AI Issue from One Cattlemansanta Gertrudis to Genetics Another You Can Count On

Serving the Bos indicus Cattle Industry of America | November 2013

AI Issue From One CattlemanSanta Gertrudis To Genetics Another You Can Count On

At Briggs Ranches, we offer the finest in Santa Gertrudis Genetics. Performance proven genetics from an industry leader. Breeding practical cattle to satisfy the needs of commercial cattlemen.We want to thank our many customers and welcome cattlemen to see how Santa Gertrudis can enhance your program.

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Your Success is our Goal! Cattlemen are seeing an enthusiastic and optimistic future. Our future has been forged by the lessons learned from our historic past and the optimism of those who have preceded us. Our vision of success revolves around the success of our customers. Call or come by and let us show you our program. Cattle available for sale at all times. Briggs Ranches PO Box 1417 • Victoria, Texas 77902 (361) 573-7141 • Joe Jones, manager (361) 897-1337

• E-mail Robert Briggs Traylor Division San Roque Division San Carlos Division • E-mail Joe Jones: [email protected] (Bloomington, Texas) (Catarina, Texas) (Rio Grande City, Texas) [email protected] THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 1 I am a little late in reporting on this year’s 45th Annual Research Symposium and Con- vention in Oklahoma City, coordinated by Oklahoma State University. There were several good topics, a couple of which I wanted to relate here. My hat is off to Dr. Megan Rolf and the Animal Science Faculty there. Chris Shivers and I (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension) hosted the 2012 meeting in Houston. The full convention proceedings (plus that of the Columns other meetings over the years) can be found at http://www.beefimprovement.org/. 4 Have You Heard...the Truth 6 The Science of Bos inducus 6

Artificial Insemination (A.I.) is a technique Features that has been around for many years. Live- 16 Why Artificial Insemina- stock systems around the world have recog- tion?...Why Not? nized the economic advantages of utilizing A.I. as well as many other technologies to enhance productivity. However, the United States’ beef industry has been hesitant to broadly adopt this technology which has Departments the potential to produce higher rates of return on investment than creep feeding, 18 Braford Headlines growth promoting implants, ultrasound, embryo transfer, etc. What is the reason 20 Brahman Headlines for the slow adaptation of this technology? Concerns over cost, labor, results and the 21 Brangus Headlines 16 application of A.I. to smaller herds appear to be the most common reasons for the 25 Red Brangus Headlines hesitancy. 26 Santa Gertrudis Headlines

Other 27 Industry News 29 Bos inducus Bulletin Board 31 Advertiser’s Index 32 Calendar

On the Cover > Brahman cross cow and calf. Photo taken by Richard Hood

2 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 3 Have You Heard....

Serving the Bos indicus the Truth Cattle Industry of America Fall calving season is well underway! It is The EAR Magazine time to start thinking about getting cows bred. c/o AMS Genetics PO Box 10 The decisions of how to go about breeding our Wheelock, TX 77882 cows has never been more economically important. Physical: 10541 E OSR We are in a steady $1.60+ feeder calf mar- Hearne, TX 77859 ket. Replacement heifer sales are breaking records every week. Corn futures are settled at Phone: 979/828-2722 210 day lows. Cattle inventory numbers still Fax: 979/828-5532 show to be at record depleted levels with very www.amscattle.com/the-ear-magazine/ little reported growth forecasted. From those fundamentals, it appears that the derivative calves one plans today in their breeding decisions could even be in a more lucrative market position 15 to 18 months from today. Brad Wright Billing How do cattle operations maximize profit? No matter the size 979/219-4599 of the cattle operation it has always been PROFIT=per acre pounds [email protected] x market price –per acre operating cost. The secret to success in the cattle business is to increase per acre pounds produced and the mar- Mark Cowan Advertising Sales ketable values without increasing the per acre cost significantly. 903/495-4522 [email protected] This sounds simple in theory, but in reality it can be very complex to achieve with efficiency due to the variability in all three of these Richard Hood annual budgetary numbers. The antagonist nature of the business Advertising Sales in comparing input cost to increase revenue is always the dilemma. 979/224-6150 Creep feeding, replacement cattle development, and fertilizing pas- [email protected] tures are examples of significant input increases that can return size- able dividend, but could also decrease profits if not managed properly. Trey Kirkpatrick Advertising Sales 979/324-5518 In basic cattle management to maximize profit the three most im- [email protected] portant organizational numbers to improve annual profit are: 1. % Live calves born and weaned Crystal Devoll 2. Average age of calves weaned and sold Graphic Designer/Layout Artist 3. Separation in weight of calves weaned and sold 979/820-8358 [email protected] A management tool one can use that can affect and improve all three of these is AI (Artificial Insemination). AI has been proven time and time again in research projects in all environments to not only increase revenue, but in contrast it has been also proven to in significant cost savings. Member: This is “The Ear” magazine’s AI issue. There are many cattle producers in this issue advertising their AI sires that can be used in both purebred and commercial operations. We encourage you to contact them if you would like to explore possibly using AI in your cattle Published on the first day of each month. Correspondence on all phases of operation. the cattle business is invited. Publisher reserves exclusive right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication in The EAR magazine. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to : The EAR c/o AMS We look forward to serving you. Genetics, PO Box 10, Wheelock, Texas 77882, 979-219-4599, FAX 979-828- 5532. Richard Hood

4 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 5 The Science of Bos indicus featuring Dr. Joe Paschal Professor & Livestock Specialist The Beef Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Improvement Corpus Christi, Texas Federation Sexed Semen, Cowherd Efficiency and Genetic Mutations

The night before there was an evening reception and the National Asso- I am a little late in reporting on this year’s ciation of Animal Breeders hosts an educational symposium (usually geared 45th Annual Research Symposium and Con- around enhancing reproduction and artificial insemination practices). This year there were some of the same types of presentations. Two stuck out in my vention in Oklahoma City, coordinated by mind. One was by Dr. Dustin Dean of Sexing Technologies who discussed in detail the process of sexing semen. I have used a considerable amount of Oklahoma State University. There were sev- sexed semen in the past few years, almost all of it in Eared cattle, for both eral good topics, a couple of which I wanted large purebred herds and a few show heifers. If the estrus synchronization gets the cows or heifers into a good standing heat it works really well and to relate here. My hat is off to Dr. Megan folks are pleased about it! However I (and others I am sure) have had less success with it on cows that don’t come into (or show) heat or estrus. I prefer Rolf and the Animal Science Faculty there. to use unsexed semen in those females (and do) but the odds of a pregnancy Chris Shivers and I (Texas A&M AgriL- are lower than I like. ife Extension) hosted the 2012 meeting in A second presentation in the Symposium was by a good friend of mine and a terrific reproductive physiologist, Dr. David Patterson, who is an Extension Houston. The full convention proceedings Beef Specialist at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Dave has done (plus that of the other meetings over the quite a bit of reproductive research in his state and throughout the Midwest and is specifically interested in increasing conception rates from AI using years) can be found at http://www.beefim- sexed semen. His presentation showed that inseminating anestrous cows at 72 hours after CIDR removal with sexed semen resulted in conception rates provement.org/. I am not sure if it is by de- around 30% compared to 50% with unsexed semen. In cows exhibiting sign or not but when you click on that link estrus, the pregnancy rate with sexed semen averaged 65%. I had always thought that the difference, which I have experienced as well but in Eared a set of really nice F1 tiger stripe females is cattle, was due mainly to the number of cells in a ½ cc versus a ¼ cc straw. In Dave’s work, if the cows didn’t come into heat they weren’t bred (using the first thing you see! The pictures do in- the AM/PM rule) until 72 hours. He decided that perhaps the sexed semen clude some black and red cattle but one of needed more time to become “capacitated”, to charge up for fertilization, so he gave the anestrous cows an injection of GnRH and then inseminated the others has a herd of cows with distinct them 20 hours later (regardless of heat signs) and he moved the conception rate up to 50%! I have tried this in a few Eared females but not enough to EAR! We are making some headway, there have really have a definite result. However, I believe it should work since, is no doubt! with some minor exceptions, the Eared females reproductive physiology is pretty much like the non Eared ones.

6 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR The first general session focused on Crossbreeding vs. Straight Breeding The Science of Bos indicus and to be honest was the real reason I wanted to attend. Dr. Nevil Speer of featuring Dr. Joe Paschal the University of Kentucky (and author of a white paper funded by Certified Professor & Livestock Specialist Angus Beef on the need or usefulness of crossbreeding versus using straight The Beef Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Angus) sort of squared off with Dr. Bob Weaber, Extension Specialist at Kan- Corpus Christi, Texas sas State University, and Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Even though he is from the Midwest, Bob is a real friend of the Eared breeds and has spoken on how to and the usefulness of crossbreeding (and the im- Improvement portance of the Eared breeds) many times. He and Matt dovetailed on all the reasons why crossbreeding is important (direct and maternal heterosis or hybrid vigor, breed effects, and complementarity from different types) and how Federation the effects of heterosis are cumulative (more calves + heavier calves = more in- come). I think Nevil (who is a really good agricultural economist) really sees and understands the importance of crossbreeding (regardless of his paper) Sexed Semen, Cowherd Efficiency and in the end essentially agreed with Bob and Matt that it really depended upon the goals and objectives of specific operations. It is really difficult to and Genetic Mutations argue against heterosis in a room full of commercial cow calf producers. Later on that morning, Dr. Merlyn Nielsen, University of Nebraska-Lin- coln, gave a presentation on “total industry genetic improvement in feed efficiency in beef cattle”. I have known Merlyn since 1979 or so when I was the Director of Breed Improvement at the American International Charolais As- sociation in Houston and responsible for the Charolais Sire Evaluation Pro- DR. MERLYN NIELSEN MADE gram and EPD calculations (primarily for carcass traits). Merlyn had written TWO VERY IMPORTANT POINTS the program for AICA and was responsible for the design so he came down to help me get it running again. Merlyn made two very important points EARLY IN HIS TALK: early in his talk, that 1) “consumers on average place greater preference for beef in its eating characteristics” and 2) “beef animals, on an industry-wide 1) “consumers on average place life-cycle basis, consume large amounts of lower-cost forages as compared to higher-cost concentrates”. I think we forget those two important facts when greater preference for beef in we let others dominate the discussion about the retail price of beef and the its eating characteristics” effect of cattle on the environment. Merlyn discussed how we measure feed I am a little late in reporting on this year’s The night before there was an evening reception and the National Asso- intake and then feed efficiency and how needs for maintenance, growth, milk 2) “beef animals, on an ciation of Animal Breeders hosts an educational symposium (usually geared and even cold adaption can change both intake and efficiency. Maintenance 45th Annual Research Symposium and Con- around enhancing reproduction and artificial insemination practices). This is a far more costly input than actual gain. He went on to conclude that the industry-wide life-cycle basis, year there were some of the same types of presentations. Two stuck out in my creation of an EPD for growing animals, in addition to finishing animals, vention in Oklahoma City, coordinated by mind. One was by Dr. Dustin Dean of Sexing Technologies who discussed would provide breeders with a measure of production system efficiency that consume large amounts of Oklahoma State University. There were sev- in detail the process of sexing semen. I have used a considerable amount of would be important to the profitability and sustainability of beef production. sexed semen in the past few years, almost all of it in Eared cattle, for both In the general session the next morning I listened to Dr. Dorian Garrick, lower-cost forages as compared eral good topics, a couple of which I wanted large purebred herds and a few show heifers. If the estrus synchronization who holds the Dr. Jay L. Lush Chair at Iowa State University. Dr. Lush is to higher-cost concentrates” gets the cows or heifers into a good standing heat it works really well and considered the “Father of Modern Animal Breeding” so Dorian has some to relate here. My hat is off to Dr. Megan folks are pleased about it! However I (and others I am sure) have had less pretty big shoes to fill and I think he does. His presentation was titled “Bad Rolf and the Animal Science Faculty there. success with it on cows that don’t come into (or show) heat or estrus. I prefer News: They’re All Carriers of Something – Understanding the Impact of Bro- to use unsexed semen in those females (and do) but the odds of a pregnancy ken Genes in the Cattle Business”. Dorian said that the classic mutations I think we forget those two Chris Shivers and I (Texas A&M AgriL- are lower than I like. that can cause unexpected changes in the way an animal appears are usually important facts when we let ife Extension) hosted the 2012 meeting in changes in the genomic sequence due to DNA copying errors. One base pair A second presentation in the Symposium was by a good friend of mine and is mistaken for another alternate base pair (single nucleotide polymorphism others dominate the discussion Houston. The full convention proceedings a terrific reproductive physiologist, Dr. David Patterson, who is an Extension or SNP). Others might be the result of a duplication of a piece of DNA, the Beef Specialist at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Dave has done deletion of a piece of DNA, or an inversion where a piece of DNA is reversed. about the retail price of beef (plus that of the other meetings over the quite a bit of reproductive research in his state and throughout the Midwest He said that such errors in copying DNA are very common, about 1 in 100 and is specifically interested in increasing conception rates from AI using base pairs, but every cell has repair mechanisms that repair almost all the er- and the effect of cattle on the years) can be found at http://www.beefim- sexed semen. His presentation showed that inseminating anestrous cows at rors. The typical error rate after repairs is about 1 in 30 million nucleotides provement.org/. I am not sure if it is by de- 72 hours after CIDR removal with sexed semen resulted in conception rates or about 3 mutations per chromosome per generation (4-5 years in cattle). environment. around 30% compared to 50% with unsexed semen. In cows exhibiting Since most of the genome doesn’t code for genes, only about 2-3% contain sign or not but when you click on that link estrus, the pregnancy rate with sexed semen averaged 65%. I had always exons and only half of those code for proteins. So the impact of an uncor- thought that the difference, which I have experienced as well but in Eared rected mutation largely depends on what part of the genome is mutated. As a set of really nice F1 tiger stripe females is cattle, was due mainly to the number of cells in a ½ cc versus a ¼ cc straw. there are two copies of each gene (one from each parent), if only one gene is the first thing you see! The pictures do in- In Dave’s work, if the cows didn’t come into heat they weren’t bred (using mutated and is non- or dys-functional then the non-mutated gene will func- the AM/PM rule) until 72 hours. He decided that perhaps the sexed semen tion as normal. As a result many mutations are not passed along even though clude some black and red cattle but one of needed more time to become “capacitated”, to charge up for fertilization, new ones may occur over time. so he gave the anestrous cows an injection of GnRH and then inseminated early in the animal’s life and are undetected. One of the more promising the others has a herd of cows with distinct them 20 hours later (regardless of heat signs) and he moved the conception Dorian’s talk then focused on what is known as “loss of function” (LOF) aspects of genomics and genome sequencing, he said, was that these could be EAR! We are making some headway, there rate up to 50%! I have tried this in a few Eared females but not enough to mutations that cause serious conditions or death (sometimes resulting in detected early and breeding management could avoid them. have really have a definite result. However, I believe it should work since, abortion, sometime reabsorbtion in utero). This has become a serious prob- is no doubt! with some minor exceptions, the Eared females reproductive physiology is lem in some breeds and most breeds have a list of LOF mutations that they There were several other presentations that were of interest to me and I pretty much like the non Eared ones. encourage breeders to test for and report. He was particularly interested in encourage you to go to the BIF website and read those that are of interest the LOF that might impact reproductive soundness, but they usually occur to you. v

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 7 Building Better BRANGUS wHY AI GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY CONSISTENCY AND UNIFORMITY PROVEN GENETICS DRIVE PROFIT ASSET BUILDING December 7, 2013 • 12:00 Pm • Jacksonville, TX MARKETING BENEFITS ALL IN A DAY’S wORK 180 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls • 400 Commercial Females • 40 Charolais Bulls COST SAVINGS EASE OF USE All of us involved in the beef cattle industry use different tools and management practices as aids in our operation to drive more profitability and efficiency into our operations. From cattle handling designs, tractors and balers, pickups and bale beds, ATV’s and UTV’s, horses and tack, and trailers all are used to aid us in our daily quest to become profitable.

AI is the one tool that needs more use in both the registered and commercial industry to help us to compete with the other protein sources available. With a far lower initial cost of startup it provides your operation an opportunity for a much stronger SF LTD 361Z18 SF ONSTAR 430Z9 return on investment than any other tool or management aid.

In our experience, the progeny from our proven AI sires have consistently sold for $500 to $800 more than their herd mates sired by clean up bulls. Quite an excellent return on investment that will do more to drive profitability for dollars invested than any other tool available.

th R10122023 DDF 5 Gen. March 20, 2008 WAT NUFF SAID 90Z12 CB HOMBRE 803Z25 GUARDIAN Owned by: Johnston Farms and Draggin’ M Ranch $40 per unit RANKS IN THE TOP 35% OR BETTER ON 9 TRAITS Proven, moderate birth weight sire who will improve the EPD’s of his progeny. He sires progeny that are easy to look at--with adequate depth of rib, muscle CB ONSTAR 361Z74 TJM LANDAU 803Z3 expression and good uddered females. He has worked exceptionally well on Angus females in the production of Ultrablacks. Super dispositions.

CB ONSTAR 767Z24 CR MR FIRE WATER 576Z2 VIDEO

LEAD GUN OF BRINKS 222K14 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES Buy online at: Vernon Suhn • President CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT [email protected] • (620) 583-3706 MISS BRINGS UPPERCUT 30L18 4.9 1.7 33 61 20 37 7.6 1.8 .37 .15 -.028 Craig Green • MARkETING DIRECTOR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA UPCOMING GENETRUST SALE MBR MR BB 44M2 [email protected] • (870) 834-1976 MISS 4L BEST BET 9U8P5 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT March 25, 2014 • Eureka, Kansas MISS 4L GUACHO 9U8M 80 666 1134 2.92 3.12 37.6 12.55 4.18 0.20 150 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls Cody Gariss • Sale Consultant [email protected] • 417-425-0368 CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

8 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR Building Better BRANGUS wHY AI INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY CONSISTENCY AND UNIFORMITY PROVEN GENETICS DRIVE PROFIT ASSET BUILDING MARKETING BENEFITS ALL IN A DAY’S wORK COST SAVINGS EASE OF USE

All of us involved in the beef cattle industry use different tools and management practices as aids in our operation to drive more profitability and efficiency into our operations. From cattle handling designs, tractors and balers, pickups and bale beds, ATV’s and UTV’s, horses and tack, and trailers all are used to aid us in our daily quest to become profitable.

AI is the one tool that needs more use in both the registered and commercial industry to help us to compete with the other protein sources available. With a far lower initial cost of startup it provides your operation an opportunity for a much stronger return on investment than any other tool or management aid.

th R10122023 DDF 5 Gen. March 20, 2008 GUARDIAN Owned by: Johnston Farms and Draggin’ M Ranch $40 per unit RANKS IN THE TOP 35% OR BETTER ON 9 TRAITS Proven, moderate birth weight sire who will improve the EPD’s of his progeny. He sires progeny that are easy to look at--with adequate depth of rib, muscle expression and good uddered females. He has worked exceptionally well on Angus females in the production of Ultrablacks. Super dispositions. VIDEO

LEAD GUN OF BRINKS 222K14 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MISS BRINGS UPPERCUT 30L18 4.9 1.7 33 61 20 37 7.6 1.8 .37 .15 -.028

MBR MR BB 44M2 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA MISS 4L BEST BET 9U8P5 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MISS 4L GUACHO 9U8M 80 666 1134 2.92 3.12 37.6 12.55 4.18 0.20

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 9 th rd R10189274 DDF 5 Gen. March 7, 2010 R10154395 DDF 3 Gen. February 8, 2009 LANDAU Owned by: Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Suhn Cattle Company, Vorel Farms, & Cold Creek Ranch. $40 per unit ONSTAR Owned by: Cavender Brangus, Schmidt Farms, Abbie Jorgenson, Mound Creek Ranches and Red Bird Meadows Ranch $50 per unit PROVEN CALVING IMPROVED CARCASS EASE PLUS GROwTH, qUALITY IN A HIGH CARCASS & SUPER MATERNAL PACKAGE CONSISTENCY wITH SHOwRING Neat fronted, structurally sound EYE APPEAL progeny, with superior muscling, in a His progeny have excelled not only moderate framed package with good in the show ring but also in the bull dispositions combine to make Landau pens. One of three highly promoted one of the most sought after sires full brothers. We feel that Onstar in the breed. brings more to the table and is the best breeding son of the great 924 female. VIDEO VIDEO

CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES MC JOHN WAYNE 165N3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES LTD OF BRINKS 415T28 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MC JETHRO 00S3 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 415P5 9.0 -0.7 32 65 10 26 8.6 1.0 .82 .01 .011 MC MS STOUT 00M5 3.7 2.1 26 50 14 27 6.1 1.0 .44 .13 .018

BRIGHT SIDE OF BRINKS 789G5 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA NMSU 652 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA MS HD BRIGHT SIDE 263L BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MISS NMSU 924 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MISS HD 314 263J2 92 709 1275 3.54 3.49 41.9 15.93 5.05 .37 MISS NMSU 626 86 741 1310 3.56 3.59 41.3 16.61 5.34 .42

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

th th R10161215 DDC 4 Gen. september 21, 2009 R10143304 DDF 6 Gen. March 1, 2009 CHISHOLM Owned by: Suhn Cattle Company and Cavender Brangus $40 per unit SwIFT Owned by: Genesis Ranch and Schoenig Land & Cattle $50 per unit UNEqUALED GROwTH PLUS COMBINATION OF EXCELLENT CARCASS IN GROwTH, CARCASS, A MODERATE FRAMED, MATERNAL & EASY FLESHING & CONSISTENCY FUNCTIONAL PACKAGE He was the number one semen seller The most proven son of the high IMF for GENETRUST through the first 6 sire Lambert. A son, Suhn’s Foundation, months of 2013 and has done a super was the high selling bull through the job when mated back to Brangus or 2013 GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Co. to Angus females for the production sale at $66,000. of Ultrablacks. VIDEO VIDEO

CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES LEAD GUN OF BRINKS 222K14 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES LTD OF BRINKS 415T28 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT LAMBERT OF BRINKS 317R3 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 415P5 5.5 1.2 33 60 14 30 6.9 1.3 .77 .06 .001 MS BRINKS GOOD FORTUNE 317M 4.7 1.3 36 67 4 22 6.9 .40 .81 .19 .019

SUHN’S AFFIRMED 416N4 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA BRIGHT SIDE OF BRINKS 789G5 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA SUHN’S MISS AFFIRMED 331S34 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 209L11 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT SUHN’S MISS CADENCE 331L2 86 661 1220 3.5 3.32 39.1 15.34 4.25 .33 MISS BRINKS NEWSDAY 209G9 76 662 1246 3.65 3.41 33.3 16.33 5.59 .46

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com 10 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR th rd R10189274 DDF 5 Gen. March 7, 2010 R10154395 DDF 3 Gen. February 8, 2009 LANDAU Owned by: Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Suhn Cattle Company, Vorel Farms, & Cold Creek Ranch. $40 per unit ONSTAR Owned by: Cavender Brangus, Schmidt Farms, Abbie Jorgenson, Mound Creek Ranches and Red Bird Meadows Ranch $50 per unit PROVEN CALVING IMPROVED CARCASS EASE PLUS GROwTH, qUALITY IN A HIGH CARCASS & SUPER MATERNAL PACKAGE CONSISTENCY wITH SHOwRING Neat fronted, structurally sound EYE APPEAL progeny, with superior muscling, in a His progeny have excelled not only moderate framed package with good in the show ring but also in the bull dispositions combine to make Landau pens. One of three highly promoted one of the most sought after sires full brothers. We feel that Onstar in the breed. brings more to the table and is the best breeding son of the great 924 female. VIDEO VIDEO

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 11 th th R10126187 DDC 5 Gen. september 26, 2008 R10216038 DDF 4 Gen. september 28, 2011 DEPENDENCE Owned by: Draggin’ M Ranch $40 per unit PASSPORT Owned by: The Oaks Farms, Bushley Creek Cattle Company and Cavender Brangus $50 per unit EXCELLENT GROwTH PURCHASED IN THE AND MUSCLE 2012 GENETRUST @ A calving ease bull proving to add CAVENDER’S SALE muscle and maintaining plenty of bone. FOR $80,000 Across the board he has shown similar Super eye appeal in a structurally type in his offspring to his proven sire sound package with excellent growth Suhn’s Next Step 331R7. Solid in sheath and muscle. We anxiously await the design of his calves. arrival of his first calves later this fall. His full sister is one of the best fall 2012 born heifers at Cavender’s and his full brothers are also exceptional. VIDEO

BURTIN’S TRANSFORMER 803G3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES SUHN’S AFFIRMED 416N4 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES SUHN’S NEXT STEP 331R7 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT CB HOMBRE 541T3 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT SUHN’S MS CADENCE 331M3 10.9 -3.7 28 57 10 24 7.6 .80 .54 -.10 .001 MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 541K28 5.3 2.1 39 66 12 31 8.2 1.10 .52 .04 .014

CCR SLEEP EASY 301J5 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA LAMBERT OF BRINKS 317R3 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA SF MS SLEEP EASY 535R6 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS LAMBERT 803T6 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT SF MISS ANGELO 535M8 76 681 1177 3.11 3.12 34.9 13.46 4.10 .25 MS BRINKS SUNDANCE 803P8 88 772 1263 3.07 3.46 40.5 15.57 4.53 .33

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

th th R10180470 DDF 4 Gen. March 24, 2010 R10204747 DDF 5 Gen. september 5, 2011 CORONADO Owned by: Draggin’ M Ranch and Garrett Brangus $40 per unit NEw CONCEPT Owned by: Suhn Cattle Company and Cavender Brangus $50 per unit GROwTH, CARCASS AND OUTCROSS PEDIGREE MATERNAL wITH EXCELLENT A superior calving ease bull with the GROwTH, MATERNAL & ability to tone down frame on larger GREAT DISPOSITION type females. He passes on his depth His first calves have arrived and have of chest floor, deep flank with added met expectations. They are moderate bone and breed character. Coronado birth weight with excellent length is working well back on moderate and depth of body and hit the ground framed females to maintain moderate, growing. His dam is without question thick progeny. one of the greatest daughters of the multiple trait leader 228F. VIDEO VIDEO

SUHN’S AFFIRMED 416N4 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES SUNDANCE OF BRINKS 392G9 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES CB HOMBRE 541T3 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT BLANDA OF BRINKS 535R54 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 541K28 10.2 -1.2 31 55 18 33 8.7 .80 .43 .02 .005 MISS BRINKS TROOPER 535F61 4.8 1.7 45 77 14 37 6.5 1.10 .51 -.11 .007

LAMBERT OF BRINKS 317R3 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA WR DUKE 228/F INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA MS BRINKS LAMBERT 535T4 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT SUHN’S MS DUKE 30M BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS CAPTAIN 535R39 72 754 1300 3.41 3.52 35.2 15.46 5.29 .34 SUHN’S MS GERONIMO 30J5 94 753 1430 4.23 3.88 42.1 16.80 4.53 .44

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com 12 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR th th R10126187 DDC 5 Gen. september 26, 2008 R10216038 DDF 4 Gen. september 28, 2011 DEPENDENCE Owned by: Draggin’ M Ranch $40 per unit PASSPORT Owned by: The Oaks Farms, Bushley Creek Cattle Company and Cavender Brangus $50 per unit EXCELLENT GROwTH PURCHASED IN THE AND MUSCLE 2012 GENETRUST @ A calving ease bull proving to add CAVENDER’S SALE muscle and maintaining plenty of bone. FOR $80,000 Across the board he has shown similar Super eye appeal in a structurally type in his offspring to his proven sire sound package with excellent growth Suhn’s Next Step 331R7. Solid in sheath and muscle. We anxiously await the design of his calves. arrival of his first calves later this fall. His full sister is one of the best fall 2012 born heifers at Cavender’s and his full brothers are also exceptional. VIDEO

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www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 13 th th R10227112 DDF 5 Gen. February 26, 2012 R10189980 DDF 5 Gen. February 19, 2011 FOUNDATION Owned by: Suhn Cattle Co.and Double W Ranch $50 per unit HERITAGE Owned by: Draggin’ M Ranch and Coastal Farms $40 per unit MODERATE FRAMED, MODERATE BIRTH DEEP RIBBED, & EASY wEIGHT wITH MUSCLE FLESHING & GROwTH A Swift son that was the high selling His first calves are impressive in that yearling of the 2013 spring sale they have strong tops with big hips and season when he sold to David Wood adequate bone. Bred for longevity from for $66,000 at Suhn’s. His dam is both sides of his pedigree. His great a full sister to Next Step who has a grand dam is still producing for DMR at tremendous amount of volume and rib 15 years of age. shape. His first progeny will arrive in the spring of 2014. VIDEO

LAMBERT OF BRINKS 317R3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES BURTIN’S TRANSFORMER 803G3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES GR SWIFT 209W3 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT SUHN’S NEXT STEP 331R7 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MS BRINKS BRIGHT SIDE 209L11 0.8 2.8 37 69 12 31 5.8 0.5 .65 .03 .007 SUHN’S MS CADENCE 331M3 0.7 2.6 32 64 15 31 5.7 .70 .36 -.01 -.002

BURTIN’S TRANSFORMER 803G3 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA SUHN’S AFFIRMED 416N4 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA SUHN’S MISS BT 331S43 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MS DMR AFFIRMED 894W BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT SUHN’S MS CADENCE 331M3 96 763 1326 3.52 3.64 39.3 16.14 4.58 0.42 SUHN’S MISS 607L11 894S 92 741 1332 3.69 3.52 38.8 15.83 6.04 .37

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th We, at GENETRUST, would like to visit with both registered and commercial breeders as to how these bulls, as well as other sires available R10191789 DDF 4 Gen. March 11, 2011 Owned by: Johnston Farms and Garry G. Clem $40 per unit on our web site, can be an asset to your herds’ future success. We have special prices available for volume commercial use and can assist in TEXAS STAR putting you in contact with trained professionals that can set up an AI and synchronization program. A SUPER CALVING EASE BULL Vernon Suhn • President • [email protected] • (620) 583-3706 Calves come small with plenty of vigor Craig Green • MarketinG director • [email protected] • (870) 834-1976 at birth. Texas Star will moderate frame 1-877-GENETRS (436-3877) • www.GenetrustBranGus.com while siring his impressive pin bone width and adding muscle. His clean sheath is well exhibited in his offspring. Disposition on him is exceptional.

MC JETHRO 00S3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES MC ROCK STAR 924U6 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MISS NMSU 924 8.5 -0.5 20 37 17 27 7.9 1.1 .32 .04 .005

CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA MS CSONKA 9U8U3 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MISS 4L BEST BET 9U8P5 61 711 1241 3.31 3.31 40.6 16.48 5.26 0.39

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14 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR th th R10227112 DDF 5 Gen. February 26, 2012 R10189980 DDF 5 Gen. February 19, 2011 FOUNDATION Owned by: Suhn Cattle Co.and Double W Ranch $50 per unit HERITAGE Owned by: Draggin’ M Ranch and Coastal Farms $40 per unit MODERATE FRAMED, MODERATE BIRTH DEEP RIBBED, & EASY wEIGHT wITH MUSCLE FLESHING & GROwTH A Swift son that was the high selling His first calves are impressive in that yearling of the 2013 spring sale they have strong tops with big hips and season when he sold to David Wood adequate bone. Bred for longevity from for $66,000 at Suhn’s. His dam is both sides of his pedigree. His great a full sister to Next Step who has a grand dam is still producing for DMR at tremendous amount of volume and rib 15 years of age. shape. His first progeny will arrive in the spring of 2014. VIDEO

CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition: CalvinG ease: GRowth: CaRCass: MateRnal: Disposition:

MC JETHRO 00S3 EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES MC ROCK STAR 924U6 CED BW WW YW M TM CEM SC REA IMF FT MISS NMSU 924 8.5 -0.5 20 37 17 27 7.9 1.1 .32 .04 .005

CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATA MS CSONKA 9U8U3 BW WW YW ADG WDA SC REA IMF FT MISS 4L BEST BET 9U8P5 61 711 1241 3.31 3.31 40.6 16.48 5.26 0.39

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THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 15 Why Artificial Insemination? .....Why Not?

Artificial Insemination (A.I.) is a technique that has been around for many years. Livestock systems around the world have recognized the economic advantages of utilizing A.I. as well as many other technologies to enhance productivity. However, the United States’ beef industry has been hesitant to broadly adopt this technology which has the potential to produce higher rates of return on investment than creep feeding, growth promoting implants, ultrasound, embryo transfer, etc. What is the reason for the slow adaptation of this technology? Concerns over cost, labor, results and the application of A.I. to smaller herds appear to be the most common reasons for the hesitancy.

The most commonly mentioned factor that affects the willingness for one to utilize A.I. is the perceived expense. The cost per A.I. pregnancy can ap- “restriction” when it comes to herd size proach and sometimes be reduced below that of natural service (Johnson, By Jeremy Price 2003). In herds where more than one bull is required to service the herd, the for A.I. For example, one might con- Integrated Breeders Service advantage associated with reducing the number of bulls required is itself an sider for a small herd (25-50 head), a improvement in efficiency. In order to compare the cost of A.I. to the cost one-time timed insemination program of natural service, we must first know the cost of natural service. When all scheduled to occur on the first day of factors are considered, the cost of producing a natural service pregnancy/calf their breeding season. A reasonable expectation would be ~50% concep- can be surprising. Costs for producing a pregnancy via natural service range tion rate to the A.I., and the herd would have 4 subsequent opportunities from $16.00 ($1500 bulls are exposed to 50 cows per sire) to $90 ($3000 to become pregnant to the clean-up sire in a typical 84 day breeding sea- bulls exposed to 15 cows per sire) (Johnson, 2003). Compare that to the son. One-half of the herd could calve in the first 20-30 days of the calv- cost of producing a pregnancy using A.I.: $40.00 -$55.00 in herds of 100 ing season with no reduction in reproductive efficiency for the herd. In -300 cows with a 50 - 60% pregnancy rate. This figure includes the cost of fact, most data indicates that reproductive efficiency improves under Estrus the cleanup sires. Synchronization/A.I. programs. For herds of fewer than 25 head, there are options for using A.I. A conventional program such as the normal synchro- Research is currently being conducted to address the issues regarding the nization, breeding and use of a cleanup sire works very well. In some situa- potential of increased efficiency/profitability of A.I. sired females used as re- tions, “A.I. only” programs are very successful. With this option the need for placements compared to that of replacements sired by natural service. It a cleanup sire is eliminated altogether. Regardless of herd size, reproductive appears that the potential for increasing return on investment utilizing A.I. efficiency continues to be the single most important measure of profitability, has the potential to go beyond simply measuring the phenotype of the result- so no A.I. program should be designed that would result in fewer pregnant ing progeny. cows at the conclusion of the breeding season than what might be achieved under normal breeding conditions. Second, addressing the issues that additional labor/inputs involves, begs the question concerning the expected increase in returns. An A.I. program There is no more applicable, user friendly technology for achieving in- requires additional labor in the form of synchronization, estrus detection, creased reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement than Artificial- In and insemination. The following table summarizes the results/returns that semination. I would conclude with the thought that one should identify could be expected as a result of the use of an A.I. program including increased “genetic” goals, identify animals with the genetics that move the program in v reproductive efficiency of the herd, earlier weaning age and increased wean- the correct direction and incorporate these genetics using A.I. ing weights. Combined, these factors account for a very significant increase in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed. Results of Short-term estrus synchronization artificial insemination trial. Synchronize - A.I. Natural Service Difference Poor results are often cited as a reason for not pursuing an A.I. program. Poor results can often be attributed to manageable factors Cows 251 100 such as post-partum nutrition, proper vaccination and disease control Calving Rate 90% 81% 9% and good A.I. program management. Thoughtful preparation and % Calving 1st 30 Days 85% 62% 23% planning, in conjunction with reasonable expectations, will often lead to very good results, even for someone incorporating the technology % Calf Crop Weaned 88% 79% 9% into their herd for the first time. Weaning Age 210 - 9 200 - 12 10 Days Weaning Weight 576.9 - 18.1 504.8 - 21.2 72.6 lbs Lastly, one of the characteristics unique to the A.I. industry is the amazing flexibility in the methods of application. In other words, an Lbs. Calf Weaned/Cow Exposed 507.9 398.4 109.5 lbs A.I. program can be designed for almost any situation. There is no Source: Anderson and Deaton, University of Kentucky

16 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR Why Artificial Insemination? .....Why Not?

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 17 47th Annual

held in conjunction with Cattlemen’s Appreciation Day 2 014 All Breeds Sales All Breeds Registered: Range Bull Sale · Wednesday, March 5 · 10 a.m. All Breeds Commercial: Female Sale · Wednesday, March 5 · 1 p.m.

For consignment information, contact: March 4 - 5, March Cattle Sales Manager: Gulf Tex Livestock Marketing www.gulftexlivestock.com · [email protected] P.O. Box 540 · Anderson, Texas 77830 · 979.482.2018

For Show, sale and expo information, visit www.rodeohouston.com

Braford Headlines Performance Brafords See Strong Demand LAKE CHARLES, LA - 84 buyers from 9 states snapped up the Braford The third high selling bull was the cattle offering at a torrid pace in Lake Charles, Louisiana, October, 3rd. The Cattleman’s Choice percentage performance tested bulls from 12 consignors set a strong tone for the day’s bull, Lot 57. This big performing offering, followed by an elite female offering of 10 special Braford lots that half blood bull with the negative BW EPD scanned over a 3.75 IMF and met with overwhelming crowd approval. The commercial heifer offering, a weighed over 1722 lbs at sale time. He was consigned by Greenview Farms, truck load of spring calving Braford heifers from the foundation herd of Ad- Screven GA and purchased by Alders Farms from Midway, TX for $7500. ams Ranch, Fort Pierce, FL, drew admiration from the crowd and bidders from across the country. Two bulls sold for $6,500. Lot 59, a growthy quarter blood bull, sold Alders Farms. Midway, TX, purchased him from Harvey Ranch. Also selling for $10,000 was the bid price for the top selling Braford bull, Lot 37. He was $6,500 was lot 56. He sold to Kenneth Wall, Robeline, LA and was con- the Cattleman’s Choice Braford Bull as selected by the enthusiastic crowd at signed by Running M Ranch, Tallahassee, FL. the previous evening’s social event and grading. This big performing and balanced EPD herd sire was among the high gaining bulls tested with an ADG Thunderstorm R, Nacogdoches, TX consigned the high selling female lot of b4.4 and a WDA of 3.46. He posted a .24 Marbling and .13 Marbling as he sold 11 frozen and sexed embryos from some of the breed’s elite per- EPD with excellent growth and pleasing BW. Alleman Cattle Company, formance and show oriented cows. The purchasers included breed leaders, Rayne, La and Shannon Harrington, Iowa, La teamed to purchase this out- San Gregorio Ranch, Laredo, TX, Harvey Ranch, Okeechobee, FL who paid standing herd sire from Harvey Ranch, Okeechobee, FL. $6,000 for the opportunity to speed their genetic progress. Lots 90 and 91 were the second high selling females as W B Brafords, Cameron, LA paid The second high selling bull was Lot 13, at $8,500 who sold to Payne Midy- $4,800 and swept the ring, taking both of these highly productive yearling ette, Running M Ranch, Tallahassee, FL. This big and balanced bull was the heifers from Harvey Ranch. The third high selling female was a three n one #2 YW and # 2 ADG herd sire prospect in the sale. He also boasted EPDs consigned by Chandler RLR Brafords, Kennard, TX. Lot 96 and her out- that were negative BW with a REA of .46 and a .19 Marbling EPD. He was standing heifer calf at side sold to Lazy Acre Cattle Ranch, Leslie Griffith, consigned by Thunderstorm R Cattle Company, Nacogdoches, TX. Grand Chenier, LA, for $4,400.

18 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 19 Randy Harrington, Bell City LA, paid $1,900 for the top pen of Spring Bred 3 Registered Pairs grossed $11,850 to average $3,950 commercial Braford females from Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce, FL. 5 Registered Open Heifers grossed $14,400 to average $2,880 1 Registered Flush grossed $2,400 to average $2,400 Volume buyers were Randy Harrington, Alder’s Farms and Lazy Acre Cattle 10 Registered Braford Females grossed $34,650 to average $3,465 Ranch. 48 Commercial Braford Spring Bred Heifers grossed $82,050 to average 52 Braford Bulls grossed $212,150 to average $4,080 $1,709

1 Embryo Lot grossed $6,000 to average $6,000 1 Donation Semen Lot grossed $2,750 to average $2,750

Brahman Headlines Charles W. Stenholm Named TBA Beef Booster of the Year Stamford, Texas native Charles W. Stenholm, the 26 year former U.S. Con- in Stamford on Saturdays with his gressman, was recently named as the Texas Brahman Association’s 2013 Beef cattle-partner-grandson. Booster of the Year. Since 1962, the Texas Brahman Association has recognized a deserving person or entity for outstanding contributions to the beef Charlie is considered by many to industry and counts a distinguished list of industry leaders, doers, and think- be among the most respected and ers among its recipients. effective Ag Policy advisor in our nation’s capitol and spends con- TBA President Tommy Stadler of Floresville, said “Charlie Stenholm is a siderable time on energy, food most deserving recipient of this year’s award for outstanding leadership and safety, water and other issues. He service to the agriculture industries through his many years as a member of currently serves as Co-Chair for Congress and the House Agriculture Committee. His work since 2004 as a the Committee for a Responsible Pictured L-R: Charlie Stenholm and TBA Presi- dent Tommy Stadler Senior Policy Advisor at OFW Law Firm in Washington D.C. has placed him Federal Budget and on the Boards squarely in the middle of every major agriculture issue to come before Con- of Directors of the Concord Coali- gress. He comes from the country and he knows country folk; he has served tion and the Business and Industry all agriculture producers well and has done it for many years.” Political Action Committee. His past business experience includes farming and ranching, managing the Stamford Electric Cooperative, teaching voca- The TBA recognizes the life-long work of Charles Stenholm, an astute prac- tional agriculture, and serving as Vice President of the Rolling Plains Cotton titioner in the affairs of the industry who has worked for all in agriculture. Growers. Charlie Stenholm was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1978 J. D. Sartwelle, Jr., a past TBA President and Brahman breeder from Sealy and for all those years served on the House Agriculture Committee and made the actual presentation of the award during the Annual Meeting of served the last eight years as the ranking member. the Association and said “This recognition of Charlie Stenholm’s considerable contributions to Texas and U.S. agriculture are a tribute to what he has Stenholm graduated from Stamford High School, Tarleton State University, done every day for many years for production agriculture. This TBA Beef and Texas Tech University with BS and Master Degree in 1962. He farmed Booster of the Year Award is recognition by an agriculture producer group and ranched for 15 years before being elected to the US Congress in 1978. that receives the benefits of his work. Charlie Stenholm has truly lived a life Charlie and his wife of 52 years, Cindy, have three children, Chris, Cary, and of service to his fellow man.” Courtney who have provided four grandchildren to enrich their lives. The Texas Brahman Association was organized in 1961 to promote the use Charlie is currently teaching a political science course at Tarleton State Uni- of Brahman cattle in general and Texas Brahman cattle in particular. Brah- versity that includes agriculture and energy policy. He teaches his course on man cattle are crossbreeding’s Common Denominator and #1 in heat toler- Monday evenings, commutes to Washington DC on Tuesdays until Friday ance, hybrid vigor and feed efficiency. The Brahman F1 cow is known as evening and returns to Granbury where he currently resides. He can be seen the “Queen of Cow Country” and is the most trouble free cow in use today.

2013 ABBA National Brahman Show & BOD Meeting HOUSTON, TX - The U.S. National Brahman Show and fall board of directors been anxiously preparing for the event all year. “LBA is looking forward to host- meeting will be held November 12-17 in conjunction with the Jambalaya Classic ing breeders from across the United States along with international breeders,” says in Gonzales, Louisiana. Brahman exhibitors from across the nation will gather for Espey. “We have an exciting week of Louisiana cuisine and hospitality planned for this annual event, in which national champions will be crowned in the red and grey everyone.” Brahman bull and female shows. Nearly 400 head of cattle are expected for the main attraction, however the event will also include committee meetings, board The open female show begins at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, followed by meetings, a junior show, and plenty of opportunities for social activities amongst the bull show on Saturday, November 16. Dr. Jim Sanders, Lee Pritchard, and breeders. Gerald Young will serve as members of the 3-member panel of judges for the show. For a complete schedule of events or information on other upcoming ABBA events Clay Espey, president of the Louisiana Brahman Association, says members have and programs visit brahman.org or contact the ABBA office at (713) 349-0854.

20 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR Brangus

Brangus Association Announces New ExecutiveHeadlines Vice President SAN ANTONIO, TX - The International Brangus Breeders Association Breeders United. The IBBA Board (IBBA) announced today the appointment of Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., as its of Directors voted Perkins to lead new Executive Vice President. IBBA’s mission to serve the commercial cattle the Brangus association following industry and effectively promote the Brangus breed is supported by Perkins’ Dr. Joseph Massey’s resignation earlier background and extensive experience in the industry. He will begin his ap- this year. pointment with IBBA in early October. “The Board looks forward to working “I am very excited for the opportunity to lead the largest American beef breed with Tommy and know that he will pro- association in the United States,” Perkins said. “I look forward to working vide direction and be a positive leader with the leadership, staff and committee volunteers as we unite the member- for this breed,” said Ron Flake, Presi- ship in our quest for continued growth of Brangus cattle in the commercial dent of the IBBA Board of Directors. industry.” “With his knowledge and experience, IBBA will continue to make advances and provide superior Brangus genetics A Silverton, Texas, native, Perkins received B.S. and M.A. degrees from West to our customers.” Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, and a doctoral degree in Animal Science/Animal Breeding and Genetics from Texas Tech University in 1992. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the IBBA is a membership based or- In 2001, he received his Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) certification ganization that strives to provide members with innovative programs and from the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Perkins has services. The purpose of the IBBA is to serve the commercial cattle industry conducted research in multiple aspects of the industry including ultrasound by offering industry leading technology to increase the quality and reliability technology, ultrasonic sorting of feedlot cattle, synchronization, DNA Fin- of Brangus genetics to its customers. gerprinting and In Vitro fertilization. For more information about Brangus and the IBBA, visit www.GoBrangus. Most recently, Perkins served as the Executive Vice President for Beefmaster com.

Buyers from 11 States Own Cattle at Thomas and Sons Pleasant weather and great hospitality greeted 52 buyers from 11 states at next high selling females when he paid $3,400 to own Lot 50, MS Thomas the Thomas and Sons Cadillac of Brangus Sale in Madison Missouri in late 915S-108W, a Revenue bred female with a fall heifer calf at side by 541X67, September. The Thomas family hosted many repeat buyers from both the Thomas’s good Unitas son. registered and commercial sector to an excellent steak dinner and entertain- ment the evening before the Saturday sale. Lot 65, Mr Thomas Alpine 31Z3, was the top selling bull of the day as Bahrenburg’s Brangus, Cole Camp, MO paid $3,000 to own this big growth Enthusiasm was strong for the day as Jamie Eiken, Russellville Mo. paid Csonka grandson. $10,000 to own Lot 47 and 47A, a spring 3N1. The cow was sired by the big milk Cadence son from JLS, 610T and safe back to Mr Thomas Winchester B&M Cattle, Carthage, MO, Shadwick Farms, Stover, MO and Barnhard 392Y6. Her good heifer calf at side was sired by the LTD son, Doc. JLS, Rob- Cattle Co, Emden, MO were volume buyers for the day’s sale. ertsdale, AL and Devine, TX, paid $4,000 to own the cow, Lot 45, a spring 3N1 split. She was dragging a fancy heifer calf at side by 101S, the good 15 Registered Brangus Pairs grossed $47,000 to average $3,133 Lead Gun son out of the Nikita donor cow, and was bred back the same way. 6 Registered Brangus Bred Cows grossed $12,700 to average $2,117 26 Registered Bred Heifers grossed $53,800 to average $2,069 Stacy Keen, 5K Ranch, Lake Wales, FL paid $3,800 to own Lot 22, a good 7 Registered Open Heifers grossed $12,900 to average $1,843 John Wayne bred heifer out of Sampson who ratioed 116 at weaning and 54 Registered Brangus Females grossed $126,400 to average $2,341 ranked in the breed’s top 5% for that trait. She also purchased the top selling open heifer of the day as she paid $3,500 to own lot 5. This halter broken 35 Brangus bulls grossed $74,450 to average $2,127 Mighty Mouse daughter is out of a Fred daughter and posted top 15% of the breed WW EPD. 161 Commercial females grossed $235,125 to average $1,460

Diamond K Ranch, Robert Klingert, Montgomery City, Mo purchased the Continued on page 24

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 21 22 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 23 Continued from page 21. Doguet Diamond D Registered Brangus Bulls & Females Average $5,000 Rain in South Texas, beautiful fall weather and an offering of powerful per- breed’s top 30% or greater. forming and phenotypically pleasing cattle drew 143 registered buyers from 11 states to bid on and buy the Doguet Diamond D cattle at the sale “Where Jeff Nohavitz, El Campo, TX, paid $13,500 for full interest in Lot 138, Performance Meets Style”. Bulls and females found ready acceptance and DDD Walks Alone 804Z21, a full brother to Lot 136. He is another big were snapped up at a torrid pace by the large crowd of commercial and regis- topped and moderate framed son of Walks Alone. He records 9 EPD traits in tered producers on hand. Mike and Lisa Doguet, Timmy Lucherk, Eric Otto the breed’s top 40% or greater and his dam posts 5 calves at 107 WR. and their crew at Diamond D shared their enthusiasm for good Brangus cattle and extended South Texas hospitality in the form of a steak dinner the Also fetching a bid price of $13,500 was Lot 98, DDD Limitless 804Z55. night before the sale for all in attendance. L Ray Ranch, Matt and Michelle Willey, Nome, TX purchased ½ interest and full possession in Limitless following his show career at the International The high selling female was Lot 3, DDD Ms Tassey 804A7, as Jake Johnston, Show in Houston. This moderate yet powerful Spartacus son posts EPDs in Waxahachie, TX paid $20,000 to own this February show heifer prospect. the breed’s top 5% WW, 15% YW and 30% REA. The flawless female was sired by Hercules and posted EPDs ranking in the breed’s top 10% WW, 20% REA and top 25% REA. Lot 155, DDD Hercules 38Z11, sold to Calvin Kuhlmann, Fredericksburg, TX for $10,000. This Hercules son is a ¾ brother to the $24,000 Stock Op- The second high selling female was Lot 1, Ms Brinks Newt 55U5 at $9,000. tion, the 2012 DDD high selling bull. Westall Ranches, Arabela, NM paid the bid price to own this daughter of BW trait leader, Newt with the balanced EPDs. Her dam is a maternal sister Lykes Brothers, Okeechobee, FL and Triple R Cattle Co, Mission, TX were to Success, Pure Power and Riggins. volume buyers.

Lot 41, a consigned female from JOJ Brangus, Tyler TX was the third high 1 Brangus Donor grossed $9,000 to average $9,000 selling female. Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado AR, paid $8,500 to own this 10 Show Heifer prospects grossed $66,250 to average $6,250 Onstar daughter with the fault free phenotype. Her dam is a full sister to the 1 Ultrablack Open Heifer grossed $4,000 to average $4,000 $24,000, high selling bull at last year’s Doguet sale, Stock Option. 10 Brangus Fall Calving Heifers grossed $43,450 to average $4,345 1 Ultrablack Fall Calving Heifer grossed $5,500 to average $5,500 Lot 5, a crowd favorite, was the fourth high selling female. Lake Majestik, 14 Brangus Spring Bred Heifers grossed $51,950 to average $3,711 Flat Rock, AL paid $7,750 to own this January Dillinger daughter out of the 1 Ultrablack Spring Bred Heifer grossed $4,500 to average $4,500 powerful 820 cow family. Ed Geiger, Lytle, TX paid $7,500 to own Lot 15, a Presidente granddaughter from the popular 804 cow family with a good 37 Registered Females grossed $184,650 to average $4,991 bull calf at side. 1 Brangus Herd Bull Prospect grossed $13,500 to average $13,500 Lot 119, JL/DDD Outcross 200Z7 topped the bull sale at the bid price of 43 Brangus Coming 2 Year Old Bulls grossed $236,400 to average $5,498 $19,500 for full interest and possession. This big topped and moderate son 40 Brangus and Ultrablack Yearling Bulls grossed $167,900 to average of Outcross, presented balanced EPDs and sold to Robert Cromwell, Gid- $4,198 dings, TX. 2 Semen Lots grossed $6,500 to average $3,250

Billy Shannon, Pleasanton, TX bought the second high selling bull when he 83.5 Total Bulls grossed $417,800 to average $5,004 paid $17,000 to own full interest in Lot 136, DDD Walks Alone 804Z18. This powerful grandson of the Fancy 804H33, writes 8 EPD traits in the 10 Commercial Brangus Females grossed $20,250 to average $2,025

Brangus Bull Demand Strong at Salacoa Valley A standing room only crowd from 9 states snapped up the Salacoa Valley Bull Vidalia of Salacoa 535Z4. This Brazile son boasts 8 curve bending EPD traits Sale offering in Georgia, at a rapid pace. Repeat and new buyers from across in the breed’s top 25% or greater, paced by top 2% Milk, 5% YW and 20% the Southeast and Texas enjoyed pleasant temperatures and a sunny day as BW. Hilltop Brangus Farm, Benton, MS purchased Lot 178, Salacoa Stone- well as the southern hospitality Salacoa Valley Farms is known for. wall 541Z6 for the bid price. This Stonewall son boasted a 1337 lbs yearling weight and was part of a very consistent ET flush at Salacoa Valley. Lot 179, This is the first sale under new ownership, as The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Salacoa Patton 99Z16 also fetched $7,000 as Hayman’s 7 11 Ranch, Ke- Inc, took possession of the cowherd. Natural Resource Director Alex Johns nansville, FL purchased this big performing Patton son. He posted a 1399 welcomed the crowd and shared his vision for a dynamic and growing cow yearling weight and scanned over a 15” REA. herd at Salacoa Valley, and expressed his excitement in being a part of the Brangus breed. He also introduced the Seminole Tribe’s branded beef pro- Steve Daniel, Henderson, TN purchased the fifth high selling bull as he paid gram and discussed the volumes of beef it encompasses while inviting com- $6,250 to own Lot 170. This high performing Ultrablack bull was sired by mercial cattlemen to become a part of the vision. Hannibal and boasted a negative BW EPD with 70 lbs of YW.

The day’s top selling bull was lot 100, Atlanta of Salacoa 488Z. This power- Purchasing bulls at $6,000 were CI Brangus, Birmingham, AL on Lot 102, ful Lambert son posts 9 EPD traits in the breed’s top 35% or greater led by K Bar L, Okeechobee, FL on Lot 106 and Shiloh Brangus, Stony Point, NC top 4% IMF. This deep sided, big boned herd sire prospect was purchased on Lot 109. by The Oaks Farm, Newnan, GA, 5K Cowbelle Ranch, Pontotoc, MS, Truitt Brangus Farm, Auburn AL and Miller Brangus, Waynesboro, TN. They gave 96 Coming 2 Year Old Brangus Bulls Grossed $399,600 to average $4,163 $30,000 to own full possession and 2/3 interest. 3 Proven Brangus Herd Sires grossed $12,500 to average $4,167 34 Yearling Brangus Bulls grossed $120,750 to average $3,551 Three bulls tallied as the second high sellers in the day’s offering at $7,000. Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, AL, paid the bid price to own Lot 103, 133 Brangus Bulls grossed $532,850 to average $4,006

24 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR Miller Brangus Sale Offering in Demand Buyers from 11 states converged on Miller Brangus, Waynesboro, Tennessee powerful first calf heifer posts top 3% REA and 5% YW EPDs. She is safe on a beautiful fall day to bid on and purchase an outstanding set of regis- to the good young Miller herd sire, Yellowstone. I.C. Cattle Co., Bryan, TX tered Brangus females and bulls. The Millers continued to build demand paid $4,000 to own her fancy Ranger heifer calf at side. throughout Tennessee as 23 buyers from that state made purchases. The sale showcased some of the elite genetics present in the herd and provided their Two bulls, Lot 30, MB Justified 99Z3 and Lot 32, MB Raylon both com- customers and opportunity to add to their programs and a foundation to manded the bid price of $12,500. Lot 30 is a big performing son of Rev- build on. elation. He is near perfect in his design with a world of length and top in a moderate and phenotypically pleasing package. His dam posts a 360 day Lot 1A, MB Ms In Focus 129X2, was the high selling female of the sale calving interval and records 3 @ 105 WR. Kim Dunn, Apoka FL paid the bid at $15,000. Pennridge Farms, Tomball, TX captured the winning bid for price to own ½ interest and full possession in Justified. 10 embryos and ½ interest and full possession of this first generation pow- Black X Ranch, Rome, GA won the bid on Raylon. He posts 8 EPD traits erhouse. She posts 8 EPD traits in the breed’s top 10% or greater and is a in the breed’s top 20% or greater. He is sired by Crusader and combines two complete outcross to many of the cattle in the Brangus breed. of the greatest donors in the Brangus breed in 17R5 and 129K4.This deep bodied smooth made herd sire’s dam is a full sister to 129X2, the day’s high Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado, AR paid $8,750 for Lot 4, the second high selling female. selling female of the day. This spring ET heifer calf is sired by Jethro and is out of the 17R5 donor there at Millers. She is a full sister to the Miller herd Lynn Jackson, Bolivar, TN paid $8000 to own Lot 31, MB Bennett 129Z5. sires, Yellowstone and Yosemite, and projects 7 EPD traits in the breed’s top This Eligido son is out of another sister to the day’s high selling $15,000 15% or greater.. female. He records top 3% WW and top 10% YW, REA and IMF EPDs

Also fetching $8,750 was Lot 6 and 6A as Joel Powell, Ovett, MS paid 1 Flush Lot grossed $25,500 to average $25,500 $4,750 to own lot 6A, MB Great Basin 329A3. This powerful spring born 1 Spring Heifer Calf grossed $8,750 to average $8,750 son of Great Basin carried as much top and thickness as any bull calf in the 2 Donor Cows grossed $12,000 to average $6,000 sale. Truitt Brangus Farms, Auburn, AL paid $4,000 to own the factory, Lot 21 Spring Pairs and 3N1s grossed $87,050 to average $4,145 6, MB Ms True Grit 329X10. She is a maternal sister to the breed’s YW trait leader, Revelation, also produced by Miller Brangus, and was safe back to 25 Female Brangus Lots grossed $133,050 to average $5,322 Great Basin. 60 Brangus Bulls grossed $209,300 to average $3,488 Pennridge Farms paid $4,750 to own Lot 13, MB Ms Lead Gun 535Y3. This Red Brangus

American Red Brangus Association MeetingHeadlines and Field Day GONZALES, TX - The American Red Brangus Association held their an- We look forward to a great and nual meeting and field day on October 19, 2013 in Gonzales, TX. Members productive new year for the Amer- had the opportunity to view cattle during the field day at Tuna Rosa Ranch ican Red Brangus breed! Dr. Joe Paschal Professor and Livestock Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Corpus Christi, Texas gave a presentation on replacement heifer selection. After lunch sponsored by Mike Levi of Paleface Ranches, Dr. Paschal gave a presentation on the importance of DNA testing, followed by a lively question and answer session.

This eventful day was concluded with the American Red Brangus Annual Meeting and selection of 2013-2014 Board of Directors. The annual meeting highlights included a positive financial report, a successful Co-op advertising campaign, a bull development program to begin January 2014, and a strong and exciting Junior Program with American Red Brangus Foundation awarding six scholarships.

The 2013-2014 Board of Directors are: ,President, Dr. Richard Gingles of Bayou Frais Ranch, Vice-President John Fischer of Trademark Genetics, Sec- retary, Shawn Knox of Diamond K Ranch, Treasurer, Elaine Monaghan of Monaghan Ranch. Directors: John Banken of Red Oak Farms, Jack Barron of Siphorien Bayou Ranch, John Craig of C-Curb Farms, Mike Levi of Pale- face Ranches, Darryl McDonald of McDonald Ranches, Edward Murphy of Broken M Ranch, Trevor Reifel of Reifel Ranch, and Michael Sander of Southern Star Ranch.

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 25 Santa Gertrudis

SGBI Releases Fall Sire List Headlines Following a year-long review by the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Carcass Traits Performance Committee, the association’s genetic evaluation configuration • Reg. #1294021 – KR 905/11 has been updated and the 2013 Fall Proven Sire and Young Sire Trait Leader • Reg. #1294024 – KR 935/11 Lists have been released. The review and implementation of a new model • Reg. #201201002382 – SILVA 889/2 and configuration is the result of SGBI’s contract with Livestock Genetic Services, Woodville, Vir- ginia, to provide pedigree services and conduct genetic evaluation. The upgraded model and configuration incorporate Beef Improvement Federa- tion guidelines and breed specific parameters into the system. The addition of the newly formulated Young Sires trait leader list will allow cattlemen to review the progress of animals with the potential to infuse new genetics into a breeding program

The entire SGBI Fall 2013 Proven and Young Sire Trait Leader Lists can be accessed on line at www. santagertrudis.com

Proven Sires Fall 2013 Birth Weight • Reg. #1248412 – POLLED CHIEF 508 • Reg. #1243038 – RDF JEFE 4-125 • Reg. #244750 – KING 55/0 Weaning Weight • Reg. #1260690 – BRIGGS 031/6 • Reg. #1232971 – COPPERHEAD 214 • Reg#1252445 – BRIGGS 025/5 Yearling Weight • Reg. #1172003 – SCC GRID MAKER 820 • Reg. #1260690 – BRIGGS 031/6 • Reg. #1261017 – PCR TSUNAMI 70/6 (ET) Maternal Weaning Weight • Reg. #1163734 – CB 8333 • Reg. #1220792 – SYNERGY 0170 • Reg. #1148302 – SHAKER’S PLAYBOY 720 Carcass Traits • Reg. #1273592 – KR 17/08 • Reg. #1273686 - KR 410/08 • Reg. #1274224 – RDF 8052

Young Sires Fall 2013 Birth Weight • Reg. #1294571 – SR 51/1 • Reg. #1294483 – Myers 329/1 • Reg. #1297859 – MC GAMER 212 Weaning Weight • Reg. #201201004016 – HARRIS FARMS 018/2 • Reg. #201301000103 – TF 390 • Reg.#201201004008 – HARRIS FARMS 008/2 Yearling Weight • Reg. #201301000103 – TF 390 • Reg. #201201004013 – HARRIS FARMS 014/2 • Reg. #201201004016 – HARRIS FARMS 018/2

26 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR Industry News

Relief Fund Established for South Dakota Ranchers Early estimates of last weekend’s devastating record blizzard in South tablished by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Dakota put cattle losses at as many as75,000 head. Stockgrowers Association, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association and the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. “I have driven across western South Dakota and seen the devastation from this storm firsthand,” said South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard To donate visit, www.giveblackhills.org and search Rancher Relief Fund on Wednesday. “With thegovernment shutdown and no farm bill in or click here. place, we need South Dakotans to help their neighbors. Many con- cerned individuals are wondering how they can help, and this fund will Donors can also mail checks to Black Hills Community Area Founda- provide a way.” tion/SD Rancher Relief Fund made out to the “Rancher Relief Fund.” Address: PO Box 231, Rapid City, 57709. Daugaard is referring to the South Dakota Rancher’s Relief Fund es- ~Beefmagazine.com

Research Team Works on Genetic Test for BRD Susceptibility Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as pneumonia or ship- The DNA is extracted and sent for genotyping to GeneSeek®. “Gen- ping fever, is the most costly disease in the U.S. cattle industry, particu- eSeek provides us with genotype data on 780,000 genetic variants for larly for the feedlot sector. More than 1 million animals are lost each each animal. For 6,000 animals, times 780,000, this is a lot of variants. year to BRD, at an estimated price tag of more than $1 billion. We conduct genetic analysis of those genotypes at WSU,” she adds. There’s hope on the horizon for prevention of BRD, however. Today’s MU’s Jerry Taylor and TAMU’s Christopher Seabury also analyze the genetic selection tools are allowing researchers to investigate — and samples, but use a slightly different approach. “If we get the same re- hopefully find — genetic approaches to select for cattle less susceptible sults, we’re more confident in our identification of the genomic regions to this disease complex. associated with susceptibility to BRD,” Neibergs explains. In fact, several research groups are working together on the Bovine Re- The first set of nearly 3,000 dairy cattle has been completed, while the spiratory Disease Complex (BRDC) Coordinated Agricultural Project beef side is well underway, utilizing a feedyard in Colorado, she adds. (CAP). These CAPs are awarded USDA grants to promote collabora- tion, communication and the exchange of information among indi- “We’ll end up with 2,000 feedlot samples and another 1,000 samples viduals, institutions, states and regions. The BRDC project involves from a Grow-Safe system, which allows measurement of individual feed researchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU); Washington State intake. We’ll have individual data on all the animals that get sick, and University (WSU); University of California, Davis (UC Davis); New those that don’t. We can compare differences in weight gained between Mexico State University, (NMSU); Colorado State University (CSU); the sick and healthy animals, treatment costs — and how many didn’t University of Missouri (MU); USDA’s Agricultural Research Service; recover.” and Gene Seek Inc. of Lincoln, NE. Neibergs says these data will provide a good estimate on BRD’s actual A FIVE-YEAR PROJECT cost to a feedlot operation, and how illness affects animals’ ultimate Now in its third year, this five-year CAP began by looking at 2,000 performance. The cattle will be followed through the processing plant dairy calves (half as BRD cases and half as controls), and 2,000 feedlot to assess how BRD affects carcass weight, yield and quality. Economic animals (BRD cases and controls), to determine if genetic differences losses through the feedlot and processing will be calculated. exist — genotyping them with a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. The next step is validating the findings by using “This will tell us how much a producer can invest to prevent BRD, genotypes from an additional 1,000 dairy and 1,000 beef case/control and what premiums could be passed to cow-calf producers and stocker animals from different geographic locations. It’s hoped the research operations to have BRD-resistant cattle,” Neibergs says. leads to genetic tests to identify animals either resistant or susceptible But breeding for animals less susceptible to BRD is just one component to BRD. of preventing BRD. Animal selection must be done in conjunction with best management practices, Neibergs adds. Economic analyses will de- TAMU’s Jim Womack is project director. He says CAP grants require termine the breakeven spending limit on breeding, health and precon- a three-pronged approach of research, education and utilization of Ex- ditioning programs. tension networks to integrate producers, industry, veterinarians and researchers. Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis, leads the Extension Womack’s team at TAMU is looking at copy number variation in the component, while WSU’s Holly Neibergs heads the research compo- genes. “We’re looking at one particular type of variation that occurs in nent. CSU’s Milt Thomas (formerly at NMSU) and Robert Hagevoort genomes. These are called SNPs. Another type of variation more recent- at NMSU head the education component. ly discovered is the copy number variations [CNVs],” Womack says. The heart and soul of this project is the SNP assay, looking at the big “The science being done here in Texas is mainly data analysis,” says SNP chips with thousands of variants over several thousand cattle, Tay- Womack, whose group oversees the project. Most of the animals for the lor says. study were collected in California, Colorado and New Mexico. “The smaller part is being done here, looking at CNVs. We’re screening Neibergs says multiple projects are progressing simultaneously. “I try to the whole genome to find the important differences between animals keep everyone in the loop as we figure out which things work and which that get sick and animals that don’t.” Eventually, he says, this will lead things don’t, and all the adjustments,” she adds. to discovery of the genes responsible. And that could lead to genetic tests aiding in selection, new vaccines, new diagnostics, new treatments, GENETIC DIFFERENCES etc., to reduce BRD. Blood samples are taken for genotyping, along with diagnostic swabs from nasal passages. The blood samples are processed at WSU, while SELECTION TOOL diagnostic samples are split and sent to labs at UC Davis or WSU. This exciting new field will eventually provide tools forselecting breeding stock. It also may help answer questions breeders have regarding the “From the blood, we extract DNA and keep the white blood cells in tendency for certain animals to be hardier and more disease-resistant long-term storage. We split all samples and have backup samples at MU than others. in case something happens to one of our facilities. We have data for each sample, such as the animal’s identification, age and diagnostics,” There may be breed differences, variations within a breed, and some Neibergs says. appreciable differences in crossbred animals. Heterosis tends to boost

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 27 hardiness and decrease susceptibility to disease. antibiotic resistance, nor the high costs of treating the animals,” Nei- bergs says. The gene pool is diminished when a breed is established, selecting animals for certain traits and then breeding those animals to one another GENETIC TESTS with no outcrosses. This is done to “stack” genetics so the animals al- The ultimate goal of the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Coor- ways breed true, but it also narrows the genetic possibilities — includ- dinated Agricultural Project is to develop genetic tests to enable pro- ing possibilities for maximum disease resistance. ducers to determine which animals might have more (or less) disease resistance. “We first need to validate these tests and make sure they Crossbreeding is a way to maximize not only feed efficiency, fertility, actually work. We don’t know if these will be powerful enough to work cow longevity, etc., but also disease resistance. well in multiple breeds, but that is our ultimate goal,” says Allison Van Eenennaam, University of California, Davis. “We know disease resistance [and fertility] has relatively low heritability — around 10%,” Van Eenennaam explains. “When a trait has low heri- The beef project will be more challenging than dairy because there are tability, it’s hard to improve on it from within-breed selections. Low- more breeds involved, she says. heritability traits are the ones that benefit most fromheterosis. Thus, it stands to reason that crossbreeding would be beneficial for improving- “We’ve found that a test that works well in one breed, like the Angus disease resistance. We certainly see this in terms of the overall health of 50K from Zoetis, doesn’t work well in Herefords, for example. We’re crossbred animals,” she says. hoping, since we are using the high-density 770,000 chip, that it will help with this, and identify markers that work well across breeds,” she Womack says the group’s studies will allow it to get closer to the rea- adds. sons. “We’ve known for a long time that there is some heritability to disease resistance, but it’s been hard to get a finger on where and what Van Eenennaam is confident DNA testing is coming, and the price the genes are,” he says. will drop. “It will probably be done on a larger scale because it can give us multiple pieces of information. If we can include disease resistance Van Eenennaam says genetic selection starts with the cow-calf producer. information, this would be an additional value from a DNA test besides While the feedlot industry is most dramatically affected by BRD, the parentage, genetic defects, genetic merit estimates for various produc- cattle coming in are selected and bred by the cow-calf sector. It makes tion traits, etc.,” she says. sense that ranches with a good track record for health will have a better market for their calves. Van Eenennaam says the project is looking to develop education mate- rials for different sectors of the industry, with recommended manage- “If we can identify markers, and people start putting this into their se- ment approaches to help minimize disease. lection decisions when breeding cattle, feedlots will prefer to buy those animals,” she says. “The cow-calf producer plays a huge role in delivering animals to the feedlot to maximize their chances of a disease-free stint. There are usu- BETTER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ally some financial rewards, if the feedlot recognizes a producer is doing Another component of the project consists of studying the pathogens a good job,” she says. — both bacteria and viruses — that researchers find in the test cattle, Womack says. SIFTING THE DATA The project is generating millions of pieces of information. “We’re “There are six major pathogens associated with BRD. We don’t know looking for genome-wide association studies. We look for consistent as- which cause the disease and which tag along as opportunists to make sociations of a particular part of a genome. Hopefully, this will lead us things worse. We’re looking at these, and for unknown pathogens that to the genes responsible for the disease,” says Texas A&M University’s may be hiding there somewhere,” he says. Jim Womack. Researchers want to determine if BRD in different parts of the coun- “The chips themselves may be useful for selective breeding of disease- try and different environments might originate with a different patho- resistant animals. These single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] are gen or set of pathogens. “Hopefully, we’ll come up with ways to help markers, and we can get as many as 800,000 of these on a single chip. diagnose sick animals early, to determine which pathogens are there, The goal is to be able to tell from the markers which animals are resis- and how they should be treated,” Womack says. Such information may tant and which are susceptible to disease. lessen the dependence on antibiotic use in food animals. “Right now, we’re just looking at sick animals and comparing them with The researchers emphasize that feedlot death losses from BRD, and its healthy animals, looking to find variances consistently associated with treatment costs, are huge expenses. It’s estimated that 10% of animals the sick or the well animals. Our preliminary data looks very promising, in feedlots will acquire BRD. “All those cattle — not just those that die though it will be awhile before we start releasing data to the public,” — become a liability. They go off feed and have reduced weight gain,” Womack says. Womack says. Profit on those animals drops dramatically; they take longer to get to finish weight, plus the treatment expense. ~Heather Smith Thomas is a rancher and freelance writer based in Salmon, ID. “If we can do more prevention, we won’t have to worry as much about AgriLife Research Study Aimed at Aerial Mesquite Treatments VERNON – Because brush invasion can reduce forage availability by two-thirds on rangeland, finding an economical control is critical, ac- cording to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research range scientist at Vernon. Dr. Jim Ansley, AgriLife Research rangeland ecologist, has been working on brush management treatments for many years and has determined mechanical treatments to grub out mesquite are tremendously expensive, and fire can be used as a maintenance tool, but not to kill mesquite. A helicopter spray rig ready to spray Dr. Jim Ansley, Texas A&M AgriLife range “We estimate that forage or livestock production can be reduced by mesquite plots in Dr. Jim Ansley’s brush ecologist at Vernon, said this aerial im- as much as 60-70 percent because of brush invasion,” Ansley said. “It sculpting study. (Texas A&M AgriLife age shows the accuracy of brush sculpt- reduces forage production that much. And in particular, it affects the Research photo by Dr. Jim Ansley) ing with a helicopter. The GIS spray plan best grasses that cattle use in our mixed-grass region of the Southern is outlined in black and the actual GIS Great Plains – the warm-season mid-grasses. That’s because mesquite dero herbicide, and determine how the measured helicopter spray lines are in- and those grasses are growing at the same time.” product will work in brush sculpting dicated by the colored patches for the for wildlife habitat, preserving second- four different spray treatments. Ansley is working with Dow AgroSciences to study their product, Sen- ary shrubs favorable to wildlife, while Continued on page 30

28 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 29 Continued from page 28. controlling mature and regrowing mesquite. Ansley said there are varying levels of effectiveness and expense, when it comes to mesquite control. “What tends to happen when we get mesquite invasion is we maintain some grass cover, but the grass community usually shifts to the cool- “We know fire can be used as a maintenance treatment, but it cannot season Texas wintergrass, because it is growing in the spring before mes- reduce the density of mesquite because it does not kill many plants. quite trees leaf out,” Ansley said. “Once mesquite leafs out, wintergrass Even if a severe fire is able to top-kill large mesquite trees, you won’t kill goes dormant – the leaves roll up to almost like strands of wire and it them outright and you will get resprouting. So we think one of the most is very unpalatable.” viable alternatives for killing mesquite is aerial herbicide work,” he said. All the warm-season mid-grasses are gone because they have been out- In the agreement with Dow to evaluate Sendero, Ansley said the goal competed due to the shading and competitive water use by the mes- is to look at the product in more of a total ranch management context, quite, he said. Cool-season annual grasses like cheatgrass have the same “where we are spraying patches and using what we call brush sculpt- effect as Texas winter grass on reducing the production of the warm- ing to manage the whole system for the benefit of both livestock and season mid-grasses. wildlife.

30 | NOVEMBER 2013 THE EAR “We want to knock back the mesquite and enhance the growth of the Using a helicopter to spray was not that much more expensive than secondary shrub species for wildlife, such as lotebush, which we believe fixed wing: $14 per acre by helicopter versus $9 per acre by fixed-wing will be pretty much unaffected by this spray.” plane, Ansley said. That’s just the application cost; the chemical is around $20-$25 per acre. Ansley said the Sendero treatment was applied to areas where roller chopping work was done eight to nine years ago and resprouting was “Sendero is designed to cause high root-kill in mesquite, so we can cre- occurring, as well as to areas of old-growth mesquite. ate clear patches of mesquite vs. mesquite-free areas in a brush sculpting mindset,” he said. “We think this provides the best opportunity for Application was made in early July using a helicopter, which provided developing long-lasting vegetation diversity – both in terms of species a high degree of precision as to where the spray was applied, he said. and structurally – on a ranch that is going for multiple uses.” Already sharp lines of contrast between treated and untreated areas can be seen. ~Kay Ledbetter, AgriLifeTODAY

Elanco Announces New “Full Value Beef” Program Elanco announces Full Value Beef™ - the evolution of its beef brand and experts do what they do. a commitment to building partnerships that can meet today’s industry challenges. BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP Full Value Beef is not a one-size-fits-all approach - it’s about build- Full Value Beef is a different way of doing business. It’s a customized ing partnerships with customers and discovering solutions that come in approach designed to better understand customers’ needs and to better many different forms. These partnerships will be strengthened through serve them through discovering profitable opportunities. the understanding of customers’ “whys,” discovering their needs, and accomplishing goals together. “We’re starting the Full Value Beef conversation with our customers by sharing our personal ‘whys’ - the reasons that motivate us to be so Elanco has determined four primary areas where its expertise and expe- dedicated to this partnership approach,” said Todd Armstrong, director rience can benefit its customers’ businesses: health management, feed of Elanco’s beef business unit. optimization, end-point management and ensuring continued access to markets and technologies. By striving to understand customers’ needs, “My ‘why’ - the reason I have so much passion about what I do every day - is to enable a future for our customers, our people and our busi- Elanco and its customers will find profitable opportunities in these ar- ness. I want to equip them with the tools they need to meet their goals eas and discover insights that have an impact on customers’ bottom because I draw energy and excitement from seeing and helping others lines. succeed.” “We are putting our customers - and why they do what they do - first,” Elanco recognizes that beef producers have a great responsibility to their said Armstrong. “Full Value Beef is about truly understanding what our families, their industry and the world. “To build a true partnership and customers need, expect and desire, and working together to discover the ultimately discover profit together, we need to understand what is im- full value of a partnership.” portant to them - why they do what they do,” said Armstrong. “We are dedicated to learning what motivates our customers and to building a Find out why people at Elanco do what they do at elanco.us/why. stronger foundation for our partnership.” ~AgriMarketing Watch our video and learn more about why Elanco Full Value Beef

Over 7000 cattlemen & cattlewomen read The EAR each month, & the list is growing! Advertiser’s Index 101 Ranch...... 5 Garry Clem Brangus...... 29 Pine Ridge Ranch...... 30 2H Brangus...... 5,29 GENETRUST.8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,BC Premier Cowtown Elite Santa Gertrudis 44 Farms...... IBC Genex Cooperative, Inc...... 30 Sale...... 26 5K Cowbelle Ranch...... 29 Greenview Farms, Inc...... 3 Quail Creek Brangus...... 29 Advanced Genetic Services, LLC...... 30 Harris Riverbend Farm...... 30 Robertson Livestock...... 30 Alleman Cattle Company...... 3 Harvey Ranch...... 3 Salacoa Valley Farms...... 1 AMS Genetics, LLC...... 19,22,23 HLSR All Breeds Sale...... 18 Santa Rosa Ranch...... 29 Bill Rainer Cattle Co...... 3 Indian Hills Ranch...... 5,29 Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc...... 1 Briggs Ranches...... IFC, 30 Isa Cattle Co., Inc...... 29 Skyhawk Brangus...... 29 Buckner Polled Beefmaster...... 29 J.D. Hudgins, Inc...... 29 TCR Genetics...... 30 Calyx Star Ranch...... 29 JLS International...... 29 Thunderstorm R Cattle Co...... 3 Cavender Ranches...... 29,BC Lake Majestik Farms...... 29 Tommy Barnes Auctioneer...... 30 Crochet Cattle...... 29 Lakin Oakley Auctioneer...... 30 Truitt Brangus Farms...... 29 Dillard Land & Cattle...... 17,29 Larry Smith Livestock...... 30 V8 Ranch...... 29 Doak Lambert Auctioneer...... 30 Lingg Brangus Ranch...... 29 Wendt Ranch...... 30 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch...... 29 Livestock Photography by Nancy...... 30 Westall Ranches, LLC...... 5,29 Don Thomas & Sons...... 29 M&W Cattle Service...... 30 World Series of Brangus Sale...... 5 Farris Ranching...... 21 Nunley Bros. Ranches...... 30 Zoetis...... 30 Garrett Brangus...... 29 OvaGenix...... 30

THE EAR NOVEMBER 2013 | 31 Calendar Please note that events/sales in bold have ads placed in this issue. Check them out! November 25 GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Co - Eureka, KS 1-2 GENETRUST At Chimney Rock - Concord, AR 28-29 La Muneca’s $ellabration Sale - Linn, TX 2 President’s Council Sale - Fort Worth, TX April 6 Kempfer Cattle Co. 10th Annual Bull Sale - Deer Park, FL 9 Beefmaster Influenced Feeder Calf Sale - Springfield, 9 Hill Country Brangus Breeders Sale - San Angelo, TX MO 9 The Branch Ranch Bull Sale - Online 12 Collier Farms Advantage Sale - Giddings, TX 9 Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale - Lake Charles, LA 19 East Texas/Louisiana BMG Sale - Crockett, TX 9 Heart of Texas Beefmaster Sale - Groesbeck, TX 19 Southeastern BBA Unity Sale - Calhoun, GA 15-16 World Series of Brangus Sale - Palo Pinto, TX May 16 ABBA Heart of Alabama Brangus Bull Sale - 3 JLS International “Winning Tradition XI” Sale - Uniontown, AL Devine, TX 23 DillardCANCELLED Land & Cattle Mature Cow Herd 3 L2 Ranch Production Sale - Beeville, TX Dispersal - Muldoon, TX 3 Lone Star BBA Spring Sale - Sulphur Springs, TX 23 Collier Farms Performance Bull Sale - Brenham, TX December 7 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch - Jacksonville, TX Because we 7 Lone Star BBA Sale - Sulphur Springs, TX 11 Beefmaster Influenced Feeder Calf Sale - Springfield, MO want to January 2014 hEAR from 11 Live Oak Bull Sale - Three Rivers, TX 18 Premier Cowtown Elite Santa Gertrudis Sale - YOU! Fort Worth, TX We’re all about getting the word out, let us know February about your next Bos indicus influenced event or sale. 8 South Texas BBA Rose Classic Sale - San Antonio, TX Contact: Crystal Devoll Brad Wright 22 23rd Annual Roswell Brangus Sale - Roswell, NM Phone: 979/820-8358 Phone: 979/219-4599 March [email protected] Fax: 979/828-5532 4 International Simmental/Simbrah Sale - Houston, TX [email protected] 4-5 HLSR 47th Annual All Breeds Sale - Houston, TX 5 International Brahman Sale - Houston, TX Your ad could be in here! 6-11 RB Cattle Houston Highlights Sale - Online Call us to find out how. 7 Houston Magic XIV Sale - Houston, TX Advertising Sales: 7 South Texas BBA Houston Futurity & Classic Sale - Mark Cowan: 903/495-4522, [email protected] Houston, TX Richard Hood: 979/224-6150, [email protected] 22 27th Annual National F1 & TBA Sponsored Brahman Trey Kirkpatrick: 979/324-5518, [email protected] Heifer Sale - Caldwell, TX Brad Wright: 979/219-4599, [email protected] 22 Texoma Beefmaster Bull Sale - McAlester, OK Fax: 979/828-5532 22 Southeastern BBA Dixie National Sale - Tunica, MS www.amscattle.com/the-ear-magazine/

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