NALF Selects AGI to Conduct Genetic Evaluation

A recent agreement with the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) has cleared the way for Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) to conduct the international genetic evaluation for the Limousin breed. Limousin is the sixth-largest beef breed in the United States, reporting 37,742 Limousin and Lim‑Flex® recordings in 2007.

Land-grant universities have been responsible for performing the genetic evaluation of most registered seedstock in the United States. A recent shift in university resources and philosophy makes it necessary for beef industry associations to assume responsibility for genetic analysis, while land-grant university systems will focus on research. U.S. beef breed associations are turning to the private sector for genetic evaluations.

The NALF Board of Directors realizes the critical importance of genetic evaluation and the costs associated with hardware, software and highly skilled personnel. After 18 months of careful study, NALF selected AGI to provide its genetic evaluation services beginning in summer 2008.

“NALF is excited to begin this new chapter in genetic evaluation,” said NALF President Bob Millerberg, Draper, Utah. “We are privileged to work with such a solid, knowledgeable and innovative company as AGI, and we look forward to many years of having it help us deliver industry-leading genetic information to our members and customers.”

U.S. beef registries report Angus influence to be as high as 50 percent of their total registrations. A genetic evaluation process using the largest genetic database ultimately provides the beef industry with more reliable genetic information in the form of expected progeny differences (EPDs).

AGI focuses on the genetic evaluation of cattle traits. In addition, it will conduct research and implement new technologies, including those based on DNA, for use throughout the beef industry. The new company evolved as a result of ongoing input from the beef industry, emphasizing the need for more accurate evaluation tools for all Angus genetics used in crossbreeding programs.

AGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Angus Association. The association is responding to the beef industry by accepting a leadership role regarding the advancement of science and technology. It created AGI to conduct research, perform genetic evaluation services, and implement new genomic technologies to benefit the beef industry and all producers who use Angus genetics.

The North American Limousin Foundation (www.nalf.org), headquartered in Centennial, Colo., provides programs and services – including genetic evaluation of 5,000 active sires – to nearly 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and its Lim‑Flex® hybrid lead the beef industry in muscle-growth efficiency and ideally complement British breeds.

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