Australian Science Festival
Australian Science Festival - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
 12,000 school kids got up close and personal with three 8-month old heifers at the Australian Science Festival in Canberra in May.A highlight of the annual scientific calender, the festival gives kids and adults a chance to learn, in an interactive way, about the role science plays in their everyday life. The Beef CRC was judged by participants as 5th overall best exhibit (out of 37) and was rated the best CRC exhibit. A key feature of the Beef CRC exhibit were the three heifers from the high and low muscling herd at Glen Innes research station. One of the heifers was a low muscling animal, one a high muscling animal and the third was carrying the inactive form of the myostatin gene. The Beef CRC is using these cattle to help producers put more steak on the plates of consumers. The myostatin gene regulates muscle development. But when one of the genes is inactive the animal can put on more muscle. In fact Beef CRC research has shown animals which are carrying the inactive form of the myostatin gene can have up to 6 per cent more lean meat yield. While producers can use other selection practices to increase muscling in their herd, it can often take up to 5 generations. Using DNA markers to test for the correct form of the myostatin gene can increase muscling in just 1 generation. But don’t think this is a one-off performance for the girls. They were such a hit that they are now planning a road trip. ‘Alex’, ‘Jo’ and ‘Prue’ will feature at the Mudgee small farm field days, the Australian National Field days and Ag-quip in Gunnedah. | ||||||||||||
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