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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryImproved Cattle Genetics thru DNA Testing



Improved Cattle Genetics thru DNA Testing

Author: Gregory Comer

Planning Unit: Ohio County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Crops & Livestock Management & Marketing; Horticulture & Forestry Production, Economics & Marketing

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

         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. Agricultural 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. In 2020, we enrolled 240 young commercial cows and virgin heifers from eleven operations, within the three counties, comprised of multiple breeds into the Igenity Beef, genetic testing program. Ohio County enrolled 70 heifers from a producer with an 800 head cow herd.

         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. 

         From the DNA tissue samples, a large amount of data, was received 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 in making better cow/bull mating decisions, thus improving the herds’ genetics and lomgevity, while ultimately increasing the beef enterprise’s profitability on their farm. 

         The herd in Ohio Co. was so pleased with the information and resulting matings, that agents tested another 75 heifers in 2021. The producer is using the information to make groupings for cows and mating decisions for the bulls. The producer plans to DNA sample all heifers entering the herd each year in the future.






Stories by Gregory Comer


Master Logger Web TV

about 23 days ago by Gregory Comer

The timber industry in Ohio County is of major economic importance to both landowners, with about 49... Read More


Kids Day at the Farmer’s Market

about 24 days ago by Gregory Comer

Nutritious food is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for children.With children in need of sp... Read More


Stories by Ohio County CES


Master Logger Web TV

about 23 days ago by Gregory Comer

The timber industry in Ohio County is of major economic importance to both landowners, with about 49... Read More


Kids Day at the Farmer’s Market

about 24 days ago by Gregory Comer

Nutritious food is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for children.With children in need of sp... Read More