ABBA DNA FAQs
With the newly approved DNA changes, we understand that members have questions. We have developed this FAQ list to help our members learn more about the recently approved DNA 5-year-plan. If you have any questions, please contact abba@brahman.org.
1.What is the difference between STR and SNP, and why do we need to use SNPs now?
a. STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis is the older type of marker analysis that has previously been used before the industry transitioned to the new SNP analysis around 2012. When a sample is tested with STR analysis, there are roughly 11-14 NUMBER markers that the labs look at to compare with another animal’s markers to determine parent verification. The labs have moved to SNP analysis, meaning STR analysis is no longer used except on the rare case-by-case basis.
b. SNP (Single-nucleotide Polymorphism) is often referred to as “snip.” This newer and more modern type of marker analysis is currently used in today’s industry and genetic market. Every sample submitted to either Zoetis or NEOGEN for a genotype panel or parentage analysis is run on SNPs. When a sample is tested with SNPs, there are roughly 80-110 LETTER markers that the lab views to compare with another animal’s markers to determine parent verification.
c. Again, STR analysis is no longer being used by the labs, except for a rare case-by-case basis. The change to SNP analysis was necessary in order perform any DNA testing in the future.
d. SNP is the much more comprehensive technology that provides more accurate information.
2.If my sire/dam was already DNA typed with STR, do I still need to upgrade to SNP?
a. Currently, when a sample is submitted for genotyping or parent verification, it is run on a SNP analysis. If the sire or dam was DNA typed with a STR profile, then they cannot be compared to an animal with a SNP profile, as these are two different types of markers (explained above). If you are needing parentage on an animal, it would be in your best interest to upgrade parent animals to a SNP profile, if you have not done so already.
b. In the year of 2023, ABBA is offering a discounted rate of $10 for upgrades from STR to SNP profiles, and $30 for genotypes.
3.Will I need to submit a new sample to upgrade from STR to SNP?
a. Possibly. If you have already submitted a sample to a lab, it is likely that the sample can be upgraded from STR to SNP.
b. If for some reason a sample cannot be upgraded from STR to SNP, a new sample would need to be sent to Zoetis or NEOGEN.
c. It is possible for samples to degenerate over time. If it has been a substantial amount of time since you sent in a sample on an animal, it is possible that the sample has deteriorated and a new sample would be required. The labs will send a notification of this if it does become the case.
4.Will there be a new technology after SNP that I will need to make another upgrade to?
a. In short, we don’t know. Nobody does at this point. Currently, SNP analysis is the most up to date and modern technology available. Is there the possibility that there could be a newer, more advanced, even more accurate technology arise in the future? Yes. But as it currently stands, SNP analysis is the modern technology that is being used, and it appears to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
5.What if I need to upgrade a deceased animal to SNP, but there is no available genetic material?
a. As of January 1, 2023, all deceased animals without available genetic material will be grandfathered when determining parent verification. Zoetis/Neogen will need to provide proof to the ABBA office that the current DNA profile was unable to be upgraded from STR to SNP.
6.What is a genotype (HD50K, GGP100K, etc.)?
a. A “genotype” is a panel of 50,000-150,000 SNP markers. When your animal is run on a genotype, it will genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) and parent verification if the parents have DNA on file (you may need to request parentage in certain instances, so make sure to check that your paperwork is properly filled out and complete). There is no additional charge for parent verification when it accompanies a genotype.
b. By the end of 2025, all A.I. Sires, Walking Sires and Donor Dams that produce a calf will be required to have a genotype on file.
7.What are genomic-enhanced EPDs?
a. GE-EPDs use results from a genomic test (genotype) in addition to pedigree, performance and progeny data that is already used, to increase the accuracy and reliability of an animal’s EPDs. While there is slight variability from breed to breed and trait to trait, a GE-EPD on an unproven bull has roughly the same level of accuracy as if that bull has already sired his first calf crop.
b. ONLY animals that have been genotyped will receive GE-EPDs.
8.What information do I get back when my animal is genotyped?
a. Unlike a parentage report, there is no official report that you will receive when an animal is genotyped. You will see the results of this when GE-EPDs on that animal become available. ABBA/labs will send you a confirmation report stating that your animals have been successfully genotyped.
9.I’m an F-1 breeder, how does the DNA plan affect me?
a. The DNA plan applies only to registered Brahman cattle.
b. While you are more than welcome to get DNA on any animal in an F-1 breeding program, it is not required.
10. What is Whole Herd Enrollment (WHE)?
a. Whole Herd Enrollment is an optional program where a producer can enroll their entire herd and in return for keeping DNA, performance data, and calving records, they would receive discounts on DNA, registration and transfer costs.
b. This optional program will begin in 2028. More information will be released in the coming years as we get closer to the implementation of WHE.
11. Is it mandatory that I DNA all of my animals?
a. Absolutely not. While there are eventually requirements for A.I. Sires, Walking Sires, Donor Dams, and A.I./E.T. calves over the next 5 years, there is absolutely no mandate that you must DNA all of your animals.
12. Why was the DNA plan developed?
a. The end goal is to begin transitioning to SNP parent verification on all A.I. and E.T. calves by 2028. The reasoning for this is that STR is no longer a current and viable technology (see above) and will not be used by labs going forward.
b. This transition also gives us the opportunity to begin using genotyping technology to build and improve GE-EPDs. This will provide more accuracy and reliability in our EPD figures.
c. This plan was also developed in an effort to adopt modern DNA/genetic tools used throughout the beef cattle industry. The goal is to constantly improve Brahman’s place in the beef cattle industry and be able to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to our customers that allow them to be more confident in purchasing decisions.
Our goal is to serve all our ABBA members and Brahman breeders. We welcome any questions so that we can help advise you on the best plan for your operation. For more information contact abba@brahman.org.
Featured News
-
2022 Summer Board of Director Meetings
June 24th, 2022 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreJoin us in Mercedes, TX for the 2022 Summer Board of Director Meetings held in conjunction with the 2022 AJBA All American National Junior Brahman Show! This is a great time to get involved in the association and witness all of the great work our juniors are doing in promoting our breed and developing themselves […]
-
ABBA E.A.R Program and Bull Development and Marketing Program Postponed until January 2023
April 22nd, 2022 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe American Brahman Breeders Association Research and Breed Improvement Committee takes great pride in offering programs to our membership that help improve the Brahman breed and allow for the collection of valuable research data. The ABBA Bull Development & Marketing Program is designed to provide Brahman breeders with the opportunity to develop bulls, collect economically […]
-
Summer Internship Opportunity
March 31st, 2022 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe American Junior Brahman Association is currently accepting applications for our summer internship. The purpose of this internship is to provide a well-rounded, versatile internship and learning experience for a college student who is interested in breed association work, communications, and youth development. This main focus of this internship is to assist with the planning […]
-
2022 International Brahman Show
November 30th, 2021 by Super UserSuper Userread moreBrahmans are headed back to Houston! We are excited to announce that the 2022 International Brahman Show will be held once again in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Center in Houston, TX! We would like to invite all of our members, breeders and Brahman enthusiasts to join us February 28 […]
-
2022 Winter Board of Director & Committee Meetings
November 18th, 2021 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe 2022 Winter Board of Director and Committee Meetings will be held in Fort Worth, TX January 16-17, 2022 held in Conjunction with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. We would like to invite each of you to join us! Meetings start up on Sunday Afternoon with Finance and Executive Committee Meetings at the […]
-
Fall 2021 ABBA Board of Director & Committee Meetings
October 21st, 2021 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe Fall 2021 ABBA Board of Directors and Committee Meetings will take place November 1-2, 2021 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, TX prior to the 2021 National Brahman Show. We invite each of you to join us- meeting room assignments will be announced in the coming days as they become available, but […]
-
HC Neel Joins ABBA as Director of Association Services
August 17th, 2021 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe ABBA is excited to announce a new addition to our team, HC Neel, IV came on board as the Director of Association Services the beginning of August and truly hit the ground running. HC will be working closely with the Research and Breed Improvement Committee to facilitate multiple programs to our membership, including the […]
-
Summer Board of Director and Committee Meetings
August 9th, 2021 by Super UserSuper Userread moreThe 2021 Summer Board of Director and Committee Meetings will be held in College Station, TX August 12-13, 2021. A complete schedule of meetings and locations can be found below. Committee meetings will begin on Thursday at the ABBA Headquarters located at 1920 West Villa Maria Road, Bryan, TX. We will reconvene on Friday Morning […]
-
ABBA/ AJBA Scholarship Applications
April 12th, 2021 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreWe are just 75 Days away from the 2021 All American National Junior Brahman Show in Hattiesburg, MS. We could not be more excited to be back together with are Brahman Family at one of the most prestigious events we offer. Each year the AJBA presents more than $50,000 in scholarships thanks to the donations […]
-
2021 ABBA Spring Board of Director & Committee Meetings
April 9th, 2021 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead moreThe ABBA Spring Board of Director & Committee Meetings will be held in College Station, TX May 6-7, 2021. All meetings will be held at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center directly across from Kyle Field. We will kick off the meetings on Thursday with Finance and Executive Committee Meetings and will resume at […]
-
Executive Vice President Newsletter – August 2023
August 11th, 2023 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead more -
ABBA Summer Board of Directors & Committee Meetings – August 2023
July 20th, 2023 by Caydi BlahaCaydi Blaharead more