Author
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Jenkins, Thomas |
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Submitted to: Beef Improvement Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: Jenkins, T.G. 1999. What can we do genetically to improve efficiency? Proceedings Beef Improvement Federation 31st Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting, June 16-19, 1999, Roanoke, Virginia. pp. 58-64. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: During the Twentieth Century, genetic improvement in beef cattle has evolved from an art form driven by a desire to have the "best" animal for bragging rights to application of scientific tools. These tools are used to modify animal resources for consideration in the decision making process by management of an agribusiness concern motivated by the desire for profit. We have evolved from ranking animals for genetic merit based on visual evaluations to applications of technologies that rank animals for merit based on genetic principles. Competition among food industries in the market for the consumer dollars has driven this evolution through demands transmitted by the various segments of the beef industry. This competition created the need for the beef industry to become a more effective user of production resources. What challenges will be addressed in the next millennia and what will be the role of those enterprises and association involved in genetic improvement in meeting these challenges? |
