California Angus Genomics Forum

Taylor Hillman General

The California Angus Association and the American Angus Association will co-host a one-day genomics forum Aug. 4 at Modesto Junior College, Modesto, Calif. The session begins at 11 a.m. Pacific daylight time (PDT) and is open to all cattlemen.

“We’re looking forward to bringing Angus breeders and commercial cattlemen together for this forum that explores genomic technology and how producers can use DNA testing in their operations,” says Terry Cotton, American Angus Association regional manager in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Dan Moser, president of Angus Genetics Inc., and Tonya Amen, genetic service director, will address genetic selection. Topics include a review of the basics, focusing on expected progeny differences and dollar value indexes; and genomic tools for seedstock selection, including use of high-density genomic profiles. Speakers will also discuss the expanding line of genomic products commercially available to cattlemen and how they can best be used in genetic selection.

Jeff Stott, professor and veterinary immunologist at the University of California–Davis, will discuss foothill abortion and the vaccine that will soon be available to guard against the tick-borne bacterial disease.

There is no fee to attend the genomics forum, and lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Terry Cotton, regional manager for the American Angus Association, at 816-390-3227 or tcotton@angusjournal.com; or Julie Reinhardt at barr6925@sbcglobal.net.