As a fourth-generation cattle farmer, Jared Decker knows that cattle suffer from health and productivity issues when they are taken from one environment–which the herd has spent generations adapting to–to a place with a different climate, a different elevation or even different grass. But as a researcher at the University of Missouri, Decker also sees an opportunity to use science…
Genetics ⋅ Page 1
Matching Cattle to Their Best Environments
Troy Rowan earns podium presentation at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
In 2015, Jared Decker received a $2 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture with the goal of creating genetic and genomic predictions that would allow producers, farmers and ranchers to identify the cattle that are going to perform the best in their specific environment. Troy Rowan arrived at the University of Missouri in 2016 – and has…
Diverse Research Highlighted Thompson Field Day
MU Division of Animal Sciences showcased strong research, programs during Thompson Research Center field day
The University of Missouri Division of Animal Sciences showcased its diverse research and strong graduate student programs during the Thompson Research Center field day, which was held on Monday, Sept. 17. The presentations throughout the evening were primarily led by graduate students, each of whom shared their research and work. “At the Thompson Research Center, we have a great opportunity…
Research Center Magazine: Improving Heifer Development
Thompson herd strengthened through the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program
This story also appears in our University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Agricultural Research Center Magazine. Stop by your local Research Center to pick up a copy! You can view the magazine online by clicking here: Road to Discovery. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has enrolled more than 135,000 heifers on more than 850 farms…
Transferring Technology
Division of Animal Sciences receives grant to develop national center
The Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) boasts many strengths, including its vast research and work with beef cattle reproduction and genetics. The faculty, who have responsibilities not only in research, but also in teaching, extension and economic development, are experts in taking their findings and sharing them with…
Updating a Classic
CAFNR doctoral student works to provide animal breeding educators, students with modern version of 'cowgame simulator'
Growing up in southwestern Indiana, one of Maria Haag’s favorite pastimes was showing small animals like pigs, goats and rabbits – not cattle – at national events. These days, though, Haag is on the forefront of developing a modern version of what has been known for decades as a “cowgame simulator” to help students in animal breeding classes – both at…
A Call from Home
Former animal sciences graduate student takes on new administrative role in her native South Dakota
Kristi Cammack remembers the balloons. Black and gold. They were all over her office in the Animal Sciences Research Center when she opened the door following a ’03 home victory by the University of Missouri football team over one of its former Big 12 Conference foes, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “I was usually wearing my Big Red stuff just to get…
Engineering a Productive Meeting
Mizzou speakers contribute to first-ever Large Animal Genetic Engineering Summit
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources was well represented at the inaugural Large Animal Genetic Engineering Summit, held Sept. 18-20, in Bethesda, Maryland. Michael Roberts, Curators Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and Biochemistry, gave the keynote lecture, “The Current Status of Transgenic Farm Animal Research,” Sept. 19. Roberts is a member of the National Academy…
The Geneticist’s Day Off
Jerry Taylor relaxes by boating, fishing and swimming
When Jerry Taylor isn’t traveling around the world, researching, or teaching, you can find him on the Lake of the Ozarks, surrounded by friends, family, his dogs and his 27-foot Baja boat. Taylor is a University of Missouri Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and Wurdack Chair of Animal Genomics.
Copper and Menkes
Biochemistry team discovers trigger to an often fatal disease
A team of Biochemistry researchers at the University of Missouri has published the first scientific evidence that the gene ATP7A is essential for the dietary absorption of the critical nutrient copper. This research explains why children with Menkes disease, who are born lacking this gene, develop a severe copper deficiency.