Feeder Cattle Genomic Tests: Analyzing Cattle Producer Adoption Decisions

Feeder cattle genomic tests (GTs) are a tool producers can use when making feeder cattle marketing and heifer retention decisions based on the expected performance of cattle in the feedlot or as replacement females. For example, Neogen’s Igenity Feeder Cattle Test estimates growth and carcass characteristics of cattle through its Igenity Terminal Index (ITI) (Neogen 2022). The index is calculated using the predicted genetic values of hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling, tenderness, fat thickness, residual feed intake and calving ease direct. Similarly, Zoetis offers the Inherit Select Heifer Selection Tool (Zoetis 2022), which provides genomic expected progeny differences (EPDs) for 18 traits and five economic indexes. Cattle producers have used expected progeny differences (EPDs) for years as part of their sire selection criteria. Following recent developments in high-density genotyping technologies, many producers have instituted the use of genomic enhanced EPDs in sire selection, especially for unproven sires with few or no offspring. Alternatively, it appears there has been limited commercial use of GTs for feeder cattle and replacement heifers and even less research evaluating their use. A few studies have estimated the value of certain genetic markers or characteristics to market feeder and feedlot cattle, but the cost of the test was found to be greater than the estimated benefits (DeVuyst, et al. 2007; Lusk 2007; Thompson, et al. 2016). Alternatively, Thompson et al. (2017) found genetic testing a sample of cattle resulted in GTs benefits exceeding the cost of the test. Furthermore, the cost of GTs has declined (Neogen 2020). Thus, there is reason to evaluate GT benefits given the lower cost of using them. The goal of this publication is to report on research findings concerning Tennessee cattle producer preferences for GTs. Specifically, the following were evaluated (1) feeder cattle and replacement heifer producers’ interest in using GTs, (2) producer willingness to pay (WTP) for these tests, (3) the percentage of cattle they would test and (4) how producer and farm characteris- tics affect producers’ GTs adoption decisions when marketing feeder cattle and selecting replacement heifers.