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Genetic approaches to selection for resistance to bovine respiratory disease
Advances in genomics, molecular genetics and genotyping technology offer unique opportunities to identify genetic variation associated with complex traits, including host resistance to infectious diseases. The Bovine Respiratory Disease Consortium is a team of scientists and educators who are exploiting these technologies to identify genomic elements underlying resistance to the bovine respiratory disease complex and translating research findings for application by the beef and dairy industries. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) in both dairy calves and beef feedlot cattle have been conducted and numerous associated loci have been identified. Promise for successful translation to genomic selection and effective breeding of resistant animals comes from our discovery of higher than expected heritabilities and some loci with reasonably large effects. Challenge of animals with single BRD associated pathogens and subsequent RNA-seq and pathway analyses complement the GWAS studies and helps provide candidate genes for causal variation underlying susceptibility. Work is underway to identify optimal clinical criteria to identify BRD for use in EPDs and translation into predicted transmitting abilities for susceptibility. This program also includes development of educational courses and a study of economic impact of BRD to both beef and dairy industries. A comprehensive extension component of the project includes outreach at every level as evidenced through the project web site ( http://www.brdcomplex.org).
Keywords: Bovine respiratory disease complex, complex traits, disease resistance, genomic approaches