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

Tecnology 8 - Genome wide QTLs for milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage and total milk fat and total Protein.

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 QTLs for milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, total milk fat yield and total milk protein yield in first lactation in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using Genome wide SNPs. A total of 6215 SNPs were discovered on 24 autosomes 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 milk yield. The phenotypic records of first lactation milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage in three different stages of lactation were recorded for 1762 buffalos 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 310 QTLs have been identified for the fat percent, protein percent, total fat yield and total protein yield during first lactation in buffaloes. The number of QTLs was 71 for milk fat percentage, 70 for milk protein percentage, 84 for total milk fat yield and 85 for total milk protein yield. The QTLs were present on all the autosomes BBU1 to BBU24 except q arm of BBU3 and autosome BBU13 for milk fat percentage, q arm of BBU3 and autosome BBU10 in milk protein percentage, p arm of BBU2 and BBU5 and autosome BBU17 & BBU23 in total milk fat yield and p arm of BBU4 in total milk protein yield.

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

  • QTLs shall enhance the accuracy of selection for milk fat / protein percent 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 milk fat / protein percent in buffalo.
  • Identification of chromosomal region associated with the QTL.
  • 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 enhancing fat and protein yield in buffaloes.

5.Expected price of the Technology: Negotiable .