Ontario Angus Field Day

I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Ontario Angus Field day held on Sunday, July 17. Hosted graciously at the beautiful Cairnlee Acres by Victor and Yvonne Richardson, the field day was blessed with sunshine, warm weather and about 40 participating breeders.

Sandy Reid from RK Animal Supply demonstrated how he recommends tattooing our animals. Sandy owns and tattoos about 100 head of his own every season and had some good pointers from lessons learnt, including the suggestion to keep a sheaf of paper nearby and test your tattoo on it first. This will save you from tattooing all your calves with your herd letters in the wrong order, or with last year’s letter by mistake. I shared with our members that our new breeder handbook, which is available on our website, has very comprehensive step-by-step instructions for tattooing, plus our rules and regulations in regards to tattooing. We are also working on a video that will be available on YouTube and our website later this summer. Several members expressed that legible tattoos are a concern at sales and shows and breeder education is certainly appreciated.

Scott Bothwell from Beef Improvement Ontario demonstrated ultrasound scanning on a heifer. As I mentioned in my presentation, because we do not receive kill floor carcass information, we use ultrasound scan data exclusively to calculate carcass EPDs. We encourage breeders who select based on carcass traits to ultrasound scan their animals. Scott demonstrated the correct way to scan an animal and the challenges a technician faces to capture accurate images.

I presented an explanation of what EPDs are, how they are calculated and how they are best used. Members that attended asked some very good questions and it is evident to me, as one breeder said, that the way in which people think about the performance program is changing. Breeders are recognizing the value and the necessity of the program.

I would like to thank Ontario Angus for the opportunity to meet so many breeders and talk to them about EPDs. It gives me an idea of the information members are looking for and also about what new developments would excite our members.

Posted by Kajal Devani
Feedback: kajal1@cdnangus.ca

Canadian Angus Breeder Handbook

Are you up to date with the artificial insemination regulations? Do you know what the requirements are to register an embryo transplant calf? Do you know which genetic defects the Canadian Angus has addressed in the genetic defect policy? Would you like to learn more about the Canadian Angus Performance Program and how to analyze EPD reports? Do you want tips on marketing your purebred Angus animals, and would you like to learn how the Canadian Angus Association can assist your commercial customers with the marketing of their animals if they are 50% Angus and have purchased Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed tags?

The staff of the Canadian Angus Association released the revised Breeder Handbook in January. It is available on our website. We encourage you to use this resource, and to provide us with feedback. It is a valuable tool for all members.

Feedback: cdnangus@cdnangus.ca

How a Geneprob Herd Analysis Can Help You

The Canadian Angus Association can provide for its members a Geneprob herd analysis. This report will identify any animals in your herd that might have a probability of inheriting a recessive gene that causes either AM, NH, OS, MA or CA. The report can help members identify which animals to test for the genes, so that testing is focused in the most economical way possible.

Here are some comments from members who have used the Geneprob herd analysis:

“I thought that I was going to have to test all my animals for OS, but the Geneprob report showed me that if I tested just one sire and he came back free of the gene, then I would not need to test any other animals at all”.

“I didn’t think that NH was an issue in my herd, I am very particular about the pedigree that I use. But I got the herd analysis anyways. I was surprised to see that a few of the cows I had bought were out of a carrier bull, and had 50% probability of having the NH gene. I was happy to find out now and be able to get the tests done right away. I’d rather know now than later down the road”.

“I didn’t quite understand this whole genetics thing until I got my herd analysis and went through it with Kajal. It’s worth the $15 to really see what you have or don’t have”.

To request a Geneprob herd analysis contact, me by email or at 1-888-571-3580.

Posted by Kajal Devani
Feedback: kajal1@cdnangus.ca

About Genetic Defects

Genetic defects in beef cattle have been receiving some attention recently and many breeders have some questions. We have added an information sheet to our website that summarizes the basic facts about genetic defects. You are welcome to print it and share it with your fellow breeders and customers.

Genetic defects are present in every beef breed. These are inherited conditions, not diseases, and they cannot be spread by contact or air. There are very few carrier animals in the Canadian Angus herdbook and even fewer confirmed cases of affected calves. Recent advancements in DNA technology enable us to test for the genes that cause defects and prevent breeding carrier animals.

We regularly update our website with the most current and comprehensive information about specific genetic defects and which animals have been tested. Questions about genetic defects can be directed to me.

Posted by Kajal Devani
Feedback: kajal1@cdnangus.ca