Genomics in the United States beef industry

While genetic evaluation systems which combine performance records and pedigree data have been utilized in the beef industry for over four decades, the incorporation of genomic information into genetic evaluation, and the effective implementation of genomic tools within the industry is relatively novel. Genomic technologies have been effectively deployed in the dairy, swine, and poultry industries; however, the beef industry possesses unique challenges for technology transfer. In this paper, we discuss the current limitations of genomic technologies and hindrances to the transfer of these technologies to the beef industry, while also considering opportunities for improved genomic and epigenomic tools needed to surmount barriers to technology adoption.