A Dairy Calf DNA Biobank for the Discovery of New Recessive Genetic Disorders

This abstract describes the establishment of a new DNA biobank to support the discovery of new recessive genetic disorders in the U.S. dairy cattle population. High-density single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes have recently been used to identify a number of novel recessive mutations that adversely affect fertility in dairy cattle, but the lack of consistent procedures for collecting DNA samples and supporting information for those projects underscores the need for a standardized process. The new Dairy Calf DNA BioBank in Beltsville, MD, is a repository for the collection and storage of samples. It complements the automated process of searching for new haplotypes that is part of the national dairy genetic evaluation system. The goal is to collect whole blood from calves that are born dead or that die shortly after birth, particularly if the calf appears to suffer from a congenital defect, as well as DNA from its dam and a sibling in the herd. Kits that include all sampling materials, a pre-paid return shipping label, a material transfer agreement, and a protocol for sample collection are shipped upon receipt of a request through the website. DNA providers are also able to provide substantial descriptive information about the calves for which they’re providing blood, including digital photographs. When the samples are received in Beltsville, the DNA is extracted and stored for future analysis. The material transfer agreement ensures that a clear chain of permissions is available for every sample. If a pattern emerges to suggest that there is a new recessive genetic disorder in the population the DNA is available for sequencing and causal variant discovery. Standardized protocols for DNA extraction and whole-genome sequencing will help ensure that data are of high quality. Information on carrier status for new recessives will be distributed through the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (Bowie, MD). The URL for the BioBank website is: http://aipl.arsusda.gov/BioBank/.