Angus Expands Its Genomic Enhanced Growth EPDs
US - The American Angus Association® and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) continue to expand their offering of genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs), the cattle industry’s latest and most accurate genetic selection tools.
11 April 2011
1 minute read
Beginning today, the High Density 50K (HD 50K) platform from Pfizer Animal Genetics will be incorporated into genomic-enhanced EPDs for growth traits including birth, weaning and yearling weight EPDs; as well as milk EPDs.
The selection tools are generated using the Association’s extensive growth database and genomic results now provided by both HD 50K from Pfizer Animal Genetics and the Igenity® Profile for Angus.
Through the American Angus Association, AGI now offers genomic-enhanced EPDs for carcass, growth and residual average daily gain (RADG) traits incorporating genomic data from both Pfizer Animal Genetics and Igenity. A genomic-enhanced EPD for docility incorporating Igenity results is also available.
“We continue to work toward utilising genomic data in additional EPDs to benefit our members and their commercial customers,” says Bill Bowman, AGI president and Association chief operating officer (COO). “We’re currently working toward incorporating genomic data into calving ease EPDs for Angus cattlemen and anticipate releasing this technology later this year.”
Sally Northcutt, Association director of genetic research, says genomic-enhanced EPDs allow Angus farmers and ranchers to make even more accurate, more rapid genetic improvements.
“These and all other National Cattle Evaluation EPDs are released every Friday and provide Angus producers with the most up-to-date information for their selection decisions,” Ms Northcutt says. “These tools can provide an advantage for any operation, regardless of herd size.”
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