The cattle Genomics service uses DNA to measure genetic variation in commercial crossbred cattle. A group of animals can be sampled, and then ranked for merit across one or multiple traits. This enables you to select the highest potential individuals and focus your feed and labour resources to them reaching their potential.
Listen to the Beef Australia podcast where Michael Wilkes, Ruminant Production Consultant, talks about opportunities for implementing genomic selection techniques in cattle breeding and how they are becoming more accessible to commercial producers.
Your TEC Consultant will interpret the results to provide you with a report on animal rankings in line with your objectives. The results help you to:
Commercial crossbred herds of the following breeds:
It is possible to add parentage verification testing and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV)/Pestivirus testing to your genomics test for production traits. This testing utilises the existing DNA tissue sample, so no additional samples are required. Discuss your requirements for parentage and BVDV testing with your TEC Consultant.
As many or as few as you like, although we recommend a minimum group to allow adequate comparison and selection. The specific requirements and sampling plan of each enterprise will vary, which can be discussed during the consultation process.
Cattle can be any age, although we recommend testing young cattle at marking or weaning to minimise additional handling and allow for exclusion of cattle which are structurally undesirable prior to testing.
Samples are submitted in the form of an ear tissue punch, collected into an Allflex Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU). This allows for the highest quality DNA sample and ease of traceability through the testing process. TSU’s can be ordered through your local Elders branch.
TEC and Elders have partnered to provide a holistic service.
Get in touch with your local TEC Consultant or Elders Branch and discuss your herd production goals and breeding objectives. and purchase a Neogen testing kit through your local branch.
Your TEC Consultant will work with your local Elders branch on the proposed sampling plan for your herd
Your TEC Consultant will provide you with a report on animal rankings in line with your objectives.