Applied translational genetics Research with proven potential to improve livestock industries
Our ability to sequence genomes has delivered critical advances in medical and scientific research. The University of Auckland’s Applied Translational Genetics group (ATG) is taking the next step, using genetic and molecular biology tools to help discover the basis for natural variation in both humans and other species. ATG is working with the New Zealand livestock industries, developing large animal and cell culture models to understand disease mechanisms and treatments. The group uses a collective approach: “Our questions can only be answered by the combined efforts of a multi-disciplinary team,” says Professor Russell Snell, the group’s leader. “We have established a critical mass of genetics expertise through working collaboratively with the dairy industry and together we can tackle some of the major health problems facing the 21st century.” ATG has made, and continues to make, a major contribution to the discovery of important DNA variations used for the selection of superior animals for the dairy industry.
Major projects Dairy industry gene and mutation identification ATG works closely with New Zealand’s Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) and other industry partners with the
aim of contributing to animal selection methodology, including the discovery of causative variations. Another industry-led project aims to identify the genetic path to improving both the quality and production of livestock milk. This collaboration has led to the creation of high-value infant formula that more closely matches human milk.
Industry partners Livestock Improvement Corporation The Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative and the premier supplier of improved germplasm, herd testing, and herd information management services to New Zealand dairy farmers. It is also
one of the largest integrated dairy cattle breeding companies in the world. LIC research includes semen technology, reproduction, genetic selection, genomics, gene discovery, large-scale data analysis and on-farm remote monitoring. AgResearch AgResearch is a Government-owned Crown Research Institute (CRI). Its purpose is to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sectors. AgResearch scientists work in a large and varied range of science areas and disciplines. This includes farm systems, land and environment, forage improvement, animal nutrition and health, animal productivity and food and bio-based products.