Some are more familiar with them than others, but I thought it was a great time to review for some and introduce their meaning to new members.

Parentage Qualified Indicator*

 The parentage indicator symbol was initiated in 2017. If the individual animal is qualified (matched) to both parents through DNA testing, the words “Parent Qualified” are displayed just above the Breeder/Owner sections. In addition, both parents must have DNA markers on file.

This means the animal has a qualifying match to both the sire and dam as well as the mating of the two. A * symbol shows before the registration number where applicable and throughout the pedigree where an animal has met this qualification. 

Pathfinder #

One of the oldest, most-recognized symbols included on Angus registrations is the Pathfinder^® # symbol. The Pathfinder program was started in 1978 to identify superior cows based on their records of performance from Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®).

To identify these superior cows, emphasis was placed on early puberty, breeding and early calving, followed by regularity of calving and above-average weaning performance of the subsequent offspring.

The Pathfinder Report requires a minimum of three calves from a cow. Once a cow is designated a Pathfinder, she is always a Pathfinder, even though she might not qualify each year. An important part of the report is the list of bulls recognized as Pathfinder sires. To qualify, the bull must have sired five or more qualifying females in the same year.

Embryo Transfer ET +

Dating back to 1977, the embryo transfer (ET) symbol + was the first symbol utilized by the Association indicating the animal was the result of embryo transplant. This long-established practice has allowed for rapid genetic progress. 

Split ET %

Split ET was implemented in 1992 to decipher those embryos divided naturally or intentionally during the transfer process. The natural division is easy to detect, as the result is identical twins from one implanted embryo. Some breeders intentionally force the division to double the offspring. However, this is not without risk of lower embryo survivability and reduced conception rates. By using the % symbol, one can see the intended embryo being divided into two. 

Cell Clone ^

A clone is a genetic copy of an animal, like identical twins, but born at different times. Cloning can be thought of as an extension of reproductive technologies breeders have been using for centuries, such as artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). These are designated by the ^ symbol.

Clone ET @

Repeated cycles (multiple generations) of DNA transfer procedures have the potential of producing many identical offspring from the micromanipulation of a single bovine embryo. The clone ET symbol @ is included in this list to identify those embryos that were cloned to propagate the specific line of genetics.

I hope this helps everyone understand the registration certificate and the symbols by the registration number. As always if you have any questions, please reach out to your regional manager or the Member Services team and they will help with any questions you may have.

Editor’s note: For more information, please contact the Association Member Services Department at 816-383-5100, or email llanders@angus.org.