Key Takeaways
- New Genomic Test: Neogen introduces Igenity® BCHF, the first genomic test aimed at assessing bovine heart health risks.
- Disease Risk Assessment: The test evaluates genetic predisposition to Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF) on a 1-to-10 scale, with lower scores indicating reduced risk.
- Industry Impact: Igenity BCHF helps cattle producers manage BCHF risk, improve herd health, and reduce economic losses.
- Scientific Backing: Developed with input from veterinary and genomics experts, the test aims to quantify and address the genetic factors of BCHF.
What is Igenity® BCHF?
Neogen Corporation has launched Igenity® BCHF, a genomic test designed to assess an animal’s genetic predisposition to Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF), a growing concern in the cattle industry. The test assigns a risk score ranging from 1 (lowest risk) to 10 (highest risk), with each lower score reducing the expected incidence rate of BCHF by approximately 3.5%, according to the company.
Victor Pedrosa, Ph.D., Director of Technical Genomics and Innovation at Neogen, explained: “Igenity BCHF is a revolutionary genomic test designed to assess an animal’s genetic predisposition to heart failure. The test results directly correlate with the percentage of BCHF risk an animal carries and could pass on to their progeny, serving as a genetic indicator of the likelihood of disease development.”
Why is BCHF a Concern for the Cattle Industry?
BCHF poses a significant threat to cattle health and productivity, impacting animals from young calves to late-fed cattle in feedlots. The condition leads to increased mortality rates and economic losses across all segments of the industry. By identifying animals genetically predisposed to BCHF, producers can make informed decisions to reduce risk and improve herd health.
Kirk Ramsey, DVM, Professional Services Veterinarian at Neogen, emphasized the importance of the new tool: “Igenity BCHF is the first genomic test of its kind and is the first step in capturing the reason why congestive heart failure is occurring in these young calves and late-fed cattle.”
How Does the Test Benefit Producers?
The Igenity BCHF test offers cattle producers several advantages:
- Risk Management: Helps manage and mitigate BCHF risk within herds.
- Herd Health Improvement: Enables the selection of feeder calves with lower genetic risks for BCHF.
- Economic Savings: Reduces losses associated with BCHF-related mortality in feedlot settings.