National Ag Week Packet -- Animal Breeding

Contacts:
Max Rothschild, Animal Science, (515) 294-6202
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

ISU'S ANIMAL BREEDING & GENETICS GROUP MAKING NEW TRADITION

AMES, Iowa -- Modern animal breeding and genetics began in the 1930s with Jay Lush. The Iowa State University animal scientist's pioneering work on genetic improvement remade herds and flocks around the world.

Lush was the start of a lineage of influential ISU animal scientists. Today's heirs to Lush -- the members of the Animal Breeding and Genetics Group -- are not resting on history's laurels.

"We're developing our own tradition," says group leader Max Rothschild. "Since the Lush era, ISU has been the center of the universe for animal breeding. We continue to be dedicated to the discovery, development and implementation of livestock genetic knowledge."

Think of animal breeding and genetics and you think of ISU, says Dennis Marple, head of the animal science department. "It's because of our people," he says. "Few institutions have our group's breadth of skills and experience."

It's a dynamic group. The 15 faculty members include distinguished professors, national award-winners, scientific-society leaders and much-sought-after speakers at events around the globe. Their research covers the spectrum of livestock improvement. Work in quantitative genetics allows improvement of traits that can be scientifically observed, measured or predicted. Molecular genetics identifies and maps genes of economic importance. Immunogenetics seeks to understand genes that make for healthier animals.

The group is breaking ground in several research areas, including these current projects:

• Coordinating a national project to map the pig genome.
• Identifying potentially useful genes in unique chicken breeds.
• Using molecular techniques to predict which bulls will sire healthier daughters for dairy herds.
• Transferring ultrasound technology to the beef industry to supply fast information on body composition.
• Identifying pig genes that increase litter size and improve feed intake and efficiency.
• Studying a gene group in pigs, chickens and dairy cattle that helps defend against disease.
• Looking for similarities between human and pig genes for clues on improving pig traits.
• Developing methods to improve dairy sire evaluation.
• Developing lines of cattle that result in higher quality and quantity of beef.
• Developing methods to integrate molecular genetics with traditional selection methods.

The Animal Breeding and Genetics Group will host an international symposium in May to examine the future of the field.

"We're always looking to the future," says group member Jack Dekkers. "Animals we select today will pass on their genes to future animals. Improving the viability of the livestock industry is the ultimate measure of our success."

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