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Angus breeders can now gain inside information from the first breed-specific DNA
profile
Angus Genetics Inc.® (AGI) is now accepting DNA samples for analysis with the industry's
first breed-specific DNA profile from IGENITY®. Angus breeders are one step closer
to putting the power of DNA to work in combination with expected progeny differences
(EPDs) by using the first genomic-enhanced EPDs available for multiple traits.
"We are pleased to offer Angus breeders the opportunity to apply the next great
advancement in cattle breeding and genetics," says Bill Bowman, chief operating
officer, AGI. "The combination of DNA technology from IGENITY with the Angus National
Cattle Evaluation (NCE) results in more predictable EPDs, which Angus breeders and
their commercial customers can use to help make more confident decisions and faster
genetic progress."
Producers will receive genomic-enhanced EPDs as well as scores from IGENITY for
14 economically important traits, including:
- Residual feed intake
- Average daily gain
- Tenderness
- Marbling
- Percent choice (Quality grade)
- Yield grade
- Fat thickness
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- Ribeye area
- Carcass weight
- Yearling weight
- Heifer pregnancy rate
- Stayability (longevity)
- Maternal calving ease
- Docility
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"The ability to evaluate cattle using EPDs with improved accuracies helps producers
minimize some of the risk that comes with using young sires or selecting replacement
heifers," Bowman says. "Now producers can more confidently evaluate young cattle
for economically important traits such as marbling and feed efficiency, to help
ensure they are pointing their herd in the right direction."
Dr. Stewart Bauck, executive director of research and development, IGENITY, says
IGENITY offers analyses for multiple economically important traits; however, not
all of those traits are currently available as EPDs.
"Therefore, in addition to genomic-enhanced EPDs, producers will receive scores
from IGENITY," he says. "Producers also will have the option to evaluate cattle
for genetic abnormalities and test for persistent infections (PI) of the bovine
viral diarrhea (BVD) virus - all from a single DNA sample."
To get started, producers can order sample collection kits from AGI by visiting
www.angus.org. All DNA sample types - blood, hair, tissue or semen - will be accepted;
however, blood samples on FTA® cards are preferred. Samples should be mailed to
AGI and results will be returned via the customer log-in function on www.angus.org.
"Genomic-enhanced EPDs will be returned to producers three to four weeks after samples
are received," Bowman says. "This information will be available in time for producers
to make final replacement heifer selection decisions and provide genomic-enhanced
EPDs at spring production sales."
Dr. Bauck says IGENITY is pleased to work with AGI and the American Angus Association®
(AAA) to make genomic-enhanced EPDs a possibility for Angus breeders.
"IGENITY is committed to providing producers the most user-friendly and convenient
options to applying the power of DNA," he says. "Genomic-enhanced EPDs were the
next advancement in the application of DNA technology, and now thanks to the commitment
of AGI and AAA, it has become a reality for Angus breeders."
In addition to working with AGI to provide genomic-enhanced EPDs for Angus producers,
IGENITY offers analyses for more than 15 economically important traits and seven
genetic abnormalities producers can use to make more confident selection, management
and marketing decisions. IGENITY also offers user-friendly information management
software and expert consultation to help producers customize this advanced information
to their individual herd goals.
For more information about IGENITY, contact your IGENITY sales representative, call
(877) 443-6489 or visit www.igenity.com.
For more information about the genomic-enhanced
EPDs available from Angus Genetics Inc., contact your Angus regional manager or
call (816) 383-5100.
®IGENITY is a registered trademark of Merial.
®Angus Genetics Inc. is a registered trademark of Angus Genetics Inc.
®American Angus Association is a registered trademark of the American Angus Association.
®FTA is a registered trademark of the Whatman Group.
®2009 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. MEGLIGEN9008-J (11/09)
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