DNA new criterion in judging county cows

Size and pedigree still count for a lot when it comes to judging cattle, but a new high-tech measuringstick has entered the equation: DNA.

Genetic blueprintswere among the latest criteria for grading and judging bovines entered at P.E.I.'s famed Dundas Plowing Match andAgricultural Fair this past weekend.

Organizers say it's thefirst time in North America such tests have been used at a county fair.

Judging ofcoat, weight andappearance was supplemented by genetic tests used to determine traits like tenderness and tendency toward fat marbling.

Traditionalists might find this new grading component a tad intrusive, but some producers are welcoming the move.

"It'll tell me what I have in the gene pool in my herd— whether my herd has a lot of desirable traits," said Brendan Crane, a producer of Hereford cattle.

More than 20 cattle were subjected to DNA tests at the Dundas fair using hair samples.

Test results were made available to judges only after the contestants were visually inspected in the ring.

The company that supplies the DNA testing, Merial Canada,also sponsored the event.

Jason Reddin, a spokesman with Merial, says the genetic profiling is a benefit to producers and consumers.

'It's a great opportunity for consumers because down the road, consumers will be able to get quality in the meat they've been asking for.' -Jason Reddin, Merial Canada

"I think for Atlantic Canadian producers, it's a fantastic opportunity to have a look at this test. It's a great opportunity for consumers because down the road, consumers will be able to get quality in themeat they've been asking for."

Reddin says the fair was also aconvenient way toshowcase the technology, which is relatively new to the industry.

The tests — which cost about $55 CDN — also have a wider use outside the judging circle.

Reddin says the company also markets an ear tagthat has the added benefit of gleaning genetic information. When the tag is inserted, it punches out a tissue sample that is then forwarded to a laboratory in the United States for profiling.

The ear tag and tissue sample are bar-coded for tracking purposes.

Reddin says the information can be useful to ranchers in their efforts to produce tender-tasting beef. He says producers can hand-pick theirbest breeders based on their genetic ranking for tenderness.

He also sees the day these tests can be used for other purposes.

"As we discover more and more (genetic) markers, this kind of test will expand to include other uses."