CAB To Use Source Verification
WOOSTER, Ohio -- Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) here has endorsed the American Angus Association's AngusSource program as a second avenue for cattle to be considered under its brand evaluation protocol.
"AngusSource is a perfect match for our brand," said Jim Riemann, CAB president. "Its approach to sourcing and promoting Angus genetics builds upon our dedication to delivering the best-tasting beef."
Last fall the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved AngusSource as a Process Verified Program. Documentation from the ranch of origin ensures cattle have a minimum of 50 percent Angus genetics. It provides genotypic, or genetic, verification of cattle's Angus heritage. Phenotype is the primary method used to determine if cattle can be evaluated for the brand. For nearly 30 years, having 51 percent or greater black hair coat has provided visual identification of Angus-influenced cattle.
"This visual method developed by CAB -- and now the cattle standard for all USDA-certified Angus brands -- will continue as the predominant method to determine eligibility," said Riemann. "The genotypic option using AngusSource is simply the next logical step for CAB, the most effective means to include cattle with documented Angus genetics."
Through AngusSource documentation, Angus-sired cattle independent of hide color can be evaluated. All beef from either method must still be presented to a USDA grader and evaluated for the brand's beef quality standards. "Those science-based specifications have been the foundation for the brand's success in every segment of the industry from the beginning," said Riemann, noting that CAB expects AngusSource to lead it to high-quality cattle that might never have been eligible, while also helping to meet the growing demand for the brand.
AngusSource quality manager Sara Moyer said the program has enrolled more than 100,000 cattle since it began, and more than 42,000 in the first five months of 2006. Nearly 13 million cattle were evaluated for the CAB brand in 2005. "This is still a very new concept to most producers, and they are learning how to use it," noted Moyer. "CAB eligibility should help drive enrollments."
"AngusSource is a perfect match for our brand," said Jim Riemann, CAB president. "Its approach to sourcing and promoting Angus genetics builds upon our dedication to delivering the best-tasting beef."
Last fall the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved AngusSource as a Process Verified Program. Documentation from the ranch of origin ensures cattle have a minimum of 50 percent Angus genetics. It provides genotypic, or genetic, verification of cattle's Angus heritage. Phenotype is the primary method used to determine if cattle can be evaluated for the brand. For nearly 30 years, having 51 percent or greater black hair coat has provided visual identification of Angus-influenced cattle.
"This visual method developed by CAB -- and now the cattle standard for all USDA-certified Angus brands -- will continue as the predominant method to determine eligibility," said Riemann. "The genotypic option using AngusSource is simply the next logical step for CAB, the most effective means to include cattle with documented Angus genetics."
Through AngusSource documentation, Angus-sired cattle independent of hide color can be evaluated. All beef from either method must still be presented to a USDA grader and evaluated for the brand's beef quality standards. "Those science-based specifications have been the foundation for the brand's success in every segment of the industry from the beginning," said Riemann, noting that CAB expects AngusSource to lead it to high-quality cattle that might never have been eligible, while also helping to meet the growing demand for the brand.
AngusSource quality manager Sara Moyer said the program has enrolled more than 100,000 cattle since it began, and more than 42,000 in the first five months of 2006. Nearly 13 million cattle were evaluated for the CAB brand in 2005. "This is still a very new concept to most producers, and they are learning how to use it," noted Moyer. "CAB eligibility should help drive enrollments."