Advances in livestock genomics: opening the barn door

Genome research in animals used in agriculture has progressed rapidly in recent years, moving from rudimentary genome maps to trait maps to gene discovery. These advances are the result of animal genome projects following closely in the footsteps of the Human Genome Project, which has opened the door to genome research in farm animals. In return, genome research in livestock species is contributing to our understanding of chromosome evolution and to informing the human genome. Enhancement of these contributions plus the much anticipated application of DNA-based tools to animal health and production can be expected as livestock genomics enters its sequencing era.