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Producers can use the Igenity® profile to help make better selection and management decisions
Dairy producers rely on accurate data to help ensure they are making the right decisions when managing their herds. And, the DNA technology that is part of the comprehensive Igenity® profile provides inside information that can help them make more confident decisions earlier than ever before.
"The comprehensive Igenity profile is a powerful tool that dairy producers can use alongside predicted transmitting abilities (PTAs) and traditional methods to help better select and manage females," says Dr. Stewart Bauck, executive director of strategic marketing, Igenity. "By using the power of DNA, producers can help meet their herd goals even faster because they can know more about each animal's potential earlier than ever before."
From a single DNA sample, the Igenity profile includes multiple-marker analyses for traits such as productive life, somatic cell score, fertility, dairy form, milk production, coat color, genetic recessives, cheese production and more. Dairy producers also have the option of a diagnostic test for persistent infections (PI) of the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus.
"From selecting replacement heifers to using sexed semen with more efficiency, or by more precisely examining important health traits, producers can use the Igenity profile to manage their herd with greater confidence," Dr. Bauck says. "Innovative, profit-minded producers are finding progressive ways to implement this technology and are discovering new management opportunities through DNA profiling."
In January 2009, the dairy industry will have genomic-enhanced PTAs from the USDA on dairy sires. Producers can take the first step in utilizing the DNA information, prior to January, by putting the power of the Igenity profile to work in their operations now. Dr. Bauck says this release of genomic PTAs for sires is an exciting opportunity for dairy producers, especially if they first profile females with the Igenity profile.
"Profiling females with Igenity will help producers prepare for the future now," Dr. Bauck says. "The Igenity profile provides advanced information at an extremely cost-effective price compared with other DNA providers — including the USDA. With the Igenity profile, producers can identify areas of strength in their herd and areas that need improvement, even before heifers are first bred."
He adds that although the genomic-enhanced PTAs will provide quality information on sires, this is only half the equation. With Igenity, producers can profile their females now to jump-start faster genetic improvement in their herd.
In addition to making faster genetic progress, inside information from the Igenity profile can help producers use sexed semen more efficiently.
"If producers are going to take the extra step in trying to ensure female offspring by using sexed semen, they should make sure that they are utilizing their sexed semen investment wisely on heifers with the best potential," Dr. Bauck says.
While there are a number of applications for DNA profiling in registered operations, commercial herds also have an opportunity to put the power of DNA to work, starting with managing health traits more accurately, Dr. Bauck says.
"Igenity has partnered with Select Sires to offer HealthMark™ designated bulls to help meet the needs of today�s commercial dairy producers," he adds.
HealthMark combines PTA data for productive life, somatic cell score and fertility traits with genetic marker data from Igenity. This gives producers valuable insight into the genetic potential for key health traits that greatly affect the length of time a cow can stay productive in the herd.2
Dr. Bauck says these examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities available to dairy producers through the comprehensive Igenity profile. But, it all starts with gaining inside information about animals earlier than ever before.
"Producers cannot manage what they don't know — that's why they cannot afford to wait any longer to put the power of DNA to work in their operation," Dr. Bauck says. "When information from the Igenity profile is combined with traditional methods, producers can have more confidence that they will uncover new and innovative management practices. And by utilizing the Igenity profile, producers can have more confidence that they are investing in genetics that will help them meet their herd goals faster."
For more information, or to order an Igenity tissue collection kit, visit www.Igenity.com or call 1-877-Igenity.
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.
1Data on file at Neogen.
1VanRaden PM. Net merit as a measure of lifetime profit: 2006 revision. Available at:
http://www.aipl.arsusda.gov/reference/nmcalc.htm. Accessed September 8, 2008.
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