We are often cautioned to avoid price discounts, but nothing may be said of the total picture. As an example, Texas A&M researchers studied a Central Texas backgrounded, commingled sale and found that Brahman-influenced (1/4-1/2 Brahman) steers were discounted $3.54/cwt compared to steers with no Brahman influence, averaged over 9 sales. For 500 lb steers that's almost $18/hd. At current prices, that amounts to about 20 lb. But, if climatic conditions are such that calves out of Brahman-type cows weigh 20 lb more, it's a wash. More than 20 lb and you're ahead. As another example, Yield Grade 4 carcasses are discounted heavily. But what if longer feeding gets more cattle into higher-valued quality grades of Choice and Select, and out of heavily-discounted Standard? That might more than offset a few YG4s. Consider all factors, not just discounts.
SELECTING FOR CALVING EASE - WHAT ELSE HAPPENS?
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center selected a genetic line on the basis of low calving difficulty score and average Yearling Weight EPD and compared them to a control line selected on average Birth Weight and Yearling Weight EPDs. Calving ease of progeny was higher and birth weights were 9.9 lb lighter in the select line. Other weights differed little, with less than 4 lb difference between lines in weaning, yearling, slaughter, or carcass weight. Select-line carcasses were a little fatter and slightly higher in marbling, but ribeye area didn't differ. With concurrent selection, birth weight and calving difficulty were reduced without affecting sale weight.
BEEF CHECKOFF STILL ON, FOR THE TIME BEING
A temporary stay has been entered on the judge's ruling that the beef checkoff is unconstitutional. That ruling will now be appealed. Until this is settled, checkoffs will continue as usual.
NEW PUBLICATION
A new publication is available in the TAGS series. Designed as a quick overview of the complete genetic management program, "Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle", Extension publication L-5423, is available: from Texas A&M Ag Communications Distribution and Supply, PO 1209, Bryan, TX 77806; in County Extension offices; or at http://tcebookstore.org/"
A NEW TEST FOR MARBLING
An Australian company is marketing a DNA diagnostic test for a major gene associated with marbling. GeneSTARTM analyzes the thyroglobulin gene, which is involved in creating fat cells within muscle fibers as energy stores. The test determines if cattle have two, one, or no copies of the favorable allele, called 2-STAR, 1-STAR, and 0-STAR by the company. Studying over 1500 steers of various breedtypes, 2-STAR cattle had 10% higher Australian marbling scores. Cost of the test is about $75 per sample.
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