Innovis

 

 

GeneSTAR	SireTRACE	BCMS	Home
Technical Information	Results Explanation	Sample Collection	Latest News

GeneSTAR^® is a DNA test for markers associated with production traits in cattle. The traits currently available for testing are Marbling, Tenderness and Feed Efficiency.

 

GeneSTAR^® Marbling 4 is a test for four DNA markers that are associated with marbling. The test enables cattle breeders to select individuals that carry copies of the favourable, high marbling forms of the markers. The high marbling forms of the markers have been shown to be associated with increased marbling.

 

Meat tenderness is the biggest factor contributing to consumer satisfaction in the beef industry. GeneSTAR^® Tenderness 4 is a test for four DNA markers that impact on the tenderness or toughness of meat. As with all the GeneSTAR^® traits at the present time, results are reported on a star scale, representing the favourable or unfavourable form of each marker. The more stars an animal has for GeneSTAR^® Tenderness, the more tender the meat is likely to be resulting in fewer unsatisfactory eating experiences. Animals with few or no stars for Tenderness are more likely to produce tougher meat across all breeds.

 

Feed efficiency has long been sought after trait in the beef industry because of its economic importance to all sectors of the industry. Animals with higher star rating for GeneSTAR^® Feed Efficiency will eat less than their peers and still perform to a similar level in terms of weight gain. The difference in gross feed intake between a 3 star animal and an 8 star animal is 1.8kg per day. This means that drafting animals on GeneSTAR^® Feed Efficiency results can have a huge impact on profitability, and is a valuable sorting. Substantial efficiency can be gained in both grazing and finishing systems by selecting and/or culling according to the Feed Efficiency stars.