Analysis Proven More Predictive than Other DNA Products Available1-3
Analyses for residual feed intake (RFI) are now available from IGENITY® for both Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds of cattle. These analyses have been independently researched in the United States, Canada and Australia, and are third-party validated.
An independently conducted study at the University of Guelph also proved the analysis for RFI from IGENITY for Bos taurus cattle is highly predictive of an animal's genetic potential for this trait.1,2
"These analyses from IGENITY are the most thoroughly researched, predictive and powerful feed efficiency DNA analyses currently available for Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle,"1-3 says Dr. Stewart Bauck, executive director, research and development, IGENITY. "In addition, only the analysis from IGENITY for Bos indicus cattle has been proven to accurately predict feed efficiency in this type of cattle."1,2
Only IGENITY provides individual RFI analysis for both Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle, as well as offering the only DNA analysis available for average daily gain (ADG). Dr. Bauck says this means producers can use IGENITY to help evaluate efficiency and growth in animals at any age.
"It is essential that producers consider both feed efficiency and growth when they are evaluating cattle and making selection, management and marketing decisions," he says. "Having efficient cattle is only profitable if they also grow and perform on pasture and in the feedyard."
Dr. Bauck says the analyses for RFI and ADG from IGENITY will help producers identify breeding cattle that will be more efficient as young animals and as older animals, as well as produce efficient progeny while maintaining an acceptable body condition score — without negatively affecting fertility. Feedyard managers also can use the profile to help purchase cattle that will be more efficient and gain faster during the feeding phase.
"Now, producers from all segments and breed types can feel confident that applying the inside information from IGENITY will yield accurate results to help make more confident decisions," he says.
RFI, also called net feed efficiency, describes how an animal's feed intake differs from its expected feed intake based on its maintenance and growth requirements.4 Low RFI is more desirable than high RFI, since a low-RFI animal will either eat less with the same gains or gain more from the same amount of feed.
In addition to these important traits, IGENITY offers analyses for:
- Tenderness
- Marbling
- Quality grade
- Yield grade
- Fat thickness
- Ribeye area
- Heifer pregnancy rate
- Stayability (longevity)
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- Calving ease
- Docility
- Myostatin
- Arthrogryposis Multiplex
- Coat color
- Breed-specific horned/polled
- Multisire parentage
- BVD-PI diagnostic test
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Producers can choose to use a combination radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and tissue collection device, making DNA collection and electronic identification possible in one simple step. IGENITY also offers user-friendly information management software programs and expert one-on-one help to assist producers in turning this inside information into actionable knowledge.
"We understand that while the amount of information available from IGENITY provides producers a powerful tool to make more confident decisions, it also can be slightly overwhelming," Dr. Bauck says. "This is why we have a team of advisers and new management software to help producers develop a customized approach to applying the inside information from the IGENITY profile in a way that is easy to use and that best fits their individual needs."
For more information, contact your IGENITY sales representative, call 1-877-IGENITY or visit www.igenity.com/beef.
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 approximately 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were more than $2.6 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 Merial.
2National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium Web site. Available at: http://www.nbcec.org/. Accessed February 22, 2009.
3Technical Summary. Pfizer Animal Genetics Web site. Available at: http://www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com/pdf/US%20External%20Tech%20Summary%203-6-09.pdf. Accessed April 6, 2009.
4Carstens GE, Tedeschi LO. Defining feed efficiency in beef cattle. Presentation at Beef Improvement Federation Conference. 2006. Available at: http://www.bifconference.com/bif2006/pdfs/Carstens.pdf. Accessed May 26, 2008.
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