Select Sires

SELECTIONS - Fall 2005
Welcome to the Genomics Era

by Chuck Sattler, vice president, genetic programs

It’s a well-accepted scientific fact that the sequence of bases contained in DNA direct the function of living cells and organisms. We know there are genetic differences in cattle (differences in the DNA) that make Holsteins different from Angus and Jerseys and make some individual cows more profitable than others.

The dream of finding these DNA differences and matching them to physical and performance differences has been elusive. There have been successes in this area, though. DNA tests are available to identify carriers of several genetic defects and also for coat color. These tests are useful tools that help us manage these traits in our herds. The search for genetic markers in traits that are influenced by many genes continues and discoveries will likely accelerate as the effort to sequence the bovine genome is completed.

Our goal at Select Sires is to be the premier provider of cattle genetics. You can depend on us to evaluate new genetic tools and incorporate those that are effective and affordable into our programs and products. That is why Select Sires is partnering with Merial in developing and marketing DNA testing services. The partnership combines the cattle breeding expertise of Select Sires with the marketing strength and global reach of Merial. It also allows both companies to spread the research and development costs over a wider variety of applications.

Some exciting offerings through Merial’s IGENITY testing services are IGENITY ComponentMAKER™ and IGENITY OptiYIELD™. These tests have been widely researched with the results repeatedly showing a positive relationship to milk production. Current estimates of the impact of these tests on production are listed in Table 1.

In addition, a new test called DuraMAX™ has been added to the list of available tests. DuraMAX looks at variations in the leptin gene that are strongly linked to differences in the linear type trait Dairy Form. Several recent studies have shown that cows with lower scores for Dairy Form or cows that carry more body condition have higher pregnancy rates and longer productive lives.

These DNA tests are especially useful in situations where the amount of available genetic information is limited. This is the case with young animals that have no lactation records or progeny. Using the test results and then choosing animals with favorable genotypes will improve selection of young sires bound for A.I. sampling, potential replacement heifers or in selecting the best females among impact of these tests on production are listed in Table 1.

Table 1

Select Sires is using these tests to help select bull calves entering the Program for Genetic Advancement™ (PGA™) program. We have also tested our lineup sires and have published the results. Studying these results in a group of animals with highly reliable genetic evaluations will give you a better understanding of how these tests can be used in your breeding program. Please ask for a listing of these results from your local sales representative or visit www.selectsires.com.

The pace of discovery in this area of DNA technology is accelerating. Stay tuned for new developments and ask your Select Sires sales representative about testing services.

™IGENITY ComponentMAKER, IGENITY OptiYIELD and DuraMAX are trademarks of Merial, Duluth, GA

Return to SELECTIONS Table of Contents

Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751