Genomic Advancements for Brangus

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS

The cattle market continues to underwhelm most of us in the industry. It’s hard to say where we will end up in 2017, but it sure seems like we have at least hit the bottom of the price scale. All indications lead to an improved market value albeit not occurring at a fast enough pace. The data continues to show an increase in heifer retention which will certainly lead to a larger calf crop in the future. It also indicates a need for more calving ease herd sire prospects.

I am proud to say that the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) released their Spring 2017 run of genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) with its newest national cattle genetic evaluation. The GE-EPDs were generated for over 9,000 Brangus® and UltraBlack® animals in the database. Commercial bull buyers can buy these cattle with more confidence since GE-EPDs are a more precise EPD that combines both performance records and genomic profiles. GE-EPDs increase the accuracy of each EPD which reduces risk in selecting younger breeding animals.

The increase in accuracy for performance traits are equivalent to adding several (six to 10) progeny records to an animal’s birth weight evaluation. In the case of hard-to-measure traits, the increase in accuracy is comparable to adding records from 10 or more daughters in production. This can dramatically shorten generational intervals, allowing cattlemen to make faster genetic progress.

The immediate benefit of adding genomics to the evaluation is the improvement in the predictions of offspring when making selection and mating decisions for the future. Increases in the number of genotyped animals and collected phenotype data continue to improve the predictive power of the genetic evaluation. IBBA is thrilled to have offered, from the beginning and continue to offer, ‘single step’ derived GE-EPDs that are being demanded by the beef industry.

The single-step approach maximizes use of data reported on all animals throughout the pedigree. The use of imputed (predicted from the pedigree information) genotypes from non-genotyped animals bolsters the value invested in DNA technology by the seedstock breeder. The single-step process greatly improves the EPD accuracy, which in turn reduces the possible change value. This is ultimately the advantage of single-step methodology over double-step (two-step blending) methodology of the past.

I recommend commercial bull buyers to find Brangus® seedstock suppliers who can provide you with DNA validated cattle that are backed with complete phenotypic data. The combination of DNA and performance data will yield the most accurate selection tool available in the GE-EPDs.

I will go one step further and suggest that you DNA test your Brangus® replacement heifers on the Brangus®-specific panel that will soon be available from GeneSeek. Through a joint effort between IBBA, GeneSeek and Livestock Genetic Services, a new Brangus®-specific DNA test will soon be offered to commercial cattlemen. The low-density panel (approximately 9,000) will be priced reasonable enough to incorporate in selection of your Brangus® influenced replacement heifers.

Feel free to call, text or email if you have any specific questions about GE-EPDs, locating Brangus® or Ultrablack® genetics, or DNA testing programs. For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or receive news updates by joining our email list.