Executive summary

In beef cattle production, an important component in a breeding program is the identification of animal with the highest genetic merit that can be used as parent for the next generation. The current issue facing these beef cattle producers is the development of a practical and cost effective method of identifying animals with superior reproductive, growth and carcass traits. Marker assisted selection technology could be the answer to this issue as the technology permits rapid identification of individuals habouring genes that effect economically important traits in cattle. Recent progress in bovine genome mapping has provided the beef industry with genetic markers that are associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for reproductive and growth traits. Random amplified polymorphic DNA marker (RAPD) associated with weaning weight in cattle has also been identified. This RAPD marker together with other markers linked to growth and reproductive traits could be used in marker assisted selection for identifying animals with superior growth rates. The association between QTL and growth traits however may not hold true in other population other than the one where it was described. The objectives of this study are therefore to evaluate potential genetic markers link to QTL affecting growth traits in local cattle population; to develop DNA test kit for identification of bulls with high growth rates and to evaluate the used of the DNA test for selection of bulls for breeding.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Title:
Development of DNA test for marker assisted selection in beef cattle

 

 

To achieve these objectives research will be conducted in three sub-projects. Each sub-project will undertake to develop each phase of the DNA test kit. These sub-projects are (1) Evaluation of genetic markers link to growth trait in local cattle population; (2) Development of DNA test Kit for growth trait in beef cattle and (3) Evaluation of the DNA marker test for identification of bulls with superior growth rate. It is expected that this project would enhance the production of quality breeding stock and aid in the transformation of the beef industry into a modern, dynamic and competitive sector in line with the strategies of NAP3.

Period of the project : 3 Years (2003 - 2005)

Project Status

- On-going