DNA technologies in beef breeding

Overview

This module is designed to be taken after the completion of Module 1 – Concepts of animal breeding and genetics, Module 2 – Breeding objectives, Module 3 – Selection Tools, Module 4 – BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values and Module 5 – Using and Understanding Breeding Values. If you have not completed all previous modules then please go back and complete them before undertaking this module.

The emergence of DNA technologies in recent years has provided beef producers with opportunities to utilise DNA information in their breeding and animal selection programs.

This module introduces the concept of DNA genotyping and discusses the major applications of DNA technologies in beef breeding. These include parentage verification, management of genetic conditions, management of qualitative traits and genomics (use in genetic evaluations including BREEDPLAN).

Learning objectives

At completion of this module, participants will:

Understand the different sample types that beef producers can collect for genotyping purposes, and the associated pros and cons of each sample type.
Understand the major applications of DNA technology in beef breeding programs.