The Angus breed, recognized worldwide for its mothering ability, meat quality and superior genetics, stands at the forefront of beef cattle breeding. A cornerstone of this success is data-driven genetic improvement, which has been bolstered by the continued commitment of Angus breeders to collect phenotypic data. The story of Angus is one of continual innovation, leveraging data collection and scientific research to refine and enhance the breed’s performance.

The foundational years — data and innovation

The American Angus Association was founded in 1883, setting in motion a journey toward the systematic improvement of Angus genetics. As early as 1956, the Association Board of Directors appointed a research committee to study performance evaluation, initiating the development of the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®) program. This early focus on data collection paved the way for significant advancements, allowing breeders to track weaning and yearling weights and ultimately enabling objective evaluations of herd performance.

In 1959 the submission and processing of these weights began, representing one of the first major efforts to use quantifiable data in herd improvement. By 1962 the Association had implemented a carcass evaluation program, allowing breeders to assess the quality of the beef produced, which remains a vital component of the modern Angus industry.

The next milestone came in 1965, with the computerization of weaning and yearling weight processing. This advancement not only streamlined data collection, but also marked the beginning of an era where technology and genetics were intertwined to improve breed performance.

The move toward precision — early genetic evaluations

The 1960s and 1970s saw continued innovation, with 1966 marking the introduction of the first performance pedigree. 

In 1972, the Association made a pivotal update to its rules allowing for the  widespread use of artificial insemination (AI), accelerating genetic improvement and enhancing selection accuracy by enabling sires to be tested in diverse management environments. Just two years later, the first Angus Sire Evaluation Report was published, conducted by Iowa State University. This report provided breeders with objective data about sire performance, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to science-based cattle breeding.

With the introduction of the Performance Registration Certificate in 1981, the electronic submission of AHIR records in 1984 and the shift to National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) in 1985, the Angus breed continued to evolve through data collection and scientific analysis. Expected progeny differences (EPDs) were introduced in 1987, replacing the previous estimated breeding values (EBVs). EPDs allowed breeders to more accurately predict the genetic potential of animals, helping to identify sires that would pass on favorable traits.

Establishing a legacy — Angus Genetics Inc.

By the turn of the millennium, the Angus breed had established itself as a leader in performance data collection and genetic evaluation. In 2000 ultrasound body composition EPDs were added to performance certificates, providing breeders with detailed insights into the carcass traits of their cattle. This move allowed breeders to select earlier for desired carcass traits.

In 2002 the Angus genetic evaluation was brought in-house, a significant step toward greater streamlining of the analysis and dissemination of the data. The first dollar value indexes ($Values) were calculated in 2003, providing commercial cattlemen with a composite tool to evaluate animals’ economic potential. 

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) was established in 2007. Its formation formalized the Association’s commitment to utilizing genetic data to advance the breed. AGI has since become a leading force in genetic and genomic data evaluation, pushing boundaries through research and innovation. The first carcass EPDs generated from an integrated analysis of carcass and ultrasound data were produced in 2008, highlighting AGI’s ability to combine various data sources for more accurate evaluations.

In late 2009, AGI began conducting National Cattle Evaluations on a weekly basis. This increased frequency allowed breeders to integrate their data more quickly into genetic evaluation, enabling access to the most up-to-date information to make selection decisions.

The genomic era — stepping into the future

The advent of genomic technology marked the next frontier in Angus cattle breeding. The first genomic-enhanced EPDs were released in 2009. In 2017 AGI released the Single Step Genomic BLUP, revolutionizing the accuracy of genetic predictions by incorporating DNA data directly into EPD calculations. In 2021, the one-millionth genotype milestone was hit, and as of today more than 1.6 million genotypes have been submitted on registered seedstock. The use of genomic technology has empowered breeders with more reliable genetic predictions, leading to significant gains in traits such as calving ease, growth and carcass quality in the commercial industry. 

More recently, AGI has continued to innovate with the release of additional tools or enhancements including Foot Angle and Claw Set EPDs in 2019. That same year, updated $Values, including the Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M), were introduced, giving breeders more tools to select for maternal efficiency. The development of a combined, maternal-terminal index ($C) in 2020 helped to further characterize cattle.

In 2023, AGI once again pushed the boundaries with the release of the World Angus Evaluation, which now includes 13 traits. This global evaluation includes the three largest Angus databases in the world from the United States, Canada and Australia. It provides Angus breeders with a broader, more inclusive perspective on genetic performance, ensuring the Angus breed remains competitive on an international scale.

A bright future for Angus

As the Angus breed continues to innovate through AGI, its future looks brighter than ever. With more than 75% market share in the U.S. beef industry, Angus remains the breed of choice for cattle producers. The ongoing commitment to data collection, genetic evaluation and scientific innovation ensures Angus will continue to set the standard for mothering ability, quality and performance in the beef industry. 

As AGI works to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the Angus breed will undoubtedly continue to thrive, providing unmatched value to producers and consumers alike.