DNA Marker Data Publications
DNA Marker Data Publications - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
| Australian beef DNA results |
| SmartGene for Beef |
| Genomics FAQs |
| Genomics Glossary |
| Australian Beef Validation data |
| As part of its role in delivering DNA markers to the Australian beef industry, Beef CRC has agreed to independently test new panels of DNA markers as they are commercialised by companies such as Pfizer Animal Genetics, Igenity /Merial and Metamorphix Inc. Results of all independent testing of commercially-available DNA markers undertaken by Beef CRC will be presented on this site, outlining the size and direction of effect and the amount of genetic variation that is accounted for by each panel of markers for the different traits (e.g. marbling, feed efficiency, tenderness etc). Additional information is provided to help beef businesses interpret the results for themselves to determine the value to their own businesses from an investment in the particular panel of DNA markers. Those decisions very much depend on the individual business' attitude to risk and can only be made effectively by the individual business. It is possible that the panel of markers has also been independently evaluated in North American herds by the US National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium, so for further information on the size and direction of effect of the markers in those populations, please visit http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/nbcec/ |
Pfizer Results |
| Interpretation of Pfizer Results |
| SmartGene for Beef Project |
 By rolling two powerful genetic selection tools into one, the Beef CRC is hoping to take genetic progress within the beef industry to a new level that will help breeders overcome some long-standing challenges.Australian cattle breeders using genetic technology are currently using either BREEDPLAN and its system of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), or the GeneSTAR® brand which has an expanding range of DNA markers. But having two competing technologies is less effective than having a single process that draws on the best points of both methods. That's where the collaborative project 'SmartGene for Beef' came in. Funded by the Queensland Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry (DTRDI) 'SmartGene for Beef' aimed to incorporate both technologies into a single genetic tool known as 'marker-assisted EBVs'. Partners in the project include Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), Beef CRC, Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), Catapult Genetics, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Breedlink in Australia and Cornell University from the United States of America. The new trial tenderness EBVm is the result of the ‘SmartGene for Beef’ Project. Project coordinator Don Nicol, Breedlink said SmartGene for Beef aims to help producers select more efficiently for economically important traits. “The project validated the GeneSTAR™ DNA markers for tenderness and showed they had a significant effect on meat tenderness as recorded by objective measures of shear force,” Mr Nicol said. Tenderness is the first trait to have been targeted as it is most prized attribute among consumers. Previously there has been no combined measure of whether an animal will produce tough or tender meat. Trial tenderness EBVm can help produce genetically superior animals for tenderness. |
| Click here to download the 'SmartGene for Beef' report summary |
| Download the speech by Beef CRC CEO Dr Heather Burrow given to the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders' Association (ARCBA) at the Ekka, Brisbane in August 2008. |
