Gentec’s unique tool for commercial producers: Yes, we can!

If you’re a commercial beef producer in Western Canada, generally speaking, you’ve got a herd of crossbred cows. That means Gentec’s Replacement Heifer Profit Index (RHPI) Score™ should be one of your go-to tools. Why? It speaks to selecting replacement heifers with an optimal level of hybrid vigour, fertility, longevity and lifetime productivity.

A study (as reported in The Western Producer) led by Jared Decker at University of Missouri-Columbia, tells a good news story about the sires’ gEPDs and the predicted outcome in the feeder progeny. Using an Angus database as a starting point, Jared found relationships between sire gEPDs and the outcome in commercial cattle, giving the GeneMax tool a suite of gEPDs for weaning weight, carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area, among others. But… all for Angus crossbred cattle, and not for feed efficiency.

What does Gentec do differently?

“We didn’t want to repeat what each breed association would do so we concentrated on crossbred females mated to purebred and crossbred bulls common to western Canada. This also included the crossbred offspring, and was our starting point. Commercial cattle first,” says John Basarab, Gentec’s Director of Beef Operations. “So our database has a high percentage of Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Gelbvieh and other crossbred females and feeder cattle offspring. And our purebred database (bulls) for determining genomic breed composition and retained heterozygosity has 14 breeds. That’s quite different right off the bat.”

While the GeneMax tool concentrates on growth and carcass traits, it’s missing something that Gentec has been working on for over 20 years: feed intake and feed efficiency or dry matter intake (DMI) and residual feed intake (RFI). So again, Gentec’s reference database contains lots of phenotypes with genotypes for DMI and RFI, from which it developed molecular breeding values (MBVs) for DMI and RFI that most other genetic evaluation companies and breed association don’t presently offer.

Another key difference has to do with replacement heifer selection. Breeding values and maternal indexes for most purebred associations select for the genetic merit of the daughters produced from the sire and dam. Trait gEPDs in the maternal index usually include calving ease, growth traits (e.g., wean weight, direct and maternal milk, residual ADG), and heifer pregnancy. But that’s down the road quite a bit. The female calf has to be born from a single, unassisted birth early in the calving season, grow well from birth to yearling, and be from a mother with many retained daughters in the herd. But the line on the 50-year genetic trend for heifer pregnancy EPD is flat (!!) indicating not a lot of progress made. So Gentec has focused on the immediate need of selecting for PRESENT replacement heifers, not future daughters. In that case, hybrid vigour is very important, especially since, as identified by Gentec’s RHPI Score, it’s related to higher pregnancy rates and lifetime productivity.

“Clients have been “fascinated with the breed composition and gEPDS. It’s been an invaluable asset for our consulting practice and is adding value for the customer,” says Waylon Wise, veterinarian and owner of Cow/Calf Health and Management Solutions.

Most genomic evaluations concentrate on the “additive” genetic effect, where a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, pronounced “snip”) with 2 B alleles is better than 1 B allele, and better than no B alleles at all. This approach is particularly effective for moderate to moderately-high heritability traits like growth, feed efficiency, behaviour and carcass traits. However, traits with low heritability (like fertility and general fitness) are more influenced by the non-additive genetic effects of dominance, epistasis and genomic diversity, all related to hybrid vigour. General health and resilience to environmental stress (that is, hybrid vigour) are becoming more important, especially in the context of our rapidly-changing climate where animals need to be more resilient to extremes. This is an important component of Gentec’s index score.

“We concentrate on commercial crossbred cattle,” says John. “Then on providing what that producer is asking for—a replacement heifer that gives a calf during the first calving season at 2 years of age and stays in the herd for at least 5-years… a very tall order. We know that commercial producers don’t keep the best of records, and they definitely don’t keep pedigree information. Doing things using DNA or from a genomics point of view just has many advantages.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savouring the Season: Celebrating the Holidays with Beef

This month’s At The Grill feature by William Torres (storyteller, empathetic connector and resonate catalyst) explores the mouthwatering cuts of beef to try during the Holidays.


The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. While many traditional holiday dishes focus on poultry or ham, there’s something special about celebrating the holidays with beef. Whether you’re a carnivore at heart or simply looking to try something new, beef can add a unique and delectable twist to your holiday feasts.

THE VERSATILITY OF BEEF

One of the key reasons to celebrate the holidays with beef is its incredible versatility. Beef comes in various cuts, allowing you to choose the perfect option for your festive meal. From succulent roasts to mouthwatering steaks, beef offers a wide range of possibilities to suit your taste and preferences.

PRIME RIB ROAST

A prime rib roast is the epitome of holiday extravagance. Its juicy, tender meat is bound to impress your guests. A perfectly-cooked prime rib, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a centrepiece that makes a statement. Whether you prefer a rare, medium-rare or medium roast, a prime rib is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FILET MIGNON

For an intimate holiday dinner, consider grilling or pan-searing filet mignon. This cut is known for its tenderness and mild flavour. Pair it with a rich mushroom sauce or a decadent Béarnaise sauce to create a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Beef Wellington is a classic holiday dish that combines beef, mushrooms and puff pastry for a show-stopping creation. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, making it a memorable option for a special holiday dinner.

POT ROAST

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal, a pot roast is the way to go. This slow-cooked beef dish is the perfect choice for a relaxed, family-oriented celebration. The tender meat, accompanied by hearty vegetables and a rich broth, is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES

Beef can also add a twist to traditional holiday dishes. For example, you can swap out the usual turkey or ham for a succulent beef roast. Whether you choose a bone-in ribeye roast or a tenderloin roast, it’s an excellent way to infuse new flavours into your holiday meal.

HOLIDAY SIDES AND ACCOMPANIMENTS

The holiday feast isn’t just about the main dish; it’s also about the sides and accompaniments that complement the star of the show. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavourful gravy, beef pairs well with a variety of holiday classics.

PAIRING RED WINE WITH BEEF

Another reason to celebrate the holidays with beef is the opportunity to enjoy the perfect wine pairings. Red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, complement the flavours of beef dishes beautifully. The deep, robust notes of red wine enhance the overall dining experience, making your holiday meal even more memorable.

HEALTHY AND NUTRIENT-RICH

Beef is not only delicious—but also a nutritious choice for your holiday feast. It’s a good source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. When prepared with care and paired with vegetables, beef can be part of a balanced holiday meal that satisfies the taste buds and the body.

While tradition is essential during the holiday season, embracing new culinary experiences can make the festivities even more special. Celebrating the holidays with beef allows you to explore a world of flavours, from tender roasts to succulent steaks and creative dishes like Beef Wellington. The versatility of beef, its pairing with red wine, and its nutrient-rich profile make it a delightful choice for those looking to elevate their holiday celebrations. So, this year, consider making beef the star of your holiday table, and savour the season with a mouthwatering, beef-inspired feast.