Genetic Solutions to Assist with BRD

BRD—is one, if not the most costly, health issue in the cattle industry today. Our guests today are Ross Havens with Nichols Farms in Bridgewater, Iowa, and John Genho with Eldon Farms in Woodville, Virginia. 

This was an extremely interesting discussion with Ross and Jon regarding the Nichols Bull Program, called Shield, which is a genetic predictor for bulls that carry resistance to BRD. Nichols Farms has a Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) genetic prediction. The bulls will be represented with the Nichols Health Shield logo and are of the top 30% of the Nichols Genetic Evaluation for resistance to BRD. BRD costs our industry $900 million annually in economic losses from death, reduced feed efficiency, and treatment cost. Nichols Farms is working and researching to put some of these dollars back into our customers' pockets. The Health Shield is the probability (in %) of a calf not being treated for respiratory disease post weaning.

Nichols Farms is a family-owned business that has been providing superior beef genetics for generations. Our focus on breeding top-quality bulls started many years ago and has been passed down from one generation to the next. We take great pride in our work and are committed to raising the best bulls possible. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. We work hard every day to improve our genetics and provide our customers with the best possible service. Contact us today to learn more about our history and how we can help improve your herd.

The acquisition of Livestock Genetic Services (LGS) enhances Neogen's in-house genetic evaluation capabilities, and complements the company's unparalleled global network of animal genomics laboratories. LGS has been a long-time strategic partner of Neogen's genomics business.

John Genho formerly owned Livestock Genetic Services, which was acquired by Neogen. Information regarding that acquisition follows. "One value of Neogen's genomic services is our ability to translate genomic information into timely, accurate animal trait information for cattle producers," said Dr. Stewart Bauck, Neogen's vice president of agrigenomics. "Adding Livestock Genetic Services, and its owner John Genho, will help Neogen accelerate the adoption of genomics world-wide by helping customers easily and quickly utilize genomic information in their commercial operations. This new capability will position Neogen as the only global agrigenomics business with a full end-to-end solution."

"After years of collaboration with Neogen, I am very pleased to be part of the much larger, very capable team of genomic professionals," said Genho. "Our business has grown to the point that becoming part of a world-leading provider of animal genomic services will provide my customers with the best possible services and support."

Genetic Solutions to Assist with BRD

Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health

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