3 March 2010

2 minute read

Oceania

Can the results be verified and will these tests replace EBVs as the industry’s main genetic evaluation tool?

The world’s largest beef breed organization, the American Angus Association, has taken the plunge and is now producing genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) using information from a high-density whole genome scan with 50,000 markers.

This milestone in genetic advancement is the direct result of collaboration between Angus Genetics Incorporated, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, the University of Missouri, Iowa State University and Ingenity, a division of Merial.

Data on 14 economically important traits are now being fed into American EPD calculations and these in turn may eventually flow into Australia’s EBVs through the use of US genetics in the Australian Angus population.

Angus Australia has been following developments closely and will provide an opportunity for the Australian seedstock industry, not only Angus breeders, to hear two internationally renowned authorities explain how and why this latest development will assist genetic evaluation.

Two companies, Pfizer Animal Genetics, and Ingenity, a division of Merial, are the front runners in providing this service to the industry. Their high density whole genome scan (HD WGS) with 50,000 markers is making this ground breaking development possible.

Dr Gerard Davis of Pfizer will explain his company’s approach and will make a significant announcement at the Angus Australia National Conference at Albury, NSW, on Tuesday April 27.

To explain why the American Angus Association has decided to forge a relationship with Ingenity to provide the data will be the task of Joe Hampton from North Carolina, vice president of the American Angus Association, an Angus breeder, and a research scientist.

“The information these two highly regarded people will provide will be of significant importance to the whole seedstock industry and we encourage not only our own members, but members of other breed societies, to attend to learn about what could easily be one of the most significant genetic evaluation developments ever made in the livestock industry,” said Angus Australia’s Geoff Phillips.

In addition to the genomic developments, another eight how profile speakers will deliver papers on a range of subjects covering branded product, live exports, value adding through McDonald’s burgers, financial advice for beef producers, mental health for rural producers and how the carbon footprint will affect the industry.

TheCattleSite News Desk