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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #328450
Title: Genetics, genomics and fertility

Author
item DALTON, JOSEPH - University Of Idaho
item MOORE, DALE - Washington State University
item SPENCER, THOMAS - University Of Missouri
item HANSEN, PETER - University Of Florida
item Cole, John
item NEIBERGS, HOLLY - Washington State University

Submitted to: Society of Theriogenology Annual Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/2016
Publication Date: 9/1/2016
Citation: Dalton, J., Moore, D., Spencer, T.E., Hansen, P.J., Cole, J.B., Neibergs, H. 2016. Genetics, genomics and fertility. Society of Theriogenology Annual Conference Proceedings. Clinical Theriogenology 8(3):165-170.

Interpretive Summary: Genome-wide association studies are powerful tools for improving understanding of the genetic make-up and performance potential of animals. Genomic testing and selection is underway on many dairies today. Recent research on dairy cow fertility provides evidence that 1) there are ample opportunities to make significant gains in Holstein heifer fertility using genomic selection, and 2) there are a large number of DNA markers associated with daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) that do not have negative associations with production traits, which my allow farmers to select for improved DPR without compromising milk, fat, and protein production. Identification of genomic loci associated with fertility in first-lactation Holstein cows is underway, with results expected in late 2016-2017.

Technical Abstract: In order to enhance the sustainability of dairy businesses, new management tools are needed to increase the fertility of dairy cattle. Genomic selection has been successfully used by AI studs to screen potential sires and significantly decrease the generation interval of bulls. Buoyed by the success of genomic selection on the male side, coupled with continuing fertility challenges on the female side, researchers are investigating genomics and the potential to increase the fertility of lactating dairy cattle. Genome-wide association assays are powerful tools being used by scientists to gain greater insight into the genetic make-up and potential of animals. Genomic testing and selection is underway on many dairies today. Producers are sampling animals while still young ---- and employing a variety of management strategies to optimize use of their cattle. In fact, nearly 250,000 females were genotyped in 2014, with greater than 100,000 sampled before 6 months of age. Promising research results provide evidence that 1) there may be ample opportunity to make significant gains in Holstein heifer fertility using genomic selection, and 2) there are a large number of SNPs associated with DPR that are not negatively associated with production traits, perhaps allowing for selection for DPR without compromising production. Lastly, identification of genomic loci associated with fertility in primiparous Holstein lactating cows is underway, with results expected in late 2016-2017.