New Genomic Tests Provides New Opportunities

New Genomic Tests Provides New Opportunities

Exciting news for cattlemen now have a more affordable option for genomically testing registered Angus cattle.  Angus Genetics Incorporated has announced newly available low-density, or LD, genomic tests that offer important data for incorporation into genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences at almost the same level of accuracy as high-density options. In fact, if animals are tested on both platforms, AGI predicts the same results for 98% of the markers. AGI’s Tonya Amen explains
Amen: “The key benefit is that it is testing that is offered at the lower cost with nearly the same level of accuracy that is achieved with the high density test. So what that will allow us to do is for Angus breeders to test much deeper in their herds. So maybe those who were just testing the front end of their bull sale offering can test their whole offering. And really one of the most exciting benefits to me is to test deep into the cow herd and characterize Angus females in a level that they haven’t been characterized in the past because of cost of the testing.”
More affordable options could mean producers test more animals — which will increase accuracy for selection tools that assist Angus breeders in raising even better, more valuable cattle
Amen: “Lucky for us, Angus breeders have not let up on the collection of performance data which is very, very important to maintain the accuracy of our genomic tools and will continue to be important.”

 

 

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