College of Agricultural and Life Sciences • University of Wisconsin–Madison
Department of Animal Sciences • 1675 Observatory Drive
• Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1284 • TEL 608-263-4300 • FAX 608-262-5157
Brian Kirkpatrick
Associate Professor
646 Animal Sciences Building
608-263-4323
email: kirkpat@calshp.cals.wisc.edu
Twinner Cattle Newsletter -- January 14, 2000
Annual pre-sale gathering of twinner breeders, Wednesday February 2nd
As you are probably aware, USDA-MARC will be holding their annual sale of breeding stock on
Thursday, February 3rd. Last year we had a great turn-out Wednesday evening before the sale for a
gathering of those with an interest in twinning cattle. The back room at the Garden Cafe (Holiday Inn) in
Hastings, NE has been reserved again for a meeting place. We’ll start at 7 pm, though you can come
earlier to visit if you like (room will be open at 6:30 pm). Those who desire can order dinner (“dutch
treat”) off the cafe’s menu at 7:00 pm, and after we’ve had a chance to eat and visit there will be a short
program. I'll update you on the research work related to the genetics of twinning at the University of
Wisconsin and discuss the proposal for a twinning studbook. Mark Thallman from MARC will visit with
us about his work with the USDA twinning herd. The Garden Cafe (at the Holiday Inn) is located at 2201
Osborne Drive in Hastings, NE. When you come in, just ask the hostess for the “twinner cattle” group
and she’ll point you in the right direction.
Twinning Herdbook
For those with an interest in production of twinner seedstock, I propose we develop a studbook or breed
registry. I would volunteer to lead this effort from the University of Wisconsin. For those interested in
production of twinner cattle as breeding stock this would have two primary benefits. The first is that it
would formalize recording of pedigree information, so that relationship between individuals can be
assessed. The second benefit is that recording of both pedigree and performance information will permit
calculation of EPDs (expected progeny differences) for traits of interest.
A discussion with the director of research at one of the leading beef breed associations revealed that their
data recording and EPD calculation work for several synthetic breeds was done for a fee of $5 per head
per year with the fee charged on a per cow basis. I would offer to maintain records and calculate EPDs
annually at Wisconsin for a one-time fee per cow of $5 per head. The reason for structuring fees this way
(one-time per cow vs. annual per cow) would be to encourage recording of information from the whole
herd. To have meaningful EPDs it will be important that data be collected and reported for all animals in
the herd rather than selective reporting of data. To participate, some data recording should be
mandatory. Included under the heading of mandatory would be birthdate, sex, sire, dam, and birth type
(single, twin, etc.). In addition, the database would be structured to include as a minimum data on birth,
weaning and yearling weights. Data could be recorded and EPDs evaluated for additional traits if
desired.
Marketplace
Gilbert Muhlbach (Ravenna, NE) has 4 red-whiteface, twinner heifers for sale. The heifers were sired by
MARC 58827 (lot120 in the 1998 MARC sale, twinning rate EBV of 41.8). Dams of the heifers were
crossbred cows of mixed breeding. Contact Gilbert at 308-452-3496 if interested.
I will plan on sending out a brief newsletter like this twice a year. If you have something for sale that
you'd like to bring to the attention of the twinning mailing list (cattle, embryos, semen) just drop me a
University of Wisconsin-Madison provides equal opportunities for admission and employment.
(newsletter continued on back side of this page)
line and I'll include it in the next communication. I'd particularly encourage those who have semen
available from twinner sires to share that information.
A request of a favor
I've included a postage-paid postcard with this letter. Please take a moment to check the appropriate box
on the card regarding whether or not you wish to remain on this mailing list. Also, if your mailing
address needs correction or updating, please inform me of that. If you have an email address, I'd be
happy to add that to the mailing list database as well. In case you wonder, this mailing list is being used
only to contact you with information relevant to breeding of twinner cattle -- the mailing list will not be
passed on to any third parties.
I hope you can join us Wednesday evening, February 2nd at the Garden Cafe in Hastings. If you’re
unable to attend but have questions concerning any information I’ve mentioned here, please feel free to
call me at the phone number given above or to contact me by email at kirkpat@calshp.cals.wisc.edu.
Brian Kirkpatrick