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 had recorded 10-36 calves, depending on the trait. That’s valuable insight, offered regularly through the breed’s weekly national cattle evaluation.
Progeny Equivalent
Progeny Equivalent
Trait
Trait
Calving Ease Direct
26 23 27 23 12 15 12 10 10
Heifer Pregnancy
17
Birth Weight
Calving Ease Maternal
20
Weaning Weight Yearling Weight Dry Matter Intake
Milk
36 15
Mature Weight Mature Height Carcass Weight Yearling Height Carcass Marbling Carcass Ribeye
9
Scrotal Circumference
15 17 11 17 14
Docility Claw Set
Foot Angle
Carcass Fat
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 GeneSeek or the HD50k by partner Zoetis. These images indicate animals for which low-density or high-density genomic testing has been conducted and incorporated by AGI into GE-EPDs
www.angus.org
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online