DAIRY NEWS – As genetic selection and genomics become an increasingly important tool for dairy producers to improve their herd, understanding how form and function impact dairy cattle during various stages of life is critical. The 2024 Dairy Wellbeing Workshop presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) is an opportunity for all members of the farm team to learn how genetic tools can be used effectively for cow health and productivity. In addition, attendees will get a firsthand look at how animal care choices impact cull cow quality.
Two repeating one-day workshops will be held on Tue., Feb. 6, and Wed., Feb. 7, at the Tundra Lodge Resort Waterpark and Conference Center in Green Bay, Wis. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the program will conclude at 4:30 p.m. each day.
Each one-day session will begin with a tour of the American Foods Group facility in Green Bay, where participants will trace cull-cow quality backwards from the cooler to the harvest floor. Beef buyers, market experts and USDA meat inspectors will share insights on carcass conditions, body condition and condemned cows, as well as how care at the dairy farm impacts beef quality.
“As dairy producers we have more tools than ever before to select traits for healthier and more productive cows, but everyone on our team needs to understand the considerations and guidelines to use them most appropriately in our herds,” said Brady Weiland, Columbus, Wis., dairy producer and PDP board treasurer. “We’re looking forward to learning from top experts in genomics and trait selection, as well as obtaining a firsthand look at how animal care impacts quality at the processing plant.”
Dr. Daniel Weigel, PhD, director of outcomes research at Zoetis, Inc., will present “Genomics – understanding the numbers,” to help dairy teams glean a clearer understanding of current genomic traits and what lies ahead in this arena as new genetic predictors for health and other traits are being discovered. He will review how genes are expressed and the role genomic selection plays in our dairy herds.
Dr. Steve Kelm, PhD, professor and chair of animal and food science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, will present “Expressing ideal dairy characteristics.” He will outline the relationship between a cow’s phenotype and the environment she lives in, including considerations for adapting facilities as the average size of cows changes over time. He’ll also review how selective breeding has influenced the form and function of cattle and where those trends are headed.
Learn more about the 2024 PDP Dairy Wellbeing Workshop, including speaker information and available continuing-education units, and register your team today by visiting www.pdpw.org or calling 800-947-7379. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #mypdpw on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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