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Genetic tools improve herd
21 Aug 2003
DNA technology is now a realistic management tool, according to Genetic Solutions. Genetic products and technology can be used in conjunction with current data to allow producers to make more informed and accurate decisions, which have flow-on benefits with product tracing and integrity.
Use of the GeneStar marbling test as a key breeding tool in herds with a focus on marbling has increased greatly. Results give a picture of the marbling potential of the herd and ultimately lead to an improvement in carcase quality of future progeny. The tests can be conducted on DNA extracted from tail hair follicles or thawed straws of semen.
Genetic Solutions has also developed the first commercial gene marker test for beef tenderness which can detect variants of the bovine calpastatin gene, a naturally occurring enzyme that inhibits the normal tenderising of meat as it ages post-mortem.
Producers wanting to improve all aspects of eating quality should select for both tenderness and marbling, according to Genetic Solutions.
Farm Weekly, 21/8/03.
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