Download document outlining GeneSTAR® results explanation

BIMBADEEN GeneSTAR RESULTS

BIMBADEEN CATTLE	GeneSTAR DNA Test Result
	Marbling	Tenderness	Feed Efficiency
Bimbadeen Interceptor 90921
Bimbadeen Integrity 89758
Bimbadeen Gabby 93388
RBR Perfecto S56
RBR Mr King 6M 1S28 84RD006
RBR King 85 44T4
Bimbadeen Hondos 95928
Bimbadeen Maximum 96423
Bimbadeen Scotch Cap 95904
Bimbadeen Dominator 94895
Bimbadeen Tuxpeno 86304
Bimbadeen Interceptor 96496
Bimbadeen U213 Red 96239

GeneSTAR® DNA TESTS - Bimbadeen Brangus Stud is at the forefront of DNA testing of cattle, having been part of the initial CSIRO Combined Trials for marbling and tenderness. The Gene STAR vision is to provide the beef industry with leading edge DNA-based gene marker technology in a practical form and at a reasonable price. The perfect steak every time is closer to becoming a reality with the latest scientific breakthrough in DNA technology. New generation tests for beef Marbling, Tenderness and Feed Efficiency have been launched globally by Catapult Genetics, a New Zealand Company which merged with Australia's Genetic Solutions.

The current GeneSTAR® test includes a suite of 12 markers:
•  4 markers for Marbling
•  4 markers for Tenderness &
•  4 markers for Feed Efficiency.

Download the Technical Notes for GeneStar DNA Tests as a printable pdf document

GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 is a DNA diagnostic test for a major gene associated with marbling. It is the first gene marker for a production trait in beef cattle. Marbling 4 tests for the presence of four separate DNA markers that have a significant impact on marbling score. Results for each of the four DNA markers are reported as 0, 1 or 2 Stars, giving a combined Marbling result of 0 to 8 Stars. The four marbling DNA markers are independent and additive. This means that the result for each marker has individual value and the total, potential effect of the markers is gained by adding the four individual results together.

As more markers for other marbling genes are added to the GeneSTAR® Marbling test, more of the genetic or observed variation in marbling for an animal is described by the GeneSTAR® test. This provides the ability to draft or sort commercial cattle on marbling potential and manage these cattle differently. For example cattle that have more Stars are more likely to marble and would be suited to a longer feeding program, whereas cattle that have less Stars might be more suited to a domestic feeding program that has lesser requirements for a carcase to have higher marbling scores.

GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4 is a DNA-based test for variants of the bovine calpastatin gene. The test detects four different DNA markers for Tenderness- one is associated with increased tenderness and the other with increased toughness. Calpastatin is a naturally occurring enzyme that inhibits the normal tenderizing of meat during post mortem aging. 4 . Large sets of carcase results with measurements of meat tenderness (i.e. mechanical shear force) were tested and analysed as the objective measure, where lower shear force is more desirable. We tested and analysed large sets of carcase results with measurements of meat tenderness (i.e. mechanical shear force) as the objective measure, where lower shear force is more desirable. The results showed that the four markers are independent and the effects on tenderness are additive. The implication of this is that individual results for each marker can be added together to assess the potential impact of 0-8 Star results.

Producers can confidently select for tenderness in two ways. Firstly, selectively breed for more 5, 6, 7 and 8-Star animals and secondly, avoid using 0-Star animals as key breeding animals. A 0-Star sire will leave daughters that will remain in your herd a for a decade!

GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency 4.
This is a four marker test that has been evaluated on animals with measured feed efficiency. As with GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 and GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4 the 4 GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency markers are all independent and additive. The result therefore will be reported in the same format as the Tenderness and Marbling tests on a 0 to 8 star scale with 0 being the least favourable and 8 being the most favourable.

Practically the application of the test at the seedstock level will be identifying breeding animals that can produce more feed efficient progeny. However at the Feedlot level the application will be the ability to sort cattle into two groups (high and low feed efficient animals) prior to making feeding decisions. If this is done drawing a sort line between the 3 and 4 star animals you have two groups (0-3 star and 4-8 stars) where there is a difference between the groups of approximately 1 kg per day of feed consumed (with the 4-8 star group eating less).