February 5, 2007

Cargill introduces DNA-based cattle-breeding tools

Cargill and MMI Genomics, the latter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beltsville, Md-based MetaMorphix recently launched two new breeding tools for the cattle industry.

Tru-Marbling and Tru-Tenderness based on DNA analysis could soon be used to get the most value from selecting, feeding and slaughtering animals.

The process would allow livestock breeders to determine the genetic potential of beef cattle in the areas of marbling and tenderness, as these are the two popular areas cattle breeders look for. 

The study which began in 2002 to develop and commercialise tools to identify cattle bearing traits that satisfy consumer demands for consistency and quality in beef was completed last year.