Expert advocates the A,B,‘P’s for genetic testing
Expert advocates the A,B,‘P’s for genetic testing - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
| 31 March 2010 |
 DNA marker technologies promise much but producers should apply the three ‘P’s to identify whether the technology is right for their businesses, a visiting US genetics extension specialist says.Dr Alison Van Eenennaam (left), from the University of California, says the questions producers should ask themselves are: Is it possible, is it practical and is it profitable? “DNA marker technology is in the development stage for the beef industry,” Dr Van Eenennaam says. “The technology is evolving at a rapid rate and it is difficult to keep up to speed with the latest developments.” Until now farmers have been breeding cattle based on their performance and that of relatives – without being able to take a detailed look ‘under the bonnet’ of the animals’ DNA to pinpoint the genes that produce a good effect. In the 21st century, mapping of the bovine’s genome is helping to increase the accuracy and range of these breeding predictions. The Beef CRC has undertaken decades of work identifying new traits and their associated heritability. To help producers and extension specialists better understand how to use these technologies, Dr Van Eenennaam advises to think of the three ‘P’s: Is it possible? What information is there that the DNA test works? The Beef CRC has worked to independently test new panels of DNA markers in Australian populations and validate that tests are performing in accordance with the claims of the companies selling the tests. Is it practical? What information is provided by the test and how will it be used? For example, is it worth investing in a genetic test that improves the accuracy of genetic merit estimates for marbling score? A stud breeder using DNA information to inform selection decisions may have different commercial uses for DNA technologies than a feedlotter using the information to sort groups of cattle. Is it profitable? The most important question to ask of DNA testing is whether it is profitable? From a genetic improvement perspective does the DNA information accelerate the rate of genetic progress sufficiently to pay for the cost of testing? The answer to this question will depend on the selection index and attributes of the seedstock herd and its customers. Ideally genetic test information will be included into estimates of genetic merit (EBV). The Beef CRC has an active genomics research program to identify DNA tests that will account for at least 15 percent of genetic variation for a range of important production traits such as feed efficiency, beef tenderness, marbling and female reproductive rates. Dr Van Eenennaam was in Australia to present at a Genomics Master Class organised by the Beef CRC in Armidale on 30-31 March 2010 for specialists working in the education and breeding technology fields for the beef, sheep and dairy industries.. |
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