Animal genomics in the spotlight

Brussels, 6 November 2006

A meeting on farm animal genomics was held in Brussels in July 2006 under the auspices of the EC-US Task Force on Biotechnology Research.

Comparing experiences across the two continents, the meeting concluded that, while a lot can be learnt from the challenges for genomics in the human field, there is a critical difference because animal breeders deliberately aim to change the frequency of specific traits.

This selection, however, means that farm animal genomics can also be of use as a resource to better understand the human genome. Collaboration on genomics research was seen as important for the development of genomics tools and resources, such as genome sequencing and the development and maintenance of databases. In addition, the need for researchers to be mobile across the Atlantic was identified as an important mechanism to fully exploit the potential of genomics in farm animals.

For further information, and the full report, see:
http:///ec.europa.eu/research/biotechnolo gy/ec-us/index_en.html