US Patent 7625703 Calpastatin (CAST) alleles

Disclosed herein are novel alleles characterized by polymorphisms in the CAST gene. The alleles may be used to genetically type animals. In a preferred embodiment, the alleles may be used as markers for animal meat quality and/or growth. Methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening animals to determine those more likely to produce desired meat quality and/or growth and preferably selecting those animals for future breeding purposes are also disclosed.