Neogen launches comprehensive cattle genomic test

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May 06, 2013, 08:45 ET

LANSING, Mich., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) announced today the development of a new genomic test that offers the beef cattle industry an unprecedented level of information on the genetic potential of individual animals.

Neogen's new GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler™ (GGP-HD) contributes comprehensive data included in Angus genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs), which reveal an animal's genetic potential well before breeding, as well as the animal's parentage, and important genetic trait and disease information on the animal. With Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), Neogen recently announced the availability of a breed-specific version of the new product, the GeneSeek Angus GGP-HD.

"This new test solidifies Neogen's position as the leading provider of genetic testing to the cattle industry," said James Herbert, Neogen's CEO and chairman. "Especially now with the recent changes in the cattle industry, decisions ranchers make on individual animals can be critical to maximizing that ranch's profitability. With this one test, a rancher can decide if the heifer has the genetic merit to keep on the ranch, and exclude the animals that would make poor choices for breeding, or would develop a genetic condition that would reduce its value."

Results from the advanced GeneSeek Angus GGP-HD test will be incorporated into Angus GE-EPDs, which are available on a weekly basis through the American Angus Association National Cattle Evaluation. In 2009, AGI, in collaboration with Neogen's Igenity subsidiary, provided the beef industry with Angus-specific GE-EPDs. Since that time, AGI has continued to foster the research and implementation strategy with GeneSeek to continue to bring high-quality genomic tests into the weekly EPD updates used by Angus breeders and their customers.

The GeneSeek GGP-HD technology is an improvement on the well-known Igenity Profile for Angus test. The custom, high density chip features a unique new design that features nearly 78,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selectively chosen from studies on thousands of animals. The test provides parentage information at no extra charge. Specialty add-on tests will be available for a number of genetic conditions at minimal additional cost.

As another product offering, Neogen offers beef cattlemen a beef heifer replacement test for breeds other than Angus, including trait detection for Bos indicus-influenced females. The company also offers the beef industry a comprehensive line of animal health products, including veterinary instruments, uniquely detectable D3 needles, and disinfectants, cleaners and rodenticides to enhance a ranch's biosecurity.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. The company's Food Safety Division markets dehydrated culture media, and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases and sanitation concerns. Neogen's Animal Safety Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics, along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary instruments, wound care and disinfectants.

AGI is a division of the American Angus Association, with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., which offers services to the more than 30,000 members of the American Angus Association and thousands of commercial cattle producers using Angus genetics across the United States.

CONTACT: Dr. Stewart Bauck, Neogen Corporation
402/435-0665, [email protected]

SOURCE Neogen Corporation