SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced the launch of the Infinium BovineLD (low density) BeadChip. With approximately 7,000 SNPs and a 24-sample format, this BeadChip supports a broad range of applications including genomic selection, parentage and traceability. Using this product, customers can compare data to that generated with Illumina’s higher-density bovine arrays, extending the application of genomic information to more animals than ever before. The BovineLD BeadChip complements the Infinium BovineHD, BovineSNP50, and custom iSelect® BeadChips, further extending the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of products for measuring bovine genomics.
“Illumina is excited to continue our collaboration with leaders in the agricultural genomics industry to develop optimized tools for improved food production,” said Tristan Orpin, Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Illumina. “The BovineLD BeadChip extends the genomic revolution further down the value-chain in the dairy industry. The result will be a beneficial impact through the use of genomically-driven breeding programs related to milk production, animal reproduction, and animal health.”
Illumina developed the BovineLD BeadChip in collaboration with global bovine thought leaders from leading institutions, including the Department of Primary Industries Victoria (DPIVic) in Australia, the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and the National Association of Livestock & Artificial Insemination Cooperatives (UNCEIA) in France, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS).
“Especially designed for high imputation efficiency for the whole genome across a large variety of breeds, this BeadChip will answer a broad range of needs and boost development of genomic selection of both dairy and beef females,” said Didier Boichard, Ph.D., Research Director at INRA and President of Labogena.
Possessing SNPs of demonstrated reliability, the BovineLD BeadChip supports the cost-effective genotyping of more animals than previously possible by providing a robust solution for high-accuracy imputation to the BovineSNP50 BeadChip. In silico estimates suggest >98% of SNPs can be imputed from the BovineLD to the BovineSNP50.
“The SNPs on this new array were chosen specifically for imputation to higher density arrays,” said Ben Hayes, Ph.D., Associate Professor at DPIVic and the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre. “In the Bos taurus breeds we have tested, the imputation accuracies have been excellent.”
Other collaborators including Xavier David, Coordinator of Eurogenomics and Maurice Barbezant, Director of UNCEIA agree. Barbezant states, “This new tool is a good opportunity to increase the implementation and genomic selection in European cattle farming by providing farmers reliable tools to achieve both selection and management goals.”
As with all of Illumina’s Infinium Agricultural commercial products, the BovineLD BeadChip can be customized by adding up to 80,000 custom markers for ultimate flexibility in content design. Its high-throughput, 24-sample format enables faster data generation with lower processing costs using the proven BeadArray™ Reader, iScan, or HiScan® systems.
The BovineLD BeadChip is available in 48, 288, and 1,152 sample kits. For more information, please visit www.illumina.com/BovineLD.
About Illumina
Illumina (www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the expected impact of the BovineLD BeadChip on the dairy industry. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.