ADSA explores “Managing Genetic Diversity for Future Dairy and Livestock Breeding”
Champaign, IL, February 14, 2022 – Genetic improvement is a strategic investment in the future for dairy cattle breeders. Past investments have positioned the US dairy breeding industry (both individual breeders and AI companies) in a position to increase profitability in today’s national dairy herd and also to be globally dominant in the sale of US dairy genetics.
Harvey Blackburn, coordinator of the USDA/ARS National Animal Germplasm Program, says “genetic progress is predicated on the availability of genetic diversity to draw upon and thereby mold future generations of dairy cattle as needed to increase productivity or face future challenges (e.g., climate change or disease threats).”
Over the past decade, debate has focused on the rate of increased inbreeding that is being observed and what actions are warranted. It is in this context that the question of inbreeding levels and the increasing rate of inbreeding has come to the attention of both producers and scientists. With a range of new selection tools and methods now available, Blackburn notes that “this is an opportune time to pause, reflect and plan how genetic diversity and inbreeding might be managed in such a way that further advances U.S. genetics for the greater good.”
This type of issue and industry discussion was specifically why the American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA®) initiated and supports the Discover Conference series. Accordingly, a Discover Conference (#42) is being planned for April 19 to 21, near Chicago O’Hare airport. This meeting will take a unique approach of seeking to actively involve dairy cattle breeders, artificial insemination companies, and the research community in these discussions. Roundtable discussions and breakout sessions will augment formal presentations at the meeting. The goal of the meeting will be to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders in the dairy breeding community to discuss, interact, share ideas, and provide input on how to best proceed in addressing this issue.
Discover Conference 42 (DC-42), “Managing Genetic Diversity for Future Dairy and Livestock Breeding,” will be held April 19–21, 2022, at the Northern Illinois University Naperville Conference Center in Naperville, Illinois. It will be offered as a hybrid program with both in-person and virtual participation options available. For additional details on the meeting and to register for either in-person or remote participation, please visit https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/42nd-Discover-Conference, select “Online Registration” and complete the details.
If there are additional questions, please contact:
American Dairy Science Association Discover Conference Series
Phone: 217/356-5146 Fax: 217/398-4119 Email: adsa-discover@assochq.org
ABOUT THE AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION® (ADSA)®
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world's population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org
About the ADSA DISCOVER CONFERENCE® SERIES
Established in 1997, ADSA’s Discover Conferences® offer an informal environment and format that encourages candid interactions among scientists to improve learning and understanding of timely topics in the science of food animal agriculture. ADSA members attend this highly regarded conference at discounted member rates.