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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2004 Publication Date: 10/1/2004 Citation: Thallman, R.M. 2004. Expectations for the future of dna testing [abstract]. Drover's Magazine. p. 6. Interpretive Summary: No interpretive summary is required. Technical Abstract: The benefits of DNA testing are briefly discussed. The number of DNA tests for quantitative traits in beef cattle has increased rapidly over the past four years and this trend is expected to continue. With the rapid growth of DNA testing in beef cattle, breeders have many decisions to make and little information with which to make them. Independent characterization of DNA tests is a process designed to provide some of that information. DNA tests should not be used as all-or-none selection criteria, but rather should be used as one of several sources of information upon which selection is based. The proper allocation of selection pressure to these various sources of information will be easier when DNA test results are incorporated into the national cattle evaluation system. DNA tests provide the most information when applied to animals that would otherwise have genetic evaluations with low accuracy. Young bulls that are candidates to be used as sires of seedstock are excellent candidates for DNA testing. There are many challenges ahead in the adoption of DNA testing by the beef industry, but it is expected to result in greater genetic progress, especially for traits for which data are limited. |
