Genotyping Partnership to run for Duration of BES Scheme

The Scottish Government has formally extended its partnership with Neogen Corporation in Ayr, Scotland, to perform genomics testing as part of the government’s programme to improve the country’s beef herd. Initiated in 2016, the partnership will continue through September 2021.

The Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES), funded as part of the Scottish Rural Development programme is a climate change scheme that aims to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of the Scottish beef herd. The five-year project is a collaboration between the Scottish Government and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Neogen is responsible for the project’s animal genotyping and supply of sampling kits.

“We are obviously very gratified to have earned the partnership extension and to be continuing as a part of this important project,” said Dr. Gary Evans, Neogen’s European Genomics business development manager. “The genotyping that we have performed is being used by SRUC to develop predictions for improved genetic selection in respect of growth rates, feed conversion, maternal behaviour, nutrition practice and disease resistance for commercial beef farmers.”

Scottish beef has long been recognised for its high quality and beef production is at the heart of Scottish agriculture. The country’s climate, soil type and overall topography create ideal conditions for beef cattle to thrive.

Neogen’s flagship genomics laboratory in Lincoln, Nebraska, is said to be the largest animal genomics laboratory in the world. In addition to operations in the US and Scotland, Neogen also operates genomics laboratories in Brazil, Australia and Canada.