Jan. 11, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For more information contact:

Bill Bowman, chief operating officer, at 816-383-5100 or bbowman@angus.org.

             

Angus Improves Genetic Selection Tools

Genomic-enhanced EPDs and $Values provide better characterization of Angus cattle.

 

The American Angus Association® announces enhancements to its genetic prediction tools following an extensive genomic recalibration project in collaboration with Pfizer Animal Genetics. Starting Jan. 11, Angus breeders will notice updates to expected progeny differences (EPDs) impacted by Pfizer HD50K tested animals.

            “In an effort to bring the best science and technology possible to our Angus breeders, a Pfizer HD50K recalibration process was necessary to better characterize Angus genetics,” says Bill Bowman, Association chief operating officer and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) president.

Users of Angus genetics will see changes in the following:  EPDs and accuracies for Pfizer HD50K tested animals, re-estimated genomic correlations and updated economic assumptions that impact $Values.

“We encourage breeders and commercial bull buyers to access the most current EPDs and $Values through our Association website,” Bowman says. “This continued effort to provide robust, real-time selection tools – focused on economics – benefits the Angus breed, and the entire industry, long term.”

The National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) EPDs are processed weekly and posted every Friday on www.angus.org.

 

The American Angus Association serves nearly 30,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.

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