Cow gene map released

HUMANS may have something to learn from the cow.

The first draft of the bovine genome sequence was last night released to bio-medical and agricultural researchers around the globe, including many in Australia who contributed to the sequencing project.

Although much of the work is going towards finding the genes behind a better steak, it could also prove a breakthrough as humans understand their own genetic sequence.

Principal research scientist with CSIRO Livestock Industries Ross Tellam said the sequence would be important in finishing work on the human genome sequence.

Although the human genome project is officially finished, there are still gaps that researchers hope the genetic map of a cow might fill in.
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