A new genetic test designed specifically for Bos Indicus cattle is set to provide Australian breeders with greater insight into the poll genetics of their herd. Known as the Guarani Poll, the new test is set to assist in identifying the presence of a new poll variant predominately found in Brahman cattle.

Guarani Poll has been developed based on research from The University of Queensland and licensed to Neogen by UQ’s commercialisation company, UniQuest, and is the first product release will be into the Australian market.

The Guarani Poll test detects the presence or absence of a poll-associated genetic variant identified in Bos Indicus cattle populations. This variant is distinct from the well-known Celtic (Friesian-derived) poll mutation commonly found in Bos Taurus breeds.

As a result, animals that test negative for the Celtic poll variant may still carry the Guarani Poll variant, making this test particularly relevant for Bos indicus and Bos indicus-derived breeding programs.

Importantly, the Guarani Poll test does not determine whether an animal is homozygous or heterozygous for the Guarani Poll mutation. Instead, it provides a clear result indicating whether the Guarani Poll variant is present or absent, allowing breeders to make more informed decisions when evaluating animals within indicus populations.

Associate Professor Elizabeth Ross and her team at UQ said, “We know that this allele is out there in the Australian Brahman population. We have seen it directly in three of the four herds that we studied. This test will finally give producers with the Pg poll allele accurate genetic test results.”

The test will be available in two formats to support a range of breeding and testing strategies:

• As an add-on to new genomic testing submissions
• As a standalone test for animals of interest or those previously tested

The release of the Guarani Poll test represents an important advancement in the understanding and application of poll genetics in Bos Indicus cattle, complementing existing genetic tools and enabling more precise identification of poll-associated variation within these populations.

“The Guarani Poll test has been long awaited addition to the Brahman tool kit and will give breeders more confidence in their breeding decisions, ” said Harry Stewart, Neogen’s Northern Genomic Beef Specialist.

UniQuest CEO Dr. Dean Moss said it was exciting to see University of Queensland (UQ) research drive meaningful results for Australian farmers.

The Guarani Poll test will be available to members of the Australian Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) from the beginning of May 2026.

For further information on accessing the Guarani Poll test, ABBA members are encouraged to contact Neogen or the Australian Brahman Breeders Association directly.

Media Contact:
Hannah Bourke
Neogen
0447 299 096
hbourke@neogen.com