Genetics & Performance

Genomic Research Focuses On Selection

A team of researchers at Cornell University are applying genomics sequencing techniques previously used in corn to improve the quality of milk and meat in livestock and expedite bull selection for producers. By using the Genotyping-by-sequencing technique first discovered by USDA Agricultural Research Service geneticist Rob Elshire, Cornell researcher Ikhide Imumorin, assistant professor of animal genetics and genomics at Cornell, said genetic traits will be easier to identify and put to use. "Breeders are interested in cattle with traits such as high meat or milk quality, disease resistance and heat tolerance, but identifying the best animals means sorting through thousands of unique gene variants in the genome," explained Imumorin, lead researcher....

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