GeneSTAR Tenderness Marker

GeneSTAR® Tenderness is the first multi-marker single trait DNA test commercially available to the beef industry. It combines the results for two separate and independent markers for the same trait. The test is based on two naturally occurring genes involved in the post mortem tenderization process: Calpastatin and Calpain. One of the most immediate uses for DNA marker testing is to provide genetic information on traits that have traditionally been difficult or expensive to obtain. Tenderness is a perfect example of that use.	Exclusive Licensee to the Americas Tenderness
Although a number of studies have found an effect of the Calpastatin and Calpain DNA markers on their own, only two trials have been conducted to evaluate the combined effects of the two markers. One study involved straightbred Angus, the other straightbred Santa Gertrudis cattle. The results of the Santa Gertrudis study is shown below:
GeneSTAR® Tenderness effects   Shear Force (lb)3 -0.641 0 -0.43 -1.24 -1.922 %tough (WBS>12lb)3 24 33 26 20 8 1 N=17 , 2 N=12 , 3 Av = -0.62 & 25%
(Trials show that 4-STAR animals reduced the shear force by up to 1.92 lbs and also reduced the percentage of tough animals by as much as 25%.) In the Angus trial, less than 2% of 4-STAR carcasses graded tough (Greater than 11 lbs of Warner Bratzler Shear force) compared to 12% of 1 STAR & 2 STAR animals. In the Santa Gertrudis trial, 4 STAR animals exhibited more than 3 times fewer tough carcasses than did 0 STAR, 1 STAR & 2 STAR animals. The Calpain portion of the GeneSTAR® Tenderness marker was also evaluated, separately, by the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. Those results are displayed in the following table. mu-Calpain Validation from The National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium SNP Genotype WBSF (lbs) SE (lbs)   CC -1.11 0.64 316 CG -0.39 0.22   GG 0 - (The Total effect of just the Calpain portion of GeneSTAR® Tenderness test is greater than 1 lb .) In the future we will launch a new tool; Genetic Progeny DifferenceSM(GPDSM ) which we feel will be an important asset in assisting producers in understanding and utilizing this new technology. The focus of GPDs will be to incorporate multiple markers, with different relative value differences, into a single system that is flexible enough to account for additional scientific data and even additional markers or production data as it becomes available – all for a single trait. We believe that this will be a powerful, simple, straightforward way to communicate the value of markers, and assist producers in appropriately incorporating this technology into their management and breeding programs. GeneSTAR® Applications: Guaranteed Genetic Selection instead of Genetic Interpretation based on Phenotypic Data Ability to Quickly Identify and Select for Traits that have historically been difficult or costly on which to gather data A Definitive Diagnostic Tool for use in management of production animals or in breeding of seedstock animals GeneSTAR® Features: Easy – Uses a simple hair sample collected from each animal. Accurate – State of the Art DNA analysis. Rapid – results can be emailed or posted on a secure website. Value Adding – GeneSTAR® combined with phenotypic data like measured marbling scores and ultrasound data give you a full range of tools for use in genetic selection. Independent and Secure – Samples stored in Tamper-evident collectors in a secure, climate controlled facility. Customer Service – Comprehensive training and Support Program.