Three month old bull,,, thoughts?

[Stocker Steve]

Yes, by far, this is not a poor steer. Just not a good bull. Big difference. Out of 20-25 bulls, I only leave "maybe" 4 or 5 as bulls.

Do you do any DNA testing?

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Well - yes and no. Normally, I do not.
ASA is offering a super cheap price to breeders if they commit to do their whole herd, with an additional discount if you supply weights, and or frame score, and or BCS. Well, I do weights, FS & BCS anyway, so it was a no brainer to do it.
I just got the Parentage DNA Report yesterday, but this was a full 50K DNA and I had them test for Homo Black & Homo polled on a couple. This test is like knowing "15 CE scores", 20 BWs, 22 WWs, and 25 Stay records" on each of my own cows for their EPD's. Cost $15/hd
Interesting, out of 50 head, only 1 did not DNA back to the sire. It was a purchased animal. ASA checked all the sires used by the other farm the year she was born and came up with her matched sire. But, all of mine were accurate - woohoo!

 

[Stocker Steve]

Were any animals culled or retained due to the DNA tests?

 

[Brute 23]

Spend the money and get some thing with some history behind it. You won't regret it.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Were any animals culled or retained due to the DNA tests?

Absolutely NOT. DNA is a TOOL - not the Holy Grail!!! I have not seen how much they have or have not affected my cows EPD's, but that still won't make any difference as far as cull/keep on this farm. I use EPD's as a tool, nothing more.
Interested in why you would ask this?

 

[True Grit Farms]

Were any animals culled or retained due to the DNA tests?

Absolutely NOT. DNA is a TOOL - not the Holy Grail!!! I have not seen how much they have or have not affected my cows EPD's, but that still won't make any difference as far as cull/keep on this farm. I use EPD's as a tool, nothing more.
Interested in why you would ask this?

A lot of Angus herds had genetic defects once DNA samples became the normal. You never know what's in the wood pile using paper.

 

[Son of Butch]

Were any animals culled or retained due to the DNA tests?

Absolutely NOT. DNA is a TOOL - not the Holy Grail!!! I have not seen how much they have or have not affected my cows EPD's, but that still won't make any difference as far as cull/keep on this farm. I use EPD's as a tool, nothing more.
Interested in why you would ask this?

A lot of Angus herds had genetic defects once DNA samples became the normal.

And without DNA testing those genetic defects would have continued to spread.

Holsteins are another example that you can't reveal genetic defects by looking at phenotype.
Others have No Genetic Defects because the defect has yet to be identified or they have never been tested and
so they stay in the breeding population.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Luckily, ASA has stayed on top of that problem. SO FAR, we do not have any known major defects "in our breed". All cattle that use a dam or sire of a different breed for upgrading, must be Genetic Defect tested. They will register the animal, if tested positive, with genetic defect listed on the papers. I'm old fashion, I would prefer not being able to register a carrier, but it isn't hidden. No one can sell an animal without the buyer knowing. Even if you don't SEE the papers, all you have to do is look it up on your phone or computer.
I say no "major" defects, because I know we do have a "wild eye" defect. The calf's eye looks more blue, kind of glass eyed. Does not affect their vision - I believe Shock Force has it.

 

[Stocker Steve]

M wife says I have a wild eye.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

M wife says I have a wild eye.

I definitely think it is a different meaning. :banana:

 

[Stocker Steve]

M wife says I have a wild eye.

I definitely think it is a different meaning. :banana:

Good to know. I was very concerned that I would flunk any DNA testing.

 

[greybeard]

Stocker Steve wrote:
"My wife says I have a wild eye."

like Jack Elam?
:hide: