 to 9 traits)
Salinas Farms (Andy & Lynn Salinas – Marion, MI)
Anderson Land & Livestock (Terry Anderson – Pilot Rock, OR)
J-C Simmentals (John Miller – Clare, MI)
S/D Simmentals (Steve Oman – Lake, MI)
–If you’re interested in making the list for Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 let’s make a plan to get that accomplished and recognized in 2023.
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Upcoming Events
This time of the year is busy, here’s a list of events and deadlines to be aware of.
Rust Mountain View Ranch Production Sale – Monday, October 31, 2022 in Mercer, ND
Gibbs Farms Annual Sale – Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Ranburne, AL
Anderson Land & Livestock Private Treaty Sale – Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Stanfield, OR
Great Lakes Beef Connection Bred Female Sale – Saturday, November 26, 2022 in Clare, MI
Shenandoah Valley Simmentals – Shenandoah’s Shining Stars – Saturday, November 26, 2022 in Quicksburg, VA
American Simmental Association – Spring 2023 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) deadline for updating inventory is December 15, 2022
Iron Creek Cattle Co Annual Sale – January 27, 2023, in Centerville, IA
Schooley Cattle Co Production Sale – February 3, 2023, in Bloomfield, IA
Gateway Simmentals Annual Bull Sale – Monday, February 6, 2023 in Lewistown, MT
Rust Mountain View Ranch Bull Sale – Thursday, February 9, 2023 in Mercer, ND
Nelson Livestock Co Annual Bull Sale – Monday, February 13, 2023 in Wibaux, MT
Kaehler Cattle Annual Bull Sale – Sunday, February 19, 2023 in St. Charles, MN
Quandt Bros Annual Sale – Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Oakes, ND
Schnabel Ranch Simmentals Annual Sale – February 2023, in Aberdeen, SD
Bulls of the Big Sky – Monday, February 20, 2023 in Billings, MT
Eagle Pass Ranch Bull Sale – Monday, February 20, 2023 in Highmore, SD
Lehrman Family Simmentals Annual Bull Sale – Monday, February 27, 2023 in Mitchell, SD
Kearns Cattle Co Annual Bull Sale – March 2023, in Rushville, NE
Veseth Cattle Co Annual Sale – Monday, March 6, 2023 in Malta, MT
Black Summit Cattle Annual Bull Sale – Friday, March 17, 2023 in Powell, WY
Wilson Ranch SimAngus Bull Sale – Friday, March 25, 2022 in St. Onge, SD
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