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Newsroom

Check back the evening of July 6 for the first postings to the 2005 BIF Newsroom page. The Newsroom will include synopses, proceedings papers and audio coverage (where available) of the general sessions and committee meetings.

Charolais, Simmental Seminars to Precede BIF


NAAB biennial symposium:
How to Get Cows Pregnant for the Purebred and Commercial Sectors of the Beef Industy
Cliff Lamb, at the North Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota—Grand Rapids, will focus on how to get cows pregnant using GnRH and CIDRs.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint® Presentation

David Patterson, at the University of Missouri—Columbia, will present new opportunities to synchronize estrus and ovulation, as well as facilitate fixed-time artificial insemination (AI).

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint® Presentation


Defining Your Goals; Opportunities for Profitability

Randy Blach, Cattle-Fax, outlines opportunities for profitability.

Synopsis


How Do We Get There? Bridging the Gap
Beef economist Vern Pierce, University of Missouri, explains three major opportunities, or principles, that will help a forward-thinking person or organization be at the forefront of an evolving beef industry.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper


Introduction to Indexes
Bob Weaber, University of Missouri, describes the importance of selection indexes, how they work, and where they’re headed in the future.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint Presentation


Making Bulls Equal Profit: Terminal Sire Indexes

Mike MacNeil, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), reviews research conducted to develop economic breeding objectives for terminal sires and how commercial producers play a role in developing such objectives.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint Presentation


Making Cows Equal Profit: The Maternal Productivity Index

AgCanada’s Denny Crews summarizes the development of a multiple trait maternal productivity index — such as the Canadian Hereford Association maternal productivity index (MPI) national cattle evaluation — and describes its implementation.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint Presentation


Live Animal, Carcass and End Point Committee —
Industry leaders discuss the latest in regards to the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) and its certification of technicians, phenotypic trends for carcass traits and a review of ultrasound technology.
Moderator: Robert Williams, American-International Charolais Association

Update on Ultrasound Guidelines Council PowerPoint Presentation
UGC Certification of Field and Lab Technicians PowerPoint Presentation
Phenotypic Trends PowerPoint Presentation


Producer Applications Committee —
Documenting Your Product: Genetics and Management

Industry experts discuss the application and importance of process-verified programs, with discussion regarding five programs currently in place.
Moderator: Cody Wright, South Dakota State University.

Synopsis


Selection Decision Committee —
Participants explore adaptability and the consequences of extreme selection for productivity. A panel discussion reviews the potential and problems associated with developing genetic evaluation on adaptability.
Moderator: Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper


The Total Package, An Example from the Dairy Industry: The Net Merit Index
Paul VanRaden, USDA-ARS, reviews the Net Merit Index used by dairy producers. He explains the index, the traits it measures and economic values associated with the selection tool.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper


Multi-Breed Evaluation: Progress and Potential
John Pollak, Cornell University, discusses the models for multiple breed genetic evaluations and experiences gained in the application of such models.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper


Making the Web Equal Profit: Surfing for Genetics
Dorian Garrick and Mark Enns, both of Colorado State University, explore the current and future role of the Internet in sire selection. Discussion includes the Web’s expanding role due to convenience, customized computation and decision support.

Synopsis
Proceeding Paper
PowerPoint Presentation


A Look at the Bovine Genome Project
Ronnie Green, USDA-ARS, reviews the bovine genome project.

Synopsis


Cow Herd Efficiency Committee
Discussion in this committee meeting focuses on high altitude disease, evaluation of adaptability, and the role of cow efficiency in beef production.
Moderator: Mark Enns, Colorado State University


Synopsis
Proceeding Paper


Emerging Technology Committee
Industry members discuss the effects of the Bovine Genome Sequencing Project on the seedstock industry, feed efficiency and genomics at USDA-MARC, and technology integrity in relation to breed associations. A consortium update on gene marker validation is also presented.
Moderator: Craig Huffhines, American Hereford Association


PowerPoint Presentation


Genetic Prediction Committee
Across-breed EPD updates, feed efficiency EPDs, genetic evaluation of embryo transfer (ET) animals, and using DNA parentage testing in genetic evaluation are topics of discussion in this committee.
Moderator: Larry Cundiff, USDA-ARS, Clay Center


Synopsis
Feed Efficiency EPD Proceeding Paper
Across-breed EPD updates Proceeding Paper