58
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 8-20 calves,
depending on the trait. That’s valuable insight, offered regularly through the breed’s weekly national cattle evaluation.
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 or those of partnering labs Zoetis
(HD50K, i50K) or GeneSeek (GGP-HD, GGP-LD).These images indicate animals for which low-density or high-
density genomic testing has been conducted and incorporated by AGI into GE-EPDs.
Calving Ease Direct
21
Birth Weight
13
Weaning Weight
19
Yearling Weight
22
Milk
14
Yearling Height
11
Yearling Scrotal
14
Dry Matter Intake
18
Docility
12
Heifer Pregnancy
10
Mature Weight
13
Carcass Weight
10
Carcass Marbling
9
Carcass Rib
11
Carcass Fat
12
Trait
Trait
Progeny Equivalent
Progeny Equivalent
