In New Zealand, scientists have isolated genes which result in meatier lamb carcasses. DNA testing can determine if sheep carry these genes.
Rams with a single copy of the MyoMax® gene can be expected to produce progeny with 5 percent more leg and rump muscle, but with 7 percent less fat. The effect will be up to double for a ram carrying two copies of the gene.
The discovery of MyoMAX® builds on a decade of research, but specific isolation and validation of the gene didn't start in earnest until five years ago. MyoMAX® has been identified within Texel and composite breeds containing Texel genetics.
A superior muscling trait, dubbed LoinMAX® was identified in research undertaken by Landcorp and AgResearch. Those animals with the LoinMAX® gene have the genetic potential to produce 10 percent more loin muscle. The LoinMAX® effect is only inherited from the sire. The gene is silent in the dam. LoinMAX® has been identified within Poll Dorsets and composite breeds containing Poll Dorset genetics.
Catapult Genetics, a global leader in sheep and cattle DNA testing technologies, offers DNA marker tests for both genes.
Source: www.catapultsystems.co.nz
Rams with a single copy of the MyoMax® gene can be expected to produce progeny with 5 percent more leg and rump muscle, but with 7 percent less fat. The effect will be up to double for a ram carrying two copies of the gene.The discovery of MyoMAX® builds on a decade of research, but specific isolation and validation of the gene didn't start in earnest until five years ago. MyoMAX® has been identified within Texel and composite breeds containing Texel genetics.
A superior muscling trait, dubbed LoinMAX® was identified in research undertaken by Landcorp and AgResearch. Those animals with the LoinMAX® gene have the genetic potential to produce 10 percent more loin muscle. The LoinMAX® effect is only inherited from the sire. The gene is silent in the dam. LoinMAX® has been identified within Poll Dorsets and composite breeds containing Poll Dorset genetics.
Catapult Genetics, a global leader in sheep and cattle DNA testing technologies, offers DNA marker tests for both genes.
Source: www.catapultsystems.co.nz
