Project Number: 5438-31000-086-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 15, 2004
End Date: Jun 14, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to develop efficient high-throughput matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for genotyping, complemented with implementation of robust multiplex panels of SNPs as diagnostic tools for the livestock industry.

Approach:
Use USDA/ARS/USMARC SNP markers with known applications in animal ID, parentage, and production and health traits to make DNA diagnostic tests that are useful for livestock research and for livestock producers. Development of genome-wide beef SNP multiplex assays (organized by chromosome location) resulting from the international bovine sequencing project. Development of multiplex (iPLEX) panel of DNA marker tests to be used to characterize combinations of markers for growth, carcass, and meat quality traits. This panel is to be used by USMARC scientists in a population being selected for equal alleles and/or haplotype frequencies to better estimate genetic effects of DNA markers being used by the beef industry for marker-assisted selection at the present.