University of Missouri to develop beef genomic center

The Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri (MU) College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will expand its research and work in beef cattle reproduction and genetics with the help of a $300,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The money will be used to develop The National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG) in beef cattle. The goal will be to promote the economic impact of the technologies MU animal sciences faculty have developed. The focus is on helping farmers and ranchers find the answer to the question: “What is the return on investment if I invest in reproductive or genomic technologies?” Jared Decker, an extension beef geneticist at MU, commented, “We’re not just trying to fill people’s heads with new knowledge—it’s more about lighting a fire. We’re focused on helping farmers and ranchers understand the technology, but, more than that, to trust the technology and identify ways they can use it.” The multi-disciplinary grant is in partnership with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine. NCARG will have a focus on continuing education for veterinarians, including educational and training opportunities for veterinary students, graduate students, farmers, ranchers and allied industry professionals. “Our reproductive and genomic research is so closely tied—and both are great strengths within our division,” said David Patterson, a professor of reproductive physiology. “A center of this nature is the logical next step for our division. With beef cattle, there is so much technology that could help operations. We want to help transfer that technology to industry participants at all levels.”