CSA January 2013 Enewsletter

As you should now be aware, at the most recent Board of Directors meeting the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) directors authorized the transition of parentage validation from microsatellite DNA testing to single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA testing. SNP parentage verification came into effect November 15th, 2012. The cost of transition to this new technology is being partially offset by funding provided by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Innovation Program. Parentage verification samples that are submitted and processed between November 15, 2012 and March 31, 2013 will allow CSA to leverage these additional funds. It is for this reason that is imperative that members submit parentage verification samples prior to March 15, 2013. As a result it is strongly suggested that you contact the CSA office by March 1, 2013 to allow time for delivery of your sample kits.

Parentage verification will now be done at a cost of $45 per animal using the Geneseek Genomic Profiler (GGP) panel. In addition to parentage verification, this level of testing allows the genomic data to be used within our research training populations and genetic evaluations, ultimately ensuring maximum value for you as a member. As a result of this transition the estimated turnaround time on parentage verification tests will now be 3 to 4 weeks. Please ensure samples are submitted to allow ample time for tests to be completed.

Once again, we strongly suggest members submit parentage verification samples prior to March 15, 2013 to assist with the smooth transition to this new technology and to allow the CSA membership to fully utilize funding to offset the cost of the transition. We appreciate your support as we move to this next step in improved services being offered by CSA

For further information and to order your parentage forms please contact the CSA office.

To view the Notice in PDF format, click here.

INTERNATIONAL GENOMICS SYMPOSIUM

Mark your calendars - You won't want to miss this!

The Canadian Simmental Association is hosting an International Genomics Symposium in Calgary, Alberta July 15 & 16, 2013. This is a must attend event to gain a better understanding of the changing science of genetic improvement and how your business can utilize genomic technologies to capture more value and improve your competitiveness.

REGISTRY INFORMATION

THE HERD LETTER FOR 2013 IS "A"

Online Simmental.com Users: Entering Birth Information

There are two ways in which you can enter your calf records using the Online system. The examples below are assuming the Online user is entering 2012-born (Z- year letter) calves.

Option 1:
My Herd
My Inventory
My Posted Inventory - 2013

by clicking on the word "Calving" to the right of the Dam in the list displayed on your screen
after clicking the "Save" button to save the calf record, hit the "Back" button located in the top-left area of your screen and continue with the next Dam

Note: If you are entering multiple calf records (e.g. Twins, triplets, or embryos), you must use Option 2 below

Option 2:
My Performance
My Calving (2013 Display Year)

click the "Add" button to enter the calf information
click the "Save" button to save the record

If you require further explanation, please contact the Registry staff at 1 866 860 6051.

BREED IMPROVEMENT

EPD Accuracies
It is important to review the accuracy values when looking at EPD. There are several types of EPD published by the CSA and the accuracy value tells us the type and amount of information included in the EPD.

Pedigree Estimate - PE These EPD are an average of the Sire and Dam EPDs. They are only calculated from Sires and Dams that have numerical accuracies for their EPD. In the event that a dam has a PE EPD, the calculation would use � of the sire + � of the maternal grandsire's EPD. If the sire has a PE EPD, and/or the dam and maternal grandsire have PE EPD, the animal would not receive a PE EPD. Instead it will have an EF EPD calculated. The PE EPD only includes pedigree information.

Numerical Accuracy - 0.01 to 0.99 These EPD are calculated in the genetic evaluation and include performance data and pedigree information. Typically, animal's with their own performance record included will have EPD with accuracies ranging from 0.15 to 0.35 depending on the trait. Animal's with higher accuracy levels are likely to have progeny data included in the EPD.

Embryo & Foreign - EF These EPD are calculated on animal's that do not have pedigree ties or data in the evaluation. They are calculated as the average of the average EPD for the birth year of the parents. For example a calf with a sire born in 1999 and a dam born in 2008, would receive an EF EPD that is the average of the Simmental populations born in 1999 and 2008. There is no pedigree or performance information included in this calculation.

Breed Average EPDs - click here to view Spring 2013 Breed Average EPDs

SIMMENTAL COUNTRY NEWS

The January Commercial Country is now ONLINE at www.simmentalcountry.com.

For a listing of Simmental Events visit our Simmental Country website.

YCSA NEWS

National Classic Announcement

The Alberta Young Simmental Association is proud to be hosting the 2013 National YCSA Classic. The Classic will be held in conjunction with the 2013 Canadian Simmental Association Annual General Meeting in July. Please visit our YCSA website and Facebook page for the latest information. This will be a great opportunity for some friendly competition, meeting new friends and learning new things at this event.

Facebook

Look for us on Facebook under Young Canadian Simmental Association. Stay connected and be the first to know about upcoming events and opportunities. You can also watch for your picture from the 2012 Provincial and National Classics throughout the summer.

Alberta Young Canadian Simmental Association

The Alberta YCSA is pleased to announce their scholarship winners! Cathryn Thompson received the Alberta YCS Jaron Arntzen Memorial Scholarship and Grady Brown received the Alberta YCS Heifer Scholarship.

YCSA Board of Directors Contact information

DR. ALLAN A. DIXON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations to Aubrie Mowat, Nepean, ON, Cathryn Thompson, Calahoo, AB and Rebecca Joseph, Chipman, AB, recipients of the 2012 Dr. Allan A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship.

SASKATCHEWAN BEEF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

The Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference is Saskatchewan's Premier Beef event. "Harvesting the Future" is this year's topic. Join us at SBIC 2013 where the beef industry meets! Beef & Forage Symposium * Industry Trade Show * Breed and association meetings
January 23-25, 2013, Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
For more information and to register visit www.saskbeefconference.com

The CSA is a proud sponsor of the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference.

MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

David Morris, beloved husband of Hazel Morris passed away October 23 2012. Early Simmental enthusiasts David and Hazel were one of the first CSA members and built a Full-blood herd at Morris's Jericho farm at Port Perry, ON where their first animal was registered in 1974. In 1999 Dave and Hazel moved their entire herd to the historic Old Hide Ranch in SK, where David lived until his passing. Our thoughts are with Hazel as she continues to keep the Morris herd operating in the Qu'Appelle Valley, SK.

May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility -- Mary Anne Radmacher