In all beef systems, a better understanding of the genetic make-up of animals can be the foundation of more profitable production according to Sharon Watkinson, business development executive with Neogen.

She urges producers to embrace genomic testing to help drive efficiencies.

“In every herd there is a significant variation in genetic potential and successfully identifying the best animals will be crucial to profitability.

“Genomic testing takes the guesswork out of which animals to breed from or rear by giving a better picture of maternal, carcase and performance traits leading to increased efficiency and higher margins.”

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She added that genomic testing offers beef producers a valuable tool for gaining a deeper understanding of their cattle. By analysing an animal’s genetic makeup, producers can obtain insights into various traits. It is used by breeders to make selection decisions for breeding, management and meeting market requirements but can be equally valuable for suckler producers and beef finishers.

The test involves taking a tissue or hair sample. Tissue samples are preferable and can be done the same time as ear tagging. This is also the ideal time to take the sample for making better-informed decisions affecting the future of the herd.

The samples are analysed at Neogen’s UK laboratory, ensuring rapid turnaround and full traceability throughout the process. The test is designed for commercial producers of cross and straight bred cattle of Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Simmental, Gelbvieh and Charolais decent.

“Data from Neogen’s Igenity test is provided as a simple 1-10 score for the 17 most commercially important maternal, growth and carcase traits, where a score of 10 is a strong expression of the trait. Genomics is a more accurate way to understand the potential of individual animals to inform decision making.”

Maternal traits reported include birth weight, calving ease, milk yield and stayability which is a cow that will have the potential to stay in the herd for six years.

Ms Watkinson says these traits can allow better decisions to be made of potential replacements in suckler herds, breeding a more efficient cow and ensuring fast growing calves with excellent carcase characteristics.

For growing animals, data is provided on genetic potential for weaning weight, average daily gain and yearling weight, while carcase traits include marbling, ribeye area, fat thickness, tenderness and hot carcass weight.

“The results allow suckler producers to identify females with better genetic merit to produce higher quality calves and to identify those used to produce replacements to improve herd merit. It can also improve decision-making regarding potential bulls to use.

“For calf rearers and finishers, the data can help identify calves to grow on and those to sell. For calves retained, it will allow animals to be grouped and fed based on their growth rate and carcass traits, possibly aimed at different markets.”

Neogen is the only company offering genomic testing for dairy-cross beef calves. For the dairy farmer, this provides an additional layer to genomic testing. Once dairy replacements have been selected the tool can be used to maximise the beef calves coming from the rest of the herd.

The company’s SeekSire parentage test also provides a unique parentage profile of each animal which can be invaluable when confirming proof of product origin and traceability.

It can also have financial benefits by identifying the sires of high and low performing offspring, allowing the use of those sires to be adjusted accordingly.