We propose to improve the fatty acid composition of beef by capitalizing on the natural genetic differences among animals. It is our thought that improvements in the healthfulness of the fatty acid composition of beef can be made while maintaining other positive attributes. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase is responsible for the conversion of 16:0 and 18:0 to 16:1 and 18:1, respectively, the two major monounsaturated fatty acids of bovine lipids.