Beef Cattle Genotyping Services
Improve your beef cattle breeding program with genotyping. DNA testing equips you with the data to identify and boost desirable characteristics that elevate meat production and quality.
Understanding Beef Cattle Genetics
DNA analysis goes beyond the traits you can see from the outside and reveals your animals’ underlying genetic characteristics. Our genotyping services provide you with valuable genetic data that you can use to unlock the full potential of your beef cattle herd, helping you drive productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
As the only Australian-owned and operated livestock genotyping service provider, we have a deep knowledge and understanding of the national cattle industry. Let us help you strengthen your herd’s genetics and secure your farm’s future.
Beef Cattle Genetic Testing Services
Genotyping
At XytoVet, we use ThermoFisher Scientific’s Affymetrix Axiom Bovine Genotyping Array. This array is an innovative tool that enables parent verification and trait selection of beef cattle based on crucial genetic characteristics such as horn/poll status, coat pigmentation as well as breed specific genetic conditions.
Parentage Testing
Determining an animal’s true parentage gives you the confidence that you have full oversight over your herd’s genetic lineage and can make informed decisions about its future. We use multiple genetic markers to confirm the true parentage of your beef cattle, both dam and sire.
Get In Touch
Discover how DNA analysis can drive productivity, profitability and sustainability for your beef production operations. Get in touch with Jason Ledger, our beef genetics expert, to learn more about the genetic makeup of your beef herd so you can make informed, strategic decisions going far into the future.
Submit your enquiry using the form below. Jason or one of our friendly team members will reach out as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What genetic testing does XytoVet offer for beef cattle?
XytoVet offers a full 50K genomic test for beef cattle that is fully verified by International Genetic Solutions (IGS). There are over 40 traits and indices that are included in the test, such as growth, carcass weight, ribeye, marbling and backfat genetic evaluations. These are useful for improving both genetic gain and overall herd performance,
We upload all data to be reported via IGS, DataGene’s web portal that gives producers access to reports and information related to the genetic evaluation system.
We are also able to customise our testing to reflect the traits that matter most to your business.
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What is an index?
Indexes take into account multiple traits and combine them into a single value, which is useful when you want to improve more than one trait at a time. For example, IGS’s Growth Evaluation Index is able to produce Expected Progeny Differences for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, average daily gain, milk, and maternal weaning weight.
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How do I take a DNA sample?
XytoVet strongly recommend taking a tissue sample for DNA analysis. This sample is a small tissue punch from the ear of the animal. To do this, you will need an applicator and tissue sampling unit (TSU) that can be sourced from our recommended supplier. Each TSU has a unique ID that can be linked to the animal’s ear tag. This information will need to be sent via email to our team so that we are able to correctly match the sample to the animal during the laboratory process. For further information, visit the Xytovet video here. We also recommend contacting our team to help you through the process.
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Why should I use DNA testing for my dairy herd?
The fastest way to make genetic gains is to accurately understand parentage in a herd. Once parentage is clearly understood, other genetic markers can be used to refine management further. DNA testing is a reliable and efficient management tool for determining an animal’s genetic potential and predicting performance during its lifetime, and the only tool to accurately parent verify calves. By understanding the genetic potential of a young animal, beef industry producers can make informed decisions about each animal and achieve better production outcomes from their herd.
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How do I get started?
Our Genetic Sales Consultants understand that every farm and breeding operation is unique, and we want to be able to provide the best solutions and customer experience for you. Our team will walk you through the process of how to order a sampling kit, how to complete the required paperwork and how the reporting process will work. If you require any assistance at any stage through the process, please contact us.
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Can I use my current breed society?
Despite being a majority contributor of genotypes to Sheep Genetics and DataGene, no Australian cattle society currently allows the only Australian-owned and operated animal genotyping company to provide genotypes. You can change this by asking your breed society to accept our data, which is compatible with and already validated by AGBU.
