Innovation in Genomics

Innovations in genomic technology continue to chart the course for the future of beef production, and a leader in using this technology is Angus Genetics Incorporated. AGI reports record growth in genomic profile testing in fiscal year 2016, and for the first time ever, the uptake of genomic testing exceeded 100,000 tests. That's an increase of about 45 percent, year over year, as AGI President Dan Moser explains

 

Moser: "We've had a tremendous year — the best ever really for AGI in terms of volume of genetic testing that we've sold over  110,000 genomic profiles with both companies — with both Neogen and Zoetis — to go into Angus genomic enhanced EPDs. While it took us several years to get to the first 100,000, we are now approaching 300,000 animals in the genomic evaluation for Angus. That is real exciting to see the growth and use of that technology."

 

Moser attributes the growth to increased interest in genomically enhanced EPDs among commercial cattle producers, who rely on the data to make even more accurate breeding decisions.

 

Moser: "I think the commercial bull demand is a big part of it. I also think I see Angus breeders using the information in their heifer replacement selection decisions by testing more heifers all the time they're seeing the benefit. In a genomic test, we get more than a lifetime's worth of accuracy added to EPDs. Having that information on a young female, helps that producer make more accurate mating decisions and ultimately produce a bull more desirable to the commercial market."