Roscommon Final Catalogue - Flipbook - Page 7
Myostatin Information
In this Catalogue you will find Myostatin results on animals in the additional
information section. Myostatin is a gene that influences the production of
proteins which control muscle development. Currently in cattle, there are 19
known mutations of the gene, however, research to date has shown that there
is only one common mutation of the gene in Simmental cattle – Q204X. If a
Simmental has one copy of the variant (one allele) it is classed as heterozygous,
if it has two copies of the variant (two allele) it is classed as homozygous.
Homozygous animals exhibit greater loin depths, large, rounded rump &
thighs, reduced fat cover & greater meat tenderness. However, they may also
have heavier birth weights & slightly reduced milking ability & calving ability
in females. Heterozygous animals have been found to exhibit the above
characteristics albeit to a lesser extent.
Knowing the myostatin status of the bulls should help you to select bulls with
the most appropriate myostatin traits for your breeding programme. This will
inevitably improve calving ease, carcase conformation and quality, without
compromising on key maternal traits, such as milk and fertility.
Below is a quick guide to the traits that are likely to be evident in homozygous
and heterozygous calves born compared to calves with no myostatin:
