Mythbuster Monday returns with DNA

So when my parents and my in-laws came down for our new little lady’s baptism last weekend, I know they loved getting out, seeing the countryside and spending time with their kids and grandkids (OK, let’s be honest, the grandkids trump all else), but there was still that nagging feeling that they should be home, working.

That’s the best way I can describe to others what it’s like to be on maternity leave. While I enjoyed every minute (OK, most) of my time home with my three kids and I know everything was under control here, I’m so excited to be back. I love my job and can’t wait to jump into some of the big projects we were working on when I left. One of those had to do with DNA of the bovine variety.

That leads me to my first myth to kick this regular blog feature back into action:

Myth: Using DNA technology in beef cattle selection is only for the rich and curious.

Fact: While the seedstock industry was the first to really embrace this new selection tool, it’s becoming increasingly available and practical for commercial cattlemen. EPDs changed the way ranchers select their animals. Now DNA has been called a “game changer.”

At the Range Beef Cow Symposium in December, Colorado State’s Jack Whittier said:

“There are some opportunities that are coming online to maybe use it in a heifer selection basis at a commercial level, that’s early and I’m not sure that we are far enough along to really understand what opportunities there are but certainly using this is a way to make better bull buying decisions.”

The real game changer, yet to be seen, is being able to make decisions more quickly, to be able to isolate at birth, the gene combinations from a specific set of individuals, then go through the evaluation without having to screen all the non-performers or at least increasing the opportunity to make good decisions early on.”

At that point the GeneMax™ DNA test was still in its development phase, but we’re pretty pumped about its product launch at the National Cattle Industry Convention this week. Finally, this technology is available and practical to the average commercial cattlemen who are using registered Angus bulls. If you’re wondering which potential replacement heifers are keepers or culls, confirmation is as simple as a blood test. Want to add more information to your calves on sale day? Arm buyers with the GeneMax facts.

I’ve been off for three months, so I’ll be brushing up on all the details right along with you. Look for more information on this blog or follow the National Cattle Industry Convention on Facebook or Twitter.

Some of our readers have already got a head start on unwrapping the Nashville convention fun. Congratulations to Brandi Buzzard and Desta Crawford, our Shipping Day challenge winners! Somebody get these two ladies on The Price is Right, because their estimates were almost spot on!

Tomorrow, we will unpack 61 boxes, weighing 1,810 pounds at the NCBA trade show. Brandi was a mere 3.3 off the actual weight with her estimate of 1,813 pounds and three ounces, and Desta guessed 66 boxes — well done, ladies! Each have earned ten tickets into the drawing for an iPad2! If you’re going to be in Nashville this week, make sure to stop by the Angus booth to get yourself entered into the drawing. Hope to see you there!

May your bottom line be filled with black ink,

-Miranda

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