The challenge for the cow-calf producer is to produce an appealing and satisfying product for the consumer and to do so at a profit. This is no small task. Too often we try to oversimplify the requirements. Even with the most modern technology available, breeding beef cattle that are both productive and good tasting will be difficult because the bovine is genetically very complex.
Researchers are busy at work, mapping the bovine genome.
This will allow us to use blood samples to determine the presence or absence of certain genes or groups of genes known to influence specific traits. This technology will be available to the industry in the very near future and is already available for some traits. Times have changed in the beef industry, and those involved must learn to make appropriate changes too. As a food producer, each of you must analyze your operation and your goals. In the past, too many of us have failed to define our target.