Building a genomic reference resource on African cattle
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Here we will discuss the need and potential for a Genomics Reference Resource for African Cattle – which is a collated and publicly accessible set of sequence information on African cattle breeds. The sequence information would be contributed by African countries and potentially other partners to the initiative, with the intent that such information will help facilitate the application of genomics to benefit the African cattle sectors.
For more on this potential initiative, please see this post on a ‘Genomics reference resource for Africa‘
We are currently discussing two topics in relation to this (and more topics will follow as the forum progresses):
(1) Do you consider building a genomics reference resource for African cattle to be a worthwhile investment – why or why not?
Click here for a summary of contributions on this topic to-date
(2) What are the strategic research questions we can answer, or applications we can facilitate, with such a resource
Please submit your contributions on these by posting below. Use the comment box (scroll down) to add a new comment, or reply to existing comments using the reply button.
Yes I believe building a gnomic resource reference for African cattle would be a worthwhile investment for the future. One key reason is for us to appreciate the value of our animals and most importantly target and utilize their unique traits of economic value in the development of appropriate cattle breeds for specific ecozones and production systems.
Specific research questions could be the level of introgression of exotic blood into crossbreds that will help ensure high productivity but at the same time not lead to the loss of adaptive and disease resistant genes. The type of breeds most suited to various production systems and climate smart breeds can also be targeted in our breeding programmes. Finally, in building the genomic reference resource for African cattle, many opportunities should open up for the training of more African cattle geneticists and building of networks between all stakeholders which are all key ingredients in the sustainable use of Africa's cattle genetic resources.
We come to the end of the forum time, and I very much thank everyone for their contributions. We will however leave the space open for the next few days, to allow for last comments and for people to view the summary posts.
Thanks Again, Karen.
African animal genetic resources need to be worked on, the major challenge is our capacity to explore whether phenomics or genomics. mechanisms to build capacity first on phenomics and associate tools for evaluation is the primary thing
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Hi all - looking forward to more contributions moving into the last day of the forum (tomorrow - Friday 26th August). And also please don't forget the survey (accessed by the 'take survey' tab above).
Phenomics showed concrete results and progress in devloped countries. Through training and education, Africa can acheive a reliable building capacity in Phenomics to serve Africa Animal genetic ressources needs
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Thanks Asma. I would like to see a lot more effort towards developing new phenomic approaches that will meet the needs of Africans systems. Note their is some more discussion on this taking place in the 'discuss-using' page.
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