Abstract

We previously mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting the trait non-return rate at 56 days in heifers to bovine chromosome 9. The purpose of this study was to confirm and refine the position of the QTL by using a denser marker map and fine mapping methods. Five families that previously showed segregation for the QTL were included in the study. The mapping population consisted of 139 bulls in a granddaughter design. All bulls were genotyped for 25 microsatellite markers surrounding the QTL on chromosome 9. We also analysed the correlated trait number of inseminations per service period in heifers. Both traits describe the heifer's ability to become pregnant after insemination. Linkage analysis, linkage disequilibrium and combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis were used to analyse the data. Analysis of the families jointly by linkage analysis resulted in a significant but broad QTL peak for non-return rate. Results from the combined analysis gave a sharp QTL peak with a well-defined maximum in between markers BMS1724 and BM7209, at the same position as where the highest peak from the linkage disequilibrium analysis was found. One of the sire families segregated clearly at this position and the difference in effects between the two sire haplotypes was 2.9 percentage units in non-return rate. No significant results were found for the number of inseminations in the combined analysis

Published in

Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics
2007, Volume: 124, number: 5, pages: 257-263
Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING

SLU Authors

• Holmberg, Mia

  • Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Andersson-Eklund, Lena

  • Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science


Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00669.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/16886