The genetic panel provides vital genetic information on tested Red Angus-influenced commercial females. Tested females receive genetic information in the form of individual percentile rank as compared to the herd, and individual percentile rank as compared to all other Red Angus genotyped animals.

“With the rebuilding process that the cattle herd in the United States is experiencing as a whole, the Red Angus Herd Navigator is a great tool to utilize for mating and culling decisions,” said Halla Pfeiff, DNA and breed improvement projects coordinator. “The Herd Navigator allows producers to evaluate their own females while also comparing with the breed population.”

Traits included in the new genetic panel are Red Angus’ HerdBuilder and GridMaster Indices, all EPD traits and parent verification, given the potential sires have been tested with the RA50K test. Due to the DNA test being breed specific, the genetic panel should only be used on females that are at least 75 percent Red Angus.

To order the Herd Navigator tests, producers must complete and submit the DNA order form found at the RAAA website. Producers must own at least one registered Red Angus bull, and the bull(s) must be transferred to the ordering producer.  

—From the Red Angus Association of America news release