Posted: August 8, 2006 at 2:06 pm
By Chuck
There’s a big biotechnology conference going on in Australia this week. I was invited to attend but have to be in Kansas City and then on to Norway. Darn the luck, eh?
But that doesn’t mean I can’t let you know what’s happening down under. Here’s an interesting story.
Victorian scientists are using the latest DNA techniques to fast track the breeding of better, more productive and more profitable dairy cattle. Minister for Innovation, John Brumby announced today Victorian scientists from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) were using the sequencing of the bovine genome, along with genotyping technologies, to find the genes that cause variations in the economic value of cattle.
“Thanks to this research, we can now tell, as soon as a bull calf is born, whether or not it carries the desirable genes to improve profitability,” said Mr Brumby. “Our scientists can cut the breeding in dairy cattle, from four to two years.”
“We anticipate that this research will enable Victorian dairy farmers to double the rate of improvement in the profitability of dairy animals.” The Victorian dairy industry accounts for 13 per cent of world trade in dairy products, with the State’s prime export markets being Asia and Europe.
Posted: May 9, 2006 at 12:54 pm
By Andy Vance
Merial is growing the partnership formed last year with Select Sires to co-market the IGENITY brand DNA test. Adding field consultant Ron Long to the Merial company as a liason between Merial and Select Sires field representatives, the company will offer training sessions, on-farm consultations, and customer meetings across Select Sires’ 10 regional cooperatives.
Long comes to the project with 30 years experience at Select Sires both in building the Select Mating Service (SMS) and the Program for Genetic Advancement (PGA).
IGENITY DNA Tests are designed to give you profiles of your herd to best evaluate the genetic potential of your females. IGENITY MultiMARK offers comprehensive testing, including IGENITY DuraMAX, analyzing dairy form and productive life; IGENITY OptiYIELD and IGENITY ComponentMAKER, which help you select for optimized milk yield and composition; and IGENITY RealRED, to determine red coat color genes in Holsteins. IGENITY MultiMARK Plus offers these tests plus a test for Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM). You provide a blood sample or nasal swab and recieve genotype results back via fax, e-mail, or hard copy.
Posted: April 14, 2006 at 11:49 am
By Andy Vance
Maybe not quite, but USDA is working on a solution. The Ag Research Service is working to determine if we can genetically engineer our cows to resist the infection altogether. Former President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Joe Cornely reports that although the science is the production, we may be nearly a decade away from actual in field success. 
Joe Cornely Wrap (3 minutes, mp3)
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Posted: April 11, 2006 at 1:36 pm
By Chuck
Hello from BIO 2006, the annual convention of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. It’s taking place in Chicago, IL.
I’ve been looking for a story on biotechnology related to dairy. It hasn’t been an easy search. However, I was introduced to Dr. Suzanne Bertrand, Innovation Manager, Livestock Improvement. This is a genetics company based in New Zealand.
I sat down with Suzanne in the New Zealand pavilion earlier this morning at the huge trade show they have here. I think you’ll be interested in hearing what she has to say. She talks about her company and the role that biotechnology plays in it.
You can listen to the interview here: Dr. Suzanne Bertrand Interview (7 min MP3)
AgWired coverage of BIO 2006 is made possible by: 
Posted: April 7, 2006 at 7:56 pm
By Chuck
Beginning late Sunday I’ll be blogging the BIO 2006 Convention in Chicago. This is a very large event that covers the full range of biotechnology, including agriculture. I’m going to be on the lookout for news related to the dairy business and will post it here.
World Dairy Diary coverage of BIO 2006 is made possible by:
