General Session II
Integrating Genomics with Animal Health:
Genomics of Vaccine Response
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Beef Bulletin EXTRABOZEMAN, Mont. (June 2, 2011) — While beef cattle breeders have successfully developed expected progeny difference (EPD) values for a large number of traits, genetic prediction for animal health remains undeveloped. Speaking during the Beef Improvement Federation’s 43rd Annual Research Symposium, in Bozeman, Mont., South Dakota State University geneticist Michael Gonda explained research targeting development of a DNA test that producers could use to select for healthier cattle.
Gonda has sought to measure individual animal response to vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) by checking blood antibody levels. His study also looked at how vaccine response might differ among calves by different sires. Results suggest a link between sire and calf vaccination response — strong evidence that the response was at least partially controlled by genetics.
Gonda’s research team also tested whether a polymorphism in the leptin gene was associated with vaccine response. The leptin gene has been associated with carcass and growth traits. The objective was to determine whether producers might have inadvertently selected for lower disease immunity when making selections based on this leptin polymorphism. However, results suggest there is no association with BVD vaccine response.
Gonda said the study represents just a first step toward development of a DNA test for vaccine response. Some questions remain unanswered.
“One question is whether measurement of antibodies explains all of the vaccine response. My guess is that it does not, and other factors are involved,” Gonda said. “I want to build a resource population to collect phenotypes that can be used for DNA testing.”
Gonda also wants to determine the genetic correlation between vaccine response and disease susceptibility, as well as the correlation to other economically important traits. He hopes to determine which DNA markers are associated with vaccine. After discovery, these associations will need to be confirmed in an independent gene mapping population. The next task, Gonda said, will be to develop a selection tool based on DNA markers.
To listen to this presentation and to view the proceedings paper and PowerPoint that accompanied it, visit the Newsroom at www.BIFconference.com.
BIF’s 43rd Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting was hosted June 1-4 on campus at Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont.
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