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NEW MULTI-GENE DNA TEST FOR BEEF MARBLING
The Cooperative Research Centre for Cattle and Beef Quality, Meat & Livestock Australia and CSIRO today licensed a new marker to Genetic Solutions, which has been combined in a new multi-marker test. This test also includes another previously licensed marker and is today commercially available as GeneSTAR Feedlot. This three gene test further enhances the ability of cattle producers and lot feeders to predict the genetic merit of their animals. Research conducted by Dr Bill Barendse and his group at CSIRO Livestock Industries in the CRC for Cattle and Beef Quality, with support from MLA, has led to the discovery of gene markers for marbling and tenderness over the past seven years. "The new DNA test for marbling is based on a receptor for vitamin A, which has long been known to affect marbling scores," Dr Barendse said. Marbling is the fat within the muscle in a cut of meat - a valued trait which improves the eating quality of beef and is highly sought after by many of Australia's high value export markets. MLA Director and Rockdale Beef General Manager Paul Troja welcomed the new GeneSTAR test and said it will be a great asset to companies that export to high value markets for Australian beef, such as Japan. "The identification of new gene markers takes the guess work out of buying bulls. It enhances our ability to choose animals with a high genetic potential for the marbling trait," he said. "DNA testing puts us in a better position to meet the stringent demands of our customers, particularly in Japan, for beef with a high marble score. We're always looking for ways to produce tastier, more valuable beef to better supply our markets." Genetic Solutions Sales and Marketing Manager Jason Strong said the commercialisation of new genetic tests for marbling would provide real benefits to Australian businesses. "The tests enable beef producers and lot feeders to progressively improve the quality of their herds by more effectively selecting cattle for their marbling potential," Mr Strong said. "Importantly the three marker test for marbling provides a tool to more accurately select feedlot cattle destined for the high value markets such as Japan which require higher marbling scores." "A quality herd means a quality steak, customer satisfaction and a premium that is felt all the way through the supply chain." Five gene markers have now been commercialised by Genetic Solutions for industry use. Three of these markers resulted from CSIRO/Beef CRC research. These GeneSTAR tests include markers for marbling and meat tenderness.
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