Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) is asking registered Angus breeders to respond to a survey by the end of February to potentially help improve expected progeny difference (EPD) accuracy and provide precision management tools. Respondents who complete the full survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $500 credits for genomic testing.

The survey is part of a collaborative project between AGI, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia and Purdue University aimed at developing new genetic prediction methods and tools that could help better match an animal’s genetic potential to unique production environments and management styles. Responses provided will only be used for research purposes.

Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI, says, “One of my most asked questions when I first arrived here was, ‘What birthweight EPD do I need to have to get a 65-pound calf?’ My answer would always be some form of, ‘Unfortunately that's not how EPDs work. We need to understand the current genetic level and the average performance of your herd and then compare.’”

Retallick-Riley says the survey’s project is trying to create a reality where a simpler answer to that question could exist. While this is foundational work, it is the first step toward delivering tools to help tailor genetics to individual operations.

“From the high-altitude Rocky Mountain West to the fescue country back east, some cattle seem to perform better than others,” says Darrell Stevenson, American Angus Association Board member. “This is an interesting concept and potential next step for improving ultimate predictability for Angus cattle.”

Stevenson says this research could help refine breeders’ understandings of the management and environmental components of phenotypes. AGI and supporting academia are cooperating to find more answers.  

“It is critical for a baseline model to be established from every region, environment and time zone in the country,” Stevenson says. “Members of the Association, especially those who enroll in Inventory Reporting, should be on the lookout for the breeder survey and take a few minutes to provide their insights.”

The survey is open to all Angus breeders. It asks a series of questions regarding the nutrition, grazing, reproductive, health, marketing and breeding practices on an operation. It should take 15 minutes or less to complete. Breeders can complete the survey at https://bit.ly/BreederSurvey25 or click on the button in the sidebar. 

Guilherme Rosa at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the researchers working with the project. He says tailored information could help boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability in beef production.

“By examining the interaction between genetics and environment, we can improve prediction tools that would guide more informed breeding decisions,” Rosa says. “This is a large-scale project requiring a multidisciplinary team of researchers from multiple institutions. A comprehensive data lake is being created, with Angus’s database at its core, containing performance, genomic and pedigree information.”

Together with survey responses, Rosa says the team will look at environmental data, including climate, soil characteristics and altitude, as well as weather data (temperature, precipitation, sunlight). Any data shared publicly will be summarized and anonymized.

To view frequently asked questions about the survey, breeders can visit https://www.angus.org/agi/research. A link to the survey is also available on the webpage.