Episode 283 - Beef on Dairy: Unlocking Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Secrets - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Abstract

In this final episode of The Moos Room’s three-part Beef on Dairy series, Brad dives into the genetics and genomics of beef-on-dairy crosses. He breaks down the results of genomic testing on 50 crossbred animals, highlighting how breed composition influences carcass traits, marbling, and growth rates.Brad explains how new genomic tools, such as Neogen’s identity profile, can help farmers predict carcass weight, average daily gain, and marbling potential early in an animal’s life. While the test worked well for supported breeds like Angus and Simmental, results for Charolais and other breeds were inconsistent due to database limitations.The episode also covers sire differences, showing how genetic selection significantly impacts final carcass quality. Brad discusses his own approach to selecting beef sires for dairy cows—prioritizing calving ease and ribeye area over growth rate. He emphasizes that understanding sire variability is key to optimizing beef-on-dairy performance. Finally, Brad explores how genomic testing could help feedlot management, allowing producers to sort and feed cattle based on their genetic potential, potentially increasing profitability. However, the cost-effectiveness of testing for terminal animals remains an open question. Beef on Dairy Tune in to learn how genomics is shaping the future of beef-on-dairy production!