What is it?
Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, or genome. It has many applications within the cattle industry, including:
- Seedstock selection
- Parentage verification
- Diagnostic testing
- Vaccine development
- Crop improvement
- Traceability in cases of certain disease outbreaks
The Bovine Genome Project sequenced and analyzed the Hereford breed’s entire genome in 2009 [1]. The development of a Haplotype Map (or HapMap), which describes common genetic variation patterns, can be used to track DNA differences between cattle breeds to help improve the quality and safety of cattle products.
Genomics is assessed through DNA testing, which can be done with a DNA sample from hair, tissue, blood, or semen. DNA sequencing allows for individual samples to be compared against the standard to detect any changes or abnormalities. While the cattle’s genome can be assessed, their microbial genome can also be assessed.
Challenges
- Genomics and genetic testing work well when the traits involved involve only a single gene. However, most production traits, such as growth or fertility, involve hundreds of genes [4]. This makes it especially difficult to select for certain traits.
- Using genomics to improve the herd through selective breeding can take many years and generations of cattle to complete.
How Does it Prevent AMR?
Recent developments in genomic technologies have allowed for more cost-effective, accurate, scalable, and fast diagnostic tests to become available. For example, recent research into chute-side disease diagnostics for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) has allowed for samples to be analyzed in less than 6 hours, as opposed to days in a laboratory [2]. The test can also detect indicators of antimicrobial resistance. Access to this type of testing would help improve diagnostic practices and reduce the required time frame, allowing for a more accurate treatment to be started sooner and fewer antimicrobials to be used.
The Genomic ASSETS (Antimicrobial Stewardship Systems from Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies) for Livestock research team at the University of Saskatchewan is developing genomic tools to rapidly field-test calves for disease and antibiotic resistance [3].
As mentioned above, genomics can also be used to trace the origins of a pathogen and identify where the contamination occurred within the production chain. This traceability can aid during disease outbreaks and food recalls to follow the movement of the pathogen, and prevent further spreading.
Genomics is a fast-evolving field and has many future applications in the cattle industry to be explored. For example, identification of a genetic basis for disease would allow producers to select against breeding cattle that have an increased susceptibility to getting sick, allowing for stronger overall herd health and potentially reducing producers’ need for antimicrobials.
DNA sequencing has many uses, such as for determining the presence of microbial pathogens to ensure the right treatment is selected.
Further Reading
Research Gaps
Product/Service Gaps
References
[1] K. Worley, ‘Bovine Genome Project’, Human Genome Sequencing Center Baylor College of Medicine, 2022. https://www.hgsc.bcm.edu/other-mammals/bovine-genome-project (accessed Aug. 25, 2022).
[2] C. Waldner, ‘Can Chute-Side Disease Diagnostics Reduce Antibiotic Use in Beef Cattle?’, Beef Research, Mar. 2021. https://www.beefresearch.ca/fact-sheets/can-chute-side-disease-diagnostics-reduce-antibiotic-use-in-beef-cattle/ (accessed Aug. 25, 2022).
[3] University of Saskatchewan, ‘Genomic ASSETS for Livestock’. https://research-groups.usask.ca/genomic-assets/index.php (accessed Aug. 25, 2022).
[4] Beef Cattle Research Council, ‘Genomics & Genetic Testing’, Beef Research, Aug. 08, 2022. https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/genomics-genetic-testing/ (accessed Aug. 25, 2022).
