Dr. Allan, currently serves as a consultant for the livestock industry, emphasizing producer profitability through genetic improvement. Previously serving as the Director of Genetic Technology at TransOva Genetics, he oversaw R&D for genetics, genetic marketing initiatives and new product development.

Early on in his career, Dr. Allan established himself as an expert in livestock production, working directly with purebred and commercial cow-calf operations. Eventually, he returned to graduate school at the University of Nebraska studying the genetic basis of energy metabolism and selection response of correlated traits in livestock.

Following his graduate work, Allan, Ph.D., served as a Research Geneticist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. There, he was part of the pioneering team that developed and brought to the market the first bovine 50K genomic chip.

From 2008 to 2011, Allan, Ph.D., worked as Associate International Director of Global Technical Services for Pfizer Animal Health-Animal Genetics. During that time, he helped lead the developments and launch of the Angus HD50K and Dairy Clarified genomic tools, both of which remain widely used across the industry today.

Throughout his career, Allan, Ph.D. has been recognized for his many achievements in the industry, including being named as one of the Cattle Business Weekly “Top Ten Industry leaders Under 40”. Along with special awards for outstanding teaching and support of the Pfizer Animal Health work force.

“Adding Dr. Allan to our team marks a significant step in ABBA’s commitment to science-based innovation and breed improvement,” said Paul Maulsby, Executive Vice President of the ABBA.“His insight and leadership in genetic technologies will be instrumental as we work to elevate the performance and predictability of Brahman cattle on a global scale.”

Residing in Iowa, Mark., and his wife Alise are proud parents to Kiley and Brady who are both active in beef and swine projects.

With decades of experience spanning research, genetic tool development and practical application, Allan, Ph.D., brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and real world insight to ABBA’s breed improvement efforts.