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WHY ADD GENETIC TESTING? Adding genetic testing to the mix improves the dependability of an animal's predicted breeding value. For seedstock, genetic testing is done by integrating the animal's DNA information along with EPD calculations. The outcome for add- ing the genetic results is called genomic enhanced- expected progeny differences (GE-EPD) which has increased accuracy as compared to pedigree EPD, especially for young animals with little data available. DNA testing has been used in the swine, poultry, and dairy industry for some time but has taken off in the beef industry only since around 2010. HOW TO OBTAIN GE-EPD FOR SEEDSTOCK ANIMALS Specific breeds likely already have conventional EPDs based on pedigree and individual performance. The next step is to test for DNA. Some take samples from only bulls, but most progressive seedstock breeders take samples from each calf that is born to the herd. Different types of DNA samples include a semen straw, ear punch, tube of blood, or hair and blood cards. "We started doing genetic testing in 2012 by taking a blood sample during branding of each newborn and sending it to Zoetis," said Ty Malek of Malek Angus Ranch near Highwood, Montana. Among its many products and ser- vices for animals, Zoetis is one of two major companies that does genetic testing. For example, the i50k is one of Zoetis genetic tests for black and red Angus cattle that assesses genetic markers from approxi- mately 19,000 locations across an animal's genome which is used to help Angus Genetics Incorporated (AG) calculate the animal's genetic merit (GE-EPD). "Zoetis does genetic testing that contributes to GE-EPDs for 18 different traits—anything that has an EPD as well as for parentage verification," said Larry Gran, Zoetis genetic specialist for the North Central U.S., including Montana. Among those different performance traits that can currently be determined are calv- ing ease; gestation length; birth weight; growth at 200, 400, and 600 days; rib fat; milk production; and net feed intake. Researchers are working to be able to identify additional traits, such as respirato- ry disease resistance and feed efficiency. Genomic information is more revealing when incorporated with the pedigree and performance information available for each animal and eventually its relatives. The association reports results to breeders and commercial cow-calf customers, often via an email with links to secured log-in at the breed's association website. A compilation of all the reports can be seen by association members. • 23 FARM 406 Ty Malek attaches a tag to a cow's ear. The information on the tag includes the cow's sire, dam, and date the calf is due.