Bovine Functional Genomics in Lactation, Food Safety, and Mastitis
Changes in gene expression of cattle can be evaluated a number of ways. A relatively new technique is the assessment of gene expression through microarray analysis. This approach allows for simultaneous evaluation of thousands of genes. A scanner is necessary to obtain the data from the microarray. The microarray scanner will allow evaluation of the gene expression in cattle to improve milk quality, improve food safety and to enhance animal health. The scanner will be used in experiments that alter the fatty acid profile of milk, examine the factors by which Escherichia coli O157:H7 resides in cattle and understand how the cow responds to Staphylococcus aureus in mastitis.