Feature: Genomic technology

We live in a fast moving information age. More information sooner means better management decisions that can translate into significant financial returns.

Cattle breeders now have the opportunity to obtain more information about an animal’s genetic potential very early in its life, especially for economically important traits like feed efficiency, marbling and tenderness.

These traits, which are critical for making breeding and management decisions, were not previously known with certainty. Now, thanks to new bovine genomic technology, cattle producers are able to make mating and management decisions within weeks of the animal’s birth – early enough to maximise their profit!

And, genomics continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Since the first genetic marker (for marbling) in beef cattle was commercially available in 2000, rapid advancements in the breadth and application of genomics are transforming the landscape of beef cattle genetics.

Pfizer Animal Genetics is leading the way with this new technology in the UK and globally. In the first quarter of 2010, Pfizer Animal Genetics will release a new genomic test that expands the breadth of cattle DNA evaluation by almost a thousand-fold – from a current 56-marker technology to predictions that utilize more than 50,000 DNA markers

50K HD coming early in 2010

The new high-density 50K (50K HD) offering is based on the Bovine SNP50 DNA-marker chip, which has been used extensively by researchers to discover markers that are correlated with the expression of numerous beneficial traits.

Now, Pfizer is able to offer this powerful research tool as a commercial product to provide a much more complete genetic profile of each animal evaluated. The test is being offered initially to Aberdeen-Angus breeders, with customisation for other breeds expected to follow.

New information offers endless possibilities to beef producers

“When I was growing up showing Aberdeen-Angus heifers in the 1970s and ‘80s, this kind of technology and the impacts it can have, were not even remotely imaginable,” explains Dr Ronnie Green, senior director of global technical services for Pfizer Animal Genetics.

“Bringing the benefits of this new technology to beef producers and the greater beef industry, is a major landmark in the history of beef cattle genetic improvement.”

According to Green, the 50K HD test will allow for the evaluation of a host of economically relevant traits — dry-matter intake, yield, average daily gain, feed efficiency and tenderness — which are not typically evaluated using EBVs.

“This new technology will enhance the precision and speed at which producers are able to make genetic progress in their herds,” he says.

Breeders like Lee Leachman, a prominent US Aberdeen-Angus breeder, realise the opportunities the new 50K predictions offer to his operation and the entire beef industry.

“Until now, the 50K technology has been just used for research. Now, using this technology in the seedstock business, will expand our selection to cover almost all of the traits that affect profitability,” Leachman says.

“As an industry, we’ve evolved from selection based on a few traits to a point where we are now interested in 15 to 20 traits (like growth, carcase, fertility and longevity) that are influenced by thousands and thousands of genes. The 50K technology will increase the accuracy of our decisions on nearly every important trait.”

Leachman sees the impact that the new technology will have on profitability.

“For us, there is tremendous value in using predictions from the 50K technology to choose with accuracy which bulls from a group of yearlings will provide the most profit,” Leachman explains.

“With current technology, we have to wait two – three years for progeny data to achieve the accuracy that the 50K technology can provide.  This will help ensure we are picking the right bulls to use as herd sires.”

The technology will also give breeders more information when purchasing potential sires for their herds. For marketing purposes when selling bulls, farmers will be able to provide buyers with more accurate information that commands a premium sale price.

For the commercial producer, data on the animal’s potential may dictate feeding and management decisions or where the cattle are sold, such as into the high-end export market, a branded beef programme or a commodity market.

The 50K HD panel has already been evaluated in more than 4500 Aberdeen-Angus animals that are representative of industry genetics. Pfizer Animal Genetics is now completing the validation of the trait predictions on additional “real-world” cattle from operations across North America and in UK high accuracy sires.

These quality control measures will ensure that the 50K HD panel delivers the most reliable and trustworthy information possible for Aberdeen-Angus breeders in the UK and Europe.

In addition to introducing new global bovine genetic technology, Pfizer is in the process of strengthening its genetics products and services in Europe, with the establishment of European and British headquarters in Paris, France and Walton Oaks, UK, respectively.

“Pfizer Animal Genetics is completely committed to the European cattle genetics industry,” says Nigel Evans, vice president, Pfizer Animal Genetics.

“We are dedicated to accelerating the delivery of new genetic tools, including the 50K HD product, and a full range of smaller marker panels, parentage and genetic condition tests.

“These technologies will enable producers to capture higher profits from higher-value carcases and help meet consumer demand for high-quality, tender and flavorful beef on the dinner table.”

In Europe, Pfizer Animal Genetics is supported by the technical expertise of its global staff and the strength of its parent company, Pfizer Animal Health. A recently announced partnership with Orchid Cellmark Ltd in Europe will enhance delivery standards for the GeneSTAR®, SireTRACE®, SureTRAK® brands and for specific genetic condition testing.

Together, Pfizer Animal Genetics and Cellmark are dedicated to providing customers with accurate, reliable and timely results. New technology and rapid, accurate results are the blueprint for your future success.

For more information please contact our Customer Service at 0845 303 7398 or PfizerAnimalGenetics-EU@pfizer.com or visit us online at www.pfizeranimalgenetics.co.uk.