By: Jared Bliss
Introduction
The genetic ceiling is the concept of limitation to production, reproduction, and economics due to genetics. No matter what management practices are implemented you can’t go above said limitations due to the genetics of the herd. However, there are ways to conduct your management in ways that can help you lift your genetic ceiling to levels that shouldn’t limit production. In doing so, these management practices can also cause for other potential economic opportunities if they are used properly.
Management Practices
The management practices referred to earlier are genetic testing and mating programs. Both are completely separate practices, but can be integrated together to make informed decisions on the farm. Genetic testing is the practice in which samples are taken either through tissue, blood, or hair. From there the samples are analyzed and the results are returned to the farmer. From there the farmer can make a plethora of decisions from culling to mating. If the results are used for mating the data is input into a program the makes mating decisions based on many factors.
Financial Affects
From the test results you can make many decisions that can the farm on a whole farm basis, here are a few ways in which it can do so:
Positives
Culling of heifers that aren’t up to grade- savings up to 3 dollars/day/head depending on when they are culled
Culling of heifers that aren’t up to grade- added income of the beef check from selling the selected animals
Culling of heifers that aren’t up to grade- feeding less heifers means having the feed to feed more lactating animals
Culling of heifers that aren’t up to grade- culling the low animals will in theory drive up your bulk tank average
Culling of cows that aren’t up to grade- culling the low animals will in theory drive up your bulk tank average
Implementing the use of a mating program- the purpose is to produce more productive animals ~ higher production
Negatives
Added cost of genetic testing- about $50/animal with supplies, labor, shipping, and testing
Use of the mating program- is either free or extremely cheap
Link to Brochure for Producers