The bovine genome, methods and results of its analysis

The knowledge of the genome in domestic species has allowed the selection of important characteristics for production and the development of molecular techniques used for animal genetic improvement. The objective of this review is to present the methodology used for sequencing the bovine genome, describe some findings of the genome structure and to introduce the main discoveries of the Bovine Genome Project. The main tools and methodologies used for sequencing the genome are described. Also, the main perspectives that from this knowledge arise for the development of veterinary medicine and animal production are discussed. Emphasis is put on the importance of the use of these strategies of study, the evolutionary comparisons and the search of bovine genes for important characteristics in production and quantitative trait loci. Annotated genes up to date, the synteny of genes between species and the best-described chromosomes are included. Finally a summary of the main perspectives from using this knowledge in the field of production, the knowledge of the bovine genome, the consequences in the comparative study among species and the genetic improvement of species is presented.