Genetic evaluation has largely been developed and determined by using seedstock bulls, throughout the beef industry. However, Extension continually educates producers to utilize heterosis to increase the profitability and genetic merit of their progeny. 

         With an increase in genomic testing and overall understanding of genetic merit, 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. Extension Agents Evan Tate from Hancock County, Greg Comer from Ohio County, and Whitney Carman from Grayson County worked with Beef Extension Specialists on this project. Using a grant from UK Beef IRM program and producer funds, we enrolled 240 young commercial cows and virgin heifers from eleven operations, within the three counties, comprised of multiple breeds into the Igenity Beef, gentic testing program. 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 data returned from Igenity. Ohio County enrolled 70 heifers from a producer with an 800 cow herd. 

         From the DNA 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. Reference booklets were developed, 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.

         The initial outcome from this project was that producers were educated on this new technology that when applied effectively, can be used to aid as a tool in making better mating decisions, thus increasing the beef enterprise’s profitability on their farm.  Throughout the process 6 of the 11 producers indicated that they plan to continue 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.