Sally Northcutt
Association Perspective
Association continues to enhance genetic
prediction tools.
The American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) continue to enhance the suite of genetic prediction tools offered to Angus producers and customers of Angus genetics. Three notable recent enhancements include:
• Expected progeny differences (EPDs) calculated on weekly basis have been expanded to include all traits except for the heifer pregnancy research prediction.
• A genomic component based on the Igenity Profile for Angus has been included in growth trait predictions, providing genomic-enhanced EPDs for those traits to complement those already calculated for carcass traits, docility and residual average daily gain (RADG).
• A genomic component based on the Pfizer HD50K for Angus has been included in the carcass and RADG EPDs, producing the first genomic-enhanced EPDs affected by DNA test results of two companies (Igenity and Pfizer).
Feb. 11, genomic-enhanced EPDs incorporating the Igenity Profile for Angus were made available online for birth, weaning and yearling weight, as well as milk. The growth EPDs now join other genomic-enhanced EPDs offered through the Association, including carcass traits, docility and RADG.
"This was the next logical step in our efforts to further incorporate genomic data into our extensive selection tools," says Bill Bowman, AGI president and Association COO. "We continue to work toward utilizing genomic data in additional EPDs to benefit our members and their commercial customers."
The Association and AGI took another step Feb. 18, as they released carcass and RADG EPDs incorporating Pfizer HD50K for Angus results. With the Igenity component already included, the Association's carcass weight, marbling, ribeye, fat and RADG EPDs now benefit from both Angus-specific genomic results.
The selection tools are generated using the Association's extensive growth database and genomic results from the Angus-specific DNA profiles. For a complete, regularly updated list of available genomic-enhanced EPDs, visit www.angus.org/Nce/WeeklyEvalGenomicData.aspx.
Genomic-enhanced EPDs allow Angus farmers and ranchers to make even more-accurate, more-rapid genetic improvements. These tools can provide an advantage for any seedstock operation, regardless of herd size.
Commercial customers benefit from higher-accuracy EPDs on yearling bulls, allowing them to make more-informed purchasing decisions on young herd sires.
For more information, visit www.angus.org.
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