Institute Technology Management Unit (I.T.M.U.)

Tecnology 7 - Genome wide QTLs for age at first heat and age at first calving in buffaloes.

1.Current IP Status: Complete patent application filed on 23rd June 2016 to Indian Patent Office, New Delhi.

2.Technology introduction and description: The technology relates to Genome wide identification of QTL for age at first heat and age at first calving in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using SNPs. A total of 6215 SNPs were discovered and genotyped in 12 sires and their daughters which constituted a reference family. The bulls were selected from the breed tract of Murrah buffaloes. The reference family was created for the purpose of identification of QTLs for age at first heat and age at first calving. The phenotypic records of age at first heat and age at first calving of 1762 buffalos were obtained and verified for normal distribution. The data was subjected to analysis using single marker analysis using QTL Cartographer, composite interval mapping using R/qtl and meta-QTL analysis using Biomercator. A total of 86 QTLs have been identified for age at first calving and 68 QTLs for age at first heat in buffaloes. The QTLs were present on all the 24 autosomes (BBU1 to BBU24 except p arm of BBU1 and autosomes BBU6 and BBU19 in age at first heat & autosomes BBU10, BBU22 and BBU24 for age at first calving.

3.Benefits, usefulness, problem solving, business opportunities from the technology to the Client(s):

  • QTLs shall enhance the accuracy of selection for age as first calving as the trait is lowly heritable.
  • High degree of accuracy as daughters on which phenotypes were generated had correct parentage.
  • Identifies genomic markers along the chromosome responsible for the trait of interest in buffaloes.
  • Identification of quantitative trait loci for age at first calving in buffalo.
  • Identification of quantitative trait loci for milk yield in buffalo.
  • The markers can be directly utilised for the selection of sires using linkage disequilibrium between two markers.
4.Prospective Client(s)/ Investors of the Technology: Large dairy farms, stake holders involved in productivity enhancement programme of buffaloes.

5.Expected price of the Technology: Negotiable .