A&M researchers develop a "first draft" sequence of the cattle genome.

Healthy cattle that produce superior beef and milk are the cream of every rancher’s crop. In a study that could lead to higher-quality animals, scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Texas AgriLife Research participated in a research consortium that developed a "first draft" sequence of the cattle genome.

Researchers used the complete sequence from a single Hereford cow and comparative genome sequences for six more breeds, looking for changes called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are markers that can help researchers identify favorable traits. Researchers used SNPs in 497 cattle from 19 geographically and biologically diverse breeds and two related species (anoa and water buffalo). The results could assist in selective breeding and genetically modified cattle as well as provide insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to developing traits of interest.

Dr. James Womack, a distinguished professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and a team leader on the project, said the work "opens the door to look at all sorts of specific interests in cattle, from disease immunity to better meat quality and milk production. Ten to 20 years down the line, this will lead to new avenues in cattle research."

Led by the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center, more than 300 scientists from 25 countries spent six years completing the project.

To learn how you can support research and academics in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M, contact Dr. Guy Sheppard ’77 at (800) 392-3310.