Integrated program for reducing bovine respiratory disease domplex (BRDC) in cattle, coordinated agricultural project (CAP): translation of multi-omics research results into teaching programs

Abstract Text:

Bovine respiratory disease complex is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle, especially young animals exposed to stress. This disease is considered a complex because of numerous pathogens, environmental and management factors of the beef and dairy industries. Susceptibility to BRDC is also considered a complex trait as it is very polygenic. The general research objective of this CAP is to use genomic approaches to identify chromosome regions associated with susceptibility to BRDC. The genomic approaches described in the research publications from this CAP involve multiple types of data and results, such as genome-wide association and SNP-chip data, DNA and RNA sequencing, quantitative genetics and many physiological measures of the immune system. The results will be translated to beef and dairy industries via selective breeding tools and methods for disease prevention and management. These types of tools are known as genome-assisted EPD and PTA. A translational effort of research findings, which also includes cattle health and behavior results, is encompassed in multiple teaching and extension efforts described on this website: (http://www.brdcomplex.org/). Examples of the genomic translational educational effort include the Herd Health and Breeding and Genetics modules within the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium (USDETC) and two on-line graduate courses titled: I) Applied Disease Management for BRD and II) Genetics and Genomics of BRD in Cattle. Within these activities, students learn about the various types of omics data and how these data are used in the calculations of genome-assisted estimated breeding values. This CAP is now in its latter years of funding, and the research team is successfully publishing results. Therefore, quality multi-omics information is available to teach students about various types of omics data and how these data can be used in genetic improvement programs for traits that are currently difficult to measure in beef and dairy production systems. In summary, the education component of the BRDC-CAP (USDA-AFRI 2011-68004-30367) involves cross-disciplinary learning opportunities that coincide with the multi-omics research of susceptibility to BRDC.

Keywords: cattle, genomics, respiratory disease, teaching