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First Blockbuster DNA Test The MyoMax DNA test in sheep, launched last week, will be looked back on as the first blockbuster DNA test, says Catapult chief executive Mike Tate. The blood test identifies rams and ewes that carry the Myomax gene, which results in leaner and meatier carcases. Using top Myomax Gold rams could net farmers an extra $3.67 on a 17kg lamb carcass, Dr Tate said. Catapult, relaunched a month ago, as a standalone business unit of the sheep biotechnology company Ovita, is dedicated to researching and commercialising sheep genetics. Catapult is owned 75% by Meat & Wool NZ (MWNZ) and 25% by AgResearch. At the launch , Catapult interim chairman Jeff Grant, who is also MWNZ chairman, said MyoMax was one gene marker that gave the ability to tell where the high value parts of the carcass ere, and would help reshape the carcass. “The most significant step for the industry in the next 10 to 15 years is the ability to understand the genetics of the inside of the animal, compared to the outside” He said that with other countries, like Britain and France, becoming more competitive on lamb production, it was important for New Zealand to continue looking for a higher-quality product. The best way to do that was through an understanding of the genetic makeup of the animal and by giving farmers the practical ability to use that information. He said other key gene markers should become available in New Zealand in the next few years. Dr Tate said tests like MyoMax put tools in farmers hands to help them make everyday decisions on which stock to kill and which to keep for breeding. He predicted that in 10 to 15 years most sheep in New Zealand would carry the MyoMax gene. ‘It will add value in most farming systems’. The gene was found in Texels by AgResearch scientists. When Texels were brought into the country they were found to have variable carcass traits, and some were found to be better than others in cross breeding. He said the variability was associated with one gene. Texels were classified into animals which had no copies of the gene, those which had one copy and those with two copies. ‘Those with two copies had much better carcass characteristics. Sheep with one copy of the gene passed it onto half the progeny, while those with two copies passed it on to all the progeny’. Sheep with one copy of the gene go under the brand MyoMax while double copy sheep are MyoMax Gold. It was found the majority of Texels (over 70%) had two copies of the gene, while over 90% had one copy. Of the composites tested 10 – 30% were MyoMax while less than 10% were MyoMax Gold. Major terminal sire breeds Romney, Coopworth, Poll Dorset and Suffolk had no MyoMax genes. MyoMax creates a much more specific tool to do what other people have been trying to do – to bring those Texel carcass traits into other breeds. Dr Tate said farmers with a ram carrying a single copy of the gene could expect progeny with 5% more leg and rump muscle, and 7% less fat. An effect double that could be expected with a MyoMax Gold ram. The estimated $3.67 increase on a 17kg Myomax Gold lamb carcass would be made up of improved meat yield $1.64, improved dressing percentage 97c and a reduction in fat $1.06. In addition to more valuable progeny, the MyoMax sires will give more value. A terminal sire with 270 to 400 progeny would give an added value between $977 - $2308 and a maternal sire between $1030 - $1610. Dr Tate said scientists had spent a lot of time working on any down side to the gene. None had been found had been found to compromise other production traits like growth rates or lamb survival, and there was no effect on meat pH, colour, and tenderness. The MyoMax gene was discovered by AgResearch scientist, and three breeders – Mount Linton, Landcorp and Premier Texel – had been heavily involved in the development programme. Dr Tate said the effect of putting the MyoMax gene together with another Catapult registered meat increasing gene LionMax was being investigated. Validation of the MyoMax effect has involved screening 20,000 to 30,000 sheep around the country. He said the first MyoMax and MyoMax Gold rams would be available across many breeds at two-tooth sales later this year.
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