Genetic markers for polled condition in cattle: the current status and the future plans

Abstract

Breeding polled cattle is a non-invasive alternative to the practice of dehorning. Horn status is presumably under the control of three genes i.e. polled, African horn, and scurs, especially in Bos indicus cattle. A research project was initiated with an aim to develop markers for determining the genetic status of genes underpinning the inheritance of horns. The results from an initial whole genome scan and a targeted fine scale mapping experiment led to the development of a validated molecular marker predicting the genetic status at the polled locus with a high degree of accuracy (>90%). Currently, accurate phenotypes of horn status are being recorded on the progeny generated on a collaborating Brahman breeding property. Future research plans involve whole genome scan of this resource population to understand scurs inheritance and to ascertain the existence of African horn gene.