Behind the Beef Episode 42 – Genomics in TACE with Christian Duff
In this episode of Behind the Beef we were joined by Angus Australia General Manager – Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, for a mini-info session on how the most recent TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation enhancements have rolled out for producers and demystifying some common misconceptions about the genetic evaluation.
The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation is the genetic evaluation program adopted by Angus Australia for Angus and Angus influenced beef cattle. The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation uses technology to produce Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) of recorded cattle for a range of important production traits.
The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) incorporates genomic predictions from several different genomic products. These products assess the genetic makeup of an animal at thousands of locations across the animal’s genome. The resulting genomic information is incorporated with any pedigree and performance information that has been recorded with TACE for an animal or its relatives to calculate EBVs of higher accuracy.
Genomics are enhancing Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) from TACE) through more precise understanding of the relationships between animals. Importantly, phenotypes (i.e. performance data) remain as a critical component in TACE and are not replaced by the incorporation of genomics. Annually enhancements to TACE are implemented by Angus Australia, focussed on providing Angus breeders with enhanced tools (particularity EBVs) to make more accurate selection decisions.
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