Review the Status of DNA Technology in Beef Cattle at MARC June 7

May 14, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The use of DNA technology in beef cattle will be addressed at a June 7 conference at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center. Officially entitled “DNA Technology in Beef Cattle: Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where We're Headed” the meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and end at 5:30 p.m. There will be a minimal registration fee to help cover handouts, lunch and snacks. Attendees will learn about recent advances in the application of DNA technology as it relates to making selection decisions in beef cattle. This will include how this information is used in combination with expected progeny differences in some breeds, the benefits of parentage testing, economic considerations of using this technology and issues in which scientists are exploring. Speakers at the meeting include Dr. Matt Spangler, UNL Extension beef genetics specialist; Alison Van Eenennaam, animal genomics and biotechnology extension specialist at the University of California-Davis; Sally Northcutt, genetic research director at AGI, Bob Weaber, extension beef genetics specialist at the University of Missouri; Larry Keuhn, research scientist at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, and Steve Kachman, professor, statistics, UNL. A talk on beef parentage will be given by Connee Quinn of Quinn Cow Company near Pine Ridge, SD. There will also be a producer panel which will be comprised of Dick Helms from NE and Dave Nichols from IA. All cattle producers, educators and affiliated industry personnel who have a vested interest in the genetic improvement of cattle are encouraged to attend. To obtain a flyer/agenda for the program, pre-register or obtain more information, please contact the Webster County UNL Extension office in Red Cloud at 402-746-3417 or email dlienemann2@unl.edu. You may also contact Dr. Spangler directly at 402-472-6489 or email him at mspangler2@unl.edu.