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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Genetics and Animal Breeding » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302830
Title: Sequencing a North American yak genome

Author
item Heaton, Michael - Mike

Submitted to: World Wide Web
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2014
Publication Date: 2/16/2014
Citation: Heaton, M.P. 2014. Sequencing a North American yak genome. International Yak Association. Online available. IYAK.org. http://0101.nccdn.net/1_5/11e/372/14c/HeatonIYAK2014_ARSapproved.pdf.

Interpretive Summary: Livestock researchers are beginning to identify beneficial effects of natural genetic variation in livestock. For example, comparing gene sequences from related species has helped identify the underlying mechanisms of traits like coat color, fertility, and disease resistance. Although cattle and yak species are thought to have diverged about one million years ago, they are still very closely related and can interbreed. Through collaborative efforts USMARC, the complete gene sequences of several ruminants (including a Chinese yak) has recently been mapped to the cattle genome and made publicly accessible via web browser. By adding the whole genome sequence of a North American yak to these data, extended comparisons between ruminant species could be made and provide a source of novel DNA markers that could be tailored for genetic testing in North American yak populations. Potential genetic tests of interest include those for: parentage, traceback, yak germplasm conservation, and traits. The aim of the presentation is to provide an introduction to the current technology, an update of the progress, and to explore the possible benefits of sequencing a North American yak genome.

Technical Abstract: Livestock researchers are beginning to identify beneficial effects of natural genetic variation in livestock. For example, comparing gene sequences from related species has helped identify the underlying mechanisms of traits like coat color, fertility, and disease resistance. Although cattle and yak species are thought to have diverged about one million years ago, they are still very closely related and can interbreed. Through collaborative efforts USMARC, the complete gene sequences of several ruminants (including a Chinese yak) has recently been mapped to the cattle genome and made publicly accessible via web browser. By adding the whole genome sequence of a North American yak to these data, extended comparisons between ruminant species could be made and provide a source of novel DNA markers that could be tailored for genetic testing in North American yak populations. Potential genetic tests of interest include those for: parentage, traceback, yak germplasm conservation, and traits. The aim of the presentation is to provide an introduction to the current technology, an update of the progress, and to explore the possible benefits of sequencing a North American yak genome.