Project Number: 1245-31000-104-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Mar 01, 2012
End Date: Dec 19, 2012

Objective:
Develop scientifically-based tools for animal improvement programs in Africa and establish a cooperative network that individual country breeding programs can leverage the efforts of one another. Provide a nexus to enhance the cooperative efforts of advanced research institutions, such as ARS and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). ILRI has expertise in locally adapted breeds and livestock animal improvement programs in Africa, and has facilities for hosting laboratory activities for isolating genomic DNA from tissue samples. The facilities are located in the region of relevant resource target populations, and ILRI’s location will likely act as a hub of future scientific activities for this cooperative network of researchers studying genomics in ruminants of Africa.

Approach:
ILRI will host visiting scientists that are working with ARS in collecting samples to generate the resource population of cattle that will make up a HapMap population of cattle representing locally adapted breeds of importance. The overall goal of this cooperation is to provide a suitable environment to ensure reliable extraction of genomic DNA from tissues that may not be importable into the U.S., and also provide training for outside scientists participating in this project.