Beef genome released

AgResearch scientists have played a key role in genetic research that will transform the future selection and breeding of cattle worldwide. The results of this work are being published this week in one of the world's leading scientific journals. A paper describing the bovine genome and another on cattle genetic variability are scheduled to be published in the prestigious scientific journal Science. The presentation of this research, that will hugely speed up the rate of genetic gain in both the dairy and beef industries, is the culmination of a massive international research collaboration including scientists from NZ, USA, Canada and Australia. AgResearch, M&WNZ and DairyNZ all contributed to this very large project. In addition to this, stud breeders and the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) contributed examples of local Friesian, Jersey, Angus and Hereford breeds. This represented a significant contribution by a small country. In return AgResearch scientist John McEwan says that this allowed NZ early access to data and, crucially, influence in the decision to prioritise the bovine genome definition over that of other species. He says this research has already had a major impact on New Zealand farming systems. A technology known as "SNP Chips" was used to survey the genetic variability of the bovine gene pool and the variants discovered as part of the associated DNA sequencing have already been adapted by both of New Zealand's leading breeding companies, LIC and CRV Ambreed, to speed up genetic progress in improving dairy production. LIC released the technology, known as DNA proven, last winter. Estimates since then suggest that it will increase the rate of genetic gain in the dairy industry by 50 to 70 percent. The beef industry has been slower to benefit, but a number of systems influenced by the research are beginning to emerge that will improve the rate of genetic gain in meat yield and quality, feed efficiency and disease resistance. But it is not only the dairy and beef industries that stand to gain from this technology. The sheep genome has many features in common with the bovine genome. Thus the NZ sheep industry has already been a major beneficiary of the genomic information. It was instrumental in the development of a series of DNA marker based sheep products developed through Ovita - a joint venture between AgResearch and Meat & Wool New Zealand. These products include LoinMax, MyoMax, Wormstar and i-scan; these are currently being marketed by Pfizer Animal Genetics.