Clients, kudos for Genetic Solutions

By Staff Writers
Monday, 13 September, 2004

Brisbane-based biotech Genetic Solutions has earned a new client and an accolade at the 2004 Premier of Queensland Smart Awards.

Palgrove, a Charolais cattle stud north of Stanthorpe, is using Genetic Solutions' GeneSTAR technology to help build valuable beef consumer traits into its bloodlines.

Stud principals David and Prue Bondfield were among the early users of the GeneSTAR Marbling test when it was first launched commercially. A high-fat marbling score is well regarded by cattle feedlots preparing animals for premium Asian export beef markets.

Over the past 12 months, the Bondfields have also incorporated the latest GeneSTAR tenderness test into their genetic evaluation program. Palgrove Charolais has been one of the first studs to incorporate gene test results into its bull sale catalogue, and the stud's 20th annual on-property sale last month was the Charolais breed to gross more than $1 million, according to Genetic Solutions.

"All stud sires are now tested as a matter of course, allowing us to build up a database on the marbling and tenderness performance of our bloodlines," said David Bondfield. "The DNA test results have been very pleasing, providing objective confirmation of the direction of our breeding program."

Meanwhile, the Allflex DNA Tag -- a joint venture development between Genetic Solutions and livestock management company Allflex -- has been recognised at the 2004 Premier of Queensland Smart Awards.

The tags, produced at the Allflex's new Brisbane facility, made their market debut 12 months ago. At the time when the tag is inserted, a sample of tail hair follicles is collected for dispatch to the Genetic Solutions laboratory. A computer database at Genetic Solutions links the animal in the field with the archived DNA sample, which can be used at any time for genetic testing or identification purposes.

Allflex Australasia CEO Michael Connole said the DNA tag was a big step forward in tracing animals, which would be especially important in the event of an exotic disease outbreak.