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). |
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