Keep track of the beef genetic information

Livestock genomics innovator ViaGen, Inc. and leading agricultural information management systems provider AgInfoLink are partnering to develop a massive data storage system for producers and feedlot managers to keep track of the genetic and production information for their livestock. The new web-based system, which will be available by the end of the summer, will allow producers, ranchers, feedlot managers and others associated with the beef industry to collect, sort, analyze and store genetic information instantly, permitting them to address enormous changes taking place in the market.

 

For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced their proposed requirements for individual animal identification which may become mandatory at some future date. The ViaGen/AgInfoLink program meets or exceeds USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS) proposed requirements for animal identification and tracking. The ViaGen/AgInfoLink program offers documentation of age and source verification information being demanded in the marketplace today. An increasing number of retailers, including McDonald's, require that beef be traceable back to its herd of origin. Japanese and other foreign markets are demanding age verification as a condition of reopening their markets to beef US exports.

 

 

 

The web-based data system provides storage and dissemination for ViaGen's genetic tests and programs. Tests include: AnguSure verification for branded beef labels, Inducator analysis of Brahman composition, BreedSure and KwikBreed confirmation of breed classification and Parentage matching of offspring and sire/dam. Programs based on these tests are available for animals from a common source, mixed groups of cattle and for herds of crossbred animals. Beef from cattle that have been genetically verified using ViaGen's tests is already being sold in more than 900 grocery stores nationwide. In addition, the system will provide cattle producers reporting tools to better manage their herds including production summaries and feedback from feedlots and packers.