Most complete cow genome is assembled

WASHINGTON,(UPI) -- A U.S.-supported research team says it has produced the most complete sequence of the cow genome ever assembled.

The achievement is expected to assist scientists in improving the health and disease management of cattle and enhance the nutritional value of beef and dairy products.

Developed by an international consortium of research organizations, the new bovine sequence contains 2.9 billion DNA base pairs and incorporates one-third more data than earlier versions.

Ross Tellam, of the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization, said the new map marks the end of the sequencing phase of the project, with the focus now turning to analyzing the available data.

"This is very valuable information," Tellam said. "We could potentially achieve as much improvement in cattle breeding and production in 50 years as we have over the last 8,000 years of traditional farming."