“Genomics Provides Clues to Fertility” is the subject of the Feb. 28 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) webinar. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central time and features Joseph Dalton, a professor in the department of animal and veterinary science at the University of Idaho. He will share some early research results that provide hope regarding genomic selection for fertility becoming a reality on farms.
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards granted one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for this DCRC webinar. This provides veterinarians with a convenient continuing education opportunity.
“Genomic loci associated with fertility have been identified in Holstein heifers,” Dalton explained. In addition, he said single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) favorably associated with daughter pregnancy rate have been discovered and are not negatively associated with production traits.
During the Feb. 28 webinar, Dalton will address these key topics:
- When sperm in the male and oocytes in the female are produced, each gamete may not carry the exact same DNA sequence. A polymorphism may occur, which involves one or more variants of a particular DNA sequence.
- The most common polymorphism involves variation at a single nucleotide (base pair). This variation, known as SNP (“snip”), may serve as a marker for a variety of genes.
- Genetic gain and breeding value for both milk and daughter pregnancy rate in U.S. Holsteins continues to exhibit an upward trend.
- Ample opportunity exists to make significant gains in Holstein heifer fertility using genomic selection.
To register for this webinar, go HERE and follow the prompts. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate. If you are a DCRC member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar HERE (about two weeks after the webinar).
DCRC webinars are free for DCRC members. The cost for non-members is $25. Students, who aren’t DCRC members, pay $10 to attend a DCRC member. For more details about DCRC membership, go HERE.
For more information about DCRC’s webinars, e-mail Paula Basso, DCRC Education Committee chair, at: [email protected] or e-mail DCRC at: [email protected].
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council is focused on bringing together all sectors of the dairy industry – producers, consultants, academia and allied industry professionals – for improved reproductive performance. DCRC provides an unprecedented opportunity for all groups to work together to take dairy cattle reproduction to the next level.