Pfizer HD 50K Results on Genex Angus Sires

What is HD 50K? The HD 50K platform is new technology containing 50,000 SNP markers on a single "chip" that simultaneously determines genotypes related to animal performance. A SNP or single nucleotide polymorphism, is a place on a chromosome "marked" by a difference in the genetic code. This "marker" can then be associated with specific genes located near it. Genes with significant influence on individual traits are identified by markers and used to predict an animal's breeding values. With 50,000 markers, we can cover enough genes to get a good estimate of that animal's genetic merit.