Cattle Genomics Initiative
Q. Cattle Genomics is an initiative for
1) Development of high yielding livestock
2) Development of disease-resistant livestock
3) Creating resilient livestock- Published on 27 Oct 16a. 2, 3
b. 1, 2
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
ANSWER: All of the above
- There is a predicted increase in demand for animal food products in India by 2020. In the wake of climate change challenges, quality breeding of indigenous livestock is essential.
- When breeding is selective, the native livestock can transform the lives of small farmers. Genomic selection will ensure high-yielding, disease-resistant, resilient livestock.
- Better livestock can be genetically, selected which ultimately leads to enhancement of productivity in a sustainable, resilient manner.
- Genetic improvement of livestock through traditional selection for increasing livestock productivity has major limitations. To overcome these, genomic selection has played a crucial role in livestock industry globally.
- Genomic selection will transform local livestock breeding. This uses information on variation in DNA sequences between animals to predict the breeding value of animals more accurately.
- Genome sequencing of indigenous cattle breeds from all registered cattle breeds of India by involving various stakeholders is to start soon.
- Development of high-density DNA chips. This will reduce the cost and time interval of breeding program in future and productivity of indigenous cattle will be enhanced.
