You may have read about a simple DNA test called GeneSTAR that will tell you how much carcass marbling an animal will produce. Well, not exactly. This test, being marketed by GenomicFX , evaluates one particular gene. But, according to Jay Hetzel of GenomicFX, "It's only one of the genes associated with marbling , so it's only part of the story, and that will remain the case until the other genes for marbling are identified". The gene accounts for about 10% of the genetic variation in marbling, considered a large effect but still a long way from high predictability. More research is needed.
DEPRECIATION, COWS DO IT TOO
Most people think the biggest cost in keeping a cow is land, feed, or maybe labor. But the biggest cost can be something we often don't think about, depreciation. Cows depreciate, just like pickups or hay balers. How much they depreciate depends on their initial value and what they're worth when culled. Cows put into the herd at the peak of a price cycle can easily depreciate more than $150 a year. Put in at the bottom this can be less than $50 a year. To minimize depreciation, keep or buy fewer replacements when they're high. Then, maximize salvage value by putting weight on thin cows, marketing during seasonal highs, and breeding so you can sell bred cows which might not fit your calving season but could work well for somebody else.
HOW MUSCULAR DO CATTLE NEED TO BE?
Beef is produced for muscle, but can carcasses be too muscular? Colorado scientists studied eating qualities of steaks of three portion sizes from carcasses with ribeyes from 11 to over 16 sq in. Larger ribeyes had to be cut thinner (to get the same portion) and cooked less (for the same doneness). Because of this, ribeyes over 16 sq in were tougher. Ribeyes of 12 to 15 sq in were optimum. A target of 2 sq in/cwt carcass is sometimes advocated, but that means carcasses over 750 lb (about 1200 lb live weight) would exceed 15 sq in. So, if cattle are both large and very muscular they're not what the meat trade wants.
NEW AND REVISED PUBLICATIONS
A new TAEX publication, "Livestock Management", E-62, presents a concise, straightforward approach to balancing livestock and forage. "Frame Score and Weight of Cattle", L-5176, has been revised to reflect changes in USDA Grades for Feeder Cattle. Both can be accessed at http://tcebookstore.org/.
A "NEW" PENICILLIN
Hanford Pharmaceuticals is marketing Han-Pen TM , a new penicillin product to treat respiratory infection and pneumonia, with the following claims: fast bactericidal action; peak blood levels in 15-30 minutes; two days between doses; SubQ administration; and low treatment cost.
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