DULUTH, Ga. — Angus Genetics Inc. and Merial are jointly providing American Angus Association breeders with genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs) powered by IGENITY.
According to the two companies, this will be the first time beef producers have access to genomic-enhanced EPDs for multiple traits at once — and from an Angus-specific DNA profile.
Improves accuracy. The combination of a breed-specific DNA profile with the Angus National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) will result in higher-accuracy EPDs, according to Bill Bowman, Angus Genetics Inc. president.
It will also be helpful for evaluating young animals, as cattle will now have accuracies that were previously only possible once they had multiple progeny on the ground, Bowman added.
Stewart Bauck, executive director of research and development with IGENITY, said genomic-enhanced EPDs for multiple traits have become a reality after years of collaboration among beef industry leaders.
Available this fall
The list of available genomic-enhanced EPDs is being finalized by the American Angus Association. It’s expected that Angus producers will be able to tap into this offering with the availability of the test this fall.
The spring 2010 Sire Evaluation Report, available online in December 2009 and in print January 2010, will be the first report to include genomic-enhanced EPDs.
For more information about the genomic-enhanced EPDs available from the American Angus Association, call 816-383-5100.
