Genomics
Genomics - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
 Professor Mike GoddardBeef CRC Chief Scientist (03) 9479 5438 or Mike.Goddard@dpi.vic.gov.au |
| The CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies is heavily focussed on gene discovery. This has come about as a result of the 'Bovine Genome Project' which identified the DNA sequence of every gene in the bovine chromosome. |
| A humble Hereford cow, known as Dominette 01449, has become the bovine genetic equivalent of Eve, by providing scientists with the first genetic blueprint for cattle. Mapping the bovine genome has taken six years to complete and was only recently published in detail in 2009. The sequencing of the bovine genome was undertaken by an international team of scientists including CSIRO and AgResearch. The bovine genome contains some 22,000 genes and 2,870 billion DNA building blocks and is much the same size of the human genome. Dominette’s genetic blueprint has been mapped a number of times to ensure detailed coverage, and compared to other breeds – Holstein, Angus, Jersey, Limousin, Norwegian Red and Brahman. The bovine genome project data will underpin livestock research for the next 50 years. DNA markers and tests will help identify animals that are better suited to a particular market or environment. By selecting for feed efficiency, for example, it may be possible to decrease the environmental footprint of the beef industry. The gene sequence information yielded from the bovine genome also has direct application to sheep research, due to the close relatedness of the two species. |
| DNA marker products |
| Read more information on DNA markers in Beef Bulletin. Click here to download. (PDF) |
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