Bovigen Expands GeneSTAR^® Quality Grade Test

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

Contact:           Calvin Gunter
                        Director of Corporate Development
                        504-733-8182
                        877.BEEF.DNA
                        cgunter@bovigen.com