Genomic testing of cattle, also known as DNA testing or genotyping, is a process used to analyse the genetic makeup of individual animals. This technology allows farmers to better understand the genetic traits present in cattle, such as disease resistance, meat quality, and fertility characteristics.

Genomics is for any cattle producer who wants to make smarter, more informed breeding decisions; whether you’re running a large-scale northern pastoral operation, a high-performance seedstock herd, or a commercial beef enterprise focused on improving profitability.

Traditionally, genetic selection relied on visual assessment, pedigree records, and estimated breeding values (EBVs). While these methods provide useful information, they don’t always tell the full story, especially in crossbred or northern-adapted cattle where environmental pressures and breed diversity play a major role. Genomics fills that gap by giving producers direct insights into an animal’s DNA, helping to predict performance before it even enters production.

There are different genomic tests for different needs.

Not all cattle herds are the same, and neither are their genetic testing needs. Today, genomic tests are designed to cater to different breeds, production systems, and environments. Get in touch with the team to make sure you are getting the right genomic test for your herd.

For many cattle producers, genomics might sound like something reserved for elite stud breeders or research programs—but the reality is, it’s becoming an everyday tool for commercial beef businesses looking to improve profitability, efficiency, and herd performance.

1. Make Better Breeding Decisions, Sooner

Traditionally, selecting breeding stock relied on visual assessment, pedigree, and waiting for performance records. Genomics eliminates the guesswork by providing a DNA-based prediction of an animal’s genetic potential—before it has produced any calves or entered production.

✔ Choose better bulls and replacement heifers with confidence
✔ Reduce wasted time and feed on underperforming animals
✔ Fast-track genetic progress without waiting for progeny data

2. Improve Fertility & Reproduction Efficiency

Fertility is one of the biggest profit drivers in any beef business. Genomics helps identify females that reach puberty earlier, rebreed faster, and stay in the herd longer—especially valuable for extensive northern operations.

✔ Select for earlier puberty and higher conception rates
✔ Reduce empty cows and calving intervals
✔ Improve cow longevity and lifetime productivity

3. Tailor Cattle to Your Production Environment

Not all cattle thrive in every environment. Whether you’re breeding for heat tolerance, parasite resistance, or efficiency in tough conditions, genomics can identify the animals best suited to your operation—reducing losses and improving overall herd resilience.

✔ Select cattle with better feed conversion in rangeland conditions
✔ Improve tick resistance, temperament, and adaptability
✔ Breed cattle that perform without excessive inputs

4. Increase Carcass & Market Value

Genomics helps producers target profitable traits like growth, meat quality, and feed efficiency—maximizing returns when selling finished cattle or weaners.

✔ Identify animals with better marbling, higher yields, and faster growth
✔ Improve compliance with MSA grading & processor specs
✔ Reduce variability in turn-off weights and market performance

5. It’s Affordable, Practical, and Ready to Use

Genomics has evolved from a high-cost, research-driven tool into an affordable and practical solution for commercial producers. New multi-breed genomic tests (like RePRO BI) are designed specifically for crossbred and northern-adapted cattle, making genetic insights accessible and reliable for the broader beef industry.

✔ Affordable—Cost-effective tests now exist for commercial herds
✔ Easy to use—Simple DNA sampling (ear tissue or hair)
✔ Clear insights—Practical decision-making tools for producers

Bottom Line: Genomics = More Profitable, Predictable Cattle

For the average producer, genomics isn’t about replacing experience—it’s about enhancing it. It provides an extra layer of confidence in selecting, breeding, and managing cattle, ensuring that every decision is backed by proven genetic potential.

Whether you’re focused on fertility, growth, carcass traits, or adaptability, genomics helps you improve herd performance faster, reduce risk, and make the most of every breeding decision—leading to a stronger, more profitable herd for the future.

Description 1. Sample Collection: The process starts with collecting a sample of DNA from the animal. This can be done using various methods, such as collecting hair follicles with roots intact, blood samples, ear tissue samples, or semen. Tissue samples are preferred as they are more robust and easily stored. These are collected in a TSU (tissue sampling unit).

2. DNA Extraction: Once the sample is collected, the DNA needs to be extracted from it. This is typically done in a laboratory setting using specialised kits and protocols designed to isolate DNA from the sample material. The extracted DNA is purified to remove any contaminants that could interfere with subsequent testing.

3. Genomic Profiling: The extracted DNA is then analysed to obtain a genomic profile of the animal. This involves genotyping specific genetic markers or regions of interest across the animal's genome. These markers are chosen based on their known associations with traits of interest. High-throughput genotyping technologies, such as microarray-based SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) arrays, are commonly used for this purpose.

4. Data Analysis: Once the genotyping is complete, the resulting data is analysed to identify the specific genetic variants present in the animal's genome. This analysis may involve comparing the animal's genotype to reference genomes or databases of known genetic variants associated with particular traits. Statistical methods and bioinformatics tools are used to interpret the data and identify genetic markers that are linked to desirable traits.

5. Trait Prediction: Based on the genetic markers identified through genomic testing, breeders can make predictions about the animal's phenotype, or observable traits. These predictions can inform breeding decisions, such as selecting animals with the most desirable genetic traits for breeding purposes. However, it's important to note that while genomic testing provides valuable insights into the genetic potential of an animal, other factors such as environmental conditions can also influence its actual phenotype.text goes here

All data is yours and always will be yours. Base Pair Genomics is more than happy to share with breed societies or other parties with your consent.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (pronounced “snips”) are points in the genome where the DNA is known to vary. This is how we differentiate animals and why we see genetic diversity.

For SeekSire, the lab uses a 500 SNP chip. This is profiling at 500 points of differentiation in the DNA related to parentage.

The 50K SNP profile is collecting information from 50,000 points in the DNA that relate to a range of traits, including parentage, performance and disease.

Most breeds common to Northern Australia (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) are included in the analysis including crossbreds, composite and purebred cattle.

Reach out if you’re unsure.

Typically, 6-8 weeks from when the samples arrive at the lab to when we email results.

The RePRO BI Bundles give producers genomic breeding values (GBVs) on eight traits including: age of puberty, ability to rebreed, height, weight, body condition score, tick and fly lesions and temperament. The bundles also include breed composition and parent verification, poll/horn, pompe’s and myostatin depending on your choice of bundle.

Pompe’s Disease is a rare but serious genetic disorder that can have significant implications for beef cattle welfare and productivity. The disease is an inherited metabolic disorder characterised by the deficiency of an enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down glycogen, a complex sugar molecule, into glucose, which cells use as a source of energy. In cattle with Pompe’s Disease, glycogen accumulates in various tissues, particularly muscle cells, leading to progressive muscle weakness and wasting.

Pompe’s is an inherited disorder and most commonly carried in Brahman and Droughtmaster cattle and their composites.

How do I control Pompe’s in my herd?

Pompe’s Disease can be easily controlled within your herd through sire testing, to ensure herd sires do not carry the Pompe’s mutation. Even if cows in your herd carry the mutation, the disease cannot be passed onto progeny without two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent.

Pompe’s testing is available in the RePRO Premium & Ultimate Bundles.

The Poll/Horn test is for breeders looking to increase the proportion of polled animals in their breeding herd. Testing determines if the animal carries the horn gene or not - i.e. if an animal is phenotypically polled, it may or may not carry a horn gene which could be passed onto progeny.

Results will show:

• PcPc: Homozygous polled and cannot pass horn gene to progeny

• HPc: Heterozygous - this animal may be polled but can pass the horn gene to progeny

• HH: Horned and will pass the horn gene to progeny

Poll/Horn results are available as part of the RePRO BI Pro, Premium & Ultimate Bundles.

The Myostatin Mutation is a genetic, partially recessive mutation where a segment of the gene, NT821, is missing or deleted. When both sire and dam carry the NT821 deletion, progeny can be affected causing the myostatin to be inactive and fail to regulate excessive muscle size. While there is an argument for various meat trait improvements, the Myostatin Mutation can have disastrous consequences on reproduction. Calving ease is the main affliction where issues in the morphological imbalance between the dam and calf are exaggerated at time of birth. This occurs via either or both an afflicted calf with increased width and weight, and an afflicted cow with a decreased pelvic area.

Myostatin is an inherited disorder and most commonly carried in Brahman, Droughtmaster, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Limousin, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Simmental and Speckle Park cattle and their composites. The highest occurrence of the mutation occurs in Belgian Blue and Piedmontese breeds.

How do I control Myostatin Mutation in my herd?

The Myostatin Mutation can be easily controlled within your herd through sire testing, to ensure herd sires do not carry the NT821 deletion. Even if cows in your herd carry the mutation, the disease cannot be passed onto progeny without two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent.

Myostatin testing can be ordered as part of the RePRO BI Ultimate Bundle.