Make use of precision technologies in cattle genetics
Successful breeding and genetic decisions mean dollars gained or lost for cattle producers. Darrh Bullock of the University of Kentucky says to consider how every genetic trait influences your bottom line.
August 9, 2023
Precision agriculture may be taking the crop industry by storm, but precision technologies can also benefit cattle genetics.
Darrh Bullock, beef cattle genetics professor at the University of Kentucky, says your farm or ranch’s end goals should be your first step in considering precision technologies. Next, consider breeding objectives.
“Breeding objectives are specific, genetically influenced objectives to help you reach those farm or ranch goals,” Bullock says.
Breeding objectives should have a positive impact on quality of life via economic benefit, working well-being, convenience and social benefits.
“When we start thinking about those breeding objectives, we need to think about our potential markets, management and environmental factors,” Bullock says. “The beauty of crossbreeding is that hybrid vigor or heterosis in offspring performs better than the average of the parents.”
Bullock says the two primary genetic tools available are crossbreeding and selection.
In certain parts of the country, commercial operation managers have abandoned crossbreeding. When considering breeding selection and crossbreeding, environmental factors like temperature or geography should be front of mind.