Prime-Time-Winter-2018

DNA MATTERS Continued from page 14

reimbursement of $20 per head for DNA verification and also pay reason- able freight costs to ship cattle to our feeding facility. The average U.S. Department of Ag- riculture quality BEEF MATTERS Continued from page 16

Since 2013, close to 30,000 head have been processed through the HeartBrand Beef program, and in 2018, we are on pace to process about 12,000 head.

eventually to use this profile to determine the percentage of Akaushi in an animal without knowing its parentage. Using DNA to determine parentage is just scratching the surface of the potential power DNA contains. Popular tests that are available to members include horn/ polled and coat color. As we build up our DNA database, we will one day be able to offer DNA-enhanced EPDs, which more accurately predict the traits a particular sire adds to his offspring. We will also have tools to help members select breeding animals based on genetic markers instead of phenotype so they don’t have to wait for them to produce a calf to evaluate sire/dam performance. There is even research be- ing done to DNA test embryos, which will greatly speed up breeding programs. The next few years will be an exciting time for us as we unleash the power of DNA for the American Akaushi Association and its members. PT

grade in our program is 39 percent Prime and fewer than 2 percent Select, making HeartBrand Beef one of the highest grad- ing programs on the market. With your Akaushi herd, you hold the potential to sell your cattle on a grid to a premium-based program, or utilize our buyback program and earn some of the highest paid premi- ums in the industry. We strongly believe that Akaushi is one of the most promising breeds for the beef industry’s future, and we look forward to watching the breed continue to grow! PT

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018

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