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Bovine Industry Boon: Cow Genome Sequenced

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2009 4:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – A 5-year, $53 million project has resulted in the sequencing of the cow genome, the Houston Chronicle reports. The results will likely take the guesswork out of breeding, but also mark the end of big-money sequencing projects. “It was pretty dumb to do the cow for $50 million when the cost will go down to $5,000 in a year or two,” a researcher said.

The price of sequencing has plummeted since the human genome was figured out over 13 years at a cost of $3 billion. “But we wouldn’t be where we are today, cost-wise, if we hadn’t done the cow,” the researcher continued. The cow genome might not have the same cachet as human, but the promise of increased milk yield and better beef is entrancing producers.

A worker milks cows on the family dairy farm in Mifflinburg, Pa.
A worker milks cows on the family dairy farm in Mifflinburg, Pa.   (AP Photo)
A Hereford cow, named L1 Dominette 01449, with her calf. Dominette's genome was sequenced by researchers at Baylor University.
A Hereford cow, named L1 Dominette 01449, with her calf. Dominette's genome was sequenced by researchers at Baylor University.   (AP Photo)
A cow.
A cow.   (AP Photo)
A line of Holstein dairy cows feed through a fence at a Southwest Idaho dairy farm.
A line of Holstein dairy cows feed through a fence at a Southwest Idaho dairy farm.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
bewilderbeast
Oct 23, 2009 8:57 AM CDT
More picture fun: 1. That is not a family dairy farm. It is a "family" dairy farm (for marketing purposes); 2. How insensitive of you to refer to dear ole No. 168 as just "a cow"!!
riffran
Apr 25, 2009 9:55 AM CDT
awwww...that was a horrible pun...no jeers for ole riffy? :)
riffran
Apr 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT
awsome ideas..lol...it would be a veritable MOOtopia....rofl

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