Project Number: 5434-31000-016-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 01, 2007
End Date: May 31, 2010

Objective:
1) Enhance research expertise of the ARC-Animal Improvement Institute; 2) Conduct analyses of: a) whole genome scan to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) and b) marker assisted introgression (MAI) experiments; 3) Examine issues of experimental design relevant to identifying quantitative trait loci, and 4) Develop technologies to enhance profitability and sustainability of beef production.

Approach:
Scientists from ARC-Animal Improvement Institute will visit the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory to participate in relevant research. Specifically, the initial visiting scientist, in collaboration with ARS scientists, 1) evaluate the introgression of a small segment of chromosome 6 into a Line 1 Hereford background; and 2) fine map QTL in Line 1 Hereford x CGC composite and/or Wagyu x Limousin populations. Draft manuscripts detailing both projects and a review of experimental design issues affecting QTL discovery will be developed. Subsequent visiting scientists will be engaged in collaborative development of breeding objectives for South Africa and evaluation of approaches to improve biological efficiency of beef production. As before, draft manuscripts detailing results of these works will be developed collaboratively.