Beefmaster Releases Genomic-Enhanced EPDs

SAN ANTONIO (June 6, 2016) – Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) has released the breed’s first-ever genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) evaluation. GE-EPDs utilize genomic test results in addition to pedigree, performance and progeny data for increased reliability of an animal’s EPD. GE-EPDs are the most effective genetic selection tool developed to date. The ability to include DNA derived information in combination with traditional performance EPDs has led to greater genetic improvements at a faster pace, in other species and in other cattle breeds. GE-EPDs will no doubt have the same impact on the Beefmaster breed.

Development of Beefmaster GE-EPDs has been in progress at BBU since 2009, as a project that was envisioned by the Beefmaster Educational Endowment Foundation (B.E.E.F.). This project helped to build a diverse panel of Beefmaster genetics to be the foundation genetics for the calculation of the GE-EPDs.

“B.E.E.F. and its leadership is to be commended for their vision, dedication and tenacity for taking on this project several years ago and seeing it to fruition,” says BBU Executive Vice President Bill Pendergrass. “Were it not for the foresightedness of B.E.E.F.’s leadership and the generosity of breeders who have donated to B.E.E.F. and its research efforts, the Beefmaster breed would have fallen way behind our competition in the genomics arena.”

As part of the project, BBU began asking breeders to HD genotype animals in June 2015. What began as a slow measured drumbeat of interest from a small group of breeders, blossomed into a very impressive display of the Beefmaster breed’s most dominant animals being represented in the Beefmaster GE-EPD database. The accuracy of Beefmaster genetic selection tools is about to increase dramatically.

The Beefmaster GE-EPDs evaluation is available for download at beefmasters.org/genomics. GE-EPDs for a specific animal can be found by searching the animal name or registration number through the animal search function at www.beefmasters.org. When using the online search feature, the animals with GE-EPDs are identified by the “Beefmaster Genomics” logo on their pedigree.

For more information about Beefmaster Breeders United and its GE-EPDs please contact the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org.