On-Farm Gen

Imagine the benefits for Australian farmers to select genetically superior animals. This project aims to implement a rapid, on-farm DNA sequencing process in northern Australia’s beef industry. This is achieved by a program developed by UQ researchers to pair with a market-proven, portable DNA sequencer known as a MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies).

The DNA sequencer “reads” DNA like a VCR reads a cassette, and the program will determine an animal’s genetic makeup, allowing farmers to make rapid selection decisions about their animals. The ultimate goal is to increase the efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability of beef production.