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Genetic Architecture and Biological Basis of Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cattle

Monday, August 18, 2014: 2:30 PM
Stanley Park Ballroom (The Westin Bayshore)
Diane M. Spurlock , Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Robert J. Tempelman , Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Kent A. Weigel , University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Louis E. Armentano , University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
George R. Wiggans , Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD
Roel F. Veerkamp , Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Yvette de Haas , Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
Mike P Coffey , SRUC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Erin E Connor , USDA-ARS, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
Mark D. Hanigan , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Charles R Staples , Dept. of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Michael J. VandeHaar , Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Recorded Presentation (flv)
Abstract Text:

ABSTRACT: The genetic architecture of residual feed intake (RFI) and related traits was evaluated using a dataset of 2,894 cows. A Bayesian analysis estimated that markers accounted for 14% of the variance in RFI, and RFI had considerable genetic variation. Effects of marker windows were small, but QTL peaks were identified. Six of 8 chromosomes harboring QTL influencing RFI did not contain QTL influencing dry matter intake (DMI), net energy for lactation, or metabolic body weight. In contrast, 7 of 9 chromosomes with QTL influencing DMI also harbored QTL for one or more of the other traits evaluated. These results represent the first genomic analysis of RFI using a large (~3,000 animals) international dataset. In general they suggest RFI is a trait that should respond to selection, and that its genetic regulation is different from that of DMI.  

Keywords:

dairy cattle

feed efficiency

genome wide association study

See more of: Symposium: Improving Nutrient Utilization and Reducing the Environmental Impact of Dairy Operations through Genetic or Genomic Selection
See more of: Species Breeding: Dairy cattle
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