Screening Kit for Increased Lactation in US Holsteins
- Detailed Technology Description
- This technology is a new method for the genetic screening of dairy cattle.
- Countries
- United States
- Application No.
- 7803919
- *Abstract
-
This technology is a new method for the genetic screening of dairy cattle. Researchers at the University of Illinois, in collaboration with Israeli dairy researchers, have isolated a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the Bovine ABCG2 gene in Holstein Cows which increases the fat and protein content of milk. Using a DNA test kit, farmers can quickly and easily isolate the "super-producers" within their herd. Once the cattle have been identified, farmers can use selective breeding to increase the overall net production of their cows.
DESCRIPTION/DETAILS
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs are a type of point mutation in DNA where one nucleotide is altered. Illinois researchers have discovered a SNP on the ABCG2 gene of U.S. Holstein cattle which affects the fat and protein content during lactation. Through the isolation of this trait, it is now possible to produce a screening kit for selective breeding.Through diagnostic screening, farmers can now perform a DNA test to search for the desired SNP on the ABCG2 gene. From there, selective breeding produces the maximum number of high-yield daughters and potential sires. With the screening process that this technology offers, dairy farmers have the ability develop higher quality milk, thereby increasing profits.
APPLICATIONS
- Any dairy farm that raises U.S. Holsteins.
- For use in conjunction with existing genetic screening platforms.
- Development of a more productive and profitable herd.
BENEFITS
- Take guess-work out of breeding cattle: This is an exciting new screening kit that assists farmers in making more precise mating decisions based on higher milk yield.
- Impact on dairy industry: This technology will significantly increase the overall output of saleable milk for any U.S. Holstein dairy farmer.
- Increases milk yield in selectively bred heifers: This screening and breeding process will increase the net merit advantage of dairy cattle.
- Potential to control expression of allele: This process makes possible the development of small molecules to modulate the expression of the ABCG2 gene.
For more information about this technology, please contact the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office of Technology Management at otm@illinois.edu.
- *IP Issue Date
- None
- *IP Type
- Utility
- Country/Region
- USA
