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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

An overview of genomics research and its impact on livestock reproduction

Gary Alan Rohrer
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

US Meat Animal Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA. email: rohrer@email.marc.usda.gov

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 16(2) 47-54 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD03077
Submitted: 1 August 2003  Accepted: 1 October 2003   Published: 2 January 2004

Abstract

The amount of information currently available about the genomes of many livestock species, especially cattle and pigs, has increased dramatically in the past few years and the rate of its accumulation will continue to increase. A large number of scientific ‘tools’ is currently available for research aimed at understanding biological processes important to livestock production. These resources are being used to understand biological processes regulating reproduction, body composition and immune function in all livestock species. This research will create many opportunities to develop new tools for the improvement of livestock production. The best commercial application of genomics is in conjunction with reproductive enhancing technologies, such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and cloning.


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