In the evolving landscape of beef cattle management, veterinarians are transitioning from their traditional role of treating diseases to becoming proactive advisors. This article explores how veterinarians with knowledge of genetic tools are poised to be vital in addressing the fundamental industry challenges. It highlights the role of genetic selection in reducing calving difficulties, emphasizing its benefits for animal health and welfare. The article also surveys the genomic technologies available and discusses the importance of integrating these insights with veterinary expertise to support informed decisions in selection, mating, and marketing strategies.
Maci L Mueller 1, Jamie T Courter 2, Randall Spare 3
Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2024 Aug 23: S0749-0720(24)00028-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.05.004.
1Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, 1424 Claflin Road, 242 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. Electronic address: muellermaci@ksu.edu.
2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
3Ashland Veterinary Center Inc., P.O. Box 869, West Highway 160, Ashland, KS 67831, USA.