It's All in the Genes!

The power of DNA technology is limitless in the beef industry! Producers have the capability to unlock incredibly valuable knowledge corresponding to their livestock that allows them to make more informed mating and culling decisions. One of these great tools is the RA50K. The RA50K is a tool that analyzes over 50,000 locations on an animal’s genome. The data collected is then incorporated into the animal’s EPDs. These EPDs then become much more accurate, especially when the RA50K is performed on unproven animals such as virgin bulls or heifers. The main benefit of utilizing the RA50K technology is the improved accuracy. Accuracy is a measure of how correct EPD information will accurately portray an animal’s true genetic merit. This value ranges from 0 to 99, with 99 being the most accurate. These accuracies can be improved not only with the RA50K, but also performance data such as birth, weaning, and yearling weights, as well as stayability and carcass traits. The accuracy improvements can be shown in the diagram below provided by the RAAA’s Rancher’s Guide to 50K article. Another benefit of the RA50K is the parentage verification. While most often the sire can be predicted if AI technology or single-sire breeding groups are used, sometimes the bull jumps the fence or a cow gets sorted incorrectly when heading to pasture. This parentage verification helps decrease the parentage error within the database that sometimes happens due to these mistakes. This leads to more accurate data for all to utilize. The RA50K is only one of many different genomic tools used in the Red Angus breed. Producers have the option to utilize high-density, low-density, and ultra-low-density genomic panels through GeneSeek as well as the i50K test through Zoetis. These DNA samples can be collected through blood, hair, semen, or tissue samples and are the first step to accessing a wealth of knowledge that not only will improve the quality of your herd, but the Red Angus breed and beef industry as a whole through improved genetic accuracy.