Head scientist of the animal genetics project at the International Livestock Research Institute, Dr Okeyo Mwai, does not hide his love for cows. Raised in western Kenya, his first connection with livestock…
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The researchers picked animal samples from their DNA, dissected it and looked at what is equivalent to a slide rule to find out which genomic areas and regions are associated with proteins that make it possible for an animal to develop immune responses or ability to withstand high temperatures.
They further lined it up with which type of animal is associated with which type of attribute and the genetic makeup.
“We believe these insights can be used to breed a new generation of African cattle with qualities of European and American livestock (more milk and meat) but with the rich traits that make African cattle more resilient and sustainable,” said Olivier Hanotte, the principal scientist at ILRI and professor of genetics at the University of Nottingham.