Genetics project

marcus · Post by **marcus** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:35 pm

I may be alone, but what have we gained from the £15,000 pounds spent on the genetics project that we did not already know, or could have found out with minimal effort.
We all know the breeds history, it,s where we go from here that counts.

wagra · Post by **wagra** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:05 pm

Where we go from here, no matter what side of the globe, is in to more genetics projects.
We are living the DNA information revolution. I love information!

Edited By wagra on 1213967176

Rutherford · Post by **Rutherford** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:31 pm

The paper on the genetics project will be published shortly, but until it is, it is impossible to assess its contribution. Future breeding must be based on previous input, and the point of the project was to attempt to establish the true accuracy of what is in the Herd Book. I am finding its conclusions fascinating and useful

bjreroberts · Post by **bjreroberts** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:53 pm

I personally get nothing from the genetics project, however I do appreciate that is of interest and I presume benefit to other members of the society.

We have to accept that within the DCS there is probably a broader base of interest groups than in any other cattle breed society.

Louisa Gidney · Post by **Louisa Gidney** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 3:11 pm

I'm looking forward with eager anticipation to full academic publication of the genetics project. I hope it comes out before I have to submit my thesis, so I can integrate some of the results with my work.
Ancient DNA studies, together with isotope analyses, are currently revolutionising old preconceptions (sorry, Beryl) of livestock husbandry in prehistory.
I'm primarily interested in the "lilliputian" cattle that were indigenous to the NE, until exterminated in the early C19th by the "improvers". These animals had been the end result of several thousand years of breeding stock with milk & sound feet to suit the local terrain.
My interest in the Dexter is as a simulacrum for these cattle.
£15,000 is cheap. A PhD student supported by a grant giving body has £12,000 p.a. to live on, besides the expenses of the research.
Sadly, I'm self funding, so having to work to pay my way.

Rutherford · Post by **Rutherford** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 4:28 pm

Louisa, I have been told that publication is scheduled very shortly. I shall also be very interested in your conclusions, and have admiration for your battle with finances. The oldest reference I have found to date is 1857 – William and Hugh Raynbird (Routledge, Warne and Routledge).
Beryl (Woodmagic)

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:12 am

Its going to make very interesting reading. I too am looking forward the the publishing of the findings.