The current “DNA Testing Terms and Conditions” policy has been in place since 2009. But with new genomic tests and tools coming to market outside of breed associations, it’s worth revisiting what the policy includes, why it exists, and how it continues to benefit both individual breeders and the Angus breed as a whole.

Board members approved the policy to support the membership and drive long-term growth for the Angus breed. With access to DNA samples and genotypes, the Association is better equipped to deliver value to breeders while protecting the integrity of the breed.   

What the policy says

Member agreement
When members submit DNA samples for testing, they agree to authorize use those samples and the resulting data with the Association. The Association retains ownership of the test results, including genotypes and any unused portions of the samples. This allows the Association to use them thoughtfully to enhance member services and support long-term breed improvement efforts.

Data access
The Association has the right to give access to genotypes to other groups, such as Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), to support finding answers to broader membership questions and enabling innovation through research. Additionally, members may request further testing of their animal’s DNA through an approved lab.

Intellectual property
Discoveries made from DNA samples and test results, such as new traits or tools, belong to the Association as a whole. This ensures the tools resulting from the research are equally available to all members of the Association. 

Member protections
The policy includes important guidelines that map out the way the Association can use samples. For instance, the Association will not use DNA samples for reproductive cloning. 

Why ownership matters
Ownership of DNA samples by the Association is essential to advancing the Angus breed and delivering meaningful value to members. It enables the Association to act quickly and strategically in ways that benefit both individual herds and the breed at large. Below are examples outlining the policy’s benefits to members. 

Review the terms and agreements

Genetic condition testing

Proactive herd management
When a previously identified genetic condition is identified in one herd, the Association has tested related animals in other herds to help clear relatives as potential carriers. This approach helps manage risk across the breed, reduces unnecessary testing, and saves members significant costs.

Conflicting result
Occasionally, a test result doesn’t align with what’s expected based on pedigree — for instance, if an animal comes back a “carrier” even though its pedigree, as recorded, is considered “carrier free.” Association and AGI staff research whether the result is correct and if it is correct, then help members find the cause. This ensures data remains accurate and trustworthy for everyone.

Rapid response to new conditions
When new genetic conditions arise, whether from a newly tested animal or the discovery of a new mutation, it is difficult for members, staff and the entire breed. Because the Association has access to existing samples, we can respond quickly to understand what’s happening and provide timely, accurate information. This rapid response supports breeders in making informed decisions and helps preserve the integrity of Angus genetics. 

Driving breed improvement

Parent verification and breed integrity
DNA testing helps confirm parentage and supports accurate recordkeeping, which is essential for maintaining the strength and reputation of the Angus breed, as outlined in the Association’s charter. Association ownership of samples and genotypes allows for parent verification of animals when an animal tested has genetics from outside of its current herd. This also enables further testing for genetic conditions to take place as individuals move into artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET) programs. It is always a good insurance policy as a producer to take an additional sample on high-influence animals within your operation. 

Moving new tools into production
By owning the samples and genotypes, the Association creates tools and tests accessible to all members, not just those who can afford to fund the work individually. A great example of this is the development of GeneMax^® Advantage™ for Angus-influenced commercial females. This valuable tool not only helps your customers advance their herds, but also allows you to work more closely with them as their seedstock provider. 

Breed advocacy
Having the ability to closely investigate genotypes and, in some cases, upgrade DNA test results from high-density genotypes to full genome sequence has allowed AGI, on behalf of the Association and its members, to collaborate directly with the genotyping labs, helping to advocate for members’ needs. This collaboration led to the development of Angus-specific chips and content, designed exclusively to benefit the Angus breed and its members.

Research and development

Accelerating breed growth
Access to DNA samples allows the Association to develop new traits, tools, and technologies that support member breeding decisions and long-term genetic progress. 

Broad representation strengthens Angus research
Access to previously tested animals paints a more complete picture of the Angus population. Consequently, we have better insights that benefit the entire breed, ensuring parts of the population are not better represented in Association research efforts than others. New research surrounding heart health in the feedlot is a great example of how we have used previously tested animal genotypes to broaden the scope of important industry research.

Advancing progress with existing resources
Because the Association has access to these already-submitted samples and genotypes, research and development can proceed without delay. This helps to deliver new tools and insights to members more quickly, supporting their success without requiring additional testing. A great example of this is the parentage discovery pipeline that will affect the accuracy of the breed registry for years. This pipeline uses thousands of DNA markers to find parentage answers more quickly and efficiently; streamlining the process to get parentage qualifications done more quickly, especially in the case of canceled parentage. 

In summary

The genotyping policy is more than a legal agreement. Board members and staff strategically designed it to protect members, promote innovation and advance the Angus breed. By centralizing ownership and access, we can reduce costs, respond quickly to emerging challenges, and ensure that every member benefits from the power of genetic data.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about how this policy supports your herd and the breed, feel free to reach out to us via email at angus@angus.org or by calling 816-383-5100.