Genetics & Service Provider

Workshop

Workshop Objectives

• Engagement with industry professionals who work with Angus Australia members

• Provide an update regarding:• Recent enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN• Angus Research & Development• Recent Outcomes from the ASBP• Recent and upcoming genomic developments

• Feedback on Angus Australia’s products and services

Session 2Angus Research & DevelopmentLatest Outcomes from the Angus Sire Benchmarking ProgramRecent Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN

Session 1

Genomic Technology for Angus BreedersImplementation of Single Step Analytical SoftwareAngus HeiferSELECTApplying Genomics in a Modern Angus Breeding Enterprise

Lunch

Workshop Program

Session 3New Angus Database Search FacilityFeedback to Angus Australia

Break

Regional Forum Specifics

• Introductions

• Encourage your participation and questions

• Housekeeping

• Expectations

Session Outline

• Outline the genomic technologies that are available to Angus breeders

• Outline some logistics associated with utilisinggenomic technologies

• Outline recent/upcoming changes to Angus Australia’s DNA services

What is genomics …..

“Technologies that inform us about an animal’s genetics by analysing an animal’s DNA”

Angus Australia’s DNA Services

1. Parentage verification

2. Management of genetic conditions• AM, CA, DD, DW, MA, NH, OH, OS

3. Management of qualitative traits• Myostatin• Coat

4. Genetic improvement of production traits

Current DNA services and prices available from the www.angusaustralia.com.au

Accepted Sample Types

• Hair

• Semen

• Tissue (TSU)

• Tissue

Hair most common

Surcharges apply to some sample types• Zoetis – Tissue (TSU)• GAA – Semen, Tissue (non-TSU)

Understanding the Angus Australia DNA Testing Pipeline

• DNA is sent to labs by Angus Australia on Monday and Wednesday

Angus Australia Member

Angus Australia

DNALab

Order FormDNA Sample

QA CHECKS

DNA Results

Test RequestDNA Sample

QA CHECKS

DNA SampleDNA Results

PedigreeEBVsGene ProbabilityQ

A C

HEC

KS

PedigreePerformanceDNA Results

Parent VerificationGeneProb

BREEDPLAN

Recent Changes to DNA Services• An expanded range of DNA services has become

available over the past 12 months• Higher density parentage panels• Greater “add-on” capability to LD testing• More bundling options• Tests for wider range of genetic conditions

• GeneSeek AustralAsia

• Changes to invoicing (one all inclusive price)

• Price reductions• Most notably : Zoetis i50K $69 $57

Upcoming Changes to DNA Services

A new range of DNA services via GAA, including the new AngusGS test (available from January 1st 2018):• A high density genomic product containing approximately ~50,000 SNPs• Retail price of $51.45 (incl. GST).• Fully compatible with Angus BREEDPLAN – single-step• Ability to conduct “add-on” testing for 8 genetic conditions, plus myostatin,

coat colour and homozygous poll.• Contains all SNPs from the SireSeek product for parentage verification• Contains ~10,000 informative, Angus specific SNPs• Contains ~8,000 SNPs from DNA regions influencing reproduction of

Angus cattle• Contains ~500 SNPs from DNA regions influencing tenderness• Contains markers for health traits, environmental adaptability and feed

efficiency from latest beef research in the United States• Ordered exclusively in Australia from Angus Australia

Upcoming Changes to DNA Services

• Electronic ordering and tracking

• Angus Australia DNA Storage Facility

• Parentage, breed and sex verification will become more routine

• Lower cost and reduced turn around time…..

Breed Verification

Take Home Messages

• The Angus breed leads the Australian beef industry in the application of genomics

• Genomics is currently being used widely for:• Parentage verification• Management of genetic conditions• Improvement of production traits• Improvement of qualitative traits

• A number of changes have either been made, or will be made shortly to the DNA services that are available to AA members

Session Outline• Overview of the incorporation of genomics data into

Angus BREEDPLAN

• Discuss recent changes to the analytical software that is used when incorporating genomics information into Angus BREEDPLAN• Differences between previous and new software

• Changes in EBVs

• Main feedback from members

Genomic Information in Angus BREEDPLAN

• 4 x genomic tests previously incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation

Genomic Product

Laboratory No. Traits No. Traits in Angus BREEDPLAN

i50K Zoetis 22 14

HD50K Zoetis 22 14

GGP-LD GAA 20+ 11

GGP-HD GAA 20+ 11

• Also incorporated historic genomic information for Angus animals tested in the Beef Co-operative Research Centre

• Genomic information has been included in Angus BREEDPLAN since April 2011

• Includes genotypes from 17 different manifests (from 8K – 770K)

Incorporation of Genomic Information in the Calculation of Estimated Breeding Values

• Results in more accurate selection decisions, particularly:• when an animal is young• for difficult to measure traits• for traits that can’t be measured prior to breeding age• for traits with a low heritability• in situations where collecting effective performance

information is problematic (small herds, animals removed from contemporary group)

• Does not replace the need to collect pedigree and performance information

Genomics is an evolving science

Software for incorporating genomic information into the calculation of EBVs is also

evolving

Utilisation of Genomics in Angus BREEDPLAN

Previous Procedure• Involved a multi-step approach

Pedigree & performance

dataTraditional

EBV

• Step 1 – Pedigree and performance data used to calculate a traditional estimated breeding value

Genomic Prediction

• Step 2 - Genomic data used to calculate a genomic prediction (e.g. Zoetis MVPs)

“GenomicallyEnhanced”

EBV

• Step 3 – Traditional EBV “blended” with genomic prediction to generate genomically enhanced EBV

New Procedure• Multi-step approach was most sophisticated approach at the time, but

a new “single step” approach has now been developed

Pedigree & performance

data“Genomically

Enhanced” EBV

• Traditional breeding value and genomic prediction no longer calculated

• New approach simultaneously utilises pedigree, performance and genomic information at the one time to calculate an EBV

Benefits of Single Step Procedure• Main benefit in determining how genetic relationships between animals

are determined• Traditional pedigree approach assumes full siblings have 50% of genes in

common

• In reality, siblings may have 40 – 60% of genes in common

• New approach uses genomic information to determine exact genetic relationship

• Also accommodates animals that may be unrelated by pedigree, but have some genes in common

• Ensures appropriate emphasis given to pedigree, performance and genomic information based on an animal’s relationship to reference population

Benefits of Single Step Procedure

• Overcomes any pedigree errors (if animals have genomic information)

• Genomic information contributes to EBVs for relatives, not just genotyped animals

• Genomic information contributes to all EBVs in the main multi-trait analysis

• Removes the need to regularly recalibrate prediction equations used to calculate genomic predictions

►CALCULATION OF IMPROVED EBVs

How Much Did EBVs Change?

• No change in average EBVs

• Change in EBV accuracies

• Considerable re-ranking for animals with genomics

See Technical Bulletin

Value of Genomics

• No change in average EBVs

• Increase in spread of EBVs (similar to inclusion of performance information)

Value of Genomics

• Most additional accuracy when initial EBV accuracy is low

• Additional accuracy now differs subject to animal’s relationship to reference population

• Additional accuracy highest for hard to measure traits

What Does Additional Accuracy Mean?

* No animals = 9122

• More EBV spread as accuracy increases

• Re-ranking considerable enough to change selection decisions

Take Home Messages• “Single-Step” BREEDPLAN will make better use of

genomics data to produce more reliable EBVs for animals.

• Some EBVs have changed with the implementation of “Single-Step” BREEDPLAN (especially for genotyped animals).

• Inclusion of genomics will result in:• No change in average EBV• Increased spread in EBVs• Increased EBV accuracy (and re-ranking)

QUESTIONS?

Genomic Selection Tools for Commercial Animals Now a Reality

Angus HeiferSELECT

• Angus Australia have been working closely with Zoetis regarding the development of a selection tool for commercial Angus females

• Only available for:• Commercial members of AA• Females• >= 87.5% Angus• Sire verified to registered Angus bull

Based on a DNA sample collected on a commercial female, Angus HeiferSELECT

results include:

1. Sire identification

2. Genomic profile

3. Genetic predictions for 8 traits

4. Genetic prediction and star rating for totalbreeding value

Example Angus HeiferSELECT Results

Reported on a 0 – 100 scale

No accuracy values

Limited traits

Updated fortnightly

Only reported for heifers, >=87.5% AA contentand verified to a registered sire

Not part of Angus Australia Herdbook

Benefits of Angus HeiferSELECT

• More informed female selection decisions• Retain females with highest genetic merit• Cull females with inferior genetics• Select females based on merit not age• Better identify bull selection criteria

• Management of inbreeding

• Marketing opportunities

• Additional value to registered bulls

• Additional value to seedstock members who areutilising genomics

How Accurate Are Angus HeiferSELECTGenetic Predictions?

* 2015 drop calves with genomic predictions in Angus BREEDPLAN

Ordering Angus HeiferSELECT Tests

• Order exclusively through Angus Australia

• Pre-requisites• Commercial member of AA• All potential sires identified and genotyped (SNP280, SEQ2 min)

• Collect sample and complete Angus HeiferSELECT orderform

• Send order form and samples to AA• Electronic copy of order form sent via email• Printed order form plus samples sent via mail

• Cost : $49.50 (inc GST)

Further Information

• Support and sales jointly by Zoetis & Angus Australia

QUESTIONS

Genomics is part of the future…..

All Angus breeders should be considering how genomics can be best applied within their

enterprise

Disclaimer

The following recommendations are general in nature and should not be interpreted as

individual advice!

1. Phenotypes are KING

• The collection of performance information remains as important as ever

• Collect performance information for:• All animals born• All traits of importance to your breeding objective

• Ability of Angus breeders to harness the benefits of genomics, both individually and collectively, is dependent on the collection of comprehensive, accurate performance information

2. Collect and Store DNA samples (Seedstock)

• At a minimum:• Collect and store DNA on all sires at joining• Collect and store DNA on all sale bulls

• Best practice:• Collect and store DNA on all animals

• Considerations:• Hair v TSU• When to collect – birth (TSU) or weaning (hair)

2. Collect and Store DNA samples (Commercial)

• Best practice:• Collect and store DNA on all sires at joining

• Hair most suitable

3. Genotype Key Animals• Genotype sires and donor dams with a low density

product• Either i50K (Zoetis) or Angus GS (GAA)

• Ensure all sires and donor dams are sire verified (and ideally dam verified)

4. Develop A Genotyping Testing Strategy

• Optimal utilisation of genomics will differ from herd to herd• Testing individual animals of interest• Strategically testing groups of animals (e.g. sale bulls,

candidate bulls for use in joining program)• Genotyping all animals

• Develop a genotyping testing strategy for your herd• When and how will samples be collected• Which genomic product• What animals will be genotyped

• Review annually

• Obtain advice

5. Be Organised

• DNA testing takes time

• Allow turnaround time of 2 – 3 months

• Keep abreast of what technology is available

• Be organised and plan ahead……

6. Parent Verify All Sale Animals

• Increasing trend of purchasers parent verifying sale animals

• Innocent mistakes happen

• Consider genotyping and sire verifying all sale animals prior to sale

Summary

1. Phenotypes are KING

2. Collect and store DNA samples

3. Genotype key animals

4. Develop a genomic testing strategy for your herd

5. Be organized

6. Consider parent verifying sale animals

QUESTIONS

Angus Australia Research & Development

• The role of Angus Australia has evolved

• Transition from traditional role maintaining a pedigree herdbook to modern, member based innovation company for Angus cattle and beef

• Large involvement (and investment) in research, development and adoption

• Combination of:• In-house R&D conducted by Angus Australia• Collaboration with R&D organisations both domestically and

internationally

Research & Development Objectives

1. Enhance the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain, whilst maintaining sustainable genetic diversity

2. Ensure Angus Australia members and their customers have access to world leading genetic evaluation technologies

Large scale young sire progeny test program

~40 sires joined to 2,500 cows annually

Collaboration with R&D Organisations

Angus Australia also works collaboratively with a number of research and development organisations

Examples include:• AGBU & ABRI• Zoetis & GeneSeek• Vetoquinol• CSIRO• UNE• NSW DPI• CSU• American Angus Association• Others…..

Much of the research is an “add-on” to the ASBP

Adoption of R&D OutcomesTransTasman Angus Genetic Evaluation

• EBVs for a wider range of traits• EBVs with higher accuracy

• Selection tools that enable the next generation of Angus animals to be more profitable than the current population

• Selection tools that better identify animals with superior genetics

Staying Up to Date

Outcomes will be communicated to members through the Angus Australia communication network

– Angus National Conference– Angus Regional Forums– Angus E-news– Angus Bulletin– Angus Australia website– Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)

Education and extension resources available on the Angus Education Centre

Take Home Messages

Angus Australia has a large involvement in research and development

Combination of in-house R&D and collaboration with other organisations

Overall objective is to increase the profitability of Angus genetics in the Australian beef supply chain

Angus Sire Benchmarking ProgramObjectives1. Progeny test modern Angus bulls

(esp. feed efficiency, carcase, meat quality & heifer fertility)

2. Assemble data for the validation & refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN

3. Build a comprehensive database and DNA collection for genomics research & validation

Angus Sire Benchmarking Program• MLA Donor Company project (with matching

Angus Australia & Commonwealth funding)• Rangers Valley Feedlot• Vetoquinol – FTAI Products and Advice• ALFA (NFI Testing)• Co-operator Cow herds • Bull owners (Australia, NZ, US)• UNE (Tullimba facility)• UNE, AGBU & NSW DPI

Cow Herds

Tullimba Feedlot (100+ Days)

(approx. 170 Days)

UNE Meat

Science Lab

Abattoir

Steer Progeny

Cow Herds

Natural service joining15 months

Conception and calving performance

Heifer Progeny

Sires Nominated by Angus Australia Members

Cohort#

SiresAv. #

Progeny* Av. ABIAv.

HGRNAv. Bwt

Av. 400 d Wt

Av. DTC

Av. CWT

Av. EMA

Av. IMF

1 35 532 +102 +103 +4.5 +79 -4.4 +55.9 +4.9 +1.72 47 451 +105 +108 +5.0 +84 -3.8 +63.5 +5.6 +1.53 40 223 +105 +108 +4.9 +85 -3.7 +62.8 +5.0 +1.74 21 185 +117 +125 +4.6 +86 -4.6 +62.4 +5.4 +2.15 46 161 +109 +111 +4.5 +84 -4.1 +62.1 +5.4 +1.66 41 154 +127 +139 +4.9 +90 -5.1 +68.3 +6.6 +2.37 34 134 +134 +150 +4.2 +95 -5.4 +73.4 +5.2 +2.68 35 16 +144 +160 +4.6 +99 -6.3 +72.5 +6.3 +2.6

Total 299 71,424

*All progeny registered with Angus Australia

ASBP - 2010 – 2020

Target: 8 Cohorts300 bulls/Sires4,000+ steers4,000+ heifers

ASBP Cohort 5 (46 Sires)• Data collection completed• Steer carcase and heifer Day-to-Calving data to be included in

the January 2017 BREEDPLAN analysis.

Cohort 5 Kill/Grade Results:Long Fed – 270+ Days (n=425)

Live Wt Carcase Wt Dressing % P8 Fat

Rib Fat MSA Ossification

MSA Marbling EMA MSA

Index(kg) (kg) % (mm) (mm) (Score) (Score) (cm2)Average 799 460 57.6% 22.0 19 152 511 94.87 65.0

Maximum 1000 568 66.1% 38 34 200 940 127 68.9Minimum 618 362 52.3% 10.0 3 110 320 67 61.2

Mid-Fed – 150+ Days (n=154)

Live Wt Carcase Wt Dressing %

P8 Fat

Rib Fat

MSA Ossification

MSA Marbling EMA MSA

IndexRBY

(kg) (kg) % (mm) (mm) (Score) (Score) (cm2) %Average 618 341 55.1% 16.8 15 136 370 78.23 62.6 72.0%

Maximum 736 417 58.4% 30 28 180 580 105 67.2 75.3%Minimum 524 288 51.5% 10 7 100 300 57 59.6 68.7%

ASBP Cohort 5 (46 Sires)

ASBP Cohort 6 (41 Sires)• Steers Currently entering feedlot for NFI testing. • Heifers being joined naturally to calve Spring 2018Herd # Steers Intake Date – Tullimba Comment

WBH –Trangie, NSW 71 8/11/2016 Completed NFI Test

UBH –Delungra, NSW 80 11/10/2016

PBH –Barraba, NSW 116 15/11/ 2016

AMP – Glen Innes, NSW 58 (+40) 24/10/2016 RBY Project

OBH – Spring Ridge, NSW 83 30/11/2017 Kerwee – Cross-bredNDA – Trangie, NSW 94 (+60) Early December 2017 RBY Project

SBH –Black Mountain, NSW 90 Mid-December 2017

Total 592

ASBP Cohort 7 (34 Sires)• Calving completed across 6 co-operator herds. • Produced 1,005 calves. • FTAI - 1,823 females (including 258 yearling heifers, 262 first

calf heifers and 1,303 multiparous cows). The overall conception rate to AI was 55.1%.

• Calving details currently being compiled for inclusion in January 2018 BREEDPLAN analysis

Herd # Calves Comment

UBH –Delungra, NSW 174

NDA – Trangie, NSW 204 25 from 2 year old heifers

AMP – Glen Innes, NSW 139

WBH – Trangie, NSW 174 23 from 2 year old heifers

BBH – Bundarra, NSW 139 86 from 2 year old heifers

OBH - Spring Ridge, NSW 175

Total 1005

ASBP Cohort 7 (34 Sires)

ASBP Cohort 8 (35 Sires)• Nominations were received for 70 bulls with 35 selected for

the program.• The bulls average in the top 5% for ABI and representative of

the modern Australian Angus population• There are 7 co-operator herds with collectively 2,468 cows.

The FTAI program has been completed at all herds• Pregnancy testing will commence in late December.

Herd # Cows

UBH – Delungra, NSW 320

NDA – Trangie, NSW 425

AMP – Glen Innes, NSW 224

WBH - Trangie, NSW 325

PBH – Barraba ,NSW 480

BBH - Bundarra, NSW 292

CSU – Wagga Wagga/Orange 402

Total 2,468

ASBP Cohort 8 (35 Sires)

ASBP Progress Summary

*Also structure (feet, legs, udders), docility, DNA collection.

ASBP Cohort

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sire Nominations

Joining (FTAI)

Birth (Bwt, GL, CE )

Weaning (Wt, Docility, DNA)

Ultrasound Scan(Steers and heifers)

In Progress

Net Feed Intake In Progress

Abattoir Carcase (Kill and MSA Grade data)

Meat Science (IMF, Fatty Acid, Fe, Zn)

Heifer Fertility

Structure, muscleand Coat Scores

Trait # Records Cohorts

Birth Weight 6086 1,2,3,4,5,6

Gestation Length 4667 1,2,3,4,5,6

200 Day Weight 6003 1,2,3,4,5,6

400 Day Weight 4371 1,2,3,4,5

600 Day Weight 3604 1,2,3,4,5

Days to Calving 1070 1,2,3,4

Scan EMA 4955 1,2,3,4,5

Scan Rib Fat 4932 1,2,3,4,5

Scan Rump Fat 4919 1,2,3,4,5

Scan IMF 4938 1,2,3,4,5

Net Feed Intake 2297 1,2,3,4,5

Carcase Weight 2310 1,2,3,4,5

Carcase EMA 2304 1,2,3,4,5

Carcase Rib Fat 2281 1,2,3,4,5

Carcase Rump Fat 2306 1,2,3,4,5

Carcase IMF 2301 1,2,3,4,5

Shear Force 1198 1,2,3

MSA Ossification 2280 1,2,3,4,5

MSA Marbling Score 2280 1,2,3,4,5

MSA pH 2280 1,2,3,4,5

MSA Index 2280 1,2,3,4,5

Also:• Calving Difficulty Scores• Docility Scores• Flight Time• Structural Soundness Scores• Coat Type Score• Retail Beef Yield• MIJ Camera – Marbling Fineness +• Immune competence….and more!

Collection of DNA - Summary

Cohort # Sires Av SNP # Progeny Av SNPCohort 1 35 63449 865 8709Cohort 2 47 65255 1162 10506Cohort 3 40 51579 1182 20523Cohort 4 20 49880 532 25489Cohort 5 47 70708 1256 25758Cohort 6 41 54059 1256 29083Cohort 7 34 58729 1005 TBGCohort 8 35 TBG 1,250 TBG

All 299 59094 (av) 8,508 20011 (av)

Breeding Resilient Angus (CSIRO) • Resilience = Ability to maintain productivity when faced with

disease and environmental challenges.

• Animal resilience assessed on: • Cohorts 2 and 3 – 1149 weaners• Cohort 6 - 1250 weaners• Cohort 7 – 1,150 weaners (planned)

• Measurements collected:• Immune competence (skinfold/antibody)• Weight gain/loss• Temperament

• Immune competence.• heritable (moderate 0.12 to 0.33)• favourably correlated with stress-responsiveness and temperament

Breeding Resilient Angus (CSIRO)

• Animals with superior immune competence had:• significantly reduced health-associated diseases, • significantly fewer mortalities, and • incurred substantially lower health related costs during feedlot finishing

($3.53/head v $103.36/head)

Improvements to Scanning Technology• ASBP has collected extensive carcase measurements, both

live animal and abattoir

• Research underway to assess accuracy by which different scanning technology identifies animals with superior genetics for abattoir carcase measurements

• Centralised Ultrasound Processing (CUP) Lab, Iowa

• Cohorts 1 – 3 : Images collected and analysed

• Cohorts 4 – 6 : Images collected

• Initial analysis of cohort 1 – 3 underway and showing interesting results

Retail Beef Yield (NSW DPI)• Collection of bone-out RBY data on steers from Trangie and Glen

Innes Research Stations (n=153) in the Cohort 5

• Killed and graded at John Dee abattoir Warwick in groups of 50-60 steers in April 2017.

• Is a lead-in to a larger RBY project (n = 1000) including Cohort 6, 7 and 8 steers

No Average Max Min Standard Dev. Topside/inside (kg) 153 8.64 11.23 7.00 0.81

Silverside (kg) 153 11.02 14.38 8.89 1.02Thick Flank (kg) 153 6.09 7.90 4.75 0.62

Striploin (kg) 153 5.02 6.51 3.77 0.51Tenderloin (kg) 153 2.51 3.28 2.02 0.26

Rump (kg) 153 6.80 8.46 5.20 0.68Thin Flank (kg) 153 6.35 8.43 4.41 0.90

HQ Shin/Shank (kg) 153 2.33 2.94 1.71 0.24HQ trim (kg) 153 2.95 6.25 1.06 0.70Cube roll (kg) 153 4.49 5.71 2.85 0.50

Ribset without Cube roll (kg) 153 7.68 11.44 5.33 1.06Brisket (kg) 153 15.05 20.14 11.33 1.72Chuck (kg) 153 15.90 20.28 11.70 1.62

Blade (Clod) (kg) 153 9.60 12.15 7.74 0.93Chuck tender (kg) 153 1.39 2.14 1.00 0.18Intercostals (kg) 153 3.28 5.03 2.10 0.56

FQ Shin/Shank (kg) 153 4.57 5.86 3.56 0.43Inside Skirt (kg) 153 1.60 2.34 1.02 0.21

FQ trim (kg) 153 2.39 4.99 0.37 0.74Pretrim fat (kg) 153 0.10 0.26 0.03 0.04

HQ Fat (kg) 153 5.24 9.26 1.79 1.34HQ Bone (kg) 153 12.58 15.89 10.44 1.11

FQ Fat (kg) 153 6.19 13.06 3.01 1.52FQ Bone (kg) 153 21.61 30.56 17.50 2.07

Recovered side weight (kg) 153 163.38 199.73 137.93 11.95Retail meat (kg) 153 117.65 144.80 98.57 8.75

RBY% 153 72.0% 75.3% 68.7% 1.4%Bone (kg) 153 34.19 42.94 28.10 2.97Bone % 153 20.9% 23.3% 18.2% 1.0%Fat (kg) 153 11.53 21.71 5.54 2.39Fat % 153 7.0% 11.8% 3.6% 1.3%

ALMTech Project

Body # 238 216Carcase Weight 452 kg 418 kg

Marbling Score RV 4 2.5MSA Marbling Score 740 380

EMA 105 cm2 95 cm2

Rib Fat 16 mm 15 mmOssification 160 150MSA Index 67.23 62.67

• Use of camera imaging to better describe carcase yield and quality

• RGB, MIJ and Hyperspectural cameras being trialled on ASBP steers

Improving Nutritional Value of Angus Beef• Research underway to evaluate genetic differences

between sires for nutritional content of their progeny’s meat

• Meat science results of individual animals for:• Fatty acid content

(e.g. omega 3)

• Iron and zinc content

• Measurements collected from ASBP steers at Trangie and Glen Innes Research Stations (n=154) in Cohort 5

Improving Nutritional Value of Angus Beef

Adaptation to Northern Australia

• Infusion of Angus genetics into northern Australian production systems is a major opportunity for Angus

• Requires ability of Angus genetics to perform in hotter, more humid environments with additional parasite challenges

Geographical distribution of Angus Australia members

Coat Score (UNE)• “Slicker” coated animals reported to have better heat tolerance

and have better performance

• Coat score collected on all animals in the ASBP

• Subjective assessment of hair length and fibre diameter (i.e. handle)

• 1 – 7 score

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

No

of R

ecor

ds

Score

Distribution of Coat Scores

Initial analysis shows variation between sires

And it is heritable (~0.40)

Plus More:• International genetic evaluation• Measurement protocol for net feed intake (UNE)• e-Grazor (CSIRO)• One-pod heifer trial (Vetoquinol)• Genomic Predictions (UNE)• Maintaining imputation accuracy (Zoetis)• Methane Emissions (NSW DPI)

Enhancements in Angus BREEDPLAN

• Annual implementation of enhancements in December 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis

• Major enhancements implemented• Calculation of EBVs for North American sires

• Implementation of single step analytical software

• Changes to genomic information

Calculation of EBVs for Imported Sires

Calculation of EBVs for Imported Sires

• Challenging as limited information in Australia when sires first imported

• How are starting EBVs assigned to imported sires?

• A number of strategies utilised by Angus BREEDPLAN• Genetic groups for North American animals• Import EPD information from USAA, USRA, CAAA, CARA &

USBG

How are starting EBVs assigned?

Sire EBV Dam EBV

MidparentEBV

+

Most animals

How are starting EBVs assigned?

Step 1 : Assign the average EBVs of other similar animals (country of origin, year of birth, breed)

Step 2 : Import overseas EPDs and allocate a number of “phantom” progeny

Animals with no parent EBVs

+

E.g. North American Angus sire born in 2008• Average EBVs of other North American sires analysed in

Angus BREEDPLAN and born between 2001 - 2010 • Adjusted based on EPDs in American Angus analysis

• Trait definitions

• Analytical models different• One multi-trait v set of smaller trait analyses• Incorporation of genomics

• Genetic parameters different (but relevant to respective populations)

• Genomic predictions different (but relevant to respective populations)

• Sires may perform differently

Should EBVs and EPDs be the same?

• New temporal genetic group for North America

• Inclusion of North American link sires in ASBP

• AGBU requested to investigate the calculation of EBVs for North American sires

Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLANDecember 2016

• Updated parameters that are used when incorporating EPDs for US & Canadian Black & Red Angus

• Updated EPDs

• Incorporated EPDs for greater number of animals

• More regular updating of EPDs• March, June, August & December

Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLANDecember 2017

Future Initiatives• AGBU close to finalising new methodology for

incorporating EPDs

• AA discussing opportunities for collaboration with AAA

• Submission of samples direct to lab?

• Acceptance of genotypes from overseas labs?

►Remains an important R&D priority for Angus Australia

Implementation of Single Step Analytical Software

Changes to Genomic Information

Changes to Genomic Information

Genomic Prediction

MBV/MVP/DGV

►Changes to the genomic information that is analysedfor some animals• Genomic information included for ~4000 animals• Genomic information excluded for ~2000 animals• Updated pedigree, gender or breed for ~200 animals

Take Home Messages

• Annual implementation of enhancements in December 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis

• Major enhancements implemented• Calculation of EBVs for North American sires

• Implementation of single step analytical software

• Changes to genomic information

What is Angus Database Search?• Enables Angus breeders to search the Angus Australia database

• Guest users:• Search for information regarding an individual animal• Only limited information provided

• Registered users:• Conduct advanced searches and sort results based on selection

criteria of interest• Comprehensive information provided

• In time (very soon), will fully replace the existing Animal & EBV Enquiry facilities on the Angus Australia website

Why Has It Been Developed?

• Development of Angus Database Search is part of a software development initiative of Angus Australia that commenced in 2014 (angus.tech)

• The initiative involves transitioning the software that is utilised by Angus Australia from generic software available from 3rd party service providers, to in-house software that is specifically tailored to the needs of Angus Australia

• Benefits of transition:• Greater ability to customise the software to meet the needs to Angus

Australia and our members• Reduce costs associated with access and development to generic software• Greater database security

New Features

• More comprehensive information displayed• Complete ownership history of an animal• Progeny by herd• All EBVs (i.e. Structural Soundness EBVs now displayed)• EBV percentile band displayed below each EBV• Number of progeny with performance displayed below each EBV• Re-designed EBV percentile graphs

• Saved searches – standard and customized

• Ability to customise display of results

• Ability to print search results and animal pages in print friendly format

• Ability to enter multi-level sort criteria

New Features

• Requires users to sign in a registered user to conduct advanced searches• Necessitated by the need to protect the integrity of Angus Australia

database• Adopts modern database security strategies • Does not apply to AngusSELECT tools (sale, semen & ASBP

catalogues)

• All members with a username and password to the existing Member Login can use the same username/password to access Angus Database Search

• New users must register using the instructions provided• Mobile number (preferred)• Email address – requires account activation by Angus Australia

Demonstration

Workshop Review & Close

Thoughts on Workshop

- Is it worthwhile?

- How often?

- Time of year?

- Location?