On-farm nanopore sequencing delivers rapid cattle genetic testing in Queensland

Fast, on‑farm genetic testing for cattle is now practical for northern Australian producers, a University of Queensland study has shown. In a collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Department of Primary Industries, researchers from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) applied low‑pass nanopore sequencing on three commercial farms. The test delivered reliable data on animal age, genomic breeding values (GBVs) and parentage for roughly 24 cattle per site, all within a 24‑hour window.

Associate Professor Elizabeth Ross highlighted that the rapid turnaround and high accuracy of the sequencing approach could transform herd management. By generating GBVs on the farm itself, producers can make immediate breeding and culling decisions, potentially improving genetic gains and reducing costs associated with off‑site laboratory analysis. The pilot demonstrated that the technology is robust enough for routine use in the field, even in remote northern regions.

The findings suggest that on‑farm genomic testing can become a standard tool for cattle producers seeking to accelerate genetic progress. As the industry adopts this technology, it may lead to more efficient breeding programs and stronger, more resilient herds across Australia’s northern cattle belt.