Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026

A Telemetric, Gravimetric Platform for Real-Time Physiological Phenotyping of Plant–Environment Interactions
Published on: August 5, 2020
Genomics and phenomics: Who will be the dairy cows of the future?
Luiz F Brito1, Allan P Schinckel1, Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira1
1Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Abstract:
The dairy industry has experienced unprecedented genetic progress, more than doubling milk yield over recent decades, but this has often resulted in reduced fertility, longevity, and robustness. This review addresses the question "Who will be the dairy cows of the future?" by highlighting the integration of genomics, phenomics, and advanced breeding strategies. From our perspective, future cows are expected to be healthier, more resilient, and longer-lived, with improved fertility, feed efficiency, and reduced methane emissions. Precision technologies, wearable sensors, and automated systems are providing novel phenotypes and driving selection for adaptability, welfare, and efficiency. Genomic selection, reproductive and other biological technologies, and beef-on-dairy crossbreeding are reshaping dairy breeding programs, while collaborations are critical for advancing multiple-trait evaluations and safeguarding genetic diversity. Despite Holstein breed dominance, maintaining across- and within-breed variation is essential for long-term sustainability. Ultimately, as a consequence of the wide adoption of precision technologies, more complex breeding goals, and effective breeding strategies, the dairy cow of the future will balance productive efficiency with resilience, welfare, and environmental efficiency, ensuring global sustainability of dairy production.
Related Concept Videos
Genomics
The Central Dogma
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is...
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Next-generation Sequencing
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features....
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

