The number of loci that affect milk production traits in dairy cattle.
We have used the results of an experiment mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk yield and composition to estimate the total number of QTL affecting these traits. We did this by estimating the number of segregating QTL within a half-sib daughter design using logic similar to that used to estimate the "false discovery rate" (FDR). In a half-sib daughter design with six sire families we estimate that the average sire was heterozygous for approximately 5 QTL per trait. Also, in most cases only one sire was heterozygous for any one QTL; therefore at least 30 QTL were likely to be segregating for these milk production traits in this Holstein population.
Chamberlain
Amanda Jane
AJ
Animal Genetics and Genomics Platform, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Attwood, 3049, Victoria, Australia. amanda.chamberlain@dpi.vic.gov.au
McPartlan
Helen Clare
HC
Goddard
Michael Edward
ME
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D007774:Lactation / Q000235:genetics*; D008892:Milk; D010375:Pedigree; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D019655:Quantitative Trait, Heritable