Reconstitution and modernization of lost Holstein male lineages using samples from a gene bank

C. D. Dechow, W. S. Liu, L. W. Specht, H. Blackburn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

More than 99% of all known Holstein artificial insemination (AI) bulls in the United States can be traced through their male lineage to just 2 bulls born in the 1950s, and all Holstein bulls can be traced back to 2 bulls born in the late 1800s. As the Y chromosome is passed exclusively from sire to son, this suggests that variation is limited for much of the Y chromosome. Two additional male lineages that are separate from modern lineages before 1890 were present at the start of the AI era and had semen available from the USDA National Animal Germplasm Program (Fort Collins, CO). Semen from representatives of those lineages were used for in vitro embryo production by mating to elite modern genetic females, resulting in the birth of 7 bulls and 8 heifers. Genomic evaluation of the bulls suggested that lineages from the beginning of the AI era could be reconstituted to breed average for total economic merit in 1 generation when mated to elite females due to high genetic merit for fertility, near-average genetic merit for fat and protein yield, and below-average genetic merit for udder and physical conformation. Semen from the bulls is commercially available to facilitate Y chromosome research and efforts to restore lost genetic diversity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4510-4516
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of dairy science
Volume103
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reconstitution and modernization of lost Holstein male lineages using samples from a gene bank'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this