4. What is Genomics?
Genetic information is contained with DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic
acids)
Each plant, animal or bacteria carries its entire
genetic code inside almost every one of its cells
Genomics is the discipline that aims to decipher
and understand the entire genetic information
content of an organism
Genomics marked the beginning of a new age in
biology and medicine
5. What is a Gene?
Genes are both units of inheritance and encoded messages for
the creation of a functional unit in a cell (usually a protein, but
sometimes functional RNA).
What is a Genome?
This term refers both to the full set of genes carried by a single
organism and to that carried by that organism’s species. The
precise ordering of As, Ts, Cs and Gs in organisms’ genomes
is the foundation of life’s diversity.
Concept of Dominant vs. Recessive Genes
15. Some Interesting Genome
Facts
Human Genome contains about 3 billion
basepairs
Corn Genome contains about 2.6 billion
basepairs but…….
Wheat Genome contains more than 16 billion
basepairs
Not all genetic information encodes for
functional molecules or life functions
16. Cont’d… Some Interesting Genomics
Facts
Humans only have 20% more genes than worms
Around 99% of our genes have counterparts in
mice
Our genetic overlap with chimpanzees is about
97.5%
The genetic difference between one person and
another is less than 0.1 %
But because only a few regions of DNA actively
encode life functions, the real difference between
one person and another is only 0.0003 percent
17. More Interesting Facts
Human Genome:
- Took 12 years to complete at a cost of US $3 billion
Mouse Genome:
- Took 3 years to complete at a cost of US $300
million
Bovine Genome:
- Took about 1 year at an estimated cost of US $30
million
18. Livestock Genomics: Potential Roles
Breeding and Selection
– Parentage & Performance testing of breeding stock
– DNA based selection of economically important traits:
• Environmentally-sensitive traits (e.g. methane production)
• Behavioural traits (e.g. docility and pain sensitivity)
• Nutritional traits (e.g. milk and meat composition)
• Animal health traits (e.g. disease resistance)
• Genomic information for crossbreeding and heterosis
– Segregation of animals based on desirable attributes
Food Quality & Consumer Confidence
–Animal & breed identity/ authenticity
–Product traceability & Consumer Confidence
19. Chromosome Numbers in
Different Species
Common Name Genus and Species Diploid Chromosome
Number
Buffalo Bison bison 60
Cat Felis catus 38
Cattle Bos taurus, B. indicus 60
Dog Canis familiaris 78
Donkey E. asinus 62
Goat Capra hircus 60
Horse Equus caballus 64
Human Homo sapiens 46
Pig Sus scrofa 38
Sheep Ovis aries 54
28. Benefits
Data management and integration of
genomic data into evaluation systems
Enhance our accuracy of selection or
to identify new traits
Identify superior cattle and provide
validation to customers
29. Cont’d … Benefits
Rapid integration of:
– different kinds of feed (management)
– rumen microflora
– health records and samples on
individual animals, and
– Birth, growth, and carcass data upon
termination
30. Reproductive or Health
Technologies
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
- Checking the fertilized egg for mutations
Gene Enhancement
- Could include inserting genes to create the ‘best’
expression possible
Treatments for monogenic diseases (single gene
mutation or the more challenging multigenic
disorders)
31. Cont’d … Reproductive or Health
Technologies
Gut Microflora
- Introducing or eliminating specific microbial
communities
Gene Regulation
- Possibility of switching genes on and off in response
to environmental stimuli
32. Breeding is a lot like
playing poker – it has a lot
to do with probabilities.
37. Summary
New technologies offer new opportunities for
the cattle industry
Expression of traits or disease resistance can
be influenced by:
– pre-partum environment
– prepubertial environment
– gut or rumen microflora
– Feed, stress, exercise
Real competition will come from other
protein sources
38. Cont’d … Summary
Opportunity to conduct some genomic trials
and identify individuals with superior
expression
Apply genomic tools such as proposed in the
new Alberta Livestock & Meat Strategy, and
utilize the services of genomics provider
companies
Ultimate goal is to differentiate cattle in the
market place and add value