TASK 2: Construction of a DNA and zooarchaeological database

AIM: To provide the team with a work set of organized and fully acessible compilation of publicly available ancient and modern DNA sequences for cattle, and to integrate relevant information on geographic origin, population/breed/species, zooarchaeological data (e.g. historical context, dating, osteometry) and bibliographic references.

We will compile published and unpublished genetic data for cattle (studies performed by the team) including DNA sequences and other type of data on polymorphisms and population diversity of mitochondrial DNA, autosomes, and X/Y chromosomes. The database will include zooarchaeological information (taxonomic identification, part of the skeleton, epyphisis fused/not fused- juveniles, osteometric measures). Stratigraphy and chronology will also be registered. It will be designed to incorporate the results of our research as they are produced. The complete database will be deposited online and made available to all members of the team.