PBB, Angus NZ and Neogen Australasia are pleased to announce that additional content has been added to the Angus GS genotyping platform.
Angus GS is a genotyping platform designed specifically for Angus seedstock cattle that assesses the genetic makeup of an animal at thousands of locations across the animal’s genome (known as SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms), with the resulting genomic information incorporated into the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation to calculate Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for a range of economically important traits.
The new content, representing an increase in density from 49,000 to 72,000 SNPs, includes the addition of markers that are particularly relevant to the economically important traits of calving ease, birth weight, marbling and female fertility.
Neogen’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Sarah Buttsworth, said that Neogen was delighted to continue to grow its partnership with PBB and Angus NZ by delivering the new version of the Angus GS product to Angus breeders in New Zealand from mid-August.
The improved genotyping platform includes, among other elements, SNPs discovered in sequenced animals that have never been part of any commercial genotyping array in history.
“The continued improvement of Angus GS is really a testament to Angus breeders worldwide and their commitment to innovation,” Ms Buttsworth said. “We are pleased to partner with PBB and Angus NZ so that producers gain deeper insights into their Angus genetics and enhance the future of their operation and the Angus breed.”
The Angus GS product was developed in partnership between the Angus Genetics Inc, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, and Neogen.
“We are extremely grateful to our colleagues in North America for affording us the opportunity to provide the Angus GS product to our members, further building on the value of Angus NZ membership,” Breed Manager, Jane Allan said.
While Angus NZ members may not notice any considerable difference in the short term, the additional SNPs explain a greater proportion of the genetic differences between Angus animals, which coupled with the availability of the well-recorded genomic reference population within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, will in time, enable EBVs to be calculated with higher accuracy.
The process for ordering the improved Angus GS is unchanged, with Angus GS available from PBB. If you’re new to SNP testing, make sure you use wet TSUs, you can order these from PBB .
Further information regarding the Angus GS product is available here. For advice and assistance contact Megan on 06 323 0747 or dna@pbbnz.com