What am I doing?

I am collecting DNA samples from all cattle breeds in the US in order to compare each animal’s DNA within a breed and to animals in other breeds.

How does this help me as a breeder?

This program will help all breeds develop more accurate and less expensive DNA parentage and carcass trait testing. The larger the test base the more conclusive the results.

How are the samples used?

Scientist around the country use the samples for different projects but all are working toward understanding the genetic make-up of cattle. The more samples that are available the more types of research can be done.

How does this benefit my herd?

A few of the benefits include lower DNA testing cost, more accurate DNA testing in sampled breeds, and the possibility that new research findings could present new marketing opportunities.

What is the cost?

There is no cost to the breeder.

Who uses the samples?

There are many scientific research facilities that use DNA from different cattle breeds in a multitude of projects. These facilities range from colleges to the USDA and everything in between. One of the main research facilities that I have delivered samples to includes the USDA’s US Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center Nebraska.

Are the results of the research available?

The aim of US Meat Animal Research Center is to make research publicly available as soon as possible without restrictions.

What is Randy Goode's part in all this?

My job is to help labs around the country get viable DNA samples for testing. It is not cost effective for the labs to individually hire a full time person to get the samples that the scientist need so I have been finding and collecting samples for them.

 

My first task is to explain to the breeder why the samples are needed.
Next I have to make sure the samples are as genetically diverse as possible.
Once those items are taken care of I make arrangements to have the samples of tail hair, semen, or blood delivered or drive to pick them up.
After getting to my office I sort the samples and make sure they match the pedigree information I have.
Finally, I ship them to the scientist that need them for research.

What are the samples used for?

If there are no samples there can be no research. Therefore, the breeds that participate the most in these studies inevitably have more research done by more labs and agencies.

How can I tell this is a legitimate project?