Genetic progress happens faster today than it did decades ago. Is there an ideal pace?

Two Angus producers discuss how they use embryo transfer (ET), artificial insemination (AI) and natural service in their breeding programs, and how they draw on genomic and phenotypic data to make their selections in the first place.

“A really good breeder told me about 30 years ago … part of this thing is getting there as fast as you can. He said, just as importantly, never back up. So, you know, try to balance risk and reward,” says Ben Eggers, Sydenstricker Genetics.

He and Darin Meyer, De-Su Angus, cover a lot of ground in this one.

HOSTS: Mark McCully, Brett Spader, Miranda Reiman 

GUESTS: Ben Eggers, Sydenstricker Genetics; Darin Meyer, De-Su Angus

GUEST BIOS:
Ben Eggers has been involved in breeding registered Angus cattle since he acquired his first 4-H project heifer in 1964. He was active in 4-H, FFA and junior Angus, and as he grew up, became one of the youngest members of the Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association, while performance testing was in its infancy. He has worked for several Angus breeders through the years, and has been at Sydenstricker Genetics, Mexico, Mo., for 40 years this month. His wife, Darla, handles all the data submission for SydGen. He is a past president of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Beef Improvement Federation and the American Angus Association.

Darin Meyer grew up on a diversified farm in northeast Iowa, where he gained experience with both dairy cattle and commercial beef cattle. Early on he showed an interest in the genetic side of the business, and his dad allowed him to take ownership in their breeding programs. Since then, he and his family have expanded the dairy business and added a registered Angus herd, forming De-Su Angus with locations in New Albion and Fremont, Iowa, which is the former Summit Crest Iowa farm. They have 1,500 cows, and focus on creating the highest $C cattle, while maintaining function. A crew of dedicated employees do everything from cattle care, reproductive ultrasound, artificial insemination to an in-house embryo transfer flush program.

Related Reading:  

http://www.angusjournal.com/articlepdf/0322-et.pdf 

http://www.angusjournal.com/articlepdf/ararecommodity.pdf 

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