April 18, 2006

 

Cargill identifies genomics as the future of cattle production

 

 

Instead of an arbitrary classification in future, cattle may be fed and reared in a highly specialised way based on their genetic traits. 

 

Genomics, or the selection of certain gene traits in animals to bring out desired traits, would be the future of cattle production, said Dennis Fantin of MetaMorhix Inc at a tradeshow of the Biotechnology Industry Organisation.

 

Knowing the genetic difference between related animals allows them to be sorted into groups to achieve better results, he said. For example, genetic markers allow farmers to find out which calves would be more suitable to a particular feed and which would make a better breeding animal.

 

Ben Brophy, manager of value-added alliances for Cargill, said the cattle industry is going high tech. Genetic selection tools which look for specific genetic markers or sequences that can improve breeding, animal management and branded beef products are now being deployed in the field.

 

He said Cargill has worked for several years doing genetic tests on cattle and evaluating the results in packing plants.

 

The company is trying to determine the genetic potential of animals and classify them based on that potential, he said. This would identify the ideal slaughter time for some groups to achieve the best quality, he said.

 

With more than half of US beef sold on a formula pricing system, genomics also presents producers with the opportunity to drive out unprofitable traits, he said.

 

Retailers are also placing more emphasis on the ability to differentiate animals using genetic tools. Giant retailer Wal-mart, for example, endorses radio tagging to differentiate cattle.

 

Genomics can also cater to specific areas of the cow. For example, a genetic marker associated with increased yield in the ribeye area can help producers acquire a specialty in that area and make it easier to market, said Sue DeNise of MMI Genomics

 

The aim is to create a diagnostic test that identifies genetic markers called signposts that can be tied to desired features like meat tenderness or marbling.

 

MMI has worked with Cargill on its genetic project and have identified 20 million genotypes. The project has yielded two genetic signposts: one for marbling and another for gain.

 

The companies are now in the validation phase for the diagnostic test. Once validated, the test may be brought to market.