Neogen® Beef Genomics

Genomic testing enables more accurate selection decisions, at an earlier age, and for a greater range of traits, results in faster genetic improvement, and ultimately improves productivity and profitability within a beef enterprise.

We don’t send your samples overseas. Our tests are conducted at the largest livestock genomics lab in the southern hemisphere, operating to the highest standards in the world, right here in Australia.

That’s why we say testing with Neogen is the fastest way to better results. There is a Difference.

Genomic Solutions for Seedstock Producers

Neogen Australasia offers comprehensive and cost-effective genomic solutions tailored specifically for seedstock cattle of each breed. Our genomic test bundles simplify decisions about what genomic tests to order, and include all relevant genomic tests for each breed of cattle.

Breed Specific Genomic Bundles

Our range of genomic test bundles include genomic profiling, parentage assignment, screening for genetic conditions and traits of relevance in each breed, and where relevant, incorporation of genomic profiles into industry genetic evaluations for the calculation of genomically enhanced breeding values.

Genomic Solutions for Commercial Producers

Our suite of genomic selection tools have been a game changer for commercial beef producers. The genomic tools describe the genetic merit of beef animals for economically relevant traits, assisting commercial beef producers to select animals for use in their breeding program with genetics that are most aligned with their breeding objective, while eliminating low genetic merit animals from commercial beef production systems.

Developed in Australia, by Australians, for use in Wagyu content beef cattle. Suitable for Wagyu content cattle that are Wagyu x high content Bos taurus genetics. Delivered in collaboration with the Australian Wagyu Association.

Developed in Australia, by Australians, for use in Australian Angus cattle. Suitable for straightbred Angus cattle (87.5% Angus content or greater). Delivered in collaboration with Angus Australia.

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.

GenSELECT is a suite of genomic tests developed in Australia by ABRI and initially offered for use in Hereford cattle (ideally for straightbred cattle of at least 87.5% Hereford content).

Genomic Solutions for Parentage Assignment

Pinpointing the exact parentage of a calf can be a challenge for beef producers. Traditional methods have limitations, leaving room for uncertainty. Knowing a calf’s parentage is crucial for effective herd management and genetic selection in beef cattle production.

DNA parentage testing offers a reliable solution, reducing errors and confirming parentage. This leads to informed breeding programs, improved herd records, and accurate selection decisions. Plus, it saves valuable time by eliminating the need for guesswork in assigning parentage, increases the accuracy of pedigree information, and avoids the need for traditional methods like tagging calves at birth or mothering up at marking.

SeekSire™ Cattle Parentage

SeekSire Cattle Parentage determines the parentage of calves – that is linking a calf to its dam and/or sire – from a list of potential sires and dams that are provided as being possible parents.

Genomic Solutions for Genetic Traits & Conditions

We offer a range of tests to assist with the management of important qualitative traits and genetic conditions in both seedstock and commercial beef operations. Depending on the trait or condition of interest, testing can be ordered as either a standalone test, or in association with one of Neogen Australasia’s breed specific genomic test bundles.

Genetic Conditions DNA Test

Genetic condition testing is offered for all the major beef breeds to assist with the management of genetic conditions in both seedstock and commercial beef operations.

Bovine Horn/Poll

The Bovine Horn-Poll test involves testing animals that are phenotypically polled, and identifying those that are predicted to be homozygous polled animals.

The Guarani Poll Test is a DNA test that detects the presence or absence of the Guarani poll mutation. This mutation is one of several independent dominant variants linked to the polled (hornless) trait in Brahman cattle.

Beef_Tenderness Add-on Genomic Test

Tenderness testing evaluates the marker status at three major locations (Calpain316, Calpain4751, and Calpastatin) in the bovine genome known to have an impact on meat tenderness.

Beef_CoatColour

The Coat Colour (Black/Red) test enables breeders to determine whether a phenotypically black animal is homozygous black (i.e. does not carry genes for red coat colour) versus those that are carrying genes for red coat colour.

Beef_BVDV add-on genomic test

Testing to identify animals persistently infected (PI) with BVDV, also referred to as pestivirus, can be conducted as an optional add-on when ordering other genomic tests.

Genomic Profiling with a Difference

Neogen Australasia’s genomic test bundles include the genomic profiling of animals with one of our premium, proprietary genotyping platforms.

Rather than utilising generic genotyping platforms, Neogen’s proprietary genotyping platforms have been designed and developed to explain maximum
genetic variation in each different beef population, delivering value for money from your investment in genomic testing.

BovineGGP100K

The GGP Bovine 100K contains approximately 100,000 SNPs optimally selected for Bos taurus and Bos taurus influenced cattle.

TropBeefGGP50K

The GGP TropBeef 50K genomic profile is comprised of approximately 50,000 SNPs optimally selected for Bos indicus and Bos indicus influenced cattle.

Angus GS contains 72,000 SNPs optimally selected for Angus cattle. Angus GS was built ‘for Angus, by Angus’, and is the largest breed specific product on the market.

Custom Genomic Solutions

Every beef enterprise and every breeder is unique, which is why Neogen provides a range of customised genomic solutions to help breeders achieve their breeding goals.

Our customised genomic solutions cater for everyone from individual cattle breeders to large-scale pastoral companies, breed associations and research organisations.

Custom Genomic Test Bundles

We offer custom genomic testing solutions for organisations with specific needs not met by our standard genomic tests. Our experts will design a test bundle tailored to your unique goals.

Custom Genetic Evaluation

We provide a range of customised genetic evaluation services, from the development of genomics-only selection tools, to the establishment of a single-step genetic evaluation where genomically-enhanced breeding values are calculated on a routine basis.

Beef_NextGenSequencing

Our NextGen Sequencing portfolio ranges from SkimSEEK to Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) and is ideally suited to use by research organisations who are looking for an additional depth of genomic information.

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.

DNA Sampling for Beef & Dairy Cattle

DNA Sampling

Genomic testing of beef animals is most commonly conducted using Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs).

Purchase DNA Sampling Equipment for cattle and sheep

Purchase DNA Sampling Equipment

Allflex TSUs and TSU applicators can be purchased directly from Neogen Australasia. Contact customer service to place your order.

Genomic Testing Process

The process for ordering genomic testing differs if ordering from Neogen Australasia directly, or via a breed association.

Demystifying DNA Technology

A Livestock Breeders Guide to Genomic Selection’ publication provides useful background information regarding genomic selection and its application in a beef enterprise.