In a move that doubles the value of its GeneSTAR® Quality Grade
product, Bovigen announced today that it has received independent validation for
its new four marker Quality Grade test.
Harahan, La.; January 31st,
2007 – GeneSTAR® Quality Grade has long been the industry’s only independently
validated DNA product for Quality Grade or marbling. The Quality Grade test was
last expanded in August of 2005. At that time, the test was based on a two
marker panel. Bovigen has now received confirmation from the National Beef
Cattle Evaluation Consortium, that the new, expanded four marker panel has
passed their independent validation process. In previous studies, GeneSTAR®
Quality Grade was estimated to improve Quality Grade by as much as twenty three
percent. Updated studies of the new, expanded GeneSTAR® Quality Grade test,
shows an improvement in percent choice of nearly thirty five percent. Other
analysis have shown that when cattle are separated into low and high GeneSTAR
groups, there is more than a one and a half Quality Grade difference in the
average grade of the two groups.
“We’re very excited about our new,
expanded Quality Grade test,” said Bovigen CEO Victor Castellon. “The value of
increased Quality Grade is well established in the marketplace. The difference
between a Zero Star bull and an Eight Star bull for Quality Grade can be several
thousand dollars over its useful life when calculating the difference in value
of their offspring.”
“We are extremely pleased with this latest product
addition and will make it available to our customers as quickly as possible,”
said Castellon. Bovigen will begin releasing the new marker panel as of February
15th. The Quality Grade panel test, despite dramatically increasing in size of
effect, will continue to sell for the same price. Upgrades of previously tested
animals will be available for $25.
“DNA testing is just beginning to
become a mainstream tool,” commented Calvin Gunter, Director of Corporate
Development. “We feel it is very important to subject our products to some type
of independent validation prior to their release. Others may choose a different
route, but we think that scientific credibility is one of the things that
separates us from our competition.” added Gunter.
About Bovigen
Bovigen, LLC is a global genetic technology company. Bovigen is the only USDA
certified “Process Verified Program”, or PVP, genomics company in the world. We
promote excellence in the Beef industry through development, acquisition and
commercialization of genetic tools that empower producers to improve value and
positively impact industry economics. The company’s products include GeneSTAR®
Tenderness; GeneSTAR® Quality Grade; SireTRACE®; SureTRAK®, GPD™, GeneSTAR Elite
Tender™ and GeneSTAR® Black. For more information visit
www.bovigen.com or call 877.BEEF.DNA
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