Calvin’s view on DNA Technology:
As farmers and ranchers, one notion that is getting old is being told, “You have to ‘get’
more efficient.” We are all putting in more time, and most of us have cut expenses about as much as we can. However, as we
develop and identify various technologies, we’ve discovered that we do have an opportunity to become more efficient. It is with
this thought process that we started using the DNA technology. With one DNA test, we can get the quality grade, tenderness,
and feed efficiency map for an animal. As we apply this technology, we will be placing more selection pressure on the feed
efficiency and tenderness traits. The feed efficiency trait is an area where, we as producers can profit the quickest as we deal
with feed cost. As we strive to meet the consumer demand for tenderness, I believe there will be a pricing scheme that will
reward the more tender carcass in the near future. As you study this information you will note that the DNA technology has
progressed from a 22 possible marker panel (utilizing the
*
’s) to a 56 marker panel. As the technology continues to advance, we
will soon be looking at a considerably larger DNA panel in the near future.
I offer this DNA information to those who have a need to use another tool to make a selection. However, for most of us,
the hybrid vigor Charolais offers is possibly the most economically important contribution a Charolais bull can give us.
GeneSTAR GPD Feed Efficiency
:
GeneSTAR feed efficiency is based on Net Feed Intake
(NFI). NFI is the difference between an animal’s actual feed
intake compared to the amount of feed the animal is expected
to eat, based on the animal’s size and expected rate of growth.
Presently the MVP values for feed efficiency is reported with a
range of -3.17 to +2.38 with a negative value being more
desirable. Therefore, an animal with a -2.00 MVP will eat 2#
less total feed every day to get its expected gain. This is
compared to an animal with a +2 MVP which will eat 2# more
total feed everyday to get its expected gain. The numbers may
seem rather small, but if you take an animal with a -2 MVP and
feed him for 120 days, that’s a 240# feed savings per animal.
Then assume you’re feeding 1000 head with a -2 MVP. All of
a sudden it’s a 240,000# or 120 ton savings. On the other
hand, assume you have an animal with a +2 MVP that turns
into 240# more feed per animal. With 1000 head, all of a
sudden you have 120 ton more than expected. That’s a 240
Ton difference between a -2 MVP as compared to a +2 MVP.
The feed efficiency trait is a very important issue in a
livestock enterprise because 65% of the cost of maintaining an
animal is feed cost.
GeneSTAR
Marbling:
The GeneSTAR Genetic
MVP (Molecular Value
Prediction) for marbling is
reported as a USDA
marbling score. The scores
are reported in a range of -
1.00 to +1.11 with a
positive value being more
desirable. Therefore, you
will find a +.75 means
there will be much greater
possibility to grade choice
than if the value is a -.75.
If there is a choice/select
price spread, the ability to
achieve a 15%-20%
improvement could make
a significant difference in
the market place.
GeneSTAR
Tenderness:
The GeneSTAR Genetic Progeny
difference for tenderness is
measured by the Warner-Bratzler
Shear Force, in terms of pounds of
pressure that it takes to cut a core
sample of a ribeye muscle. The
MVP values for tenderness will be
between -1.04 and +1.89. The most
desired MVP value for tenderness
will be a negative value, so a -.50
MVP will be better than a +.50. The
technology to measure the
tenderness of a carcass at chain
speed is currently available;
therefore the progeny of the bulls in
this sale may very well enter a
market with a pricing scheme for
tenderness.
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