Accelerated Genetics

Genetic Visions, Inc. Advances Genomic Testing Capabilities Through New Equipment Investment AND Accelerated Genetics Incorporates Genomic Predictions Into Sire Selection Program

For the past 20 years, Genetic Visions, Inc., Middleton, Wis., has been on the cutting edge of bovine genetic marker research identifying genes influencing production traits, gestation length, animal health and viability. Recently, Genetic Visions invested in genomic scanning equipment from Illumina, Inc., San Diego, Calif., that will allow them to use the ^gold standard^ of genomic scanning procedures using Illumina's Bovine 50K SNP assay.

 

The marker data from the SNP assay can then be sent to the USDA-ARS to calculate a genomic prediction. The prediction covers a large number of traits with accuracies at nearly two times as reliable as traditional pedigree estimates. Official USDA PTA’s (Predicted Transmitting Abilities) that contain genomic information will be available in January, 2009.

Genetic Visions, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary corporation and research arm of Accelerated Genetics. By using this new genetic tool Accelerated Genetics will be able to look beyond traditional pedigree selection and double their accuracy in sourcing young bulls that enter the PACE young sire testing program. Ultimately, Accelerated Genetics wants to increase its customers herd’s genetic worth.

 

The possibilities of future research are endless for Genetic Visions with this new equipment investment. "The addition of the genomic scanning equipment advances our genetic testing capabilities and is the next evolution of our research efforts," states Dr. Mike Cowan, General Manager, Genetic Visions and Vice President of Research, Accelerated Genetics. Genetic Visions has an extensive foundation of information on dairy families and chromosomal regions impacting traits. They can now further their studies, diving deeper into the secrets of the bovine genome in greater detail.

 

Genetic Visions is the first company in Wisconsin to own this type of equipment and is one of very few labs within the United States capable of scanning the bovine genome. The USDA will no longer provide the service of genomic scanning to the dairy industry as their program transitions beyond its research objective. However, USDA-ARS will continue to upgrade the application of genotypic data to estimate genetic worth and will be the source of official genomic predictions.

Where will genomics lead the dairy industry?  No one knows for sure, yet what everyone knows is that there is more to come. Future genomic estimates will one day take into account both additive and non-additive genetic variance. Continued DNA studies will help to determine how genes interact with each other, this will add to the predictive power and will enhance genomic predictions. Genomic selection should not startle anyone it^s just a new tool to help the dairy industry breed better cattle in a shorter time period.

 

Genetic Visions and Accelerated Genetics are on the cutting edge of this technology that will help the dairy industry breed better cattle in a shorter time period.