Over the last decade, “genomics” has become a familiar, yet sometimes misunderstood, word or concept among South African beef cattle breeders.
By Dr Simon Lashmar, ARC-Animal Production, Irene
Farmers have heard about “DNA” (deoxyribonucleic acid), “SNP” (single nucleotide polymorphism), “chips” and “genomic selection” – terms that sound complex (or foreign) and are sometimes surrounded by misconceptions about what they actually mean or how they are applied on-farm.
One thing is certain – genomics has helped breeders make faster, more accurate progress but it’s no silver bullet. Its success still depends on the solid foundation of good pedigree and performance recording. (Phenotype still leads the herd.) DNA may hold the blueprint, but progress happens when genotype meets phenotype.
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Why pedigree and phenotype recording still matter
“It’s in the genes” is a well-known saying, but what does it really mean? Usually, we say it when a child shows a certain talent or personality trait and someone proudly says, “They got that from my side of the family!”
We’ve all heard those light-hearted arguments about who passed on the brains, the looks or the temper. In cattle breeding, the same idea applies. Knowing who an animal’s parents are (and grandparents and even great-great-grandparents) might sound simple, but complete and accurate pedigree information is still arguably one of the most powerful “tools” in livestock breeding.
This knowledge can help us to connect the generational “dots” and, in doing so, allow us to trace back desirable (e.g., good muscling or mothering ability) or undesirable (e.g., disease) traits to certain sides of the family.
And yes, although modern parentage verification through DNA testing can correct mistakes, accurate on-farm recordkeeping remains the first and most affordable step. In terms of performance records, the DNA can show us what an animal can be (i.e., its genetic potential), but the phenotype shows us what it is (the kind of data you can see without a microscope – you can see it with your own eyes).
Weighing or measuring calves, noting calving ease or taking a temperature may seem mundane or routine, but these records are the foundation of progress and directly determine what we can do with the genetics. Not only does the strength of genomic breeding values (GEBVs) depend on large, well-recorded data sets of real (and reference) animal performance, but without them, studies like “GWAS” (genome-wide association studies) can’t pinpoint the genes behind important traits (related to production, reproduction and adaptability). In short, genomics is only as strong as the records behind it.
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Technology and extension support to aid in recording
Technological innovations and strong extension support can help bridge this gap. They can simplify data collection for those already recording and encourage those who aren’t yet keeping records to start doing so.
South Africa’s beef industry is dualistic – made up of more developed commercial and stud operations on the one side, and developing, resource-limited systems such as small-scale and communal farmers on the other. In advanced herds, precision livestock farming (PLF) tools such as automated feeders, GPS trackers and drones can capture hard-to-measure data and allow the recording of new and novel traits linked to efficiency, heat tolerance and health.
At the same time, basic and affordable tools – cellphones, digital scales or measuring tapes – can help non-recording, small-scale and communal farmers take their first steps in recording. Even with basic resources, farmers can contribute valuable data.
Extension programmes can play a vital role in this process. The Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC’s) Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme, for example, provides a good example, combining technical training, mentorship and shared data systems to support smallholder and emerging farmers.
By linking farmers with technicians and advisers, programmes like KyD help ensure that the data collected is accurate and useful, and can feed into national genetic evaluations.
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The bottom line
Genomics may fast-track progress, but it’s not a shortcut. Reliable pedigree and performance recording remain the backbone of any successful breeding programme because, at the end of the day, true genetic progress is measured in the veld, not in the lab.
This article was first published in the Agricultural Research Council’s Beef Bulletin 2026
Also read:
Building a profitable cow herd – Part 2: Genetics, management and fertility
Farmer wisdom: ‘We don’t just sell animals; we sell genetics’ – Sizo Tshabalala
Investing in genetics: How Beefmaster farmer Dr Lesia built a thriving enterprise
Why animals are castrated: Primary reasons and best practices
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