Realities of DNA Tools for
Genetic Prediction
by Troy Smith, field editor, Angus Journal
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 4, 2013) — There is a reason why for a day or two after Thanksgiving many U.S. consumers continue to eat turkey. Leftovers keep coming because today’s commercially produced birds are big. According to geneticist Milt Thomas, larger turkeys are the result of tremendous genetic change that was accomplished through genetic selection.
The predictive power of an EPD becomes more accurate with the addition of a molecular breeding value, said Milt Thomas, faculty member and researcher at Colorado State University.
A faculty member and researcher at Colorado State University, Thomas really is more interested in genetic improvement of beef cattle. The way genomics — a DNA-based technology — aids selection of breeding cattle was the subject of a presentation Thomas delivered during the Range Beef Cow Symposium hosted Dec. 3-5, in Rapid City, S.D.
Thomas told the audience of mostly commercial cow-calf producers that genomics means “all the DNA information.” In practice, it is the application of all available DNA information to improve the accuracy of expected progeny difference (EPD) values that producers use in the selection of breeding stock.
“Genomics is exploding in a way that’s similar to the advancement of computer technology,” said Thomas, predicting that advancements will keep coming, much like new apps for cell phones. “We’ll all have to keep up, and figure out how we can use the new technology to best advantage.”
Thomas reviewed the development of EPDs as a tool kit for comparing animals for genetic merit based on each individual’s pedigree, its own performance and the performance of its progeny. Discovery of genes associated with specific characteristics or traits, and the ability to genotype individual animals (test an animal’s DNA for those genes) has facilitated a process for estimation of an animal’s molecular breeding value (MBV) relative to a particular trait. According to Thomas, the predictive power of the EPD becomes more accurate with the addition of an MBV.
Thomas said cattle breeders and breed associations will have to work hard to understand and utilize this technology as it rapidly evolves. Noting funding limitations for the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) and land-grant universities, Thomas said investment by breed associations and private industry is needed to maintain database management infrastructure necessary to keep pace.
Thomas spoke Wednesday at RBCS XXIII. Visit the Newsroom at www.rangebeefcow.com/2013 to view his PowerPoint, read his proceedings paper or listen to his presentation.
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The RBCS is a biennial educational symposium offering practical production management information. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and animal science departments of the University of Wyoming, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska.
Comprehensive coverage of the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team, the site is made possible through sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv and the cooperation of the host committee.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270.
