AUSTRALIAN cattle producers are one step closer to a new tool for selecting future breeding stock.
DNA testing has paved the way for genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences information, which will allow producers to select for the same traits they always have, but with younger animals and greater accuracy.
GE-EPDs are the result of data from DNA testing, combined with existing estimated breeding values.
But while the American Angus Association is already producing GE-EPDs that may flow into Australia's Breedplan system, through the use of US genetics in the Australian Angus population, the technology is still a way off becoming the local industry's main genetic selection tool.
That's according to Angus Australia chief executive Peter Parnell.
"Our objective is to work closely with genetic DNA testing providers, with the view to incorporating DNA information into Breedplan," Mr Parnell said.
This would allow for the expansion of Breedplan to include new traits and increase accuracies of existing EBVs, he said.
The first Australian GE-EPDs for feed intake and efficiency, marbling and retail beef yield are expected later this year.
New traits will take longer to develop.
DNA testing would also provide producers with an indication of genetic merit from birth, meaning that previously hard-to-measure traits in young animals, such as fertility, longevity and milking capability, could be assessed before the animals were used, Mr Parnell said.
US Angus breeders already have access to commercial DNA testing and the American Angus Association is now producing GE-EPDs for 14 economically important traits, using information from a high-density whole genome scan with 50,000 markers.
These markers represent mutations in the genome that affect carcass, growth and other profit-generating traits in beef cattle.
But Mr Parnell cautioned it would be many years before the Australian industry could incorporate GE-EPDs for new traits into Breedplan and use these with confidence.
"Part of the evaluation process will be to analyse the cross-benefits (to the industry and breeder) of these products," Mr Parnell said.
Two companies, Pfizer Animal Genetics and Ingenity, are the front-runners in providing the service in Australia.
