Genetic Advancements in Bovines Lead to More Nutritional and Tastier Meat
Scientists are now able to trace bovine evolution through the decoding of the genetic blueprint of domestic cattle. This new knowledge is believed to shed light on the production of more nutritious milk, meat and increased food supply. These discoveries were highlighted in an article published online in the journal Science and involved more than 300 researchers and the sequencing and analysis of 22,000 genes of the bovine genetic code in a six year effort. The genetic data also reveal how the cow’s four- chambered stomach digests and transforms grass forage into body tissues that make high-quality beef.
“It’s a huge and significant advancement to have whole genome information of important traits in cattle,” said Ronnie Green, senior director for global technical services of Pfizer Animal Genetics, a unit of New York-based Pfizer Inc.’s Animal Health unit.
The article also mentions the development of a 54,000 probe gene chip called the BovineSNP50 which is used to manage diversity and built a better, more productive cow.
Many scientists support the push for more productive cows, however, they warn about potential loss of genetic diversity.
“It is crucial that we preserve this variation through appropriate breeding programs in order to maintain healthy cattle populations” that can weather climate change and new diseases, said Shirley Ellis, head of the Bovine Molecular Immunology Group at the Institute for Animal Health of the Britain’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Gaining knowledge about the hereditary roots of livestock “may help us with diversity as we drill down to traits breeders want, be it a cow’s udder health or strength of the legs,” said Galen, the spokesman for the National Milk Producers Federation. “It will also allow us to do more with less, get more milk from fewer cows and reduce our environmental footprint.”
The research cost a total of $54 million dollars.
Source:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aPUlyPI73.OE&refer=home
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