Cow genome sequence could boost cattle quality

The sequencing of the cow genome, announced last week, could speed up efforts to improve the quality of cattle in the developing world, say livestock scientists.

The sequence, the compilation of which involved 300 scientists from 25 countries, was published in Science last week (24 April). The genome contains 22,000 genes, according to the Bovine Sequencing Consortium.

“The cow genome sequencing work has some large implications for developing-country animal agriculture,” says Vish Nene, director of the biotechnology theme at the International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi.