Driving the science of better breeding There’s little room for error in the cattle business. You need the most advanced information to make smart selection decisions, and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI ® ) provides it through genomically-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 level of accuracy as if they had recorded 7-33 calves, depending on the trait. That’s valuable insight, offered regularly through the breed’s weekly national cattle evaluation.
Trait
Progeny Equivalent
Trait
Progeny Equivalent
Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Maternal
24 18 22 25 20 15 12 12 10
Heifer Pregnancy Maternal Milk Mature Weight Mature Height Carcass Weight Marbling Score
28 33
Birth Weight
14
Weaning Weight Yearling Weight Yearling Height Dry Matter Intake
9
13 10
Ribeye Area
11 11
Scrotal Circumference
Backfat Thickness
Docility
Teat Size
12 13
Foot Claw Set
13 12
Udder Suspension
Foot Angle
Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
7
Hair Shed Score
10
How do you know if EPDs are genomically-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.
Angus.org/AGI
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