Innovating Beef Cattle Veterinary Practices: Leveraging Genetic and Genomic Tools

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2024 Nov;40(3):369-380. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.05.004. Epub 2024 Aug 24.

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of beef cattle management, veterinarians are transitioning from their traditional role of treating diseases to becoming proactive advisors. This article explores how veterinarians with knowledge of genetic tools are poised to be vital in addressing the fundamental industry challenges. It highlights the role of genetic selection in reducing calving difficulties, emphasizing its benefits for animal health and welfare. The article also surveys the genomic technologies available and discusses the importance of integrating these insights with veterinary expertise to support informed decisions in selection, mating, and marketing strategies.

Keywords: Beef cattle; Bovine; Calving ease; Genetic selection; Genomic selection; Veterinarian.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animals
  • Breeding
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Genomics*
  • Male
  • Veterinary Medicine