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New gene marker tests in the pipeline
14 Aug 2002
The uptake of new gene marker technology by Australian beef producers is well ahead of expectations and shows the technology works.
Beef CRC director Professor Bernie Bindon said the successful commercialisation of the DNA test for marbling – the GeneStar marbling test – was encouraging because it paved the way for other gene marker tests of significance to the Australian beef industry.
“Gene marker technology for production traits is in its infancy,” Prof. Bindon said.
“However, research in Australia looks promising for other important traits. A gene marker test for beef tenderness is in the pre-commercialisation phase and we have identified potential gene markers for tick and worm resistance, Net Feed Intake and Retail Beef Yield.”
Prof. Bindon will provide a full update on the gene marker research and what it means for beef producers at the Grafton Meat Profit Day (MPD) being held in the NSW North Coast centre on Friday, 6 September.
“Initially gene markers will be used for identifying seedstock for breeding purposes. But in the future, if individual or groups of gene markers can account for enough of the variation in certain traits, then they could be used for drafting cattle for production purposes,” he said.
The Grafton event is the only Meat Profit Day being held in Australia this year and is being staged around the theme of ‘Profitable Production for the Future’.
Keynote speakers include Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Chairman David Crombie, McDonald’s vice-president and Quality Assurance (QA) director Simone Hoyle and MLA market expert Dr Peter Barnard.
Three module sessions tailored to the ‘Profitable Production’ theme will follow the keynote speakers – Livestock Management, Pastures and Nutrition, and Adding Value.
Topics being covered within these sessions include composite breeding, MSA, environmental management systems, Prograze, pastures and nutrition, and value adding red meat.
In addition, information on and a practical demonstration of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) will be given during the day.
Full program details for the Grafton MPD are available by phoning 1800 671 658.
Pre-registration will save money and is also available by phoning 1800 671 658. Pre-registration costs $20 for MLA members and $30 for non-members. Registering on the day will cost more - $30 for MLA members and $40 for non-members.
by Ireni Attia
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