The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) has unveiled an enhancement to iGENDEC that incorporates a beef x dairy production scenario.
Beef-dairy crosses are becoming increasingly integral to the beef value chain, with an estimated production of over 3 million head anticipated in 2024. Sires that excel in this strictly terminal mating system may differ from those used in traditional native beef systems. Holstein, Jersey and HoJo (Holstein-Jersey crosses) cows exhibit distinct carcass traits compared to native beef cows and benefit from the strategic breed complementarity to yield high-value calves for the beef chain, according to BIF.
The development of iGENDEC was spearheaded by Dr. Matt Spangler and his research and Extension team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Spangler envisions several ways the system will benefit the beef and dairy industries.
“It benefits dairy producers by helping them make beef sire selection decisions that are more profitable,” Spangler said, “It helps beef seedstock producers better advise their dairy customers and it can also allow them to make specific seedstock matings to produce beef sires that optimally match the genetic merit of the dairy cows to which they are mated.”
iGENDEC is an online tool that helps create the best selection indexes for specific farming and selling situations. It lets users customize indexes by adjusting factors such as when to sell their calves, the characteristics of their cows and their financial plans. This flexibility helps farmers make choices that fit their needs and goals.
BIF facilitates collaboration between beef producers, Extension experts and researchers to enhance genetic improvement across the beef value chain. iGENDEC emerged from a partnership between producers and scientists aiming to apply scientific knowledge.
According to BIF, the web-based iGENDEC system is designed with the user in mind, ensuring a user-friendly experience. The developers, however, stress the importance of users having a strong understanding of beef cattle genetics, particularly index selection theory. Alternatively, users can seek guidance from individuals with expertise in this area. This tool can be utilized to create either general-purpose indexes provided by beef breed associations or customized indexes tailored to specific beef or dairy operations. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
