Angus Breeders Make Strides with Genes
US - The combination of scientific and technological advancements and the willingness of Angus producers to test their animals, along with efficient communication tools such as the Internet, have aided the American Angus Association® in its efforts to keep the membership informed a genetic defect.
1 April 2009
1 minute read
“We have tried to be transparent in getting information out to our members and the entire industry in a timely fashion,” says Don Laughlin, Association director of member services. “The fact that we had help from Dr. Jonathan Beever and Dr. David Steffen, experts in veterinary pathology and molecular genetics has helped us gain significant knowledge about AM more quickly than we expected.”
Since the gene has been identified and testing has become available, five labs are now conducting the tests and electronically submitting those results to the Association daily. The results are being posted to the Association’s Web site, www.angus.org and being added to the database. As of March 31, more than 50,000 animals had been tested and reported to the Association. Keep in mind — only the five authorized labs can report to the Association; no individual reports will be accepted by the Association.
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