Driving the science of better breeding There’s little room for error in the cattle business. Producers need the most advanced information to make smart selection decisions, and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) provides it through genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs). GE-EPDs have become the industry standard for herd improvement, building on decades of science-backed genetic evaluation tools originated and maintained through the American Angus Association ® , home to the largest and ever-growing single-breed beef cattle database. EPDs that traditionally contained all pedigree, performance and progeny information now also include results from available genomic, or DNA, tests. Breeders who use genomic technology give buyers access to AGI-generated GE-EPDs that provide:
Increased predictability and decreased risk for young and unproven animals due to enhanced accuracy of EPDs
Better characterization of genetics for difficult-to-measure performance traits (such as carcass traits, maternal traits and feed efficiency) The ability to make more rapid progress for traits that are important to you, due to: · more accurate selection · easier identification of genetic outliers · the ability to propagate young animals with confidence earlier in their lives
In fact, GE-EPDs on unproven animals have the same amount of accuracy as if they have recorded an average of 15 progeny, depending on the trait. That’s valuable insight, offered regularly through the breed’s weekly national cattle evaluation.
TRAIT
PROGENY EQUIVALENT TRAIT
PROGENY EQUIVALENT
25
17
Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Maternal
Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
19
8
Hair Shed Score Heifer Pregnancy Maternal Milk Mature Weight Mature Height Carcass Weight Marbling Score
23 27 22 15
17
Birth Weight
35
Weaning Weight Yearling Weight Yearling Height Dry Matter Intake
14
9
11
14 10 16 13
13
Scrotal Circumfrence
11
Docility
Ribeye Area
13 13
Foot Claw Set
Backfat Thickness
Foot Angle
How do you know if EPDs are genomic-enhanced? Ask your breeder, refer to the registration paper, or look for the AGI GE-EPD logo, Angus GS TM powered by partner Neogen or the HD50k by partner Zoetis. These images indicate animals for which genomic testing has been conducted and incorporated by AGI into GE-EPDs
www.angus.org
Tokach Angus Ranch
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