UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION

Genetics

It is important for beef producers to enhance their understanding of animal breeding and genetic principles. Genetics are key for producing quality beef animals for their potential for feed efficiency, product quality and acceptability, longevity, disease resistance, fertility, calving difficulty, etc.

Basic Genetics

Beef Sire Selection Manual (NBCEC)

Performance Record Collection/Evaluation

Sire Selection

The Importance of Sire Selection (NBCEC)
Across Cross-Breed EPD Table (USDA-MARC)
Commercial Beef Sire Selection (Beef Cattle Handbook)
Sire Summaries (Beef Cattle Handbook)

Crossbreeding

Crossbreeding for Commercial Beef Production (NBCEC)
Considering Crossbreeding?
Genetic Principles (Beef Cattle Handbook)
Development and Use of Composites (Michigan State)
Role of Composites in Beef Systems (Michigan State)
Crossbreeding Beef Cattle (Virginia Tech)

Conference Proceedings

DNA/Molecular Genetics

Beef Sire Selection Manual (NBCEC)
Marker Assisted Selection for Tenderness and Marbling
Marker-Assisted Selection Guide (UC-Davis)
Marker-Assisted Selection Presentation (UC-Davis)
DNA Markers: Validation and Utilization (NBCEC)
Molecular Approaches to Genetic Improvement (BIF)
NCBA Carcass Merit Project (BIF)

Breeds/Breed Associations

Breeds of Beef Cattle (Oklahoma State)
Beef Cattle Breed Associations (NPLC)

Genetic Defects

Congenital Defects in Cattle (Beef Cattle Handbook)
Merck Veterinary Manual

USDA/University Sites

USDA Meat Animal Research Center
Cow Herd Genetics (Iowa State)

Decision Tools

Beef Genetic Worksheets (Kansas State)