Show-Me-Select Board Approves Genomic Testing Requirement for Natural Service Sires

All bulls purchased after February 1st, 2019 for use as natural service sires in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program™ must be DNA tested to have genomic-enhanced EPDs. All bulls used as natural service sires after February 1st, 2020 must have genomic-enhanced EPDs, regardless of when they were purchased. Seedstock producers classifying bulls as Show-Me-Select qualified in sale books must have genomic-enhanced EPDs on those lots.

New Show-Me-Select Sire EPD Requirements Announced

At the January 4th Show-Me-Select Board of Directors meeting, new service sire EPD requirements were approved. All sires, artificial insemination and natural service, must meet minimum Calving Ease Direct (CED) EPD requirements. In addition to yearly updates, two changes were made.

First, no Birth Weight EPD requirement will be published. All commonly used breeds now have CED EPDs available.

Second, all breeds in the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) genetic evaluation are now set to a common requirement. In the summer of 2018, breeds within the International Genetic Solutions switched to a single-step BOLT multi-breed genetic evaluation. The EPDs for animals in the IGS genetic evaluation are directly comparable across breeds.

In 2017, the Red Angus requirement for CED was a CED of 8, which represents the 30th percentile. Less than 5% percent of heifers breed to a bull with a CED EPD of 8 or larger had calving difficulty. We feel that this require is meeting the need to reduce calving difficulty (requirement is well calibrated).

Looking at the 2019 requirement, the Red Angus CED 30th percentile was a 13. The 2019 Simmental requirement of the top 15th percentile for CED was a 12.8 (basically a 13). The board approved that all breeds in the IGS evaluation have a CED of 13 or higher.

Show-Me-Select producers were also reminded that all natural service bulls purchased after February 1, 2019 must have genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs). Also, all natural service bulls used in the program after February 1, 2020 must have GE-EPDs

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The Show Me Select Replacement Heifer Program is focused entirely on Missouri's farmers and is dependent upon active participation from regional extension livestock specialists and local veterinarians, each of which are critical components of the agricultural sector of this state. The anticipated outcomes of this program include:

• Increased adoption rate by farmers in Missouri of management practices that offer potential to improve long term reproductive efficiency of their herds and resulting profitability.
• Expanded working relationships among farmers, regional livestock specialists and veterinarians that will enhance information exchange and improve management of cow herds across Missouri.
• Improved heifer development programs through a Total Quality Management approach.
• Increased marketing opportunities for and added value for Missouri-raised heifers.
• Creation of reliable sources of quality replacement heifers in terms of genetics and management.

This program is unique in that it is first and foremost, an educational program targeted at improving production efficiency through increased use of existing technology, coupled with the marketing component.