Control of Recessive Genetic Disorders in Japanese Black Cattle Using DNA-Based Genetic Diagnostic Tests

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Veterinary Science
• Population Genetics

Background:

• Autosomal recessive genetic disorders pose risks to animal welfare and sustainable cattle production.
• Ten causative mutations identified in Japanese Black cattle since 1996.
• Government initiatives utilize DNA-based tests to mitigate economic impacts of genetic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of DNA-based genetic diagnostic tests on risk allele frequencies.
• To analyze trends in genetic disorder risk alleles over two decades in Japanese Black cattle.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a large-scale dataset on risk allele frequencies from central slaughterhouses.
• Longitudinal study examining allele frequency changes over a 20-year period.

Main Results:

• Risk allele frequencies significantly declined after the publication of genetic disorder profile sheets.
• Rapid allele frequency reduction suggests elimination of heterozygous carriers beyond natural selection.
• DNA-based genetic diagnostic tests demonstrated effectiveness in suppressing risk alleles.

Conclusions:

• DNA-based genetic diagnostic tests are effective tools for controlling genetic disorders in cattle populations.
• The study highlights the importance of genetic testing in managing inherited diseases for improved animal welfare and sustainable agriculture.