Dr Schulman studies 12 bulls and their 493 offspring to identify which markers were associated with particular economically important traits Photo: Anne Koth

Gene mapping could help cattle breeders choose which animals to use in breeding programs, a study has shown. The use of DNA markers enables greater precision in the choice of the best animals, and makes it possible to select animals at a younger age.

A doctoral dissertation by research scientist Nina Schulman at MTT Agrifood Research Finland identified DNA markers affecting characteristics such as milk production, fertility and health in Finnish Ayrshire cattle. It also evaluated how the information could improve dairy cattle breeding.

Traditional dairy cattle breeding is relatively slow, using production information collected from animals based on their offspring. Progeny test information for a young bull is only obtained five years after the onset of semination.

Dr Schulman's research suggests a new approach: by studying an animal's genes, it may be possible to decide much sooner whether it is suitable for breeding.

She studied 12 bulls and their 493 offspring to identify which markers were associated with particular economically important traits. Some 150 different markers from 29 chromosomes were typed in whole genome scans performed on the bulls.

The study also included a simulation of how the selection of animals on the basis of genetic markers compared with traditional methods. The simulation showed that marker-assisted selection resulted in a faster genetic response.

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