Zoetis Launches INHERIT Select, A Genomic Tool For Cow-Calf Producers

Zoetis released a suite of new genetic testing and decision-making tools designed specifically for commercial cow-calf operations. INHERIT Select™ is the latest genomic test to offer Genomic Expected Progeny Differences (GEPDs) providing commercial cow-calf producers with genetic insights to make critical replacement female selection and breeding decisions.

INHERIT Select is an innovative, multi-breed genomic test that provides predictions for commercial crossbred females spanning eight major breeds including Angus, Red Angus, Simmental, South Devon, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Charolais and Limousin. The test delivers GEPDs and percentile rankings for 16 traits as well as sire parentage and breed composition.

“We’re excited to bring another genomic tool to the industry to support commercial producers,” says Jason Osterstock, Vice President of Global Genetics with Zoetis. “We know that genetic improvement strategies and genomic data are increasingly important as we strive to efficiently produce quality beef, and with INHERIT Select commercial cow-calf producers are empowered to pursue that goal.”

To make decisions for genetic improvement easier for commercial cow-calf producers, Zoetis offers three new indexes with INHERIT Select. The Zoetis Total Return (ZTR) index simplifies multi-trait selection and breeding to help maximize returns for commercial beef replacement heifers. The ZTR index incorporates economic and production assumptions, and the full range of GEPDs into one, easy-to-use number. The Zoetis Cow|Calf (ZCC) index and Zoetis Feedlot|Carcass (ZFC) index inform decisions for these production segments.

“Until now, commercial cow-calf producers generally have not had access to the same scope of genetic information as compared to seedstock producers,” says Kent Andersen, director of genetics technical services, Global Genetics with Zoetis. “With INHERIT Select, cow-calf producers now have easy access to the power of GEPDs and economic selection indexes to make informed replacement female selection and breeding decisions.”

Using INHERIT Select, cow-calf producers can now make replacement heifer selection based on predictions for net return, as well as component traits, breed composition and sire parentage. Heifers can be tested at weaning or at any time when a tissue sample may be collected.

“Commercial cow-calf producers are accustomed to using EPDs and economic indexes when making bull buying decisions,” says Andersen. “INHERIT Select provides these producers the power of GEPDs to make more accurate replacement decisions, and the new indexes simplify selection and breeding decisions for multiplying animals with genetics for the highest potential net returns.”

To get started with INHERIT Select, producers should contact Zoetis customer service (877 233-3362) or talk to their Zoetis Genetics representative to order test kits. Once kits are received, obtaining a sample is as easy as tagging calves using a tissue sampling unit. Results are typically received within a few weeks of testing.

For more information visit INHERITprogress.com.