Agricultural News
Genomic Testing Becomes Mainstream Among Angus Producers, More Advances Coming Soon
Tue, 03 Nov 2015 17:48:35 CST
The study of cattle genomics have evolved over the last decade. Dr. Stewart Bauck, General Manager for Neogen GeneSeek Operations has seen this industry unfold. He said the study of bovine genomics got its start in December 2004 when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the international collaboration to sequence the bovine genome. This was done on a Hereford cow called "Dominette" from Miles City, Montana. Once the sequence was complete, Bauck said they realized there were millions of snips (SNPs) in genome. A California technology company called illumina built a chip that allowed scientists to integrate tens of thousands of snips in the genome.
Since that time, the science has advanced very quickly and has become economically feasible. For $45, an Angus breeder can pull tail hair or draw blood and ship it to GeneSeek to be analyzed. In return, GeneSeek sends the genomic data back to the American Angus Association to generate a genomically enhanced Expected Progeny Difference (EPD).
"The cattle producer gets back what he has always gotten back, which was an EPD, a language and a science and a measurement that he understands," Bauck said. "The difference is, it's much more accurate and highly beneficial for him."
Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays caught up with Bauck at the American Angus Convention going on in Overland Park, Kansas. Click or tap on the LISTEN BAR below to hear the full interview.
Genomic technology has gradually become adopted by Angus producers. Acceptance has grown substantially over the last two to three years. The data has shown Angus producers tested on average two head of cattle in the first year, 20 head of cattle by the second year and by the third year that number has grown to 200. Bauck said genomic testing has officially become main stream. Genomics aren't just for purebred or seedstock producers. He said commercial breeders can also use these tools for heifer selection in accelerating the pace of development.
Cattle producers can anticipate more advances in the near future. Bauck said genomic testing will get a little less expensive and the power of prediction will also increase. The technology will also become more precise in measuring difficult traits, such as longevity, feed efficiency, health resistance/tolerance and female fertility. He predicts quantifying these traits will come to the forefront in the next three to five years.
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