LUBBOCK, Texas — As cattle producers look for ways to improve uniformity and long-term profitability, one industry professional says genetics and data management are becoming essential tools for the future.
Leoma Donsbach, owner and founder of Data Genie LLC, works with producers to help them track herd data and use genomics to make more informed breeding decisions. “I created this company to help producers manage their data and leverage genomics to make more informed selection decisions for the future of their operations,” she said.
Donsbach says genetics influence nearly half of an animal’s overall performance potential, something the industry is now better equipped to measure. “We’ve done a really nice job selecting cattle visually, but with genomics we can see down to the gene level,” she explained. “Genetics contributes about 50% to the overall profitability of that animal.”
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While carcass trends have shifted in recent years, she notes that rising prime grades aren’t solely a genetic story. “Cattle are staying on feed longer. Genetics still play a part, but that’s not the sole reason we’re seeing more prime,” she said. “Genetics matter in the animal’s ability to reach heavier harvest weights.”…