Genomic Selection Tools Annual Enhancements Delivered
Angus Australia is pleased to announce the implementation of the 2025 annual enhancements to our suite of commercial genomic selection tools, SteerSELECT & HeiferSELECT. The 2025 enhancements represent technical changes to keep pace with developments in genomic technology and improvements to genomic breed estimations.
This year’s enhancements are primarily focused on implementing technical advancements to HeiferSELECT consistent with the those implemented in SteerSELECT (released in late 2024).
The 2025 commercial genotyping enhancements include;
- HeiferSELECT genetic predictions (i.e. genomic breeding values) have been upgraded to a higher density genomic panel and to include a larger reference population.
- Updates to HeiferSELECT Overall Values, index parameters to now include weighting on Heifer Conception genetic prediction and refreshed the economic parameters.
- Allele frequencies for the BreedCHECK component of HeiferSELECT were estimated using a larger SNP map to align with SteerSELECT.
- Incorporation of more animals in the BreedCHECK reference population of HeiferSELECT.
These particular changes will see HeiferSELECT genetic predictions estimated with a higher degree of accuracy, as well as an increased accuracy of genetic breed estimations for BreedCHECK, reported in HeiferSELECT.
In 2024, SteerSELECT was launched with new SNP effects estimated across 61,105 autosomal SNPs. The 2025 enhancements will see HeiferSELECT upgraded to the same density of 61,105 SNPs from 45,364 SNPs, and the SNP effects were re-estimated accordingly.
Reference population records underpinning HeiferSELECT genetic predictions have increased significantly (refer to Table 1) for all traits. Carcase trait genetic predictions are expected to experience the most change as a result of being a “hard to measure” trait that is primarily generated from phenotypic and genotypic data collected through the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. In this upgrade, the available data for carcass weight and marbling has nearly doubled, with the addition of 2,124 records from commercial supply chain collaborators.
BreedCHECK is also being upgraded to the 61,105 SNP density and an additional 1,345 animals have been included in the BreedCHECK reference population.
Meanwhile, the incorporation of the Heifer Conception genetic prediction into the HeiferSELECT Cow-Calf Value and Total Breeding Value indexes ensures that heifer fertility is considered in selection decisions. Economic values within the HeiferSELECT Overall Values (selection indexes) have also been updated to remain as commercially relevant as possible. To learn more about the new HeiferSELECT Overall Values, please visit the HeiferSELECT Angus Education Centre.
What does this mean for producers using HeiferSELECT?
In practical terms, producers who have animals already tested with HeiferSELECT (prior to the release of the 2025 enhancements) may see some small to moderate changes to the genetic predictions reported on some of their animals, as well as some possible reranking.
These potential changes are due to the greater density of SNPs being analysed and the significant increase in phenotypic records within the reference population – providing a more accurate and reliable estimate of genetic predictions.
The Overall Values (selection indexes) for HeiferSELECT tested animals may experience some change as Heifer Conception, a fertility genetic prediction released in August 2023, is being incorporated into the Cow-Calf Value and Total Breeding Value indexes. Additionally, the underlying economic parameters have been updated for all the Overall Values.
Producers may also see some minor changes in the breed composition estimations provided through BreedCHECK for animals already tested with HeiferSELECT as a result of the addition of 1,345 animals to the reference population. The method of reporting BreedCHECK results for HeiferSELECT will also change slightly. The “Other” breed content category currently displayed replaced with “Wagyu” and “Dairy” content specified instead.
What does this mean for producers using SteerSELECT?
There will be no changes to the SteerSELECT genetic predictions or the BreedCHECK results of animals already tested with SteerSELECT, which is already operating on the larger reference population and SNP map.
Additionally, any animals tested through either SteerSELECT or HeiferSELECT after the 2025 enhancements have been delivered will receive the full benefits of the upgrade and will not experience any change until future annual enhancements.
What are the commercial genomic selection tools provided by Angus Australia?
The commercial genotyping tools SteerSELECT and Heifer SELECT have developed in partnership with Australia’s National Science Agency, CSIRO. They are specifically designed to assist commercial producers to select animals by providing a prediction of the animal’s genetic merit – either as replacement heifers (HeiferSELECT) or within the beef supply chain (SteerSELECT).
These commercial genomic selection tools are delivered to Angus Australia members in partnership with Zoetis and Neogen Australasia.
For more information contact Jake Bourne, Angus Australia’s Business Development Executive (jake.bourne@angusaustralia.com.au) or Extension Officer Hanlie Jansen (hanlie.jansen@angusaustralia.com.au). For further details on Angus Australia’s Commercial Selection Tools and the 2025 HeiferSELECT & SteerSELECT Enhancements please view the Angus Australia website (HeiferSELECT & SteerSELECT) and the Angus Education Centre.
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