The American Shorthorn Association is working with Simplot Land and Livestock to study bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) in fed cattle.
The project analyzes about 10,000 Shorthorn-influenced animals within a larger dataset of more than 35,000 head that includes genomic and phenotypic data. BCHF affects an estimated 4-5% of cattle at harvest and contributes to death loss and reduced efficiency.
Early results show Shorthorn cattle may carry a lower genetic risk based on new EPDs. Researchers say accuracy will improve as more harvest data are added. The effort uses a multi-trait model combining heart and lung scores.
Both groups say the work will continue as they refine tools to manage BCHF through genetic selection.
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