Ovita's core R&D focus is currently on

• SNP chip technology development
• Disease
  Facial eczema (FE) - FE is a disease caused by a fungus, sporidesmin.  It occurs under environmental conditions that favour fungal growth, with the clinical symptom being increased photosensitivity.  AgResearch has found several regions in the genome that are associated with FE and are researching these areas further with the aim of developing a commercial marker test for the disease. 
  Internal parasites - AgResearch developed the commercial test available for host resistance to worms, which is now available as the Pfizer Animal Genetics WormStar^® test.  In addition, parasite resistance will be included as a trait in the SNP chip product due for release mid-2010.
• Meat
  Quality - Meat quality research involves traits such as colour stability, tenderness and pH.  AgResearch is carrying out research in this area and aims to identify DNA markers for some meat quality traits.  Additionally, they have calculated breeding values for meat quality traits for a third party.
  Yield - AgResearch has identified DNA markers for increased lean meat yield in Poll Dorset and Texel breeds.  These markers are now available as commercial tests through Pfizer Animal Genetics - the LoinMAX^® and MyoMAX^® tests.  Research continues in this area, with high and low yield carcasses in multiple breeds being compared to identify more DNA markers for meat yield in more breeds.
• Lamb survival and ewe efficiency - Lamb survival is a key issue and AgResearch are looking for ways to improve lamb survival using large-scale field trials, mostly run on commercial farms.  They are looking for DNA markers and the underlying loci responsible for individual death risk factors.

Ovita's research programme is based on genomic tools for current industry issues.  In May 2008 Ovita held an Industry Needs Workshop and information gained from the Needs Analysis meeting provided a background to the Ovita Traits Prioritization meeting held in July 2009.