Sophie Eaglen

An analytical approach: Three trends in the A.I. industry

This article explores three recent trends in the U.S. cattle semen industry, along with the potential disadvantages of these changes.

August 8, 2024

Sophie Eaglen

The cattle semen industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by the intersection of technology, market demands and innovative reproductive practices. Statistics from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) highlight ongoing and emerging trends.

Why use pooled semen?

A recent trend of blending semen from several bulls into one straw could increase fertility.

July 13, 2023

Sophie Eaglen

As a dairy geneticist, I am trained to preach precision breeding for high genetic gain. Therefore, mixing multiple bulls in one semen straw felt counterintuitive. But the dairy industry is not what it was 50, 30 or even 15 years ago.

How does a dairy bull get a U.S. genomic evaluation?

Genomic evaluations become increasingly useful when planning your future herd. Collaborating industry partners make these evaluations possible.

January 19, 2023

Sophie Eaglen

Ever wondered how the bulls you work with get a genomic evaluation? It's a detailed process; learn more about it from NAAB geneticist Sophie Eaglen.

En matière d’indices de sélection, il n’y a pas de solution passe-partout

Les indices de sélection sont la méthode de reproduction privilégiée pour de nombreux caractères, tout particulièrement quand leur utilisation concorde avec les objectifs de reproduction de la ferme.

January 1, 2023

Sophie Eaglen

Tous les éleveurs de bovins conviendront que les indices de sélection sont le moyen privilégié pour sélectionner simultanément plusieurs caractères qui affectent la rentabilité du troupeau.

When it comes to selection indexes, there is no one size fits all

Selection indexes are a preferred method to breed for multiple traits, especially when their use aligns with a farm's breeding goals.

September 3, 2022

Sophie Eaglen

All cattle breeders will agree that selection indexes are the preferred way to simultaneously select for multiple traits that affect herd profitability.

To ‘A2’ or not ‘A2’ – that is no longer the question

April 19, 2022

Sophie Eaglen

It is now a standard feature on any bull evaluation page: the genotype for beta casein, better known as A2. Despite not being a trait, nor a genetic defect, the A2A2 genotype has grown to become an undeniable marketing tool.

Heifer Livability: Where is the buzz?

April 19, 2021

Sophie Eaglen

Heifer Livability: The new trait was released in December, but 99% of the attention went to the simultaneously released Feed Saved trait. Of course, we have been getting used to Cow Livability for a while, but it is still worthwhile to reflect on Heifer Livability for several reasons.

Heifer Livability – where is the buzz?

March 23, 2021

Sophie Eaglen

Heifer Livability: The new trait was released in December, but 99% of the attention went to the simultaneously released Feed Saved trait. Of course, we have been getting used to Cow Livability for a while, but it is still worthwhile to reflect on Heifer Livability for several reasons.

The infamous haplotypes: Are they really all that bad?

February 24, 2021

Sophie Eaglen

Do you ever feel like the age of genomics has made dairy cattle breeding more complicated? Or perhaps more scientific? While genomics brought us accelerated progress, it has also introduced us to a range of terms previously used by scientists alone.

August 2020 calving traits will reflect lower breed averages

August 7, 2020

John B. Cole, Sophie Eaglen, and Thomas J. Lawlor

Historically, the PTA calculations for calving traits have been centered on a breed average phenotypic base of 8% for Holsteins (calving ease and stillbirth) and 5% for Brown Swiss (calving ease).

Articles by Sophie Eaglen

An analytical approach: Three trends in the A.I. industry

Why use pooled semen?

How does a dairy bull get a U.S. genomic evaluation?

En matière d’indices de sélection, il n’y a pas de solution passe-partout

When it comes to selection indexes, there is no one size fits all

To ‘A2’ or not ‘A2’ – that is no longer the question

Heifer Livability: Where is the buzz?

Heifer Livability – where is the buzz?

The infamous haplotypes: Are they really all that bad?

August 2020 calving traits will reflect lower breed averages

Congress extends farm bill, averts gov't shutdown

The financial condition of Idaho agriculture: 2024

Boost cattle health and performance with sustainable deworming

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