Home / Livestock / Cattle / Technology / Just a drop of blood
Just a drop of blood  02/14/2013 @ 3:29pm  In the past, genetic
DNA markers to pinpoint cattle that are good in high yearling
weights and other valuable traits have been mostly for purebred
producers. The $100-per-head or higher cost to get a DNA
analysis meant that this emerging technology was reserved for
elite breeders.  That will change with the introduction of a
genetic marker program for the masses. It comes from Certified
Angus Beef (CAB), and it is called GeneMax. For $17 per animal,
you can have young heifers and steers of pure or high Angus
percentage tested for the two most important economic traits:
marbling score (which mostly determines carcass-quality grade)
and yearling weight (the best fast-growth indicator).  To use
the program, you order sample cards from CAB. You must have an
American Angus Association customer code to order. When they
arrive, you collect a blood sample (usually from the ear) on
each animal you want to test. Yo