We’re testing a new way SteerJock handles genetics, and we’d like your help putting it through its paces.
What’s changing
Until now, a calf’s traits were mostly an average of its parents’ numbers, with a pull back toward its breed’s typical values. That kept breeds looking like themselves, but it didn’t act much like real cattle. Siblings came out nearly identical, and every herd eventually hit the same ceiling.
The new model is genome-based. Every animal carries two copies of thousands of genes, one from its sire and one from its dam. Its traits come from the genes it actually carries.
What that means in the pasture
- Siblings differ. Each parent passes on a random half of its genes, so full brothers and sisters can be noticeably different. A great cow won’t always throw great calves.
- Breeds are defined by their genes, not their papers. Angus, Charolais, Brahman and the rest start with different gene mixes. A crossbred calf carries real pieces of both breeds.
- Tradeoffs are built in. Some genes help one trait and hurt another. For example, pushing hard for muscle can cost fertility or calving ease. You can’t max out everything at once.
- Crossbreeding and inbreeding matter more. Crossbred calves can show hybrid vigor. Breeding close relatives brings out hidden bad genes and reduces variety in your herd.
- Genetic defects (TH, PHA, DS) come from the same genes. Carriers pass them on just as they would in real life.
What we need from you
Breed the way you normally would and tell us what feels off. Examples: calves that seem too random or not random enough, breeds that don’t look like themselves, progress that’s too fast or too slow. Post what you see in the forum. Cattle IDs help a lot.
Expect some numbers to be tuned while we test.