Angus Australia to Participate in the World Angus Evaluation
Angus Australia is pleased to announce its upcoming participation in the World Angus Evaluation.
As the name suggests, the World Angus Evaluation (WAE) is a globally focussed genetic analysis of Angus cattle. It will combine data sources (phenotypes, genotypes and pedigree) from the American Angus Association, Canadian Angus Association and Angus Australia with the results being Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), which are like Estimated Breeding Values (EBV), for a specific list of traits on Angus sires.
The WAE initiative is being facilitated by Angus Genetics Incorporated (AGI), which is a subsidiary of the American Angus Association (AAA).
Scott Wright, Angus Australia’s CEO explained that it makes absolute sense for the Angus community to work closely together on common initiatives that benefit Angus breeders across the globe, including Angus Australia members.
“Joining the WAE also ensures Angus Australia meets a strategic objective to enable the genetic benchmarking of Australian and New Zealand animals, that are registered with Angus Australia, with other major Angus populations around the world,” Mr Wright said.
Mr Wright added “We also expect the WAE to further invigorate the international trade of Angus genetics, including the targeted marketing of Angus genetics from the Southern Hemisphere into North America”.
Angus Australia’s General Manager of Genetic Improvement, Mr Christian Duff explained the main aim of the WAE is to enhance the selection and genetic benchmarking of Angus sires in the global Angus population through one evaluation on a common evaluation platform.
“The WAE is made possible due to the genetic evaluation expertise at AGI, and the willingness for innovative collaboration between the worlds three largest Angus breed associations”, Mr. Duff added.
“The first set of WAE EPDs on Angus Sires is scheduled to be published in mid-October 2023 via a WAE specific online search facility. The EPDs and sire lists will then be updated on a quarterly basis,” Mr Duff added.
“The long-term research underpinning the WAE, led by AGI, commenced in 2018 involving thorough analysis to determine the feasibility of a joint evaluation. Multiple test evaluations and validation procedures were performed to ensure that phenotypes are compatible across databases, and that environmental differences such as age and contemporary groups are properly modelled,” added Mr Duff.
Mr Duff importantly explained, “Angus Australia’s involvement in the WAE will not replace our bi-weekly TACE program. Regionally calibrated EBVs and Indexes from TACE will remain the focus point for every-day Angus selection by our Australian and New Zealand members.”
Further details about the World Angus Evaluation will be communicated to Angus Australia members in coming weeks.
