SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

Eurofins Genomics and Weatherbys Ireland Join Forces to Genotype One Million Cattle

Eurofins Genomics
11 Jan 2016
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), one of the world leaders in genomic services, and Weatherbys Ireland DNA Laboratories, one of Europe’s leading animal genomic laboratories, have announced that they have been jointly selected to test one million samples of beef for the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) over the next two years.

The ambitious project is the first anywhere in the world to genotype one million cattle. The test itself uses a microarray technology to measure 55,000 variable positions in the DNA of each animal. From this, scientists will use this information to predict traits such as fertility, milk yield and meat quality in individual animals. The work is part of the Beef Data Genomics Program (BDGP), running from 2015 to 2020, launched earlier this year by Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine, Simon Coveney, TD. The ICBF is aiming to genotype one million cattle by 2017, and a further million by 2020.

Comment from Ronan Murphy, Weatherbys CEO: “This project is a huge step forward in agri-genomics and we are delighted to have been selected to carry out a testing regime that has never been done on this scale before. The microarray chip we will be using has taken two years of development by Weatherbys Ireland DNA laboratory, the ICBF and Teagasc (Irish agriculture and food development authority). By teaming up with Eurofins Genomics, we are able to provide expertise and accredited laboratories at the scale needed to provide customers with new and more efficient services for their animal breeding needs.”

Bruno Poddevin, Senior Vice President, Eurofins Genomic Services, commented: “Eurofins Genomics is proud and delighted to have been selected, together with Weatherbys’ DNA Laboratory, to provide its expertise in the world’s largest cattle genotyping project-to-date. Through our combined industrial capabilities and highly-skilled DNA experts, Eurofins aims to provide customers in the food and agri-genomics markets the highest quality and most cost-efficient solutions for their animal-breeding needs. We are excited to provide our unparalleled capabilities and lend our expertise in large-scale project, and help put Ireland and its farmers at the forefront of genetic testing globally”.

Links

Eurofins GenomicsCompany website

Tags

Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.AgricultureAgriculture research focuses on improving food production, crop management, and sustainability. This includes plant breeding, pest control, and soil health studies. Explore agriculture research tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Genome SequencingGenome sequencing involves determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. It provides crucial information about genetic variations, mutations, and diseases. Advances in sequencing technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have accelerated research in genomics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Explore genome sequencing tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Food AuthenticationFood authentication ensures that food products are accurately labeled and free from adulteration or misrepresentation. This is important for consumer safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Explore food authentication tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Food QualityFood quality refers to the attributes of food that influence its safety, nutrition, and taste. Monitoring and ensuring food quality are essential in production to meet health regulations and consumer expectations. Techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and microbial testing are used to assess food properties and detect contaminants. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find food quality testing solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

Related articles