Weatherbys Scientific has been announced as the first provider of Angus Australia's freshly unveiled online ordering platform, DNA Direct, creating a competitive new partnership that will slash turnaround times and reduce costs for members.
Launched at Angus Australia's Annual General Meeting, DNA Direct will not only make ordering genetic tests simpler and faster, it will allow additional trait results to be accessed at any time, eliminating the need to resubmit samples.
Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wright, said the decision to work with Weatherbys was due to its combination of technical excellence and competitive pricing.
"Weatherbys offered several technical advantages, including genetic condition testing and the ability to seamlessly activate full, core, or individual condition panels following the completion of a genomic profile," Mr Wright said.
"The pricing also delivers clear value and cost advantages for our members."
Weatherbys Scientific Business Development Manager, Michael-John Barry, said it was an honour to be the first provider appointed to DNA Direct and to expand the range of products and services to Angus Australia members.
"The Weatherbys team is excited that the quality of our genomic testing services has been recognised by Angus Australia, a breed association known for its commitment to innovation and excellence," Mr Barry said.
"We look forward to delivering the world's best genomics technology to their valued members and helping them unlock the genetic potential of their herds."
Upgrade results at the click of a button
Mr Barry said an important value-add to the new DNA Direct platform includes the option for producers to expand the suite of traits they are seeking results for without having to capture and submit a new tissue sample, whether it be weeks, months or even years after the initial analysis.
"Prices for DNA Direct genomic analysis are lower because of both the efficiencies gained through the online ordering system, as well as the option for customers to pay for only those traits they are seeking information on," Mr Barry said.
"The beauty of this system is that data on the full suite of genetic traits and heritable conditions will be captured at the first pass and be available for each individual animal, but the producer will only pay for the information they need.
"If a producer later decides they would like the additional information over and above the traits or conditions they initially requested, they can purchase this information at any time in the future without taking a new tissue sample.
"For example, a producer may choose to undertake baseline genomic testing for their full herd, and then after identifying their top 25% of animals ask for those samples to be re-evaluated for data on additional specific traits or genetic conditions.
"It's as easy as the click of a button and will delivers significant savings for Angus Australia members."
The "obvious choice" for Brangus and Ultrablack
Angus Australia Chief Operating Officer, Carel Teseling, said Weatherbys' 85K SNP chip provided excellent coverage of Angus-specific content but members would also benefit from its Bos indicus content.
"The chip has a significant amount of Bos Indicus SNP content, making it an obvious choice for testing Brangus and Ultrablack animals," Mr Teseling said.
"Genomic data powerfully complements phenotypic measurements, providing an early in life indication of an animal's genetic potential, and the scale of the Weatherbys 85k chip means more traits and conditions than ever before can be analysed."
Chance to win an overseas trip
Weatherbys has announced a major incentive for Angus Australia members.
To celebrate the partnership, members who purchase a testing bundle with Weatherbys through Angus Australia will go into the draw to win a specially crafted trip.
The full details will be revealed soon but the prize will include flights and accommodation to Ireland, plus unique experiences for the Angus breeder such as a tour of world-leading studs and conversations with leading figures in the industry to gain first-hand insights.
Three new products
Weatherbys has also tailored three new Angus-specific products for members – neXtPredict Heifer, Verified Angus and Angus Legacy – which are all powered by the 85k SNP chip and introduce new levels of advice and support.
"We want to help as many members as possible, no matter where they are on their genetic improvement journey, the age of their animals, or the level of experience with interpreting results," Mr Barry said.
NeXtPredict Heifer combines Weatherbys genomic testing with the power of Angus Australia's GenetiQ analysis and the expert advice from leading consultancy neXtgen Agri.
Verified Angus is a test designed for commercial users in the supply chain, to add scientific rigour to claims of Angus heritage.
Angus Legacy is a pared-back test to encourage high-density genomic testing of older, breeding females to help expand the Angus reference population, which helps everyone's genetic analysis.
Angus Australia members can access DNA Direct via the Angus.tech login page at www.angusaustralia.com.au.
