November 13, 2012

     

Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics, two of the world's largest animal breeding companies, collaborate to achieve further breakthroughs in the field of genomics during the next three years through a joint development agreement (JDA).

Arkansas-based Cobb-Vantress Inc. and Hendrix Genetics B.V. which is headquartered in Boxmeer in the Netherlands initially set up the JDA in 2008 to share and promote expertise, particularly in the fast-growing field of genomics. Already new genomic selection tools have been discovered and developed, such as the cutting-edge SNP Chip for chickens. This is a glass slide that can analyse between 60,000 and one million variations in DNA sequences, - or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) -  which act as biological markers and help scientists locate a range of genes associated with disease.

The extended agreement will intensify efforts to develop new tools and discover fresh insights into animal genomics in order to improve breeding programmes and help increase world food production.

The collaboration is the biggest within the animal breeding industry and will produce animals that are more productive, less susceptible to disease and at reduced cost, therefore helping to tackle global food shortages. According to the United Nations' World Food Programme there are 870 million undernourished people in the world today.

The JDA will also strengthen Cobb's leading position in broiler breeding and Hendrix Genetics' renowned role in layer hen, turkey, pig, and aquaculture genetics, while enabling the two companies to further explore joint venture business opportunities.

Cobb-Vantress is the world's leading supplier of broiler breeding stock and technical expertise for the chicken meat industry.

Hendrix Genetics is a leading multispecies breeding company dedicated to generating solutions for the animal protein sector that solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.