Commercial Genetic Tests
Commercial cattlemen can get more data to make decisions.
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 18, 2015) — Many factors go into predicting complex trait performance. Michael Gonda, associate professor of animal science at South Dakota State University, likened complex trait prediction to a student’s GPA at the beginning of the semester. A student’s success can be affected by how often they go to class, study hours, visiting office hours, etc. However, he added, those factors can’t solely determine the student’s success — it’s not a perfect prediction.
Michael Gonda, associate professor of animal science at South Dakota State University.
Like predicting animal performance, more information makes better predictions. DNA tests are now available to commercial cattlemen, he told attendees of the Range Beef Cow Symposium in Loveland, Colo., Nov. 17-19. DNA tests give higher accuracy to predictions.
DNA tests are developed by using discovery populations in various areas of the country to test for association between genes and complex traits. Then, he explained, DNA tests are validated with herds in other parts of the country. Once the tests are validated, they become commercially available. However, he warned, these different herds are genetically different and managed differently, so he suggested asking DNA test representatives about the management of the discovery and validation populations to see if they are similar to your own.
There are differences between DNA tests designed for seedstock cattle and commercial cattle, Gonda explained. Seedstock tests are incorporated directly into genomically enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) and many are breed specific, so results are reported to breed associations. These test are more accurate, but they are more expensive.
Commercial tests are standalone tests that are reported directly to producers and are purchased directly from the testing company. They are less accurate, but less expensive. There are some breed-specific tests, and some are for all Bos taurus cattle.
He highlighted commercial tests from both Neogen and Zoetis. Neogen offers the Igenity Gold and Silver profile tests. The Gold profile tests for 13-15 traits and costs $40 per head, and the Silver tests for six traits for $25 per head. Both tests offer parentage testing at no additional charge, though the potential parents need to have been DNA-tested.
Zoetis offers GeneMax® (GMX) Focus™ and Advantage™. The Focus test, offered at $17 per head, tests for gain and grade potential. The Advantage test, offered for $44 per head, tests for cow advantage, feeder advantage and total advantage. These tests need to be used on cattle that are greater than 75% Angus or more, he noted. Parentage is also offered, but again, potential parents need to have been DNA-tested. GeneMax Advantage also offers smart outlier reporting for tenderness, cow cost, docility and marbling, and breeders can determine their desired parameters for the percentage range to classify as an outlier.
For cattle that are not 75% Angus or more, he added that Zoetis offers the PredicGen test, which tests for carcass and grid merit for $19.50.
How do you pick the right test? Consider the breeds you own and which traits are economically relevant to you, he recommended. Also consider which animals you should test. He suggested sorting replacement heifers into a top group you’ll definitely keep, the bottom that you will sell, and the middle group of which you may be less certain. DNA-test that middle group to help sort them more accurately, though remember that it is only a piece of the puzzle when you make your final decisions, he concluded.
Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal®, which retains the copyright. To request to reprint this article, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter. Angus Journal claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.
The Angus Journal's coverage of the event is made possible through collaboration with the event committee and sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv. For questions about this site, or to notify us of broken links, click here. Look for additional coverage in the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Journal Daily, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA and Angus TV.
