BIEBER RED ANGUS SPRING CATALOG 2016
82
50K is the tool that observes 50,000 locations on the ani-
mal’s genome and identifies which genes that animal pos-
sesses and their impact on various traits. The result:
additional informative data available for EPD calculations.
Genetic predictions will always be based on data; how-
ever, the means in which we collect data has – and will
likely continue to – evolve. Previously, the Red Angus As-
sociation of America relied solely on phenotypic observa-
tions such as weaning weights and ultrasound data to
calculate EPDs. The delivery of 50K technology provides
additional data points that can be applied to an animal’s
EPD calculations. Data obtained from a 50K test can be
as informative as a bull’s first calf crop or a cow’s lifetime
production record, thus, providing stakeholders with a tool
to vastly increase accuracy of an animal’s EPDs.
Accuracy
EPDs predict an animal’s true genetic merit, which can be
passed on to offspring. As the amount of data included in
an animal’s EPD calculation increases, ranchers can have
more confidence that the EPD correctly identifies the ani-
mal’s true genetic merit. This is communicated to stake-
holders in the form of “Accuracy,” which is printed in
conjunction with each EPD and ranges from 0 to 99.
Increased Data = Increased Accuracy = Increased Reliability
The power of 50K is the ability to collect additional genetic
prediction data before an animal is selected to enter or
exit the herd. Thus, allowing producers to achieve their
genetic goals at a faster rate, as the genetic predictions
used in selection decisions are of higher accuracy.
The Power of 50K
Performance observations collected at the ranch are impacted by the
animal’s genetics, which can include hundreds or thousands of genes.
Recent advancements in DNA technology have now allowed for the
identification of a portion of genes that have a significant favorable or
unfavorable impact on a particular trait.
Pedigree + Performance Record
Pedigree + Performance Record
+ 50K Genomic Data
Pedigree + Performance Record
+ 10 Progeny
Accuracy
= 23
Accuracy
= 34
Accuracy
= 34
