Pfizer Animal Genetics has released three new traits for its HD50K DNA fingerprint test for Angus cattle.

The platform has been strengthened by the inclusion of Molecular Value Predictions for yearling weight, mature cow weight and scrotal size.

The latest inclusions now take the total number of traits analysed in the HD50K Angus test to 16, obtainable from a single hair sample.

Development work to integrate the three new traits into the Angus Group Breedplan analysis has started.

In other genomics developments, two existing traits have now been incorporated into the Angus Group Breedplan analysis. MVPs for calving ease (direct) and calving ease (daughters) can now be included by seedstock producers in the calculation of an animal’s EBV and $ Index.

The technical development needed to make this possible was conducted by ABRI’s Animal Genetics Breeding Unit scientists working in collaboration with Angus Australia and Pfizer Animal Genetics.

The result is Angus Group Breedplan EBVs that include the DNA information from an animal. Reports will indicate where DNA information is available and included for an animal by including the HD50K logo in the trait indicator field.

Pfizer Animal Genetics market manager Lewis Frost said this was an exciting development which would lead to a new era in Australian Angus breeding where future developments in molecular genetics would further improve the ability to describe an individual animal's genetic merit.