Angus SteerSELECT

Developed in Australia, by Australians, for use in Australian & New Zealand Angus cattle.

Suitable for use in straightbred Angus steers (87.5% Angus content or greater).

Delivered in collaboration with Angus Australia.

Angus SteerSELECT is a genomic selection tool which identifies the genetic merit of Angus steers (87.5% Angus content or greater), providing greater precision in sorting and/or marketing steers into lines suitable for the different paths in the beef supply chain.

Angus SteerSELECT provides:

  • Genetic predictions for growth and carcase traits
  • An overall selection index, the Angus Steer Value (ASV)
  • Angus BreedCHECK – a genomic breed composition prediction.
  • Sire verification – verification of potential sires who are registered with Angus Australia and have genomic profiles available.

Angus SteerSELECT complements other sources of information that may be used in sorting and marketing of Angus steers, such as age, weight and background information like past feedlot and carcase grading performance. Angus SteerSELECT provides valuable insight into the genetic potential of steers, particularly for traits that are difficult to assess visually (i.e. marbling potential).

Angus SteerSELECT is suitable for both Angus steers and heifers entering the beef supply chain. For breeding heifers, the companion product Angus HeiferSELECT is more suitable.

Angus SteerSELECT has been developed in Australia, by Australians, for use in Australian and New Zealand Angus cattle and production systems.

You can order Angus SteerSELECT through Angus Australia (Angus Membership required) or directly from Neogen.

Getting Ready

Before ordering Angus SteerSELECT tests, you should:

  • Obtain an Angus SteerSELECT Order Form, available under the ‘Forms’ tab on this page.
  • Obtain DNA sample collection kits. Allflex Tissue Sampling Units are most commonly used and can be ordered from Neogen Australasia. While discouraged, tail hair samples can also be used. Tail hair collector kits can be ordered from Angus Australia.
  • Ensure that a DNA profile is recorded with Angus Australia for the sires of any steers for which you wish to obtain DNA sire identification.

Ordering Angus SteerSELECT Tests

  • Once you have collected DNA samples, complete the Angus SteerSELECT order form and follow the instructions for posting the samples and submitting the required paperwork.

Results Availability

  • If you have ordered via Angus Australia your results will be made available via the Angus Tech website under ‘Download Files’.
  • If you order direct via Neogen your results will be emailed directly to you.

Genomic testing of cattle is most commonly conducted using Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs). Here’s how to collect samples – Tissue DNA Collection

Angus SteerSELECT has been developed in Australia, by Australians, for use in Australian and New Zealand Angus cattle.

Angus SteerSELECT genetic predictions are calculated based on analysis of Angus Australia’s extensive genomic and phenotypic database. Collated over many years, this database combines the DNA profiles of Australian and New Zealand Angus animals with comprehensive performance measurements collected in the respective beef production systems.

Modern scientific knowledge, developed by CSIRO, enables the association between the DNA profiles and performance measurements to be analysed, and genetic predictions to be calculated from the DNA profiles of the steers tested with Angus SteerSELECT.

Through utilisation of Angus Australia’s genomic and phenotypic database, Angus SteerSELECT provides accurate genetic predictions for the selection of Australian Angus females.

Angus SteerSELECT is suitable for straight-bred Angus steers (recommended for steers that are greater than or equal to 87.5% Angus content).

Angus SteerSELECT is suitable for both Angus steers and heifers entering the beef supply chain. For breeding heifers, the companion product Angus HeiferSELECT is more suitable.

Angus SteerSELECT tests cannot be ordered for animals that have been previously recorded with Angus Australia, such as animals recorded on the HBR, APR, ACR or MBR registers.

DNA sire identification is available as part of Angus SteerSELECT providing the sires are registered with Angus Australia and have a genomic profile available.

In many cases, a genomic (DNA) profile will have previously been recorded with Angus Australia for the sires (by the breeder or a previous owner) and can be used to conduct the DNA sire identification component of the Angus SteerSELECT testing. Details of whether a DNA profile is stored for each registered sire can be viewed on the Angus Database Search facility on the Angus Australia website.

If a genomic profile has not previously been recorded, you can collect a DNA sample for the sire and request a genomic profile from Angus Australia. DNA test request forms are available from the Angus Australia website. To order sire DNA testing from Angus Australia, you will need to ensure that you are a current, financial member of Angus Australia and have nominated that you wish to utilise Angus Australia’s genetic evaluation services.

DNA tests can only be ordered for animals that you own, and so you will need to ensure that all registered bulls have been transferred into your ownership on the Angus Australia database prior to requesting the genomic profile.

Interim results confirm animals that are 87.5% or higher Angus content as Angus, below 87.5% but higher than 50% Angus content as AngusCross and 50% or less Angus as non-Angus.

BVDV testing can be conducted in association with Angus SteerSELECT as an optional add-on.

If BVDV testing is required, this should be nominated on the order form. Angus SteerSELECT and BVDV testing can be conducted from the same DNA sample.