Neogen launches improved Igenity-Elite dairy genomic test

LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 11, 2015 — The best has just gotten better. Neogen’s Igenity Dairy Heifer Program now features an upgraded Igenity-Elite genomic test that analyzes nearly 150,000 gene markers — the most powerful and complete tool available for official genomic evaluations.

Neogen’s improved Igenity-Elite profile produces the most reliable USDA-CDCB genomic evaluation through the use of a custom chip. The profile screens DNA for about 150,000 gene-marker variations linked to important traits in dairy cattle breeding stock, and is ideal for donor dams and sire candidates.

“Adding markers increases accuracy in predictive power, but adding the right markers is just as important. How you design the product matters a great deal,” said Dr. Stewart Bauck, general manager of Neogen’s GeneSeek operations. “By working in collaboration with USDA experts and independent researchers, Neogen has created the improved Igenity-Elite, which is the most powerful new profile for dairy cattle on the market. The technology for cattle genomics continues to advance. The trend is towards more powerful, and also more affordable, tests that have increasing impact on future profits and performance.

“Igenity-Elite is the global standard for artificial insemination companies selecting sires, and that prediction accuracy is now available to all dairy producers,” he added.

Igenity-Elite samples are genotyped at Neogen’s GeneSeek operations in Lincoln, Neb. — the world’s leading animal genomics laboratory. Working with the USDA-CDCB, an animal’s results from the high density marker panel are combined with traditional measures of genetic merit to produce a highly reliable genomic-predicted transmitting ability (PTA). Full genomic evaluations from the USDA-CDCB have been reported in as little as two weeks from the time the samples are taken on a farm.

Results from genomic tests can deliver highly reliable genomic projections on all of the USDA traits. This includes health traits such as net merit, pregnancy rate, productive life in months and somatic cell score as well as yield traits, such as milk, fat pounds, fat percentage, protein pounds and protein percentage.

Igenity-Elite can deliver horn poll and A2 milk protein results along with the precise measures for the most important gene markers in cattle including the patented DGAT, BGHR and ABCG2 gene tests. Neogen’s Igenity Dairy Heifer Program also includes Igenity-Prime, which provides more than 26,000 genetic markers needed for an accurate genomic evaluation from the USDA-AGIL, plus the add-on content for assessment of defects and milk components, and other testing options. For more information, please visit www.Neogen.com.

Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Neogen’s Animal Safety Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics, along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary instruments, wound care and disinfectants.