OPPORTUNITIES are becoming available to incorporate genomics-based tools in commercial herds for the selection of Angus heifers and steers.

This was the focus of a session led by Angus Australia’s strategic projects manager Christian Duff during the recent Angus Connect Research and Development online event.

“Genomics, in relation to livestock production, is an advanced field of science that essentially interrogates an animal’s DNA profile – DNA being the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of all known organisms,” Mr Duff explained.

Christian Duff

“Using genomic technology, coupled with a highly effective reference population and modern analytical models, a prediction of a commercial Angus animal’s genetic make-up, for important beef production traits, based on a simple DNA sample, is possible and available for Angus heifers,” Mr Duff said.

The highly effective reference population, linking phenotypes with genotypes, stems from Angus Australia member data, coupled with a suite of hard-to-measure traits (eg direct carcase, feed efficiency, immune competence) recorded in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program.

Crucially, this is formed from Australian Angus cattle run in Australia production systems.

Genomic based selection is available for Angus heifers through the Angus HeiferSelect product where genetic predictions are available for nine commercially relevant traits, along with a total breeding index and an associated star rating.

The next generation of genomic tools for commercial Angus producers has been the focus of collaborative R&D over the past 12 months with the CSIRO.

As part of ongoing development, the Angus HeiferSelect product will see the expansion from 9 to 13 traits, including genomic based predictions for two feedlot traits – average daily gain and feed intake – and the disease resilience traits ImmuneDEX.

Additionally, the carcase traits will see the transition from intramuscular fat to MSA marbling score and the inclusion of ossification.

Mr Duff said an updated total breeding value had also been developed for the Angus HeiferSelect product in collaboration with AbacusBio, a company with global experience in developing selection indexes for a multitude of livestock species.

SteerSelect new opportunity

Angus SteerSelect would present a new opportunity for Angus commercial producers, Mr Duff said.

“It is based on the same genomic based system to HeiferSelect, and will include the nine steer-relevant traits covering growth, feed efficiency and gain, carcase attributes and disease resilience,” he said.

“Importantly, Angus SteerSelect is undergoing a thorough validation process, with initial work showing it to be an effective selection tool to draft steers for traits such as marbling and carcase weight – particularly in mid-fed and longfed feedlot production systems.”

The next generation of Angus HeiferSelect and the availability of Angus SteerSelect have a target release for July.

“Angus Australia plans, with CSIRO, to regularly update the genomic predictions that underpin both the Angus HeiferSelect and SteerSelect products,” Mr Duff said. “This will ensure the large but growing and most contemporary Australian Angus reference population data is utilised.”

“Additionally, as a feedback loop for Angus SteerSelect, a model to include effective commercial data from the feedlot or abattoir into the Australian Angus reference population is also being explored with our colleagues at CSIRO.”

Click this link to view Christian Duff’s session from the recent Angus Connect webinar.

Source: Angus Australia