Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) Information

Update on December 31, 2008

AM Research Test Results
An updated listing of research test results provided by Dr. Jon Beever, University of Illinois on samples submitted to him on bulls from A.I. organizations is now online. Use the links below to view the listings.

AM tested carrier animals (AMC)
AM tested free animals (AMF)

National Western Stock Show - If you couldn't make the trip to Denver this year, you'll have two ways to keep up with the shows, Jan. 13-17.

Angus Productions Inc. (API) - will provide online coverage of the junior heifer, ROV, and pen and carload shows. Class placings and champion photos will be updated during the week. Click here to view API's online coverage.

EDJE Technologies will provide live video coverage of the ROV female and bull shows. Click here to register a user name and password with EDJE Technologies to be able to view upcoming shows and sales and to see the Denver live video.

Summer internships available - The American Angus Association offers two summer internships to college students interested in breed association work. The paid internships are available in the communications and junior activities departments. The application deadline for both positions is Feb. 1, 2009. Click here for more information.

World Angus Forum - Make plans now to attend the 2009 World Angus Forum, hosted by the Canadian Angus Association. The event is slated for July 13-16, 2009 in Calgary. See a full schedule and registration information online at www.worldangusforum.com.

Feed Intake Guidelines - The Board recently approved a set of general minimum guidelines for recording individual feed intake in bulls, heifer and steer progeny. For a copy of the guidelines, click here.

A video is available summarizing results on the University of Illinois feed efficiency research project. This update was given by Dr. Doug Parrett and Dr. Dan Faulkner at the recent Angus Education Center, held in conjunction with the Association's 125th Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. To view the video, click here.

November 2008 Board Meeting Actions Highlighted - Highlights from the most recent AAA Board of Directors meeting. Review of meetings of the Association, as well as Angus Productions, Inc., Angus Genetics Inc., Certified Angus Beef, LLC and the Angus Foundation are included.

American Angus Association’s Producer Priority Finder - This interactive program is designed to help commercial cow-calf producers identify the most important management priorities for their individual operations. You can improve the profitability of your cow-calf business by placing greater management emphasis on the priorities identified here. Click here to complete a brief self-evaluation of current management strengths and weaknesses.

W designated for Permanent Identification in 2009 - International letters are designated for each year of birth for Livestock Identification. These designated letters are an easy option to use in conjunction with numbers when permanently identifying animals. For example, W001 and W002, could designate the first two calves born into your herd in the year 2009. Click here for more information about permanent identification

NAIS Premises Registration – The American Angus Association has joined an industry coalition to assist in registering livestock producers’ premises for the National Animal Identification System. Registration is voluntary and the information is provided only to the proper animal health authorities in your state. Click here to access further details and an easy to complete registration form.

Angus Optimal Milk Module - Angus Optimal Milk is now updated with the latest industry average feed costs per cow. The revised version incorporates more than 40 cow-calf enterprise budgets published between 1994 and 2006 by land-grant universities from 23 states. Angus Optimal Milk allows commercial producers to input their current average cow weight and cow herd milking level, as well as annual estimated pasture and feed cost, to arrive at a milk EPD range matched to their needs. To access Angus Optimal Milk, click here.

Store registration certificates electronically free - Choose the electronic storage feature at no cost to store the paper registration certificates of existing registered Angus cattle. Producers can receive a paper registration certificate at no charge, when removed from electronic storage. For more information click here.

Priorities First - In fulfilling the mission to provide programs and services that will aid commercial cattle producers to achieve profitability, the American Angus Association commissioned an in-depth study to provide a blueprint for prioritizing profit drivers in today’s cattle operations. Priorities First: Identifying Management Priorities in the Commercial Cow-Calf Business, by Tom Field, Ph.D., Fort Collins, Colo., includes the responses of more than 200 successful producers and industry specialists from diverse geographic locations. To request this 28-page report e-mail Monica Jordan. A downloadable version is available by clicking here.