Genetics Analysis





Down Under Genetics LLC


Understanding Genetic Analysis


The use of genetic markers in describing cattle is still in its infancy.  Pfizer (formerly Bovigen) has
been a leader in the efforts to translate available DNA information to the Cattle buyer and producer.  
This has not been an easy job as the amount of information has been changing almost on a daily basis.

We started with Gene Star and Genetic Progeny Difference.  The GPD’s were based on four genetic
identifiers for feed efficiency, three for tenderness and four for quality grade or marbling.  The limited
number of markers were easily translated into stars to indicate to the casual observer the obvious
differences between animals.  The more stars you had the better the animals potential.  Cattlemen
could make a quick decision based on an obvious measure i.e. the number of stars.

But the analysis of the cattle genome was just beginning. More and more markers were being
identified and used to present a better and more correct picture of the animal’s makeup.  The Stars
systemquickly became unwieldy as the markers increased.  Today our analysis is based on 56
markers todefine three traits, Feed Efficiency, Tenderness and Quality.  The results are now
as Molecular Value Predictions.

The folks at Pfizer have come up with a scale for each of the traits, which can incorporate all the
inputs and present a picture of that trait in a range that is scientifically based.  Please review the
explanation put out by Pfizer.  They are a part of this web site and may be found by simply
clicking on “Pfizer, Understanding MVP results”.  This is a very thorough and complete
explanation of the DNA numbering evaluation that is presented for animals involved in our
embryo, semen or actual animal sales.

Special thanks to Takeo Suzuki of The Australian Wagyu Forum for his in depth
observations and summary of the 16/16 system  (Japanese system).

Down Under Genetics LLC

For an explanation of the analysis that is involved in the selection of
animals for breeding the reader should familiarize himself with
the different methods of selection employed by breeders and
then adapt the method with which he is most comfortable


For a cleaner, neater look at the DNA specifics Down Under Genetics has translated
the Pfizer readouts to a zero to one hundred scale.   Click here for a detailed explanation.


Here is specific, up to date GeneSTAR data regarding: