Management
The Value of Genomically-Enhanced EPDs
By Alison Jones , NALF director of DNA processing & accounting operations
Greetings from Denver ! I hope that the most wonderful time of the year finds you happy , healthy , and ready to take on 2018 . What an exciting time it is to be a Limousin breeder . The National Western Stock Show is just around the corner , the National Junior Limousin Show and Congress is on the horizon , followed by the International Limousin Congress , and the cattle in this breed are better than they have ever been . Spring calves will start hitting the ground in the days to come , producing the next line of potential champions , elite donor dams , and high-influence AI sires . This calf crop represents the next opportunity to produce quality Limousin genetics as the result of meticulously planned breeding decisions . With current DNA testing technology , there are more resources and tools available to breeders to make informed breeding decisions .
What are Genomically-Enhanced EPDs ?
Genomically Enhanced EPDs are the result of data compiled from genomic profiles of cattle as well as pedigrees and collected performance data . The field of genomics studies the structure ,
22 | DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 function and sequence of the genome of these cattle . With modern technology , this data helps put together a highly individualized profile for Limousin cattle to depict a more accurate representation of their genetic worth as parents ( measured with EPDs ).
How can the use of Genomically- Enhanced EPDs help my herd ?
Instead of waiting until an animal is old enough to have multiple sets of progeny on the ground , DNA can be collected on bull and heifer calves at birth . After running the genomic profiles along with analyzing phenotype and pedigree , breeders can focus their efforts into developing their best bulls and heifers . Growth , maternal , and carcass traits are available in one report . This allows breeders to improve each generation as they come . In the past , growth EPDs relied on the collection of weaning and yearling weights of progeny , and carcass EPDs required slaughter weights of progeny to be generated . Genomically enhanced EPDs allow breeders to determine genetic merit at birth , as opposed to investing feed , land , and other monetary resources to select elite seedstock . It should be noted , that it is still crucially important to collect performance data on cattle . In fact , the implementation of genomic technology probably makes it even more important than before .
What genomic products does NALF offer ?
NALF currently offers three types of genomic profiles through GeneSeek : GGP HD 150K , GGP LD 50K , and GGP uLD . The HD genomic profile and parent verification is required at NALF for AI sires and donor dams born after January 1 , 2015 , but is the preference for cattle with elite bloodlines ( potential AI Sires and Donor dams , for example ). This profile looks at 150,000 markers space across the entire genome . NALF offers the HD profile including parentage for $ 85 . The LD genomic profile looks at 50,000 markers , and is currently the most popular profile for Limousin breeders . It is especially favored for use on sale animals and herd sires , and for most NALF animals is the test that should be used . The LD profile including parentage is offered for $ 55 . Lastly , the uLD