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Technical Update Posy Moody | NZH Manager

Igenity – What is it and why are

NZ Herefords supporting it?

Igenity has been a word you have previously seen in To ensure a more accurate evaluation, and to provide a
member communications and it’s certainly a word which better representation of the breed, which is important in
the council have become very familiar with over the last a crossbred evaluation, NZ Herefords council agreed to
year. So, what is it and what is NZ Herefords involvement? provide NZ Hereford data for the Igenity evaluation.

What is Igenity? Igenity – is a genetic evaluation which Is Igenity a threat to BREEDPLAN and the EBVs?
is predominantly designed for commercial farmers with NZ Herefords council do not see Igenity as a threat to the
crossbred herds, however straight bred herds which existing BREEDPLAN software.
belong to eight key breeds (Angus, Red Angus, Hereford,
Limousin, Shorthorn, Simmental, Gelbvieh and Maine- EBVs can not be compared to the ranking system produced
Anjou) can also ustilise the test. by Igenity.

Who owns Igenity? Igenity is a Neogen software NZ Herefords board unanimously agreed, if they did
evaluation which PBB are selling to NZ commercial not support Igenity/PBB, other organisations which NZ
farmers. PBB are marketing, selling and processing Herefords board have less confidence in, would step into
the requests from commercial breeders to use Igenity the market and would sell a similar product with no
evaluation. consultation with the Association or breeders.
For the commercial herds that do adopt the Igenity
Why is NZ Herefords involved with Igenity? evaluation, it is predicted that the farmers will recognise
PBB approached NZ Herefords as most other breeds the importance of using good genetics across their herds,
already have a competitive genetic commercial evaluation which will lead to a greater demand for stud bulls.
and Hereford data was not accurately represented in
Igenity.

What are the differences between Igenity Evaluation Ranking and BREEDPLAN

Evaluation? Igenity BreedPlan (EBV) Evaluation
Question
Can results be compared between herds? NO – In herd evaluation only Yes

Is accuracy reported on? NO Yes

Are results updated frequently? NO (once/maybe twice a year) Yes - monthly

Do you need to record phenotype? NO Yes

Does it include genetic condition tests? No, but can do at an extra cost Yes – if bundle is purchased

SNP DNA tests range from
Is it much cheaper NO – currently sold for $48
$38.50 to $54 (bundle)
For more information on Igenity refer to PBB’s website: www.pbbnz.com/igenity

Hooked on Herefords NZ Herefords Newsletter. June, 2022 | 9