Dr. Dan Moser, President of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) was on hand in the American Angus Association booth during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk. AGI is a subsidiary of American Angus that provides a genetic evaluations of expected progeny differences (EPDs) that are released to Angus breeders each week and are responsible for the DNA testing for the Angus breed.

“The one thing we are excited about is the uptake of genomic testing and EPD calculations. Compared to last year our genomically enhanced EPD tests are up 30%. That is resulting in higher accuracy EPDs, especially in young animals.”

Dan said they are not only seeing increased use of this testing in purebred herds. The commercial industry has also embraced the new technology and are utilizing it as it has decreased in costs and as the replacement heifer value has increased. They are seeing the rewards of their investment.

Looking into the future, Dan says feed intake data will more widely be used in genetic evaluations. Feed efficiency has been evaluated since 2010, but in December they are going to incorporate this data into their profit indexes.

Listen to my complete interview with Dan here: Interview with Dr. Dan Moser, Angus Genetics Inc.

Find photos from the event here:
2014 NAFB Convention Photos