Genomics—the sequencing and analysis of the complete genetic make-up of organisms, and proteomics—the generation and analysis of the proteins encoded by the genes in the genome, are projected to be the dominant future technologies for both human health and agriculture.  Together, these two disciplines enable the profiling of individuals to define normal physiological variation, disease states, and susceptibility to disease, as well as response potential for treatment.

In human health, these technologies have spawned an entirely new industry based on diagnostics and drug development for disease prevention and treatment at the molecular level. Analogous opportunities exist in animal health and agriculture.

In livestock, significant opportunities exist for applying genomics and proteomics to disease management and therapeutics, but by far the greatest opportunity lies in development of SNP-based diagnostics that empower producer/processors with more precise, molecular-based tools with which to make more informed decisions to improve growth potential, carcass quality, production efficiency, nutritional value, and selection of genetically superior animals in breeding programs.

Through an agreement with Celera Genomics that provides exclusive access to unique genomic assets for livestock, MetaMorphix® is utilizing this genomic information to develop advanced selection tools that detect desirable agronomic traits in addition to disease susceptibility in livestock species.  These unique toolsets are expected to dramatically improve breeds and to provide powerful methods to select superior animals for feedlot management and certification of meat quality.

With the exclusive access to these genomic databases, MetaMorphix® is unparalleled in its ability to rapidly and precisely generate tests to detect specific genetic traits for livestock that have been otherwise undetectable.

For the longer term, MetaMorphix® will use its expertise and livestock genomic assets to discover novel gene-based therapeutic and disease prevention strategies for livestock production and animal health.