ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA

October 21, 2019 | Vol. 12 : No. 10

Lessening the Learning Curve

New National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics to teach efficiency-increasing technologies.

Marketing instead of selling is necessary in the beef industry. The benefit to reproductive and genomic technology is being able to market based on genetic merit and knowing that genetic merit at birth.

Despite the fact fixed-time artificial insemination (AI), split-time AI, sex-sorted semen, and embryo transfer can increase efficiencies and make cattlemen more money, commercial cattlemen still counter: “They’re too expensive.” “They’re not worth the time.” “It’s too hard.”

The beef industry is lagging behind in use of reproductive technologies and genomics, say Jared Decker, associate professor of animal science and state beef extension specialist with the University of Missouri (MU), and Dave Patterson, MU professor of animal science. Technology has plenty of advantages; but yes, they admit, there is a learning curve.

Do the benefits outweigh the time and expense of learning something new? In the case of reproduction and genomics, they answer with a resounding yes.

The new National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG) in Beef Cattle, located in Columbia, Mo., can soon be the answer to that learning curve. The Center is in a central part of the country with a high cow-calf concentration. The University of Missouri already has recognized strengths in animal reproduction and genomics.

The NCARG aims to quantify farm-level, bottom-line effects of using both reproductive and genomic technologies; develop curricula and training programs for various sectors of the beef industry; and implement extension programs that transfer those technologies to industry stakeholders.

With budget cuts affecting extension in various states across the United States, especially limiting the number of content specialists and field staff, it’s imperative this education remain available. Patterson and Decker are both involved with the Beef Reproduction Task Force and the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) symposium, but say the ARSBC is limited simply by time. Many necessary topics are presented, but the NCARG will be able to offer more in-depth and hands-on trainings to complement ARSBC topics. Additionally, it will also dive deep on how reproductive and genomic technologies go hand in hand.

The NCARG will provide the industry with research, education and extension. It will supplement veterinary practitioner education; will train extension livestock specialists, allied industry and beef producers; and will offer higher-education internships and a graduate certificate program.

Decker and Patterson add they have practical proof these technologies work symbiotically with the Missouri Show-Me Select program; and through that, they will be able to provide real-world examples to beef producers and veterinarians alike.

“One of the things current students or even practitioners around the country don’t really understand is how they can put these things together the way we do in our heifer program in Missouri (Show-Me Select),” Patterson says. “It can really impact the bottom line on the herd they’re working with, but it can also sustain better veterinary practice.

“Veterinarians get involved in a much different way than they had in the past. They can get involved in all the reproductive management of the heifers,” he continues. “That begins to spill over into the cow herd; as far as increased use of AI, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, fetal aging and fetal sexing. That information can then be used to do a better job marketing the cattle and doing a better job of selecting replacement females. Currently, a DVM student really isn’t provided with that information to make an impact quickly in an operation. It will give them a special skill set.”

Decker adds that through his experience nationwide, beef producers and veterinarians in other states are “thirsty for this information. With genomic technology adoption, understanding leads to trust.”

Their team was awarded a USDA grant, and plans to have the NCARG operational in 2022.

They both emphasize that there is opportunity for profit with these tools. The NCARG can be an avenue to get information and technology out there. This center, they emphasize, has the opportunity to move the needle.