How to create the 'perfect' cow
Perry's pledge of millions to study bovine gene mapping not approved for '04 budget

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

June 12, 2003 -- In April of this year, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in Bethesda, Md., succeeded in mapping the complete human genome sequence. With this knowledge, it is widely believed Now, the State of Texas, led by Gov. Rick Perry, seems poised to be at the forefront of the same type of research. This time, it will involve cows.

Before the 78th Legislature regular session closed earlier this month, in a prepared statement, Perry said, "In acquiring the bovine genome sequencing project, our state has made a commitment that will help secure its future as a center for cutting-edge genetic research."

What the project intends to do is map the genetics of the perfect cow ... one that looks good, tastes good, is healthy and creates no human health problems.

Supporters of the program believe the two-year program would bring more jobs to a Texas economy that is looking for new jobs for dislocated workers, and since genetic research has been on-going at Baylor College of Medicine for the last 13 years, Texas stands to be a big winner.

Once this project is completed, Texas A&M University researchers would start their own research concerning just exactly what each cow gene does. With this knowledge, the perfect cow could be reproduced.

Gov. Perry has "pledged" $10 million, which he plans to draw from the Texas Enterprise Fund that the legislature provides to the governor.

According to information received from the House Appropriations Committee, funding for the project was not approved for the 2004-2005 budget and must come from the existing State budget.

At press time, attempts to obtain information concerning the status of this pledge were not successful, although the governor's press office was contacted several times.

Baylor Medical School's website states the State of Texas, as well as the National Institute of Health have pledged money toward the $51 million project.

Many Texans are up-at-arms at the idea of spending this amount of money on bovine research, considering the cuts to services many citizens feel are more pressing.

Such cutbacks would take approximately 160,000 children from the Children's Health Insurance Program; eliminate 14 of 17 prevention and early intervention programs for children and youth and decrease the number of Child Protective Service caseworkers available to investigate crimes against children.

Proponents of the bovine research program say that since the National Institute of Health is parternering with Texas and involved in the $51 million program, it will benefit humans.

Scientists believe that by producing the perfect cow gene map, a benefit could be producing animals that would not require as many pesticides and antibacterial drugs, thus reducing the number of cancers present in humans, and could contribute to human immune systems.

With Texas being the leader in the cattle industry, producers could see a better return on their profits, if the "perfect" cow is created, and if it would create a healthier atmosphere for Texas citizens, it could be a win-win situation.

With the Texas State Budget in the hands of State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn for the next couple of weeks, citizens may not know if the project is really a "go," until she releases and signs off on the new budget and it becomes available to the public.