Advanced DNA testing solutions for Angus seedstock cattle
The Fastest Way to Better Results
Neogen is proud to partner with the Angus Australia to offer comprehensive and cost-effective genomic solutions tailored specifically for Angus seedstock cattle in Australia.
Our comprehensive range of genomic tests include:
- genomic profiling
- parentage assignment
- screening for genetic conditions and traits of relevance to the Angus breed
- incorporation of genomic profiles into the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation for the calculation of genomically enhanced breeding values.
Neogen’s genomic test bundles simplify decisions about what genomic tests to order, and include all genomic tests of relevance for Angus seedstock cattle in Australia.
Genomic Testing Options
| Genomic Test Bundles |
|---|
| Standard Bundle – Includes genomic profiling (Angus GS), parentage verification, and genomically enhanced EBVs* |
| Sale Animal Bundle – Includes genomic profiling (Angus GS), parentage verification, genomically enhanced EBVs*, and screening for the 4 most common genetic conditions in the Angus breed (AM, CA, DD & NH) |
| Elite Animal Bundle – Includes genomic profiling (Angus GS), parentage verification, genomically enhanced EBVs*, and screening for all genetic conditions and traits recognised by Angus Australia (AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG & NT821) |
| Ultrablack Bundle – Includes genomic profiling (Angus GS), parentage verification, genomically enhanced EBVs*, and screening for horn/poll and coat colour. |
*Subject to genomic profiles meeting any eligibility criteria imposed by the genetic evaluation provider.
| Add-On Genetic Traits & Conditions (Can be ordered in association with the Standard Bundle) |
|---|
| Core Genetic Test Bundle – Includes screening for the 4 most common genetic conditions in the Angus breed (AM, CA, DD & NH) |
| Full Genetic Test Bundle – Includes screening for all genetic conditions and traits recognised by Angus Australia (AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG & NT821) |
| Developmental Duplications (DD) – Includes screening for DD only |
| Coat Colour (RG) – Includes screening for coat colour (red/black) only |
| Add-On BVDV Testing – (Can be ordered in association with the Standard Bundle, Sale Animal Bundle, Elite Animal Bundle or Ultrablack Bundle) |
|---|
| Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) – Includes screening for animals persistently infected (PI) with BVDV. TSU samples only. |
| Standalone Genetic Traits & Conditions – (Can be ordered as standalone testing i.e. not in association with one of the genomic test bundles) |
|---|
| Full Genetic Test Panel – Includes screening for all genetic conditions and traits recognised by Angus Australia (AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG & NT821) |
| Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) |
| Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) |
| Developmental Duplications (DD) |
| Dwarfism (DW) |
| Horns (HH) |
| Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA) |
| Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH) |
| Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) |
| Osteopetrosis (OS) |
| Coat Colour (RG) |
| Myostatin (6 variants) – Includes NT821, C313Y, E226X, F94L, NT419 and Q204X variants |
| Standalone Parentage Verification – (Can be ordered as standalone testing. Includes genomic profiling (SeekSire) and parentage verification only.) |
|---|
| Base Panel (543 SNPs) |
Genomic Profiling With A Difference
Rather than utilising generic genotyping platforms, Neogen’s genomic test offering for Angus cattle includes the genomic profiling of animals with Neogen’s premium, proprietary genotyping platform, Angus GS.
Angus GS has been designed and developed to explain maximum genetic variation in the Angus breed, delivering value for money from your investment in genomic testing.
Angus GS contains 72,000 markers, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPs), and is the largest breed specific product on the market.
Angus GS was built ‘for Angus, by Angus’, meaning it was designed specifically for Angus cattle in a partnership with Angus Genetics Inc, and is available exclusively to members of Angus Australia and Angus New Zealand.
Angus GS is saturated with markers that are informative in Angus cattle, and is the genotyping platform of choice for inclusion in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation and World Angus Evaluation.
Angus GS contains highly informative markers for parentage verification, and is also compatible with ‘add-on’ testing for recessive genetic conditions and qualitative traits relevant to the Angus breed.
Make Selection Decisions Earlier And With More Confidence
Neogen’s Angus GS genotyping platform is ideal for incorporation into the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation for the calculation of genomically enhanced breeding values.
Genomically enhanced breeding values facilitate:
- More accurate selection decisions – Obtain higher accuracy breeding values through the incorporation of genomic information.
- Selection decisions early in an animal’s life – Make accurate selection decisions on young animals with more confidence.
- Selection for more traits – Incorporate hard-to-measure traits that can’t be routinely measured on-farm, or measured prior to an animal entering the breeding herd, into selection decisions.
Making more accurate selection decisions, at an earlier age, and for a greater range of traits, results in faster genetic improvement, and ultimately improved productivity and profitability within an Angus beef enterprise.
Traits Evaluated
Angus GS genomic profiles are incorporated into the calculation of genomically enhanced breeding values in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation for the following traits.
| Birth | Calving Ease Direct, Calving Ease Daughters, Birth Weight, Gestation Length |
| Growth | 200 Day Growth, 400 Day Weight, 600 Day Weight, Milk |
| Fertility | Scrotal Size, Days to Calving |
| Maternal | Mature Cow Weight, Mature Body Condition, Mature Cow Height |
| Carcase | Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Rib Fat, Rump Fat, Retail Beef Yield, IMF, Marbling Score, Shear Force |
| Temperament | Docility |
| Efficiency | Net Feed Intake |
| Resilience | Coat Type, ImmuneDEX |
Genomically Enhanced Breeding Values Are More Accurate
Research conducted by the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) has shown that the inclusion of genomic information in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation improves the predictive ability of EBVs by 25%, on average, clearly demonstrating the benefit of undertaking a genomic testing program in an Angus seedstock breeding enterprise.
Genomic Testing Your Animals
Ready to collect samples and order genomic testing in your beef enterprise. We have some helpful resources to get you started.
Further Reading
For those wanting to know more, download our ‘Advanced DNA Testing Solutions for Angus Seedstock Cattle’ brochure, or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your breeding goals and to find a genomic solution that meets your needs.
Interested in genomic testing for Angus commercial cattle? Neogen also offers comprehensive and cost-effective genomic solutions tailored specifically for Angus commercial cattle in Australia, including Angus HeiferSELECT and Angus SteerSELECT.
