Teagasc geneticists Dr Donagh Berry and Dr Deirdre Purfield took part in research bringing together organisations from 13 countries to analyse DNA samples from 58,265 cattle. In a new paper published by the academic journal Nature Genetics, the study found 163 different regions of the animals' DNA could be associated with their stature.

"The results support the hypothesis that there are numerous common genes affecting size in mammals," Teagasc said in a statement. The research also has implications for human stature.

The agency's scientists are currently taking part in other global initiatives to research the genetic dimension of livestock traits. This aims at "developing value-added tailored management strategies as well as possibly improve the accuracy of predicting the future performance of an animal using DNA technology", Teagasc added.

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