Angus Australia Progeny Test and Information Nucleus Final Report

Summary

With the emergence of genomic technology as a potential additional source of information to enhance the rate of genetic improvement, Angus Australia commenced a reference population project, known as the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP), in 2010. Across eight cohorts, between 21-47 Angus bulls were joined through fixed time AI to 1,000-2,500 cows a year. Their progeny were measured for numerous commercially relevant traits, from birth to slaughter in the steers and birth to first calf in the heifers.

Objectives

This project delivered:
1. 120 highly relevant Angus bull's progeny tested to a high accuracy.
2. Those bulls were evaluated, though their progeny, for a range of commercially relevant traits, particularly hard‐to‐measure traits (carcase, fertility, feed intake).
3. DNA samples on all bulls to allowed genotyping with a range of DNA products

Key findings

The ASBP has successfully progeny-tested 299 highly relevant Angus bulls through 8,844 progeny, with numerous commercially relevant phenotypes collected and included in the Trans‐Tasman Angus cattle Evaluations (TACE) to inform Estimated Breeding Value (EBVs). The phenotypes have resulted in moderate to high TACE EBV accuracies for the ASBP bulls. Additionally, DNA samples have been collected on all ASBP bulls and subsequent genomic profiles generated of sufficient density for inclusion in the single‐step TACE analysis.

Benefits to industry

Outcomes from this project have also contributed to increasing the rate of genetic gain in the Australian Angus population, resulting is an estimated $6.4 million after 10 years to 2020, or $174 million after 25 years to 2035 through additional genetic gain.

Additionally, associated studies confirmed that EBVs provide a reliable prediction of how the progeny from sires in the ASBP performed. The results of these studies have been widely
communicated within the industry, illustrating that EBVs should be used with confidence when selecting animals for use within a beef breeding program.

MLA action

Continued funding of additional reference population cohorts for Angus cattle as well as capturing data on Angus cattle in a multibreed setting.

Future research

Further work is recommended to maintain and grow this Australian Angus reference population, particularly for hard‐to‐measure and novel traits, as well as ensuring that it remains contemporary.
This is being addressed in the short‐term through 3 additional ASBP cohorts (MDC project P.PSH.1172).