Cattle producers will soon have access to powerful new DNA tools from Pfizer Animal Genetics that use significantly more information to generate genomic predictions. These new tools will emerge with the launch of the company’s first commercial genomic predictions based directly on the high-density BovineSNP50 chip.
The new technology has the potential over time to give genomic information on thousands of DNA markers on a whole new range of traits important to cattle health, performance and product quality. The new offering will be available within the next few months, following completion of the final validation studies for the first suite of traits.
“This new product also introduces a new test delivery strategy for cattle producers and the beef industry,” Dr. Evans states. “From a once-only test on a DNA sample submitted on a breeding animal, Molecular Value Predictions (MVPs) will be delivered for the launch suite of traits. This will be followed with the option to get more MVPs from new traits across the whole spectrum of economically important traits as they come on line from the research pipeline. This new approach will form the backbone of our future offerings to seedstock breeders. It is quite distinct from what happens at present when the sample has to be retested in the laboratory to deliver the upgraded GeneSTAR result”.
In addition to bringing new traits to the selection process, expectation is that the new MVPs will enhance the accuracy of traditional EBVs available from breed associations through BREEDPLAN. Pfizer Animal Genetics is committed to working with breed associations to achieve that outcome
New MVPs, in addition to what is offered through EBVs, will be for traits that are economically important, yet difficult, expensive or time consuming to measure using traditional means.
More information on the new product offering will be made available in the coming months. To stay up to date with the latest information please visit our website www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com.au.
About Pfizer Animal Genetics
Pfizer Animal Genetics is a business unit of Pfizer Animal Health, a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Inc. is the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company.
Back To Release Archives