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North American DNA Test Improvements Define the Next Era

North American herdbooks have recently transitioned their DNA testing from the old standard of microsatellite testing, which has been used for the past decade for DNA testing and parentage verification, to a new and improved DNA testing called Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). SNP is an industry leading DNA test that will provide breeders with a more accurate, efficient and affordable DNA test. Breeds currently transitioned to SNP include Angus, Simmental, Limousin and Gelbvieh. Due to the increased advantages of the new test it is expected that the other breed associations as well as international herdbooks will also transition over the new DNA test within the next couple years. Below is an excellent video put out by Livestock Gentec to better explain this interesting new technology that will take the North American beef industry into the next era.