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A search for quantitative trait loci for ovulation rate in cattle
A N Blattman1, B W Kirkpatrick, K E Gregory
1Department of Meat & Animal Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706, USA.
Animal Genetics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers identified specific genetic markers linked to ovulation rate in cattle. These findings are crucial for improving twinning rates in livestock through marker-assisted selection.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Improving twinning rate in livestock is economically important.
- Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis is a key method for identifying genes influencing complex traits like ovulation rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic markers associated with ovulation rate in an experimental cattle population.
- To detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing twinning rate.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 77 polymorphic microsatellites in offspring from three elite sires.
- Assessment of ovulation rate via rectal palpation of corpora lutea in females aged 12-18 months.
- Examination of sire allele associations with ovulation rate, confirmed using granddaughter data.
Main Results:
- Putative ovulation rate QTL were detected on chromosomes 7 and 23.
- Marker UWCA20 on chromosome 7 explained approximately 10% of the phenotypic variation in ovulation rate.
- Marker CYP21 on chromosome 23 accounted for approximately 4% of the phenotypic variation.
Conclusions:
- Specific genetic markers, UWCA20 and CYP21, are significantly associated with ovulation rate in cattle.
- These identified QTL provide valuable targets for marker-assisted selection to enhance twinning rates in cattle breeding programs.