Advanced DNA testing solutions for Hereford cattle
The Fastest Way to Better Results
Neogen is proud to partner with the Herefords Australia to offer comprehensive and cost-effective genomic solutions tailored specifically for Hereford 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 Hereford breed
- incorporation of genomic profiles into Hereford BREEDPLAN 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 Hereford cattle in Australia.
Genomic Testing Options
| Genomic Test Bundles |
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| Commercial Bundle Includes genomic profiling (GGP Bovine uLD)and parentage verification. TSU samples only. |
| Replacement Heifer Bundle Includes genomic profiling (GGP Bovine 100K), parentage verification and bovine horn/poll |
| Sale Bull Bundle Includes genomic profiling (GGP Bovine 100K), parentage verification, bovine horn/poll, and screening for four common genetic conditions in the Hereford breed (Hypotrichosis, Dilutor, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Maple Syrup Urine Disease) |
| Show and Sale Bundle Includes genomic profiling (GGP Bovine 100K), parentage verification, bovine horn/poll, screening for six common genetic conditions in the Hereford breed (Hypotrichosis, Dilutor, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Delayed Blindness, Mandibulofacial Dysostosis), and BVDV (PI). |
| Standalone Parentage Verification (Can be ordered as standalone testing. Includes genomic profiling SeekSire and parentage verification only.) |
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| SeekSire Cattle Parentage (543 SNPs) |
| Standalone Genetic Traits & Conditions (Can be ordered as standalone testing i.e. not in association with one of the genomic test bundles) |
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| Bovine Horn/Poll |
| Dilutor (DL) |
| Hypotrichosis (HY) |
| Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE) |
| Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) |
| Mandibulofacial Dysostosis (MD) |
| Delayed Blindness (DB) |
| Add-On BVDV (PI) Testing |
|---|
| Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) – Includes screening for animals persistently infected (PI) with BVDV. TSU samples only. Must be requested in association with a genomic test. |
Genomic Profiling with a Difference
Rather than utilising generic genotyping platforms, Neogen’s genomic test offering for Hereford cattle includes the genomic profiling of animals with Neogen’s premium, proprietary genotyping array, GGP Bovine 100K.
The GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) Bovine 100K genotyping array contains approximately 100,000 markers, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPs), and is designed specifically for Bos taurus and Bos taurus influenced cattle.
The GGP Bovine 100K lassos the knowledge of industry leading scientists, combined with Neogen’s leading SNP selection processes, to precisely choose the most informative 100,000 SNPs for Bos taurus cattle.
The GGP Bovine 100K delivers more accurate evaluation of genetic merit, genome wide selection, comparative genetic studies, and higher density imputation.
Make Selection Decisions Earlier And With More Confidence
Neogen’s GGP Bovine 100K genotyping array is ideal for incorporation into Hereford BREEDPLAN 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 a Hereford beef enterprise.
Traits Evaluated
GGP Bovine 100K genomic profiles are incorporated into the calculation of genomically enhanced breeding values in Hereford BREEDPLAN 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 |
| Carcase | Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Rib Fat, Rump Fat, Retail Beef Yield, IMF |
| Efficiency | Net Feed Intake |
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 Hereford BREEDPLAN improves the predictive ability of EBVs by 25%, on average, clearly demonstrating the benefit of undertaking a genomic testing program in a Hereford seedstock breeding enterprise.
Further Reading
For those wanting to know more, download our Advanced DNA Testing Solutions for Hereford Cattle brochure, or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your breeding goals and to find a genomic solution that meets your needs.
