After unlocking the cow genome earlier this year, University of Illinois researchers, with help from an international team of scientists and genome-sequencing centers, have successful sequenced the pig genome. The animal is a red-haired Duroc pig from the UI south farms.

The draft sequence, which is about 98 percent complete, will allow researchers to pinpoint genes that are useful to pork production or are involved in immunity or other important physiological processes in the pig. It will enhance breeding practices, offer insight into diseases that afflict pigs (and, sometimes, also humans) and will assist in efforts to preserve the global heritage of rare, endangered and wild pigs. It also will be important for the study of human health because pigs are very similar to humans in their physiology, behavior and nutritional needs.

“We are excited to have the swine genome sequence and anticipate this will accelerate the rate of genetic improvement in swine as the bovine sequence is impacting the dairy industry’s genetic gains,” said Steve Kappes, deputy administrator of Animal Production and Protection for the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Thanks again, Illinois!

It was announced on Thursday, that a team of researchers has unlocked the DNA sequence of the cow. This is a phenomenal discovery that will help scientists in the future engineer cows to be stronger and healthier.

Having the genome sequence is now the window to understanding how these changes occurred, how ruminants ended up with four stomachs instead of one, how the cow’s immune system operates and how it is able to secrete large amounts of protein in its milk, said Harris Lewin, the director of the Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

This resulted in breeds differing in milk yield, meat quality and a resistance to disease and pests, said Jerry Taylor, a University of Missouri professor who helped develop the map and write the paper.

Now that scientists have a better insight into the genetic makeup of cows, they can improve breeding, which will lead to better feed efficiency and meat production, he said.

It’s having an amazing impact on the animal industry, Taylor said

Thanks again, Illinois!

Team completes DNA sequence on cows – St. Louis Post-Dispatch