Can We Select for
Healthfulness of Beef?
by Troy Smith, field editor, Angus Journal®
LINCOLN, Neb. (June 20, 2014) — Among the goals for application of genomics is to develop selection tools applicable to novel traits such as healthfulness of beef. During the 2014 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) symposium June 18-21 in Lincoln, Neb., a pair of University of Nebraska graduate students described a research project designed to evaluate the potential for developing genomic predictors for healthfulness of beef.
Lauren Schiermiester described the study, which involved Angus, Simmental and Piedmontese cattle which had been genotyped using the 50K SNP chip.
Lauren Schiermiester described the study, which involved Angus, Simmental and Piedmontese cattle which had been genotyped using the 50K SNP chip. Beef from these animals was evaluated for mineral and fatty acid composition and results showed variation in the levels present exists.
In her subsequent discussion of the study’s outcome, Cashley Ahlberg said the results suggest that cholesterol and protein levels, as well as minerals and fatty acids are at least partially under genetic control. Relationships between the components also exist.
Cashley Ahlberg said the results suggest that cholesterol and protein levels, as well as minerals and fatty acids are at least partially under genetic control. Relationships between the components also exist.
“Selection for change should be possible,” stated Ahlberg.
The 2014 BIF Annual Meeting & Research Symposium was hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and the Nebraska Cattlemen June 18-21 in Lincoln, Neb. The Angus Journal and LiveAuctions.tv provide comprehensive online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the Newsroom for summaries, proceedings, PowerPoints and audio of the sessions; and the Awards page for announcements of award winners.
Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal.Through an agreement with the Beef Improvement Federation, we are encouraging reprinting of the articles to those who will adhere to the reprint guidelines available on this site. Please review those guidelines or contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter.
API's coverage of the event is made possible through collaboration with BIF and sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv. For questions about this site, or to notify us of broken links, click here.
Headquartered in Saint Joseph, Mo., API publishes the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, and the Angus Journal Daily, as well as providing online coverage of events and topics pertinent to cattlemen through the Angus Journal Virtual Library.
