The Bos indicus genome, a history of tropically adapted cattle in Australia

There are two major subspecies of domestic cattle derived from wild subspecies (Aurochs) that diverged around 300,000 years ago. British and Continental breeds are derived from a domestication in modern day Iraq. These animals migrated into Europe, Africa and north of the Himalayas to Northern China, Korea and Japan. A second domestication of south asian Aurochs occurred in modern day Pakistan and form the basis of tropically adapted cattle throughout the world. The European cattle have been studied extensively and a reference genome exists based on a Hereford cow from the USA. Tropically adapted cattle, Bos indicus breeds, however have not been as well characterised. Most Bos indicus have a degree of introgression of Bos taurus genes, depending on the particular breed of Bos indicus due to the mixing of domestic cattle throughout the world.

This presentation will explore the genome structure of Australian Brahman cattle, the dominant Bos indicus breed in the region. Evidence of gene introgression will be examined and the need for a more basic understanding of the Bos indicus genome structure highlighted.

Prof Stephen Moore

Stephen's research focus has been in establishing and leading successful bovine genomics programs, most recently a multi-institutional collaboration involving the University of Alberta, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Agriculture and Agrifood Canada.

Professor Stephen Moore is a highly regarded research scientist who prior to his appointment with QAAFI worked for the cattle industry in Alberta, Canada. He has more than 20 years' experience in bovine genomics, including his role as Chair in Bovine Genomics at the University of Alberta since 1999. In his role as CEO Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, Professor Moore led many successful projects to identify genes that underlie production and quality traits in cattle. The expertise he brings to QAAFI's Centre for Animal Science reflects the centre's capacity to embark on research to help Australian and international livestock industries flourish now and into the future. Professor Moore took up his appointment as Director of the Centre For Animal Science at QAAFI in September 2011.