Making DNA Testing More Practical by Making Analysis More Comprehensive
Though
it may seem that DNA testing is a futuristic idea, it is actually
a reality for dairy producers, and it is here to stay. For
years dairy producers have put DNA technology to work in their
herds by testing for genetic recessives like CVM and BLAD,
or to identify carriers of red coat color genes. But now it
is time to take the next step and utilize DNA testing to make
marketing, mating and selection decisions. Analysis of economically
important traits, through DNA technology, can complement existing
on-farm breeding and management protocols to allow for the most
in-depth look ever into an animal’s genetic potential early
in life.
“IGENITY
recently combined multiple DNA tests into a single profile
called IGENITY MultiMARK,” says Jennifer Daniels, associate
product manager of IGENITY®. “The IGENITY MultiMARK
profile can be run from the same tissue sample used to test
for CVM, BLAD and red coat color, so producers can have a comprehensive
profile of inside information on each animal to make more confident
selection and management decisions.”
Helping producers achieve goals faster
The inside information producers can gain from a comprehensive
profile can help them enter the new era of dairy cattle production.
Producers now have more options and tools available for selection
and management than ever before if they take advantage of the
information available through IGENITY MultiMARK.
“The IGENITY MultiMARK profile goes beyond screening for genetic recessive
diseases,” Daniels says. “It helps savvy producers to optimize
cattle breeding and management. It provides an easy-to-use, integrated report
detailing the results from the most comprehensive DNA profile available in
the industry.”
Dairy
producers should use the comprehensive power of IGENITY, today,
to:
- Identify
carriers of CVM, BLAD or red coat color genes
- Fully
profile multiple genetic markers of economic importance — and
provide a wealth of inside information about an animal’s
genetic potential — all from a single DNA sample
- Test
heifers early in their lives to provide a powerful genetic
basis for the many breeding, selection and marketing decisions
dairy producers make throughout the animals’ lifetimes
- Apply
the latest DNA testing technology as it continues to play
a larger role in the dairy industry
Better
decisions — greater competitive edge
Every dairy operation is different with unique challenges
and goals. Regardless of the goal of the dairy, comprehensive
DNA profiles allow producers to choose the most important
traits for their operation and apply advanced information
to everyday decisions they make — as a result, helping
to achieve their herd goals faster.
“We have seen how this advanced science can be turned into success in
both heifer pens and milking parlors across the country,” Daniels says. “IGENITY
is committed to making DNA profiling practical for producers, regardless of
size, geography or management system.”
Producers
have to first consider the goals they have for their operation.
Is it industry-leading genetics or high-value heifers, or perhaps
it is simply more profitable production? Whatever the goals,
comprehensive DNA profiling through IGENITY MultiMARK provides
the inside information to help producers succeed through:
- More savvy breeding decisions
- More confident heifer selection (buying or selling)
- More informed selection of donor dams and recipients
- More
knowledgeable voluntary culling decisions
An evolving science
This comprehensive DNA profile of IGENITY MultiMARK is a powerful
tool that can provide immediate value to all segments of the
dairy industry. However, dairy producers should expect DNA
discoveries to continue.
“Advancements
in DNA technology are being made every day, and IGENITY MultiMARK
will evolve to include new discoveries,” Daniels says. “Savvy
producers who put DNA technology to use today will be in the
best position to take advantage of new DNA advances as they become
available.”
DNA
technology is here to stay and will become more advanced over
time. It only makes sense for producers to make marketing and
selection decisions based on the most inside information possible.
“Progressive producers need to use all the information they have available
to achieve herd goals faster,” Daniels says. “This
will only help to make their operations more efficient and profitable
over time.”
For
a complete list of DNA products available through IGENITY MultiMARK,
click http://us.igenity.com/dairy/igenity_dairy_products.html. |
