Angus

While the exact origin of Scotland’s Angus cattle is uncertain, the first records of them being imported into Australia was in 1824, and later into New Zealand in 1863.

Angus are bred on every continent, allowing producers to benefit from a vast global gene pool that allows the breed to adapt quickly to new challenges and evolving commercial demands. Performance recording continues to identify superior animals within Australian and New Zealand production systems, enabling their widespread use through artificial breeding.

The breed’s standout strengths include highly fertile, productive females and consistently high-quality carcasses suited to a wide range of markets. Angus genetics are widely used in crossbreeding programs for their maternal ability, growth, hardiness and strong market value.

Angus breeders are renowned as leaders in genomic research, genetic improvement and industry innovation.

Genomic testing for Angus cattle

We are proud to partner with the Angus Australia to provide cost-effective genomic testing solutions tailored specifically for Angus breeders. Our services are also available to commercial Angus producers in Australia and New Zealand, helping all herd owners make informed breeding and management decisions.

Angus testing options

Cattle parentage assignment or verification

Improve breeding accuracy
Preserve the integrity of breeding records
Enable efficient herd management
Identify underperforming animals, educating culling decisions
Long term genetic improvement within herds

Bovine VERSA 85K

85,000 SNPs of specifically selected Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus content for Australian and New Zealand operations. The Bovine VERSA 85K has been developed to increase accuracies for all breeds of cattle when used in genetic evaluations, translating directly into real value on farm.

Angus trait analysis

Benefits

Identifying traits to inform management decisions and increase overall productivity.

Reduce and/or eradicate – Fatal disease, unwanted traits
Increase – Valuable traits

Angus specific traits on offer

Coat Colour (Black & Red)
Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)
Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)
Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)
Developmental Duplication (DD)
Alpha-mannosidosis (MA)
Poll/Horn
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Progressive Ataxia (BPA)

Genomic Services in Partnership with Angus Australia

Through our partnership with Angus Australia, Weatherbys Scientific combines internationally recognised laboratory and scientific capabilities with breed-specific expertise. Three new genomic products are now on offer for AA members, each addressing specific industry needs around breed verification and predictive breeding decisions.

Angus Legacy

Angus Legacy expands the depth and quality of the Angus reference population by encouraging high-density genomic testing of older breeding females using our advanced 85K SNP DNA chip. By capturing meaningful genomic information from these animals, Angus Legacy strengthens the foundation of genomic evaluations, lifts prediction accuracy across traits, and supports long-term genetic progress for the Angus breed.

Who is it for: Older females (three years and above)
Add-ons: Optional traits can be added post-genotyping

Verified Angus Beef

Verified Angus Beef brings scientific rigour to commercial supply chains by using genomic testing to objectively confirm that cattle meet a minimum 87.5 % Angus breed content. This product replaces subjective assessments with a genomic-based verification process, improving confidence in breed claims and enhancing integrity from paddock to plate.

Goal: Launch a DNA-based verification system for branded beef programs — confirming at least 87.5% Angus content

Who is it for: Commercial beef supply chains and markets where objective confirmation of Angus breed content matters
Structure: Genotype-only product

neXtPredict Heifer

A 3 way Partnership between Weatherbys Scientific, Angus Australia and neXtGen Agri

neXtPredict Heifer combines Weatherbys Scientific’s genomic testing with Angus Australia’s analytical power and expert interpretation from neXtgen Agri consultants. Designed for producers seeking actionable insights, this service turns genomic data into customised selection support, helping improve breeding decisions and unlock genetic gains tailored to your herd’s objectives

Who is it for: Angus stud, seedstock and commercial breeders seeking practical, expert-guided genomic insights to support confident heifer selection and breeding decisions.