The National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) is an organization of researchers, educators, producers and industry leaders focused on genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Its mission is to advance U.S. beef genetics, increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the beef industry, and provide consumers with affordable and healthy beef products. NBCEC shows this commitment through research, animal evaluation, genetic test validation, industry collaboration and outreach, and professional development.
HOT TOPIC!
White Paper - Delivering Genomics Technology to the Beef Industry
The Weight Trait Project Meeting was held in June at the Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE. The meeting focused on DNA Technology: Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.
For more information please go to www.beefefficiency.org/marcmtgjune12.html
Commercial Heifer Selection Using Genomics - Factsheet by Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis
Application of Genomic Information: The California Commercial Ranch Project - Factsheet by Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis
Results from the USMARC 2000 Bull Project - Factsheet by Mark Thallman, USMARC
Relationships of Beef Breeds Using the 50K Chip - Factsheet by Larry Kuehn, USMARC
Realistic Expectations of Genomics and Current Applications - Factsheet by Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tackling fertility using pooled DNA information - Factsheet by Tara McDaneld, USMARC
National Program for Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle - A project involving a consortium of scientists, industry partners, breed associations, and cattle producers who will collect DNA samples and feed intake, growth, and carcass composition data from over 8,000 animals (8 breeds).
Current Projects – NBCEC conducts comprehensive, innovative and science-based beef cattle genetic research. Learn about the variety of their current projects.
Sire Selection Manual – This comprehensive manual features a variety of NBCEC research and genetic technology that producers can apply to their farms and ranches.
Featured Producer
Cactus Feeders, Amarillo, Texas
"The NBCEC has improved the genetics of beef cattle in the U.S. through research, evaluation, test validation and education. Genetic improvements in the herd lead to increased value and productivity for the producer while providing consumers the highest quality beef in the world. While all segments of the beef industry benefit from the genetic improvements enabled by technologies such as marker assisted selection, cattle feeders await direct application of genomics to more precisely manage cattle in feedyards." - Mike Engler, CEO of Cactus Feeders and NBCEC Advisory Council member. "