GenSELECT for Herefords launched to deliver genomic insights for commercial producers
A new, market first, genomic testing suite designed specifically for commercial Hereford producers across Australia and New Zealand has been launched, providing commercial producers with powerful new tools to make more informed breeding and marketing decisions.
Developed through a long-term partnership and collaboration between the Herefords Australia, the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and Neogen, the GenSELECT for Herefords product suite delivers industry-relevant genomic insights powered by the globally recognised BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation system.
The GenSELECT suite represents the first product of its kind on the market specifically designed for commercial Hereford producers in Australia and New Zealand, underpinned by real industry data.
“It is exciting to be in this era of genomic testing, where we can deliver real tools to commercial Hereford producers that can have a positive impact on their bottom line. GenSELECT represents the dedication Neogen, Herefords Australia and ABRI have to commercial sector and our long-term partnerships” says Neogen’s spokesperson Hannah Bourke.
By utilising the BREEDPLAN evaluation to analyse the genomic information, GenSELECT provides producers with more accurate insights into the genetic potential of their cattle, helping to accelerate genetic gain and support more profitable and sustainable beef production systems. BREEDPLAN has been analysing cattle genetics for more than four decades and now evaluates millions of animals globally, underpinning breeding decisions across the beef industry.
“GenSELECT gives commercial Hereford breeders a great tool to benchmark their herd and better understand where further improvements can be made. It aligns perfectly with Hereford BREEDPLAN meaning you can now match your replacement heifer choices with your bull purchase decisions. It is a really exciting piece of technology to be able to deliver to industry.” Says Hamish Chandler, CEO of Herefords Australia.
Three tools delivering practical insights
The GenSELECT for Herefords suite includes three products tailored to different stages of herd management and marketing decisions.
GenSELECT Profile enables commercial Hereford producers to test a sample of 30 females to generate a snapshot of where their herd sits in relation to the wider industry. The results can be used to help inform breeding objectives, guide future breeding and selection decisions, and support more targeted bull purchasing strategies.
GenSELECT Heifer provides genomic testing for individual Hereford females, delivering insights across 11 traits that are relevant to the beef supply chain. These results can help producers identify animals with greater genetic merit, support culling and selection decisions, and ultimately improve the rate of genetic gain within the herd.
GenSELECT Steer is designed to assist commercial producers with marketing decisions by providing genomic information that can help determine the most suitable pathways for steers within the production system.
Driving informed decisions on-farm
The development of GenSELECT reflects a growing demand from commercial producers for tools that deliver clear, science-based insights to support on-farm decision making.
By providing accessible genomic information powered by BREEDPLAN, GenSELECT aims to reduce the guesswork in herd improvement and allow producers to benchmark their cattle against industry standards.
“For the first time, commercial Hereford producers have access to a genomic product suite backed by BREEDPLAN. The GenSELECT product suite not only supports smarter selection and culling decisions, but also helps commercial Hereford producers better identify seedstock bulls that complement their herd - driving more consistent calves, faster genetic progress and stronger returns.” says Catriona Millen, ABRI’s Extension and Engagement Team Leader.
Ultimately, the GenSELECT for Herefords suite is designed to put more information and power into the hands of producers — helping them make informed breeding, selection and marketing decisions that improve herd performance and drive greater profitability and sustainability across the beef supply chain.
For more information on GenSELECT for Herefords Australia or to access testing, producers can contact Neogen’s Genomic Specialist Team.