Volume 14 Issue 1 January 2015 What’s Inside Dave Solverson Simmental Fit With Pasture-ToPacker Ranching Operation

From the Gate Post / Appuye sur le poteau de cloture The Showring & Its Influence

12, 16

Genomics & Its Use By The CSA / Genomique et son Utilite pour l’ASC

30, 42

BCRC - Neonatal Disease

Vet’s Advice / Les Conseils de Veterinaire

58, 64 From The Director’s Chair

Canada Beef Focusing On Expanded Market Stratagies In China

What’s Happening

126

Publication Mail Agreement # 40012794

Commercial Country

Dave Solverson Simmental Fit With Pasture-To-Packer Ranching Operation

“

ave Solverson has worked with several different beef breeds over his life-long ranching career and continues to do so on his central Alberta farm, but he prefers to keep Simmental genetics in his cross breeding program, to bring size, good carcass grading, and strong maternal traits into his beef herd. Solverson, who ranches with his daughter Joanne and brother Ken, along the Battle River near Camrose, Alberta, was in the purebred Hereford business from about the mid-1960s until the mid-‘80s and in his opinion those British genetics are still important. Along with the hybrid vigour, good growth and rate of gain, he’s looking for other characteristics that best suit their pasture to packer program at Woodwind Ranches. “In the early ‘80s we had an opportunity to buy more land that would significantly expand our ranching operation, so we decided to switch to a commercial operation,” he says. “We had a well establish Hereford cow herd so we just kept them and started breeding them to Simmental. We tried a Charolais-cross for a while and that produces a good terminal cross calf, but we were impressed with the Simmental and how it produced good maternal traits. So we have kept that in our herd.” Today Woodwind Ranches runs about 800 Simmental cross cows and heifers. With the mature cows Solverson likes to maintain genetics at up to about half Simmental influence with Hereford and Angus females, while with heifers a composite that includes about 3/8 Simmental and 5/8 Angus makes for a very nice heifer. “We have been producing our own replacement cattle for several years, so we like to keep the maternal traits in our breeding program,” says Solverson. “And at the same time we also finish all our own calves so we need the genetics that are going to produce a good rate of gain and a high grading carcass. The Simmental influence has a very good fit with everything we are trying to do.” “With a program that includes finishing our own calves in our ranch feedlot we can get the best performance and greatest return from the genetics we’re using,” he says. “We may lose a bit of efficiency being a small feedlot, but on the other hand we have plenty of feed available in the area, we’re feeding our own cattle and don’t have the cost of buying and hauling in feeder animals. We can deliver a full load directly to the packing plant, so we have some economies that make up for any shortfall.We’re proud of our track record that shows our cattle are selling at or near the top of the market due to our reputation of delivering cattle with predictable performance.” APRIL IS CALVING SEASON The Woodwind herd begins calving in April. Cattle are overwintered on pasture and grain fields and are fed different types of hay before calving out on the more open native grass slopes along the Battle River. As the herd calves and new spring grass becomes available the cow-calf pairs are moved to pastures in a variety of locations. “We’ve had a cattle liner for 20 years which makes it more economical to haul cattle to grass,” says Solverson.

continued on page 6

"She's Got The Look"

Thank You..

to all whom made this day a mega success! We are humbled by the tremendous industry of Simmental breeders and cattle, that bind together with a common pursuit. RESULTS OF THE SALE: Donor Female grossed $30,000.00 Bred Heifers averaged $9,263.00 Open Heifer Calves averaged $6,021.00 Fall Open Heifers averaged $5,475.00 Sim Angus Heifers averaged $2,840.00

We cannot express the tremendous support of our genetic program and the advancement of the breed. Congratulations to the many buyers from 6 provinces, and 6 states for the confidence in our program. We personally appreciate the programs that purchased the foundation of genetics sourced throughout the world and beyond.

#13, 4101 19th St. N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4

Phone: 403-250-7979 Fax: 403-250-5121

Website: www.simmental.com Email: cansim@simmental.com

CSA Executive

President Kelly Ashworth Oungre, SK P: (306) 456-2749 C: (306) 861-2013 jashworth@sasktel.net First Vice-President John Sullivan Kazabazua, PQ P/F: (819) 467-2713 Sullivan.simmentals@bell.net Second Vice-President Lacey Fisher Amherst, NS P: (902) 661-0766 C: (902) 664-6206 timberwoodfarms@seasidehighspeed.com

CSA Directors

Provincial Associations

Randy Mader Carstairs, AB P/F: (403) 337-2928 C: (403) 660-1123 rrmader13@gmail.com

British Columbia President Lorne Webster Abbotsford, BC P/F: (604) 823-6797 Secretary: Jan Wisse P: (604) 794-3684

Wes Mack Estevan, SK P: (306) 634-4410 C: (306) 421-1853 wkmack@signaldirect.ca Blair McRae Brandon, MB P: (204) 728-3058 C: (204) 729-5439 marmac@inetlink.ca Maureen Mappin-Smith Byemoor, AB P: (403) 579-2175 C: (403) 321-0501 silversmithcattle@yahoo.com Lee McMillen Carievale, SK P: (306) 928-4820 C: (306) 483-8067 mrlbulls@gmail.com David Milliner Dundalk, ON P: (519) 923-9188 C: (519) 375-0122 dgmilliner@everus.ca

Alberta President Ryley Mader Carstairs, AB P: (403) 337-4014 maderranches@gmail.com Office Contact Heather Saucier Airdrie, AB P: (403) 861-6352 F: (403) 948-2059 saucierh@telus.net Promotion / Fieldperson Chuck Groeneveld High River, AB P: (403) 938-7843 barnboss@telus.net Saskatchewan President Dave Erixon Clavet, SK P: (306) 270-2893 Secretary: Carolyn McCormack P: (306) 697-2945 sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

Manitoba President Everett Olson Rapid City, MB P/: (204) 826-2643 everettolson@mymts.com Secretary: Donalee Jones P: (204) 529-2444 Email: donalee@midcan.com Ontario President Tina Hiddink Bloomfield, ON P: (613) 399-3239 wildoak@xplornet.ca Quebec PrĂŠsident Rosaire Cote. La Presentation, PQ P: (450) 796-5914 Secretaire: Sandra Berthiaume Saint-Garmain, QC P/F (819) 395-4453 sandra.berthiaume@sympatico.ca Maritimes President Don Godfrey Meadow Bank, PEI P: (902) 566-3613 Secretary: Ralph Taylor P/F: (902) 895-2117

Editorial Policy - Articles and information in this magazine represent the opinions of the writers and the information that, to the best of our knowledge, was accurate at the time of writing.

CSA Staff

General Manager Bruce Holmquist C: (403) 988-8676 bholmquist@simmental.com Office Manager Barb Judd P: (403) 250-7979 bjudd@simmental.com Marketing Co-ordinator Margo Cartwright Tel: (403) 250-5255 mcartwright@simmental.com Industry & Member Services Kelly Richardson P: (403) 559-6595 krichardson@simmental.com Processing Department Perry Welygan pwelygan@simmental.com Beth Rankin brankin@simmental.com Receptionist & Member Services Devra Leavitt reception@simmental.com YCSA & CSA Programs Coordinator Carla Schmitt P: (306) 221-7950 cschmitt@simmental.com

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Phone: 403-250-5255 www.simmentalcountry.com Layouts & Proofs - Requests for special layouts should be in the Commercial Country office by the first of the second month preceding publication. Although every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads, proofs are guaranteed only if all ad material arrives in the Country office prior to deadline.

Eastern Sales Consultant Jane Crawford 519-317-5263 jane.cattle@gmail.com Industry & Member Services Kelly Richardson 403-559-6595 krichardson@simmental.com

Mailing Dates - Each issue will be mailed on or about the first of the month. Commercial Country, mailed as second class, assumes no responsibility for actual receipt date. Advertising Content - The Commercial Country assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy or electronically supplied pictures and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Country containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent. ÂŠ 2015 Simmental Country (1997) Ltd. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Canadian Simmental Association.

Published January 2015 For: Canadian Simmental Association #13 , 4101 - 19th Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-7979 Fax: 403-250-5121

4-3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 7G9 Office: 306-934-9696 Fax: 306-934-0744 www.todayspublishing.com Editor: Bryan Kostiuk Marketing: Chris Poley & Ted Serhienko Accounting: Treena Ballantyne & Mina Serhienko Circulation: Debbie Thiessen Production: Tiffany Peters, Amanda Adam, Paige Holmquist Please Return Undeliverable Copies To: Canadian Simmental Association #13 , 4101 - 19th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-7979 Fax: 403-250-5121 Publication Mail Agreement #40012794

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The main part of the herd remains on pasture at home or in the Camrose area. Part of the herd is hauled to rented pasture in the Athabasca area north of Edmonton, and still other cattle have been trucked to rented pasture in the southern Peace River region. Although in 2015 Solverson says, as plans change in the southern Peace, he will be looking for more pasture in the Camrose area. “We have a number of different arrangements for renting pasture,” he says. “Some neighbors have gone out of cattle production, so they have pasture that is available for rent. We crop about 2,000 acres of grain ourselves, so in some cases it has worked better to rent pasture from a neighbor and put our own land into crop production.” The ranch has used community pastures at different times over the years, as well. “I think it is fair to say we are always interested in looking at renting pasture wherever we can,” says Solverson. On their home property cattle graze a combination of tame and native pasture over about a five-month grazing season. Solverson is planning to develop a more intensive grazing system and also change some of the forage species to hopefully extend the grazing season. The calves are usually weaned in October, then depending on the year and markets, Solverson will background calves and put them back out to grass the following spring, or will put them on feed right after weaning. In 2013 he put about 1000 head of calves on feed right after weaning. The last of those were finished and ready for market in December 2014. Solverson works to reduce stress on calves at weaning. This year he followed a pre-weaning program that included a Draxxin treatment — a broad spectrum vaccination against four major respiratory diseases. “At weaning we leave calves together in groups that they are accustomed to for about a month,” he says. “For example, with a group of cow-calf pairs that have been together all summer on pasture, we put those steers and heifers together in the same pen in the feed-yard, to ease them through the transition of weaning. Once they are used to the feed-yard we then sort them further. This year we have an extremely healthy bunch of calves.” Calves are placed on a ration that includes corn silage (Solverson grows about 200 acres of corn), chopped hay and barley. Ranching in a grain-growing area, Solverson is often able to find different crops that produce economical cattle feed. One year a neighbor had hail damaged wheat that wasn’t going to make a grain crop so Solverson salvaged and baled it producing enough winter feed for 500 cows. He is often able to bale pea straw or good barley straw that can be mixed with grass and alfalfa hay to make an excellent winter ration for beef cattle. His cow herd can stay out on pasture, or as is the case this year, they are cleaning up the aftermath of corn silage harvest until the snow flies and then he switches them to a bale-grazing system — hauling enough bales of hay to an area for a group of cows to keep them fed for a week.

BUYING REPLACEMENTS Prior to the BSE crisis of 2003, Woodwind Ranches produced all its own replacement cattle; however after BSE, and as markets opened for cattle under 30 months of age, Solverson says it made more economic sense to market heifers rather than keep them as replacements. “At the time a $1,000 heifer became a $500 cow once she reached 30 months of age,” he says. “So we marketed heifers under 30 months and it was usually no problem finding good replacement cows at an affordable price. Over those several years of buying cows I was always impressed with the quality of the beef herd in Western Canada. We bought very few problems.” As markets changed a few years ago they switched back to keeping their own replacement heifers again. This fall and winter Woodwind Ranch is trying something a bit different to add value to heifers. They made their first selection of about 140 head of replacement heifers, typically they are Angus sired heifers with half British and half Simmental genetics. Then the Solversons went through the remaining heifers and made a second cut of about another 85 bred heifers. These heifers are mostly larger-framed and would have normally been finished on grass. These 85 will calve in March and the Solversons will keep them separate from the rest of the herd and put the heifers and their calves on feed. These 85 will be kept in a small pasture or feed-yard and fed hay and barley. The calves will be weaned in August and kept on feed, while most of these second cut heifers will continue on feed and be marketed for beef just before they reach 30 months of age in early fall of 2015. “We’ll probably keep the very best of this second cut batch as replacements for the cow herd, but the rest will be marketed. We did it with just a few head last year and all of the heifers graded AA or better. So we’re hoping for similar results this year. We have the feed and we have the room and I think it is an excellent way to get growth and reproduction at the same time.” “After being involved in the purebred industry and as a commercial cow-calf producer myself, there are many excellent beef breeds out there, and they each have their strengths depending on your needs,” says Solverson. “I have really been impressed with the uniformity within the Simmental breed and how quickly breeders adapted to develop an animal well suited to the Canadian livestock industry. One observation I will make is that I am not a fan of purebred operators selling cross-bred cattle. They should stick to purebreds. If I need a cross-bred animal I have my own good cows which I can breed and achieve the hybrid vigor.” Along with ranching, Solverson has also been involved in industry associations and currently serves as president of the Canadian Cattleman’s Association (CCA). The two hats give him a broad perspective of the ranching industry. After travelling extensively with the CCA he says Canada is recognized worldwide for its beef quality. “Canadian beef producers can be proud of the genetics we have access to in order to produce cattle with consistent quality,” says Solverson. “In my travels nowhere else can you find cattle with such consistent quality at the packing plant as we do here in Canada. That really is the Canadian Beef Advantage. One prediction he does make about the Canadian beef industry is a move toward more specialization as is found in the hog and poultry industries. Solverson says usually cow-calf producers have to choose between whether to use terminal or maternal type sires. He can see the industry developing with some beef producers specializing in raising replacement cattle; while others will use all terminal sires and market all calves, and then buy their replacements.

31.01.2015 08.02.2015 14.02.2015 15.02.2015 16.02.2015 17.02.2015 17.02.2015 21.02.2015 22.02.2015 24.02.2015 25.02.2015 26.02.2015 27.02.2015 28.02.2015 01.03.2015 02.03.2015 04.03.2015 05.03.2015 06.03.2015 06.03.2015 06.03.2015 07.03.2015 09.03.2015 10.03.2015 13.03.2015 14.03.2015 14.03.2015 14.03.2015 15.03.2015 17.03.2015 17.03.2015 18.03.2015 21.03.2015 25.03.2015 26.03.2015 27.03.2015 28.03.2015 30.03.2015 31.03.2015 03.04.2015 07.04.2015 11.04.2015 13.04.2015 24.04.2015

Lazy S Ranch Bull Sale 2015 Hartman Cattle Co Bull Sale Kenner Simmental 19th Annual Production Sale Diamond M Ranch 3rd Annual Bull Sale Ole Farms 2015 Family Day Bull Sale Bata / Olafson Simmental Sale Rawes Ranches 32st Annual Charolais Bull Sale Double Bar D Best of Both Worlds Bull & Female Sale Bonchuk Farms Annual Bull Sale Rainalta & Guest Charolais & Simmental Sale Crossroad Farms 8th Annual Bull Sale 10th Annual Robb/Hoegl Simmental Bull Sale Lone Stone Farms Simmental & Angus Bull Sale Lewis Farm 30th Annual Bull Sale Pro-Char & Guest Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale Simmental Summit Annual Bull Sale 20th Annual Herdmaster Bull Sale Benlock Angus 2nd Annual Black Angus Bull Sale 10th Annual Bullfest Sale Chittick Family Bull Sale LaBatte Simmentals & Meadow Acres Farm 35th Annual Bull & Female Sale 21th Annual McMillen Ranching Production Sale Ashworth Farm and Ranch Simmental Bull Sale Built Right Bull Sale - WJ Simmentals & Pederson Angus Northern Classic Charolais & Simmental Sale CD Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale LLB 30th Annual Spring Spectacular Bull & Female Sale Next Generation Bull Sale Rebels of the West Simmental Bull Sale 15th Annual On Target Bull & Female Sale Prairie Partners Bull & Female Sale Spruce View Angus Annual Bull Sale 19th Annual Signature Series Bull Sale Hamilton Farms 20th Annual Bull & Female Sale Wheatland Focus on the Future 11th Annual Bull Sale Lazy E Bar Ranching Ltd. 5th Annual Working Man’s Angus Bull Sale Prairie Grass Red Angus Bull Sale Southwest Showcase Simmental Bull Sale Early Sunset Only the Good Ones Sell Bull Sale The Summit 3 Speckle Park Bull & Female Sale JAS Red Angus 11th Annual Buy the ”Beef” Bull Sale Wilkinridge Stock Farm & Guest Bull Sale 20th Annual Justamere Bull Sale Vee Tee Black Angus Bull Sale

Mayerthorpe, AB Techumseh, NE Leeds, ND Estevan, SK Athabasca, AB Rugby, ND Strome, AB Grenfell, SK Virden, MB Brooks, AB Shell Lake, SK Lloydminster, SK Westlock, AB Spruce Grove, AB Glenevis, AB Bentley, AB Camrose, AB Grandora, SK Camrose, AB Mayerthorpe, AB Moose Jaw, SK Carievale, SK Oungre, SK Provost, AB Grande Prairie, AB Taber, AB Erskine, AB Lloydminster, SK Virden, MB Barrhead, AB Killarney, MB Killam, AB Brooks, AB Cochrane, AB Bienfait, SK Bashaw, AB Airdrie, AB Swift Current, SK Edam, SK Ardrossan, AB Neepawa, MB Grunthal, MB Lloydminster, SK Vermilion, AB

Brian Bouchard 403.813.7999

Mark Shologan 780.699.5082

Chad Lorenz 403.896.9585

Brent Stewart 204.773.6392

Doug Domolewski 403.635.1840

Watch for the BLI Team at these Sales

Sale Management, Sale Consulting, DLMS Onsite Rep & Video Sales

Box 1409 Crossfield, AB CANADA Office: 403.946.4999 Email: info@bouchardlivestock.com • Website: www.bouchardlivestock.com 7

Announcing

MARCH 16, 2015 • 1:00 PM BILLINGS LIVESTOCK COMMISSION

BILLINGS, MONTANA

After five successful years at the Bulls of the Big Sky sale, Hudson Pines - Hayes Ranch will sell 150 bulls, with over 40 fall bulls and select sets of heifers, at our new production sale in Billings.

SELLING LARGE SIRE GROUPS OF THESE BREED LEADING SIRES: FIRST ASCENT 117Y, MILESTONE 999W, W/C UNITED 956Y and many more.

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HUDSON PINES - HAYES RANCH

Wilsall, Montana Josh Chappa, HR Manager • 406.920.0945 • joshchappa@hayesranch.com Ryan Haefner, HPF Farm Manager • 815.499.0522 • rhaefner@hudsonpines.com John Walston, HPF General Manager • 518.376.7887 www.hudsonpinesfarm.com

SALE MANAGED BY: Larry Cotton 517-294-0777 Ryan Cotton 706-206-8361 Mike Gothard 540-894-1055 Jerry Crenshaw 703-244-4767 www.cotton-associates.com

WWW.HAYESRANCH.COM • 406.578.2367 8

Friday, February 13 :: Rimbey, AB 16th Annual Genetic Edge Bull Sale

Friday, March 6 :: Moose Jaw, SK Labatte Simmentals 35th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Friday, February 20 :: Carstairs, AB 26th Mader Ranches Bull & Female Sale

Saturday, March 7 :: Carievale, SK 21st Annual McMillen Ranching Production Sale

Saturday, February 21 :: Grenfell, SK Double Bar D Best of Both Worlds Sale

Monday, March 9 :: Oungre, SK Ashworth Farm & Ranch Simmental Sale

Saturday, February 21 :: Olds, AB 1st Annual Diamond T “Stockman’s Choice” Bull Sale

Monday, March 9 :: Olds, AB 6th Annual Harvie Ranching Bull Sale

Monday, February 23 :: Olds, AB Select Opportunity Simmental Bull & Female Sale

Wednesday, March 11 :: Saskatoon, SK 25th Anniversary Sunny Valley Simmentals Bull & Female Sale

Wednesday, February 25 :: Shell Lake, SK 9th Annual Crossroad Farms Bull Sale

Thursday, March 12 :: Moosomin, SK In Pursuit of Perfection Simmental & Angus Bull Sale

Thursday, February 26 :: Lloydminster, SK 10th Annual Robb Hoegl Bull Sale

Thursday, March 12 :: Olds, AB 12th Annual Westway & Deeg Annual Bull Sale

Saturday, February 28 :: Spruce Grove, AB Lewis Farms 30th Annual Bull Sale

Thursday, March 12 :: Stettler, AB Bar E-L Angus Sale

Monday, March 2 :: Shellbrook, SK 13th Annual Muirhead Cattle Co. Simmental Bull Sale

Friday, March 13 :: Rumsey, AB 18th Annual Richmond Ranch Grass Country Bull Sale

Tuesday, March 3 :: Bowden, AB Belvin Angus Bull Sale

Saturday, March 14 :: Lloydminster, SK Next Generation Bull Sale

Wednesday, March 4 :: Camrose, AB 20th Anniversary Herd Master Bull Sale

Saturday, March 14 :: Erskine, AB 30th Annual LLB Spring Spectacular Bull & Female Sale

Wednesday, March 4 :: Saskatoon, SK Erixon Simmentals Bull & Female Sale

Saturday, March 14 :: Saskatoon, SK Cattleman’s Bull Event

Thursday, March 5 :: Balcarres, SK 11th Annual Pheasantdale Bull & Female Sale

Saturday, March 14 :: Ste-Sophie de Levrard, PQ 4th Annual Synergie Bull Sale

Monday, March 16 :: Olds, AB Remitall Farms Bull & Select Female Sale

Wednesday, March 25 :: Cochrane, AB Hamilton Farms 20th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Tuesday, March 17 :: Lloydminster, SK Kuntz-Stoughton-McIntosh-SAJ Bull Sale

Friday, March 27 :: Turtle Lake, ND Rust Mountain View Ranch “Ace in the Hole” Bull Sale

Tuesday, March 17 :: Walsh, AB Reid Angus “Heat Seeker” Bull Sale

Friday, March 27 :: Saskatoon, SK 29th Annual Prairie Gold Limousin Sale

Wednesday, March 18 :: Dundurn, SK 20th Annual Wilbar Farms Tools of the Trade Bull Sale

Saturday, March 28 :: Moose Jaw, SK Stockmans Select Angus & Hereford Bull Sale

Wednesday, March 18 :: Edgerton, AB Pugh Farms Spring Bull Sale

Wednesday, April 1 :: Wood Mountain, SK Peak Dot Ranch Spring Sale

Thursday, March 19 :: Forestburg, AB Get-A-Grip Angus Bull & Female Sale

Friday, April 3 :: Paynton, SK Currie – 20/20 – Roymac – Bullerwell Angus Bull Sale

Friday, March 20 :: Stony Plain, AB Porter Ranches Bull Sale

Saturday, April 4 :: Sangudo, AB Towaw Cattle Co. & Guest 35th Annual Bull Sale

Friday, March 20 :: Saskatoon, SK 14th Annual Anchor B/B Bar/Carpenter Limousin Bull Sale

Tuesday, April 7 :: Sedley, SK Pursuit of Excellence Red & Black Angus Bull Sale

Saturday, March 21 :: High River, AB 12th Annual Highland Stock Farms Bull Sale

Thursday, April 9 :: Ceylon, SK Southview Ranch Bull Sale

Saturday, March 21 :: Cheneville, PQ Ferme Gagnon Inc. & Guests Annual Bull Sale

Saturday, April 11 :: Fir Mountain, SK 40th Annual Six Mile Ranch Bull Sale

Monday, March 23 :: Radville, SK 3rd Brooking Angus Ranch Bull & Female Sale

Monday, April 13 :: Lloydminster, SK 20th Annual Justamere Bull Sale

Monday, March 23 :: Lloydminster, SK 11th Annual Butts, Gutt & Nutts Simmental Bull Sale

Monday, April 13 :: Ste. Rose, MB The Western Gateway Bull Sale

Tuesday, March 24 :: High River, AB 19th Annual U2 Ranch Bull & Female Sale

Saturday, April 25 :: Swift Current, SK Wiwa Creek Bull Sale

Scott Bohrson 403.370.3010

Geoff Anderson 306.731.7921

Colton Hamilton 403.507.5416

Darryl Snider 780.385.5561

Martin Bohrson 306.220.7901

Rob Voice 306.361.6775

From the Gate Post

By Bruce Holmquist General Manager, Canadian Simmental Association

The Show Ring and Its Influence

hose who have been around livestock shows for some time have seen many trends come and go and we also know that the show ring has a rich and colorful history. However many don’t realize that these events date back to the late 1800’s in North America. It was interesting to research the history of livestock exhibitions and how each era has influenced the type of cattle for the future. A great source of this information was assembled by Harlan Ritchie and can be found online at https://www.msu.edu/~ritchieh/historical/cattletype.html. The history of livestock shows around the world is interesting and can be traced back centuries. In 1839 the first English Royal Show was held and that year the Champion Hereford bull was “Cotmore” who at three years and ten months weighed 3920 pounds. Although extremely large he appeared to have more shape than the earlier British cattle that he descended from. In 1867 “Black Prince” was an Angus steer that was declared Grand Champion at the prestigious Smithfield, England show at four years of age. He weighed 2200 pounds and it was said that a short man would need a ladder to see over his back so he was obviously an animal with considerable frame size. Records show that in 1902-04 there was a steer with much longevity by the name of Clear Lake Jute. In 1902, this Angus steer weighed 1050 pounds at 14 months and won his class. He was again shown in 1903 and was Reserve Champion at 26 months of age and weighed 1624 pounds. He came back in 1904 to be the Grand Champion steer, weighing 1895 pounds at 38 months of age and was the heaviest Chicago International Grand Champion steer. Another animal of note was “Nebraska” who has the only record of a male winning as a bull and again later as a steer. In 1915, this Angus bull was Champion at Smithfield and was then castrated and came back to win the Smithfield steer show in 1916. It was interesting that at that time they were starting to put some straw underneath the cattle when they took the photos to make them appear smaller framed than they really were. Fast forward a few decades to 1948 and the focus on decreasing frame size led to the belt-buckle type cattle beginning to win with “Ernie” who was the Grand Champion Steer in Denver. He was extremely small and it was noted that his topline hit the showman’s beltline; he weighed 895 pounds. Through the 1950’s and part of the 1960’s frame size continued to reduce and eventually genetic selection led to dwarfism that almost devastated the purebred beef industry. As a result both government and industry recognized that North American beef cattle needed drastic change and would benefit from European genetics and the race was soon on to infuse Continental breeds into North American cowherds. As was the case before, the show-ring embraced change and judges and exhibitors decided

if something was good then a whole bunch of it had to be better so off we went towards frame ten cattle. What was interesting was that many of these judges came out of U.S. Agricultural Universities with very little real world experience in running a cowherd and they made the circle many times between different breeds and various shows. As was the case with the extremes of the 1960’s it really is remarkable that the industry was able to recover as quickly it did. So what of the animals being exhibited at cattle shows today? Many would agree that the cattle which are now being exhibited have come to a place of usefulness where we are selecting winners with genetics that serve all segments of the industry very well; in fact some believe we have never been as in sync with the commercial sector as we are today. They are functional and sound while still remaining eye-appealing and efficient. The strength of the Simmental cattle exhibited this past fall was tremendous and this quality was also displayed in the pens of commercial animals at the various events. Simmental genetics are now common place and are having a huge impact on the improvement of the beef cattle across this country as we have reached a point where our genetics can cover many bases. Livestock exhibitions are a tremendous opportunity for attracting new interest to the Simmental breed. They also create excitement and are a venue for rejuvenating the interest and sense of pride within everyone who attends, as well as to feel the enthusiasm of the young breeders who are involved in our great breed. This past fall saw a slight resurgence in numbers at several Exhibitions however overall livestock shows are struggling to maintain numbers of animals and exhibitors. Those who have shown cattle know that it is an expensive form of promotion that requires a tremendous amount of time and commitment. Success may be measured by some in ribbons and banners while for others it may be in reconnecting with past customers or meeting new ones; regardless it is only achieved by those who give it all and make the most of the opportunity. The show ring will continue to have its detractors because of its history of trends and fads along with the fact that the placing is often made by only assessing the animal’s appearance; however for others it will continue to play a significant role in their genetic selection process. In the end the quickest genetic improvement will be made by using all the tools available to us. Although we may not always agree on the winners of each and every class, there is tremendous value in the promotion that the Simmental breed gains from livestock exhibitions and we need to express our Thanks to the exhibitors, organizers and sponsors; your support not only promotes the Simmental breed but Agriculture as a whole. Congratulations to all involved!

Appuye sur le poteau de cloture

Par Bruce Holmquist Directeur General - Association Simmental du Canada

Les jugements d’animaux et leurs impacts

ous ceux qui gravitent depuis un certain temps autour des expositions et des jugements d’animaux ont été témoins de plusieurs tendances ou encore des modes ayant duré plus ou moins longtemps. Vous savez sans doute également qu’il existe une historique colorée et riche en faits marquants autour des jugements d’animaux. Plusieurs personnes ne savent sans doute pas que ces activités ont débuté vers la fin du 19e siècle en Amérique du nord. Ce fut pour moi très intéressant d’examiner de plus près l’histoire des jugements d’animaux aux expositions et de constater comment chaque époque a eu une influence déterminante au niveau du type de bovins élevés dans les années suivantes. Le Dr Harlan Ritchie a regroupé une somme considérable d’informations à ce sujet, lesquelles peuvent d’ailleurs être consultées en ligne au : https://www.msu.edu/~ritchieh/historical/cattletype.html. Au niveau mondial, l’histoire des jugements d’animaux est tout aussi intéressante et elle date de plusieurs siècles. La première édition du « Royal Show » d’Angleterre a eu lieu en 1839 et, cette année-là, le taureau Hereford couronné Champion se nommait “Cotmore”, pesant 3920 livres à l’âge de trois ans et dix mois. Bien qu’il soit alors extrêmement grand, il présentait tout de même passablement plus de développement musculaire comparativement à ses ancêtres britanniques. En 1867, le bouvillon Angus “Black Prince” fut proclamé à l’âge de quatre ans Grand Champion à la prestigieuse exposition de Smithfield en Angleterre. Il pesait alors 2200 livres et, selon les dires de l’époque, un homme de plus petite taille avait besoin d’un escabeau pour voir au-dessus de son dos, de sorte qu’il devait sûrement être un animal possédant une très grande charpente. Durant les années 1902 à 1904, selon les registres historiques, un bouvillon du nom de “Clear Lake Jute” a accumulé les honneurs au fils des ans. En 1902, ce bouvillon Angus pesait 1050 livres à l’âge de quatorze mois et il gagnât alors sa classe d’exposition. De nouveau présenté en 1903, il pesait 1624 livres à l’âge de vingt-six mois et il fut déclaré Champion de réserve. En 1904, de retour dans l’arène, on le couronnât Grand Champion des bouvillons. Il pesait alors 1895 livres à l’âge de trente-huit mois et il était ainsi le Grand Champion bouvillon le plus pesant de l’exposition internationale de Chicago. Un animal du nom de « Nebraska » est aussi digne de mention, car il fut le seul taureau à être proclamé le meilleur taureau, puis par la suite meilleur bouvillon. Ainsi, en 1915, ce taureau Angus fut Champion à l’exposition de Smithfield, puis il fut castré et il gagnât en 1916 le Championnat des bouvillons lors de la même exposition. À cette époque, il est intéressant de mentionner qu’on avait commencé à mettre de la paille en-dessous des bovins lors de la prise des photographies, de manière à les faire paraître moins grands qu’ils étaient réellement. En faisant un saut de quelques décennies, on constate qu’en 1948 l’emphase allait davantage vers des sujets de petite stature, avec notamment le bouvillon “Ernie” qui arrivait à la hauteur de la ceinture d’un homme et qui fut Grand Champion à Denver. Il était extrêmement petit, pesant seulement 895 livres, alors que sa ligne de dos correspondait à la ceinture de son présentateur. Au cours des années 1950 et 1960, la charpente des bovins n’a cessé de diminuer et, par la sélection génétique exercée, on est arrivé à développer des bovins nains, ce qui a constitué une menace importante par rapport à la survie de l’élevage de race pure en Amérique du nord. En fin de compte, les partenaires de l’industrie et les gouvernements ont reconnu qu’un changement drastique s’imposait au niveau du type de bovins élevés en Amérique, notamment en favorisant l’injection de sujets de génétique européenne. Avant longtemps, on assistât alors à une course visant à infuser des races continentales au sein du cheptel bovin de l’Amérique du nord.

Par la suite, comme cela avait été le cas dans le passé, les juges et les éleveurs présentant des bovins ont vite repris leur recherche vers des sujets de plus grande charpente. En fait, on se disait que pour être considéré bon, le sujet devait être de grande taille, ce qui conduisit alors à la présentation de bovins de charpente dix. Fait intéressant à remarquer, plusieurs de ces juges provenaient de Facultés agricoles d’Universités américaines et, même s’ils n’avaient que très peu d’expérience dans la gestion quotidienne d’un troupeau vache-veau, ils ont littéralement faits le tour plusieurs fois des divers jugements de races entre les expositions. En dépit d’avoir atteint de tels niveaux extrêmes dans les années 1960, il est tout de même impressionnant de constater que l’industrie ait été si rapide à se sortir de cette tendance. Qu’en est-il maintenant des bovins présentés de nos jours aux diverses expositions ? Plusieurs seraient d’accord avec le fait que les bovins présentés à notre époque démontrent davantage de qualités fonctionnelles et les gagnants sélectionnés par les juges possèdent un bagage génétique pouvant améliorer tous les segments de l’industrie bovine. En fait, certains estiment que le type contemporain de bovins présenté aux expositions n’a jamais été aussi près de celui du secteur commercial. Ces animaux sont bien conformés et fonctionnels, tout en étant très efficace et attirant à l’œil. L’automne dernier, les bovins Simmental présentés aux diverses expositions étaient de très grande qualité, de même que les sujets commerciaux placés en démonstration. La génétique de race Simmental rejoint les besoins d’une majorité croissante de producteurs et, grâce à la présence d’une diversité de lignées génétiques, elle contribue à l’amélioration génétique des bovins de boucherie partout au Canada. Les expositions d’animaux demeurent des lieux importants permettant d’intéresser de nouveaux éleveurs envers la race Simmental. Elles engendrent une excitation palpable, tout en constituant des occasions rêvées pour renouveler notre intérêt et notre fierté envers la race et constater tout l’enthousiasme démontrée par nos jeunes éleveurs. L’automne dernier, nous avons pu observer une légère augmentation du nombre de sujets présentés aux expositions, toutefois il demeure encore difficile à certains endroits d’attirer suffisamment d’éleveurs participants et de spectateurs. Tous ceux ayant déjà exposé des animaux savent qu’il s’agit d’une méthode promotionnelle coûteuse, demandant également qu’on y consacre beaucoup de temps et d’efforts. Pour certains, le succès peut venir des rubans et des bannières remportés, alors que pour d’autres, cela se mesure par les rencontres de nos anciens clients et de nouveaux prospects. Peu importe la raison, vous n’obtiendrez des résultats intéressants que si vous profitez au maximum de votre présence à ces expositions. Il y aura sans doute encore des détracteurs envers l’utilité des expositions, compte tenu des diverses modes et des tendances observées dans le passé et aussi en raison du fait que le rang obtenu par un animal donné est grandement dépendent uniquement de son apparence générale. Par contre, pour d’autres personnes, les expositions vont continuer d’occuper une place importante dans leur processus de sélection génétique. En bout de ligne, on pourra espérer effectuer les progrès génétiques les plus rapides en utilisant tous les outils à notre disposition. Bien qu’on ne soit pas toujours d’accord avec le juge quant aux gagnants de chaque classe de jugement, on doit reconnaître que l’importante promotion de la race Simmental lors des expositions. Nous devons exprimer nos plus sincères remerciements à tous les éleveurs exposants, les organisateurs et tous les commanditaires. Vous ne contribuez pas seulement à la promotion de la race Simmental, mais bien à toute l’agriculture. Félicitations à toutes les personnes impliquées!

DMF 301A

DMF 379A

DMF 3113A

DMF 334A

BW: 97 lbs.

205 Day Weight: 817 lbs.

Sale Day Weight: 1615 lbs.

Double Bar D Wilhelm

Champs Bravo

Champs Romano

Sons of these powerful herd sires sell! LFS Pol Balboa 40U

Foundation 372Y

Crossroad Investment 33Z

Thank You to all the bidders and buyers at last years sale for your support! Champs Simmental Sunset Simmentals Hairy Hill Cattle Co. Winston Ford - C: 780-842-9623 Greg Arneson - 780-755-2468 arnyco2012@yahoo.com champsim@live.ca Laython Ford - C: 780-806-3600 champsim_2@hotmail.com

Mark Trabysh - 780-208-2375 jtrabysh@mcsnet.ca

View the catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com 20

Annual Bull Sale

50 Two Year

Thursday, February 19, 2015 on the Farm Russell, Manitoba

Old Red & Black Simmental & Angus Bulls Also Selling Purebred & Commercial Females

Miles, Bonnie & Jared Glasman Matthew & Leanne Glasman Box 1179, Russell, MB R0J 1W0 Box 1467, Russell, MB R0J 1W0 Home: 204.773.3279 Home: 204.773.3209 Miles’ Cell: 204.773.6275 Matt’s Cell: 204.773.6055 Jared’s Cell: 204.796.0999

www.mjsimmentalangus.com

www.glasmanfarms.com 21

t s 1 2 ual Ann Gues Sadd t Consig lerid ge C nor haro lais

February 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm Bow Slope Shipping Association, Brooks, AB

Red Simmental Charolais Selling: 70 Head of Simmental & Charolais Bulls

Rainalta Simmentals & Charolais Bill Swenson 403.362.0854

A Note on Genomics and its use by the CSA By Dr. John Crowley, University of Alberta By definition, genomics is a branch of molecular biology that is concerned with the structure, function, evolution and mapping of genomes, where the genome is the full complement of genes in an organism. That is the one and only bit of definition type lingo needed in this article but I thought it appropriate to put in context the word “genomics” that we all hear so much about. The breeder’s equation shows that genetic gain is a function of, among other factors, accuracy of selection and generation interval. The more accuracy you have in your selection tools and the shorter the generation interval, the quicker the rate of genetic gain will be. This is where genomics play a role in animal breeding; it aids in increasing the accuracy of selection and therefore can subsequently be used to shorten the generation interval. Low accuracy of selection, i.e. EPD accuracy, can lead to mistakes in selecting based on EPDs as low accuracy EPDs have a larger window in which the true breeding value lies (Table 1.). It can also increase accuracy of selection on those hard or expensive to measure traits such as carcass and longevity (where you have to wait until the end of the animals life to capture the data), feed efficiency and health. Table 1. Example of potential changes in an EPD depending on differing levels of accuracy Accuracy % Birth Wt (lbs) Wean Wt (lbs) Milk (lbs) 10 ±2.4 ±10.4 ±8.7 30 ±1.8 ±8.1 ±6.8 50 ±1.3 ±5.8 ±4.9 75 ±0.8 ±2.9 ±2.4 90 ±0.3 ±1.2 ±1.0

Using an animal’s DNA information (genotype) adds more data when calculating an EPD and so increases our confidence in that EPD. This is reflected in a more accurate prediction which when derived with the genotype added in is called a genomically enhanced EPD (GE-EPD). The increase in accuracy is particularly noticeable in young animals when they do not have any information on traits of interest recorded and/or when they don’t have any progeny. Therefore, the increased accuracy genomics delivers can be expressed in “progeny equivalents” i.e. it’s as if a young animal has “x” number of progeny on the ground with observed traits (Table 2.). Having phenotyped progeny and relatives is one of the main ways accuracy in EPDs is accrued (pre-genomics that is).

Table 2. Progeny equivalent of the accuracy increase on a GE-EPD for a young animal Trait Progeny Equivalent Birth Wt 10 Weaning Wt 16 Yearling Wt 22 Feed Efficiency 15 Milk 12 Carcass Wt 7 Ultrasound Backfat 28

Think about how long it would take a bull to have weaning weight information on his first progeny; assuming he bred at 24 months, the bull will be 50+ months before the accuracy on his weaning weight EPD starts to improve and by then he would have bred at least 2 more calf crops. At that stage, we will start to see how correct his EPDs have been up to now as they have a chance of getting worse as well as improving. This illustrates how genomics affects generation interval; a producer can now select an animal that’s just a few weeks old with the same accuracy as if it was 50 months old. Retaining the correct bull and/or heifer as opposed to which ones to sell has just become a lot more accurate. This also adds value at sale time when customers can make their choice with more confidence in the EPDs. Calculating these GE-EPDs takes into account both the traditional EPD information (weights, measurements, etc.) along with the new information from a genotype. We can then make a prediction on a genotype based on the Simmental training population where a large sample of animals (see below) have both genotype and phenotype information. Using this paired information, geneticists can interpret what the genotype data means and use it for predicting future genetic merit when an animal has just the genotype information known.

Canadian Simmental Association and Genomics

The CSA has completed the first major step in getting GEEPDs launched for their customers. Initial genotyping projects where 15,000+ animals were genotyped are the basis for the prediction equations that will be used in the future generation of GE-EPDs. These equations are being finalised as I speak and GEEPDs will be available on all genotyped animals early in the New Year. Moving forward, if GE-EPDs are wanted on an animal (if they are not already genotyped during registration) it is as simple as: 1. Request a sampling kit from the CSA 2. Take a tissue sample from the animal of interest (Sample collections instructions can be found on the CSA website); 3. Send sample to the lab indicated on the sampling kit. And; 4. Keep an eye out for a notification on updated proofs on the animal. It may to take up to 1 month for the sample to get to the lab, for the various lab processes to occur and the subsequent genotype results to be merged to existing performance and pedigree information. This timeframe is good to keep in mind if results are needed in advance of a sale etc. One important note is that effective January 1, 2015 all Simmental bulls will require a minimum 50K genotype done on them in order to register offspring from them.

4th Annual

Friday - March 6, 2015 Lunch 12:00 Noon â€˘ Video Sale - 1:00 pm At the Mayerthorpe Diamond Center Bulls On Display at Ag Barn.

Featuring 95 Bulls

Red, Black & Fullblood Simmental, Hereford, Red & Black Angus

View sale catalogue & Video Clips Online at: www.dlms.ca www.cattlevids.ca

Sale Managed By:

Garth Rogers 780-348-5893

Mark Shologan 780-699-5082

For Complete Info contact any of the Chittick Family or Sale Management

KIN-KIN Cattle Co.

GRA-TAN Farm

(780) 786-4500

(780) 786-2181

Gary & Faye Chittick

Rachido Ranch

Randy & Donna Chittick (780) 786-4373 34

Grant & Tanya Chittick

Chittick Family Hereford Ranch Raymond & Mona Chittick (780) 778-0150

Thank you to our 2014 bull buyers Bonchuk Farms Darrel Dow Flying K Land & Cattle Ltd. David Mohr KJ Larre Ranching Glen Stonehouse Blair Capjack Hillcrest Ranch Ltd., Golinowski Brothers Danny McCaffrey Carvelle Cattle Co., Dempsey Land & Cattle Co. Ltd. Les Pashulka Pinder Farms Daryl Bachman Anchor Lazy U Cattle Co. Ltd. Charles Wall Farm West Gold Farm Dart Simmentals East Poplar Simmentals George McKenzie John Poruchnek Gray Farms Cam Stewart Jacco Contracting Ltd. David Schmidt Crestview Acres Lefebvre Farm Travis Lindsay Ernie Collins Spornitz Farms Inc. Glenn Oliver H Bar M Land & Cattle Co. Ltd.

SCCC 17B

JLP 9B

Selling 60 Simmental yearling bulls

JHSN 322A

Scissors Creek Cattle Co.

Sun Rise Simmentals

Johnson Stock Farms

JP Cattle Co.

Mark & Jennalee Beutler P: 306-735-4434 C: 306-735-7841 E: info@scissorscreekcattle.com

Lyall & Konleigh Johnson P: 306-224-4272 C: 306-736-7877 E: konleighjohnson@hotmail.com

Prairie Wind Farms Ltd.

Evan & Linda Cuss P: 306-534-4700 C: 306-745-7431 E: cuss@sasktel.net

Glen & Barry Lowes; Eric Pateman

Glenn: 204-854-5669 Barry: 204-851-0342 Eric: 306-434-8567 E: mmwilson87@hotmail.com

Wes & Brian Mack Wes: P: 306-634-4410 C:306-421-1853 Brian: P: 306-634-4431 C: 306-421-2938 E: wkmack@signaldirect.ca

View the catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com

Informations sur la génomique et son utilité pour l’ASC Par Dr John Crowley, Université d’Alberta

La génomique se définit comme une branche de la biologie moléculaire touchant la structure, le fonctionnement, l’évolution et la cartographie du génome. Le génome constitue le bagage complet de tous les gènes d’un organisme. Voici donc la seule partie de cet article ayant trait à une définition, mais il était important de bien comprendre le sens du mot « génomique », lequel est employé de plus en plus. Au niveau de l’éleveur, le progrès génétique est influencé notamment par la précision de la sélection et l’intervalle entre les générations. En fait, plus vos divers outils de sélection seront précis et plus l’intervalle entre générations sera court, plus vous obtiendrez alors un meilleur taux de progrès génétique. C’est précisément pourquoi la génomique peut jouer un rôle important au niveau de l’élevage des animaux; elle permet ainsi d’améliorer la précision de la sélection et, subséquemment, elle peut aussi contribuer à diminuer l’intervalle entre les générations. Lorsqu’on a une faible précision de sélection, c’est-à-dire en employant un EPD avec une précision faible, cela nous amène à faire des erreurs, car cet EPD conduit à une variation plus importante par rapport à la valeur réelle d’élevage (Tableau 1-). La génomique peut également améliorer la précision de la sélection pour des caractères difficiles ou plus coûteux à mesurer, tels que les qualités de la carcasse, la longévité (c’est-à-dire que vous devez attendre que l’animal soit mort avant d’obtenir les données), ou bien l’efficacité alimentaire et la santé. Tableau 1- Changements potentiels des valeurs EPD selon divers niveaux de précision Précision % Poids de naissance (lb) Poids de naissance (lb) Poids au sevrage (lb) Lait (lb) 10 ±2.4 ±10.4 ±8.7 30 ±1.8 ±8.1 ±6.8 50 ±1.3 ±5.8 ±4.9 75 ±0.8 ±2.9 ±2.4 90 ±0.3 ±1.2 ±1.0 En utilisant les informations touchant l’ADN d’un animal (génotype), nous ajoutons des données lors du calcul des EPD et cela vient faire augmenter notre niveau de confiance par rapport à cet EPD. En fin de compte, on obtient une prédiction plus précise qui, lorsqu’on ajoute les données du génotype, on parlera alors d’un EPD amélioré par la génomique (EPD-GE). L’augmentation de la précision est particulièrement significative chez les jeunes sujets, lesquels n’ont soit pas de données disponibles sur les caractères d’intérêt, ou bien n’ont tout simplement pas encore de descendants. En conséquence, l’accroissement de précision obtenue grâce à la génomique peut être exprimé en “nombre équivalent de descendants », c’est-à-dire que le jeune animal considéré avait « x » nombre de descendants nés possédant des données pour le caractère considéré (Tableau 2-). Une autre manière d’accroître la précision de l’EPD est lorsqu’on a davantage de données phénotypiques sur des descendants ou des sujets apparentés (cela étant en phase pré-génomique). Pour un taureau donné, imaginez comment il serait long d’obtenir suffisamment de données sur le poids au sevrage de ses premiers descendants, en assumant qu’il était âgé de 24 mois lors des saillies. Ce même taureau sera âgé de plus de 50 mois lorsque la précision de son EPD du poids au sevrage commencera à augmenter de sorte que, dans l’intervalle, il aura permis d’engendrer deux autres groupes de veaux. À ce moment-là, on pourra savoir si ses EPD sont corrects, puisqu’ils pourraient tout aussi bien s’être améliorés ou bien avoir empirer. Ceci permet de bien illustrer comment la génomique peut influencer l’intervalle entre les générations ; en fait, un producteur peut

maintenant sélectionner un animal âgé seulement de quelques semaines, avec la même précision que s’il était âgé de 50 mois. Garder le bon taureau et / ou les bonnes génisses, par rapport aux sujets devant être vendus, est devenu un processus plus précis. On ajoute également de la valeur au moment de la vente, alors que les acheteurs peuvent choisir leurs sujets en ayant davantage confiance aux EPDs. Tableau 2- Nombre équivalent de descendants requis pour améliorer la précision d’un EPD-GE chez un jeune animal Caractère Nombre équivalent de descendants Birth Wt 10 Weaning Wt 16 Yearling Wt 22 Feed Efficiency 15 Milk 12 Carcass Wt 7 Ultrasound Backfat 28 Pour calculer ces nouveaux EPD-GE, on tient compte à la fois des informations traditionnellement employées (poids, mesures,...), et des nouvelle informations provenant des génotypes. On pourra obtenir une prédiction sur le génotype relativement à toute la population concernée de la race Simmental, au sein de laquelle plusieurs sujets possèdent des informations phénotypiques et génotypiques (voir ci-après). En employant ce principe d’informations venant en paires, les généticiens peuvent ainsi interpréter la signification des données génotypiques, et les utiliser afin de prédire le mérite génétique futur d’un animal ne possédant que des informations génotypiques. La génomique et l’Association Simmental du Canada L’ASC a complété une première phase importante, qui conduira à la publication prochaine d’EPD-GE, pour le bénéfice de ses clients intéressés. Avec les quinze mille génotypiques obtenus lors des récents projets de l’ASC, cela fournit le matériel de base permettant de développer les équations de prédiction qui seront employées pour obtenir la prochaine génération d’EPD-GE. Au moment d’écrire ces lignes, ces équations étaient en train d’être finalisées, de sorte que des EPD-GE seront disponibles au début de l’année 2015 pour tous les sujets dont un génotype a été réalisé. À l’avenir, si vous désirez obtenir des EPD-GE pour un animal donné (si un génotype n’est pas déjà disponible lors de l’enregistrement), il s’agira alors de : 1. Recueillir un échantillon de tissu provenant de l’animal donné (les instructions de cueillette d’échantillons peuvent être consultées sur le site de l’ASC) 2. Commander auprès de l’ASC une trousse d’échantillonnage et des formulaires de demandes d’analyse, puis expédier les échantillons au laboratoire indiqué dans la trousse et 3. Demeurer attentif par rapport à la mise à jour de l’évaluation génétique d’un animal donné. Il faut tenir compte qu’un délai d’un mois pourrait être nécessaire, afin que l’échantillon arrive au laboratoire, qu’on effectue tout le travail requis au laboratoire, et ensuite pouvoir combiner les résultats du génotype avec les données phénotypiques disponibles et les informations généalogiques. En conséquence, gardez ces précisions bien en tête, surtout si vous avez besoin de résultats en prévision d’une vente ou autre. Enfin, il est important de noter qu’à compter du 1er janvier 2015, un génotype 50 K sera obligatoire si vous désirez enregistrer les descendants d’un taureau Simmental donné.

Coming Home...

11th Annual Focus on the Future Bull Sale Proven opportunity from the ring to the pasture!

11th Annual Bull Sale will be held in our new facility on the farm! Selling Red & Black Simmental, Simm Angus & Customer Commercial Heifers

Sale Managed by:

Chris: (306) 220-5006 Shane: (403) 363-9973

Vernon, Denise, Riley & Cody-Ray Lafrentz Ph: 306.634.7765 Cell: 306.421.2297 Email: wheatlandcattle@sasktel.net

View the catalogue online at www.wheatlandcattle.com or www.buyagro.com 43

Red Simmental

Kuntz Super Duty 4Y

Exclusive USA rights owned by Rust on this powerful herd sire.

Black Simmental

SVS Captain Morgan The first calves from the $190,000 phenom

Hookâ€™s Yukon 80Y

Great numbers across the board with huge API and phenotype

SimAngus

TNT Tuition U238

Calving ease SimAngus with extra maternal

Red Simmental

TNT Bootlegger Z268

$67,000 power bull with structure and marketability

Spring

Friday, February 13 :: Rimbey, AB 00 ,0 7 6 $ r le el S 16th Annual Genetic Edge Bull Sale h ig 2014 H

Friday, February 20 :: Carstairs, AB 26th Mader Ranches Bull & Female Sale

McCa