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CRV and DNA-markers

Innovation is important to stay in a marketing leading position. The application of genetic markers forms an innovative technique, which has already been used successfully for years by CRV. The first young bulls, which were selected with the use of genomic selection, became available in spring 2007.

Thanks to the new gene marker technology, reliable statements about a young bulls' breeding qualities can be made already at a very young age. Therefore, the best bulls can be selected at an earlier stage. By mapping the genetic information, cattle breeding can take a large leap forward!

Genomic Selection
CRV runs the research project 'G-selection' together with other parties, including Wageningen University and the University of Liege. The duration of the project is from September 2005 until 2008 and its objective is the development of a revolutionary tool based on genomics that will make balanced selection of durable breeds possible.

New era in cattle breeding: InSire
InSire is CRV’s brand name for bulls that have been selected by using breakthrough genomic selection techniques.

» Watch our InSire video (8 min.)

FAQs about genomic selection

» What is a genome and what are markers?

What is a genome and what are markers?

The heritable information of an animal is stored in its DNA. The DNA is divided into chromosomes and all the chromosomes together form the genome. Genes are responsible for the genetic differences between animals. Hundreds of genes determine an animals genetic traits and it is not known exactly where the genes are located or which variants of a gene - either good or bad - the animal possesses.

However, we can follow their heredity by using markers. Markers, which lie close to a gene, have roughly the same heredity as the gene itself. For an animal whose markers have been measured, it can be determined if the animal possesses the good or bad trait. Animals possessing the 'good' trait on many locations get a higher breeding value.

» How new is the marker technology?

How new is the marker technology?

Interest in the genetics of an animal is not new. Since the beginning of the 1990s, plenty of research has been carried out on the development of genetic markers. The gene DGAT 1 was one of the first discoveries and is a gene with a large effect on the heritability of kilograms of milk, percentage of protein and, above all, the percentage of fat produced by a cow. The difference in breeding value between the two variants of the gene is +354 kilograms of milk, -0.34% fat, and +0.04% protein.

Two important recent breakthroughs made sure that genomic selection is possible. First, the genome of a cow was mapped and this meant that many more markers were available to use. And secondly the costs of the measurement of markers decreased dramatically. As a result of this it became possible to measure thousands of markers for many animals. By the use of so many markers it is possible to follow the heritability of almost all genes.

» How important are markers for CRV?

How important are markers for CRV?

CRV has already worked for years on the development and the use of genetic markers in cattle breeding. In 2006, CRV was the first breeding organisation to implement genomic selection and is now seeing a return on its investments in this technique. The number of genetic markers, in the meantime, increased to tens of thousands and due to this it is possible to map the genetic capacity of young bulls much more easily. Consequently, CRV can improve the quality of its breeding stock substantially and simultaneously react faster in a changing market.

» For which traits are markers particularly suitable?

For which traits are markers particularly suitable?

To estimate the breeding value of a bull for milk production, the performance of his daughters is taken into account. Since milk production has a high heritability, a relatively low number of daughters can give a reliable prediction for this trait. The big advantage of using markers is that these mainly add information to the functional traits with a low heritability like fertility, longevity and udder health. This results in a higher reliability than previously.

» What is the advantage of markers for me as a dairy producer?

What is the advantage of markers for me as a dairy producer?

Markers give extra information, which is also available earlier. In the future, the breeding values of a bull will not only be based on the performance of his daughters but also on marker information. The breeding value estimation of bulls will not only be more reliable as more markers will be found but also more sophisticated. This is a clear advantage for dairy producers. The velocity of genetic progression will be faster for breeding organisations that use marker-assisted selection. For the producer this means a better offer of bulls.

» Do markers mean a revolution in cattle breeding?

Do markers mean a revolution in cattle breeding?

Some expect radical changes in cattle breeding within 10 years. The current expensive system with test sires, lay off sires and proven sires would than not be necessary anymore. If it will change quickly is hard to say. Though, it is obvious that by using genomic gelection soon after the birth of a potential breeding bull it can be determined if the bull is suitable as a breeding bull or not. Besides, the selections of the sire of sons can limit the culling of the next generation bulls. On the female side, a more reliable choice can be made in the selection of maiden heifers used for ET. Dams can also be genomically tested. By using the genomic information for the selection of young bulls, the level of proven sires will increase.

» Are markers safe for the animal?

Are markers safe for the animal?

The animals are not genetically manipulated. The use of marker-assisted selection has no influence on the genes of an animal. Markers are a tool for selection at an early stage. This is done through blood testing. The integrity of an animal is not questioned with this technique. Natural genetic variation remains as the source for genetic improvement.

» What are the financial consequences of marker technology?

What are the financial consequences of marker technology?

After many years of research - and thanks to a decrease in cost price - it is now time for CRV to use genomic selection. The use of marker-assisted selection will increase the profitability of the breeding programme. This will be expressed in more genetic profit, a better price, quality ratio and a greater variety of products being offered. The technique is being widely used and is quicker. This makes testing less expensive and the results are visible - and usable - much sooner. Because of shorter waiting times in the breeding programme, the genetic improvement will be much faster.