Genetic testing vs. Genomic testing

 

Genetic testing looks at specific traits linked to a gene. This is what is used to screen for diseases such as chondrodysplasia and PHA. 

 

Genomic testing looks at the entire genome of the animal. With genomic testing we can look at the merit and future performance of an animal. If we are evaluating a bull, we may be interested in birth weight and calving ease. We would not want to use a bull with a high birth weight or a low score on calving ease for a first time heifer. Without genomic testing, the best we can do is look at the size of the bull and guess how he will influence the calving ease of his daughters. Genomic testing provides tangible results to differentiate the value of cattle and helps us improve our herds with each generation.

 

When we send in a tissue or hair sample for genomic testing we are really looking “under the hood” of the cow we are having tested.