Genetic evaluation has largely been developed and determined by using seedstock bulls throughout the beef industry. However, producers are continually educated to utilize heterosis to increase the profitability and genetic merit of their progeny. As the increase in genomic testing and overall understanding of genetic merit has been promoted, the goal for this project is to help producers adopt a new tool to utilize when selecting traits using maternal parentage for their commercial herds. The Extension Agents Evan Tate from Hancock County, Greg Comer from Ohio County, and Whitney Carman from Grayson County worked with Beef Extension Specialists on the project. Using a grant from UK Beef IRM program, they enrolled approximately 240  young commercial cows and virgin heifers from three counties and eleven operations comprised of multiple breeds into Igenity  Beef. Agents collected Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) and recorded data cow-side (BCS, hip height, foot/leg score, coat color, disposition score and udder score to complement the suit returned from Igenity.

From the tissue samples, agents received a large amount of data back on the participating herds. Agents extrapolated and averaged the data on a per herd basis and as a whole using the Igenity Beef database. They made booklets for each producer with appropriate recommendations suited for those particular operation's goals.  Furthermore, the collective data was used to better understand baselines for the commercial herds in the region and the economic relevance, not just for particular traits themselves but, the return on investment for commercial cow DNA testing as well.

As stated, the initial outcomes from this project were that producers were educated on this new technology that applied effectively, can be used to help as a tool to increase profitability on their farm.  Throughout the process 6 of the 11 producers indicated that they plan to utilize this technology on their herds in the future. The project is expected to grow into more counties and become a more regional program into 2021 and beyond.