Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Beltsville Area

January 13, 2003

Beltsville was one of the ARS locations in 1990 assigned to support the ARS National Animal Genetic Resources Program. Over the years, the Beltsville program has been enhanced with new funds and the addition of molecular geneticists that have resulted in significant strengths in gamete preservation, genetic engineering, and genomics. In a continuing effort to assess future program directions and consider the need for realignments within the Animal and Natural Resources Institute (ANRI), an evaluation of the genomics and germplasm programs was undertaken

This evaluation process has resulted in the formation of two new management units (MU) - Biotechnology and Germplasm Laboratory (BGL), and the Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory (BFGL). The projects and personnel assigned to the new MU's originated from the Germplasm and Gamete Physiology Laboratory (GGPL), Gene Evaluation and Mapping Laboratory (GEML), and to a lesser extent, the Growth Biology Laboratory (GBL). As a result of this reorganization, GGPL and GEML have been abolished.

The mission of the new Biotechnology and Germplasm Laboratory is to develop knowledge and means to improve the genetic, reproductive and productive efficiency of livestock and poultry through fundamental research on germplasm and gametes. Dr. Kurt Zuelke, formerly Research Leader of GGPL, has been appointed to this new MU.

The mission of the new Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory is to improve the genetic and productive efficiency of cattle through research on gene expression and marker-assisted genetic selection. A national search for a Research Leader is currently underway.

This reorganization of ANRI is effective January 12, 2003.