Local Genetic Adaptation Project

MU beef genetics specialist seeks GE-EPD values specific to region.

by Troy Smith, field editor

“We know that antagonisms between genetics and the environment [exist]. Now, we’re going hunting for them,” said University of Missouri geneticist Jared Decker in a presentation delivered during the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention May 31-June 3 in Athens, Ga.

University of Missouri geneticist Jared Decker

Decker addressed the Advancements in Producer Applications breakout session, explaining a research project seeking to develop tools for selecting animals genetically programmed for adaptation to certain production environments.

“We don’t have many selection tools for matching animals to the environment – identifying animals best-suited to heat or cold, to high altitude, or to other factors like fescue toxicity,” said Decker. “We’re looking for ways to derive genetic predictions tailored to specific production environments.”

Ultimately, Decker said, he would like to see developed genomic-enhanced expected progeny difference (GE-EPD) values and selection indices that would predict a given animal’s adaptability to one of nine regions within the United States. He said he expects animals would rank differently in each region for their predicted ability to perform and reproduce.

At the very least, he said, tools are needed to predict adaptability to three most-challenging regions — the Gulf Coast, the Fescue Belt and the high-elevation area of the West.

Decker also noted the launch of a cattle hair-shedding study, the goal of which is to create a genomic prediction — a GE-EPD — for the ability to shed winter hair in warm weather.

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