Carcass Ultrasound 101: Ultrasound vs. DNA Testing – Carcass Tools, Not Choices
Apr 22, 2008 10:54 AM
By Patrick Wall, Director of Communications, The National CUP Lab
At first glance, it might seem impossible for a person entrenched in ultrasound to publish any article about DNA testing without sounding biased towards ultrasound. Breeders often consider the two technologies as bitter rivals fighting for the same prize.
However, a more in-depth look at each carcass tool reveals that ultrasound and DNA rarely compete directly with one another. Each technology can be aimed at the same genetic “question,” but give entirely different “answers.”
Breeders and bull buyers alike need to be aware of what the results mean, not just what they say. In some cases, breeders may be spending money on technology for information their customers don’t want, and buyers may be placing unneeded emphasis on a trait that is not adding to their bottom line. Contrary to what some may believe, carcass ultrasound and current DNA technology can be harnessed together to assess the true genetic value of beef cattle.
On the surface, DNA testing offers a promise that someday all the answers to beef cattle genetics will be contained in a few tailhairs or a notch of the ear. While scientists have been successful in mapping the genome of livestock species, they have not yet deciphered nor understand what each part of the gene sequence does.
Basically, DNA tests currently on the market offer only a small piece of the genetic puzzle. The progress of DNA technology over the last five years is impressive and will continue to expand. DNA offers the unique ability to make selection progress in economically relevant traits that are extremely difficult to measure by any other means, particularly herd health and efficiency.
With rising feed costs, cattle will be expected to do more with less, and DNA technology will be a useful tool in helping producers find more profitable genetics.
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