Genomic tests for cross-bred animals are now possible thanks to AHDB Dairy's established access to female genotypes from cross-bred cows, with evaluations obtained through AHDB's new single step method of genotyping.
NMR genomic product strategy manager Richard Miller, says: "This large volume of available data provides AHDB Dairy with enough information to check and confirm the reliability of cross-bred genomic tests."
Genomic results are available between six and eight weeks after sampling.
They are published on AHDB's genetic herd report and accessed through NMR's Herd Companion website, which also allows producers to rank and analyse results.
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A spring- or autumn-calving index is calculated for each animal so comparisons can be made, regardless of the breed make up of individual animals.
Both indexes combine production and health traits into a single index to ensure that selection is biased towards the most profitable animals for the system.
Mr Miller says: "Producers can rank all animals, cows and heifers, and they can also use the reporting system to set individual trait thresholds where required."
Animals can be tested soon after birth. Genotype tags or tissue sampling units from NMR are used from tissue samples and correctly identified then posted back for testing.
The GeneEze cross breed genomic test costs from £22.50 per test, the same as those for pure breed animals.
