A project involving more than 300 scientists from 25 countries has reportedly decoded the complete genome of the cow, thus providing “tantalizing clues to explain ‘the essence of bovinity.’” Published in the April 24, 2009, edition of the journal Science, the results have apparently shown that the organization of human chromosomes more closely resembles that of the domestic cow than that of mice or rats. Scientists contributing to the effort have said the new information may enable farmers to improve meat and milk production, bolster disease resistance among herds, and practice more environmentally sound husbandry. The genome also suggested that the cow species has retained a sufficient level of genetic diversity despite centuries of domestication. “And beyond that, the tools that this technology gives us allow us to manage diversity at a whole new level . . . I think the outlook is quite bright,” one study co-author was quoted as saying. See The Los Angeles Times and National Geographic, April 23, 2009; The New York Times, April 24, 2009.

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For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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