Calving Characteristics

Abstract
The invention relates to a method for determining calving characteristics in bovine subjects, wherein calving characteristics comprise stillbirth, calving difficulty and calf size at birth, which are all economically important factors. In particular, the method of the invention involves identification of genetic markers and/or Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for the determination of calving characteristics in a bovine subject. The determination of calving characteristics involves resolution of the specific microsatellite status. Furthermore, the invention relates to a diagnostic kit for detection of genetic marker(s) associated with calving characteristics. The method and kit of the present invention can be applied for selection of bovine subjects for breeding purposes. Thus, the invention provides a method of genetically selecting bovine subjects with calving characteristics that will yield cows less prone to stillbirth, calving difficulties and undesired calf size at birth.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to calving characteristics in bovine subjects. In particular, the invention relates to genetic markers for the determination of calving characteristics in a bovine subject and a diagnostic kit for detection of genetic marker(s) associated with calving characteristics.


BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Stillbirth, calving difficulty and calf size at birth are economic important calving traits, which are included in the Danish dairy cattle breeding program (Pedersen et al., 2003). The incidence of stillbirths for Holstein cattle has increased in several Holstein populations during the last two decades (Hansen et al., 2004). The increased incidence of stillbirths reduces the potential number of replacement heifers in dairy cattle herds and is associated with ethical problems.


Both direct and maternal genetic components are associated with the calving traits. In Danish Holstein, the heritability (h2) estimates of the calving traits, measured as a direct sire effect (h2=0.05-0.19) are higher than the heritability estimates of the calving traits measured as a maternal grand sire effect (h2=0.04-0.06). The genetic correlation between calving traits measured as a direct sire effect (0.69-0.93) are markedly higher than the genetic correlation between calving traits measured as a maternal grand sire effect (0.01-0.62). The genetic component associated with the calving traits may be due to the segregation of one or more quantitative trait loci (QTL).


Quantitative trait locus (QTL) is a region of DNA that is associated with a particular trait (e.g. a disease or calving characteristics). A QTL is not necessarily a gene itself, but rather a DNA region that is closely linked to the genes that underlie the trait in question. Most likely, a QTL is a set of genes that collectively encode a quantitative trait that varies continuously across a population. Thus, the allelic variation of the QTL is associated with variation in a quantitative trait. The presence of QTL is inferred from genetic mapping, in which the genetic location of the QTL is determined relative to known genetic markers.


The identification of genetic markers that are linked to a particular phenotype, such as calving traits or to a heritable disease, has been facilitated by the discovery of microsatellite markers as a source of polymorphic markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to a mutation causing a specific phenotype. Markers linked to the mutation or the mutation itself causing a specific phenotype of interest are localised by use of genetic analysis in pedigrees and also by exploiting linkage disequilibrium (LD) when looking at populations


Linkage disequilibrium reflects recombination events dating back in history and the use of LD mapping within families increases the resolution of mapping. LD exists when observed haplotypes in a population do not agree with the haplotype frequencies predicted by multiplying together the frequency of individual genetic markers in each haplotype. In this respect the term haplotype means a set of closely linked genetic markers present on one chromosome which tend to be inherited together.


In order for LD mapping to be efficient the density of genetic markers needs to be compatible with the distance across which LD extends in the given population. In a study of LD in dairy cattle population using a high number of genetic markers (284 autosomal microsatellite markers) it was demonstrated that LD extends over several tens of centimorgans for intrachromosomal markers (Farnir et al. 2000). Similarly, Georges, M (2000) reported that the location of a genetic marker that is linked to a particular phenotype in livestock typically has a confidence interval of 20-30 cM (corresponding to maybe 500-1000 genes) (Georges, M., 2000). The existence of linkage disequilibrium is taken into account in order to use maps of particular regions of interest with high confidence.


Several QTL have been detected for calving traits in other Holstein populations (e.g. Kühn et al., 2003; Schrooten et al., 2000; Elo et al., 1999). Some QTL may affect more than one trait, and some QTL may even be located at the same chromosomal position for different traits. If the QTL affects multiple traits then it is important, for e.g. selection purposes, to test if it is a pleiotropic or linked QTL affecting the traits.


Calving traits such as stillbirth, calving difficulty and calf size are not easily predicted. The use of genetic analysis and genetic selection appears to be a possible method for prognostication of these calving traits. Once mapped, a QTL can be usefully applied in marker assisted selection.


SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an application method for marker assisted selection of polymorphisms in the bovine genome, wherein polymorphisms are associated with calving trait characteristics, such as still birth, calving difficulties, and calf size; and/or provide genetic markers for use in such a method, and/or to provide animals selected using the method of the invention.


One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of determining calving characteristics in a bovine subject, comprising detecting in a sample from said bovine subject the presence or absence of at least one genetic marker that is linked to at least one trait indicative of increased risk of stillbirth and/or increased risk of calving difficulties and/or increased risk of non-desired calf size, wherein said at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers INRA006 and BM7225 and/or

    • BTA4 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1788 and MGTG4B and/or,
    • BTA5 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1095 and BM2830 and/or,
    • BTA7 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM7160 and BL1043 and/or,
    • BTA8 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-11 and BMS836 and/or,
    • BTA9 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS2151 and BMS1967 and/or,
    • BTA10 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK2658 and BMS2614 and/or,
    • BTA11 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM716 and HEL13 and/or,
    • BTA12 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS410 and BMS2724 and/or,
    • BTA15 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BR3510 and BMS429 and/or,
    • BTA18 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-31 and DIK4013 and/or,
    • BTA19 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM9202 and BMS601 and/or,
    • BTA20 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM3517 and UWCA26 and/or,
    • BTA21 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK5182 and IDVGA-30 and/or,
    • BTA22 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers CSSM26 and BM4102 and/or,
    • BTA24 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS917 and BMS3024 and/or,
    • BTA25 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers ILSTS102 and AF5 and/or,
    • BTA26 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS651 and BM7237 and/or,
    • BTA28 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers,
    • BMC6020 and BMC2208, wherein the presence of said at least one genetic marker is indicative of calving characteristics of said bovine subject and/or off-spring therefrom.


A second aspect of the present invention relates to diagnostic kit for use in detecting the presence in a bovine subject of at least one genetic marker associated with bovine calving characteristics, comprising at least one oligonucleotide sequence, wherein the nucleotide sequences are selected from any of SEQ ID NO.: 1 to SEQ ID NO.: 558 and/or any combination thereof.





DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1: Genome scan of BTA3 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 2: Genome scan of BTA4 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 3: Genome scan of BTA7 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 4: Genome scan of BTA7 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 5: Genome scan of BTA8 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 6: Genome scan of BTA8 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number I in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 7: Genome scan of BTA9 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 8: Genome scan of BTA10 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 9: Genome scan of BTA12 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 10: Genome scan of BTA12 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 11: Genome scan of BTA15 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 12: Genome scan of BTA18 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 13: Genome scan of BTA18 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 14: Genome scan of BTA18 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 15: Genome scan of BTA18 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 16: Genome scan of BTA19 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 17: Genome scan of BTA20 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 18: Genome scan of BTA21 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 19: Genome scan of BTA22 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 20: Genome scan of BTA22 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 21: Genome scan of BTA24 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 22: Genome scan of BTA25 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 23: Genome scan of BTA25 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 24: Genome scan of BTA26 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 25: Genome scan of BTA26 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 26: Genome scan of BTA26 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 27: Genome scan of BTA28 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. Calving parameters are designated by D: Direct effect, M Maternal effect, while LK corresponds to stillbirth, FL correspond to calving difficulty, and ST correspond to calf size. The number 1 in calving parameter designates that data is derived from first calving. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 28: Genome scan of BTA5 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.



FIG. 29: Genome scan of BTA11 in relation to calving characteristics. Numbers refer to ‘herdbook number’ and calving parameter, respectively. The X-axis represents the distance of the chromosome expressed in Morgan according to the positions employed in this analysis. The Y-axis represents the test-statistics of the QTL analysis expressed in the F-value. High F-values are indicative of genes, which affect the investigated calving traits.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to genetic determinants of calving characteristics in dairy cattle. Calving traits, such as calving difficulties, stillbirths and calf size are economically important factors in the dairy industry. Therefore, it is of economic interest to identity those bovine subjects that have a genetic predisposition for specific calving characteristics. Bovine subjects with genetic predisposition for calving characteristics are carriers of non-desired traits, which both complicate calving, and can be passed on to their offspring.


The term “bovine subject” refers to cattle of any breed and is meant to include both cows and bulls, whether adult or newborn animals. No particular age of the animals are denoted by this term. One example of a bovine subject is a member of the Holstein breed. In one embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Holstein-Friesian cattle population. In another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Holstein Swartbont cattle population. In another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Deutsche Holstein Schwarzbunt cattle population. In another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the US Holstein cattle population. In one embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Red and White Holstein breed. In another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Deutsche Holstein Schwarzbunt cattle population. In one embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of any family, which include members of the Holstein breed. In one embodiment the bovine subject is a member of the Danish Red population. In another embodiment the bovine subject is a member of the Finnish Ayrshire population. In yet another embodiment the bovine subject is a member of the Swedish Red population. In a further embodiment the bovine subject is a member of the Danish Holstein population. In another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Swedish Red and White population. In yet another embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of the Nordic Red population.


In one embodiment of the present invention, the bovine subject is selected from the group consisting of Swedish Red and White, Danish Red, Finnish Ayrshire, Holstein-Friesian, Danish Holstein and Nordic Red. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bovine subject is selected from the group consisting of Finnish Ayrshire and Swedish Red cattle. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bovine subject is selected from the group consisting of Finnish Ayrshire and Swedish Red cattle.


In one embodiment, the bovine subject is selected from the group of breeds shown in table 1a









TABLE 1a







Breed names and breed codes assigned by ICAR


(International Committee for Animal Recording)












Breed
National Breed



Breed
Code
Names Annex







Abondance
AB




Tyrol Grey
AL
2.2



Angus
AN
2.1



Aubrac
AU



Ayrshire
AY
2.1



Belgian Blue
BB



Blonde d'Aquitaine
BD



Beefmaster
BM



Braford
BO



Brahman
BR



Brangus
BN



Brown Swiss
BS
2.1



Chianina
CA



Charolais
CH



Dexter
DR



Galloway
GA
2.2



Guernsey
GU



Gelbvieh
GV



Hereford, horned
HH



Hereford, polled
HP



Highland Cattle
HI



Holstein
HO
2.2



Jersey
JE



Limousin
LM



Maine-Anjou
MA



Murray-Grey
MG



Montbéliard
MO



Marchigiana
MR



Normandy
NO**



Piedmont
PI
2.2



Pinzgau
PZ



European Red Dairy Breed
[RE]*
2.1, 2.2



Romagnola
RN



Holstein, Red and White
RW***
2.2



Salers
SL**



Santa Gertrudis
SG



South Devon
SD



Shorthorn
[SH]*
2.2



Simmental
SM
2.2



Sahiwal
SW



Tarentaise
TA



Welsh Black
WB



Buffalo (Bubalis bubalis)
BF







*new breed code



**change from earlier code because of existing code in France



***US proposal WW






In one embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of a breed selected from the group of breeds shown in table 1b









TABLE 1b







Breed names


National Breed Names








English Name
National names












Angus
Including
Aberdeen Angus




Canadian Angus




American Angus




German Angus


Ayrshire
Including
Ayrshire in




Australia




Canada




Colombia




Czech Republic




Finland




Kenya




New Zealand




Norway (NRF)




Russia




South Africa




Sweden (SRB) and SAB




UK




US




Zimbabwe


Belgian Blue
French:
Blanc-bleu Belge



Flemish:
Witblauw Ras van Belgie


Brown Swiss
German:
Braunvieh



Italian:
Razza Bruna



French:
Brune



Spanish:
Bruna, Parda Alpina



Serbo-Croatian:
Solvenacko belo



Czech:
Hnedy Karpatsky



Romanian:
Shivitskaja



Russian:
Bruna



Bulgarian:
B'ljarska kafyava


European Red Dairy Breed
Including
Danish Red




Angeln




Swedish Red and White




Norwegian Red and White




Estonian Red




Latvian Brown




Lithuranian Red




Byelorus Red




Polish Red Lowland









In one embodiment, the bovine subject is a member of a breed selected from the group of breeds shown in table 1c









TABLE 1c







Breed names


National Breed Names








English Name
National names












European Red Dairy Breed

Ukrainian Polish Red


(continued)

(French Rouge Flamande?)




(Belgian Flamande Rouge?)


Galloway:
Including
Black and Dun




Galloway




Belted Galloway




Red Galloway




White Galloway


Holstein, Black and White:
Dutch:
Holstein Swartbout



German:
Deutsche Holstein, schwarzbunt



Danish:
Sortbroget Dansk Malkekvaeg



British:
Holstein Friesian



Swedish:
Svensk Låglands Boskaap



French:
Prim Holstein



Italian:
Holstein Frisona



Spanish:
Holstein Frisona


Holstein, Red and White
Dutch:
Holstein, roodbunt



German:
Holstein, rotbunt



Danish:
Roedbroget Dansk Malkekvaeg


Piedmont
Italian:
Piemontese


Shorthorn
Including
Dairy Shorthorn




Beef Shorthorn




Polled Shorthorn








Simmental
Including dual purpose and beef use










German:
Fleckvieh



French:
Simmental Française



Italian:
Razza Pezzata Rossa



Czech:
Cesky strakatý



Slovakian:
Slovensky strakaty



Romanian:
Baltata româneasca



Russian:
Simmentalskaja


Tyrol Grey
German:
Tiroler Grauvieh




Oberinntaler Grauvieh




Rätisches Grauvieh



Italian:
Razza Grigia Alpina









The term “genetic marker” refers to a variable nucleotide sequence (polymorphism) of the DNA on the bovine chromosome. The variable nucleotide sequence can be identified by methods known to a person skilled in the art, for example by using specific oligonucleotides in for example amplification methods and/or hybridization techniques and/or observation of a size difference. However, the variable nucleotide sequence may also be detected by sequencing or for example restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The variable nucleotide sequence may be represented by a deletion, an insertion, repeats, and/or a point mutation. Thus, a genetic marker comprises a variable number of polymorphic alleles.


One type of genetic marker is a microsatellite marker that is linked to a quantitative trait locus. Microsatellite markers refer to short sequences repeated after each other. In short sequences are for example one nucleotide, such as two nucleotides, for example three nucleotides, such as four nucleotides, for example five nucleotides, such as six nucleotides, for example seven nucleotides, such as eight nucleotides, for example nine nucleotides, such as ten nucleotides. However, changes sometimes occur and the number of repeats may increase or decrease. The specific definition and locus of the polymorphic microsatellite markers can be found in the USDA genetic map (Kappes et al. 1997; or by following the link to U.S. Meat Animal Research Center http://www.marc.usda.gov/).


In one embodiment of the present invention, specific marker alleles are linked to quantitative trait loci affecting calving characteristics.


It is furthermore appreciated that the nucleotide sequences of the genetic markers of the present invention are genetically linked to traits for calving in a bovine subject. Consequently, it is also understood that a number of genetic markers may be generated from the nucleotide sequence of the DNA region(s) flanked by and including the genetic markers according to the method of the present invention.


Calving Trait Characteristics

Calving in a bovine subject is affected by a number of characteristics. Traits that affect calving according to the present invention are for example the occurrence of stillbirth (SB), calving difficulty (CD) and the size of the calf at birth (CS). The traits are assessed by a direct effect (D) of the sire in the calf. However, the traits are also assessed as a maternal effect (M) of the sire in the mother of the calf.


By the term calving characteristics is meant traits which affect calving in the bovine subject or its off-spring. Thus, calving characteristics of a bull are physically manifested by its off-spring—both female and male.


In the present invention calving characteristics comprise the traits SB, CD, and CS, which refer to the following characteristics:


SB: Designates stillbirths.


CS: Size of calves.


CD: Calving difficulties, which are based on registrations from the farmers where it is subjectively registered how difficult the calving is. The calving difficulties consist of four categories:

    • 1: easy with no help
    • 2: easy with assistance
    • 3: difficult but without veterinary assistance
    • 4: difficult with veterinary assistance


In one embodiment of the present invention, the method and kit described herein relates to still births, calving difficulties as categorized herein and/or calf size. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method and kit described herein relates to still births. In another embodiment, the method and kit of the present invention pertains to calving difficulties, such as detected by the calving difficulty categories described above. In yet another embodiment, the method and kit of the present invention relates to calf size. In another embodiment of the present invention, the method and kit described herein relates to any combination of still birth, calving difficulties and/or calf size.


Granddaughter Design

The granddaughter design includes analysing data from DNA-based markers for grandsires that have been used extensively in breeding and for sons of grandsires where the sons have produced offspring. The phenotypic data that are to be used together with the DNA-marker data are derived from the daughters of the sons. Such phenotypic data could be for example milk production features, features relating to calving, meat quality, or disease. One group of daughters has inherited one allele from their father whereas a second group of daughters has inherited the other allele from their father. By comparing data from the two groups information can be gained whether a fragment of a particular chromosome is harbouring one or more genes that affect the trait in question. It may be concluded whether a QTL is present within this fragment of the chromosome.


A prerequisite for performing a granddaughter design is the availability of detailed phenotypic data. In the present invention such data have been available (http://www.Ir.dk/kvaeq/diverse/principles.pdf).


In contrast, DNA markers can be used directly to provide information of the traits passed on from parents to one or more of their offspring when a number of DNA markers on a chromosome have been determined for one or both parents and their offspring. The markers may be used to calculate the genetic history of the chromosome linked to the DNA markers.


Frequency of Recombination

The frequency of recombination is the likelihood that a recombination event will occur between two genes or two markers. The frequency of recombination may be calculated as the genetic distance between the two genes or the two markers. Genetic distance is measured in units of centiMorgan (cM). One centiMorgan is equal to a 1% chance that a marker at one genetic locus will be separated from a marker at a second locus due to crossing over in a single generation. One centiMorgan is equivalent, on average, to one million base pairs.


Chromosomal Regions and Markers

BTA is short for Bos taurus autosome.


One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of determining calving characteristics in a bovine subject, comprising detecting in a sample from said bovine subject the presence or absence of at least one genetic marker that is linked to at least one trait indicative of increased risk of stillbirth and/or increased risk of calving difficulties and/or increased risk of non-desired calf size, wherein said at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers INRA006 and BM7225 and/or BTA4 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1788 and MGTG4B and/or, BTA5 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1095 and BM2830 and/or, BTA7 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM7160 and BL1043 and/or, BTA8 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-11 and BMS836 and/or, BTA9 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS2151 and BMS1967 and/or, BTA10 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK2658 and BMS2614 and/or, BTA11 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM716 and HEL13 and/or, BTA12 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS410 and BMS2724 and/or, BTA15 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BR3510 and BMS429 and/or, BTA18 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-31 and DIK4013 and/or, BTA19 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM9202 and BMS601 and/or, BTA20 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM3517 and UWCA26 and/or, BTA21 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK5182 and IDVGA-30 and/or, BTA22 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers CSSM26 and BM4102 and/or, BTA24 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS917 and BMS3024 and/or, BTA25 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers ILSTS102 and AF5 and/or, BTA26 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS651 and BM7237 and/or, BTA28 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers, BMC6020 and BMC2208, wherein the presence of said at least one genetic marker is indicative of calving characteristics of said bovine subject and/or off-spring therefrom.


In order to determine calving characteristics in a bovine subject, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located on a bovine chromosome in the region flanked by and including the polymorphic microsatellite marker, it is appreciated that more than one genetic marker may be employed in the present invention. For example the at least one genetic marker may be a combination of at least two or more genetic markers such that the accuracy may be increased, such as at least three genetic markers, for example four genetic markers, such as at least five genetic markers, for example six genetic markers, such as at least seven genetic markers, for example eight genetic markers, such as at least nine genetic markers, for example ten genetic markers.


The at least one genetic marker may be located on at least one bovine chromosome, such as two chromosomes, for example three chromosomes, such as four chromosomes, for example five chromosomes, and/or such as six chromosomes.


In a preferred embodiment the at least one marker is selected from any of the individual markers of the tables shown herein.


BTA3

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 17.1 cM to about 101.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA006 and BM7225. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2a:












TABLE 2a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















INRA006
17.1



UWCA7
17.4



ILSTS096
27.4



DIK4403
32.5



RME23
32.5



BMS963
32.9



BMS819
33.5



FCGR1
34.6



BL41
43.3



DIK4353
52.5



INRA003
59.4



BMS2790
62.4



ILSTS029
64.9



BM220
66.3



INRA123
66.3



BMS862
67.4



HUJ246
68.0



BMS937
68.0



DIK4664
68.3



DIK2702
77.6



HUJII77
87.3



DIK2686
95.5



BM7225
101.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 34.6 cM to about 87.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers FCGR1 and HUJII77. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2b:












TABLE 2b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















FCGR1
34.6



BL41
43.3



DIK4353
52.5



INRA003
59.4



BMS2790
62.4



ILSTS029
64.9



BM220
66.3



INRA123
66.3



BMS862
67.4



HUJ246
68.0



BMS937
68.0



DIK4664
68.3



DIK2702
77.6



HUJII77
87.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 32.5 cM to about 59.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK4403 and INRA003. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2c:












TABLE 2c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK4403
32.5



RME23
32.5



BMS963
32.9



BMS819
33.5



FCGR1
34.6



BL41
43.3



DIK4353
52.5



INRA003
59.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.6 cM to about 101.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2702 and BM7225. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2d:












TABLE 2d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2702
77.6



HUJII77
87.3



DIK2686
95.5



BM7225
101.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 52.5 cM to about 68.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK4353 and DIK4664. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2e:












TABLE 2e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK4353
52.5



INRA003
59.4



BMS2790
62.4



ILSTS029
64.9



BM220
66.3



INRA123
66.3



BMS862
67.4



HUJ246
68.0



BMS937
68.0



DIK4664
68.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 59.4 cM to about 66.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA003 and INRA123. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2f:












TABLE 2f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA003
59.4



BMS2790
62.4



ILSTS029
64.9



BM220
66.3



INRA123
66.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 32.5 cM to about 52.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK4403 and DIK4353. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2g:












TABLE 2g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK4403
32.5



RME23
32.5



BMS963
32.9



BMS819
33.5



FCGR1
34.6



BL41
43.3



DIK4353
52.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.6 cM to 101.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA3. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region flanked by and including the marker FCGR1 and HUJII77. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 2h:












TABLE 2h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA3
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2702
77.6



HUJII77
87.3



DIK2686
95.5



BM7225
101.8










BTA4

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 12.5 cM to about 112.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1788 and MGTG4B. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3a:












TABLE 3a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS1788
12.5



BMS2646
43.2



TGLA116
52.5



INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4



BMS648
91.2



BR6303
104.9



MGTG4B
112.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 12.5 cM to about 91.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1788 and BMS648. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3b:












TABLE 3b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS1788
12.5



BMS2646
43.2



TGLA116
52.5



INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4



BMS648
91.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 43.2 cM to about 91.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2646 and BMS648. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3c:












TABLE 3c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2646
43.2



TGLA116
52.5



INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4



BMS648
91.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 43.2 cM to about 63.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2646 and INRA072. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3d:












TABLE 3d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2646
43.2



TGLA116
52.5



INRA072
63.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 52.2 cM to about 73.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers TGLA116 and BM8233. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3e:












TABLE 3e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









TGLA116
52.5



INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 63.0 cM to about 91.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA072 and BMS648. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3f:












TABLE 3f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4



BMS648
91.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 63.0 cM to about 73.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA4. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA072 and BM8233. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 3g:












TABLE 3g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA4
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA072
63.0



BM8233
73.4










BTA5

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 116.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1095 and BM2830. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4a:












TABLE 4a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS1095
0.0



BM6026
6.0



MNB-33
7.4



BMS610
12.0



BP1
17.3



DIK4747
18.3



DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7



DIK4759
40.3



BMC1009
41.7



CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9



BMS1248
90.8



BM315
103.2



BMS1658
105.7



BM2830
116.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 103.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1095 and BM315. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4b:












TABLE 4b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS1095
0.0



BM6026
6.0



MNB-33
7.4



BMS610
12.0



BP1
17.3



DIK4747
18.3



DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7



DIK4759
40.3



BMC1009
41.7



CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9



BMS1248
90.8



BM315
103.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.1 cM to about 103.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2718 and BM315. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4c:












TABLE 4c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7



DIK4759
40.3



BMC1009
41.7



CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9



BMS1248
90.8



BM315
103.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.1 cM to about 78.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2718 and BMS1216. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4d:












TABLE 4d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7



DIK4759
40.3



BMC1009
41.7



CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 18.3 cM to about 56.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK4747 and RM500. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4e:












TABLE 4e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK4747
18.3



DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7



DIK4759
40.3



BMC1009
41.7



CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 17.3 cM to about 33.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers BP1 and DIK5002. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4f:












TABLE 4f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BP1
17.3



DIK4747
18.3



DIK2718
30.1



AGLA293
32.3



DIK5002
33.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 45.5 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers CSSM034 and DIK2943. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4g:












TABLE 4g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 45.5 cM to about 66.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers CSSM034 and DIK5046. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4h:












TABLE 4h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









CSSM034
45.5



RM500
56.3



BMS1617
56.3



DIK5046
66.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 66.2 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5046 and DIK2943. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4i:












TABLE 4i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK5046
66.2



ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 71.8 cM to about 90.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA5. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region flanked by and including the markers ETH10 and BMS1248. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 4j:












TABLE 4j








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA5
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ETH10
71.8



CSSM022
74.2



BMS1216
78.2



DIK2943
82.9



BMS1248
90.8










BTA7

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 135.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM7160 and BL1043. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5a:












TABLE 5a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM7160
0.0



BL1067
14.7



BMS713
16.8



DIK5321
22.3



DIK4421
22.7



DIK2207
26.7



DIK5412
30.2



IL4
32.0



BM6105
37.9



TGLA303
39.3



DIK2819
47.9



DIK4606
55.3



BM7247
57.3



UWCA20
58.6



BM6117
62.2



BMS2840
65.3



DIK2915
76.2



BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9



DIK2895
103.1



ILSTS006
116.6



BL1043
135.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.2 cM to about 95.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5412 and OARAE129. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5b:












TABLE 5b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK5412
30.2



IL4
32.0



BM6105
37.9



TGLA303
39.3



DIK2819
47.9



DIK4606
55.3



BM7247
57.3



UWCA20
58.6



BM6117
62.2



BMS2840
65.3



DIK2915
76.2



BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.2 cM to about 55.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5412 and DIK4606. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5c:












TABLE 5c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK5412
30.2



IL4
32.0



BM6105
37.9



TGLA303
39.3



DIK2819
47.9



DIK4606
55.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 58.6 cM to about 95.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers UWCA20 and OARAE129. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5d:












TABLE 5d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









UWCA20
58.6



BM6117
62.2



BMS2840
65.3



DIK2915
76.2



BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.2 cM to about 135.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2258 and BL1043. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5e:












TABLE 5e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9



DIK2895
103.1



ILSTS006
116.6



BL1043
135.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.2 cM to about 116.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2258 and ILSTS006. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5f:












TABLE 5f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9



DIK2895
103.1



ILSTS006
116.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.2 cM to about 95.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA7. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2258 and OARAE129. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 5g:












TABLE 5g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA7
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2258
77.2



OARAE129
95.9










BTA8

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.3 cM to about 122.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-11 and BMS836. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 6a:












TABLE 6a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA8
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















IDVGA-11
11.3



BMS1591
31.4



BMS678
41.6



INRA129
54.6



BMS2072
66.0



BMS887
68.5



URB037
69.0



MCM64
71.1



CSSM047
118.7



BMS836
122.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.3 cM to about 71.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-11 and MCM64. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 6b:












TABLE 6b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA8
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









IDVGA-11
11.3



BMS1591
31.4



BMS678
41.6



INRA129
54.6



BMS2072
66.0



BMS887
68.5



URB037
69.0



MCM64
71.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 41.6 cM to about 66.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS678 and BMS2072. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 6c:












TABLE 6c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA8
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS678
41.6



INRA129
54.6



BMS2072
66.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 71.1 cM to about 122.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region flanked by and including the markers MCM64 and BMS836. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 6d:












TABLE 6d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA8
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















MCM64
71.1



CSSM047
118.7



BMS836
122.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.3 cM to about 41.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA8. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-11 and BMS678. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 6e:












TABLE 6e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA8
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









IDVGA-11
11.3



BMS1591
31.4



BMS678
41.6










BTA9

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 8.49 cM to about 109.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2151 and BMS1967. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7a:












TABLE 7a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2151
8.49



ETH225
12.8



ILSTS037
26.3



BM2504
30.9



DIK2892
30.9



DIK3003
36.5



DIK3002
36.5



BMS1267
38.7



DIK5142
43.8



BMS555
43.8



DIK5364
45.7



UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9



DIK2816
68.1



BM6436
77.6



BMS2753
79.2



BM4208
90.7



BMS2819
91.0



BMS2295
98.6



BMS1967
109.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 12.8 cM to about 90.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers ETH225 and BM4208. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7b:












TABLE 7b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ETH225
12.8



ILSTS037
26.3



BM2504
30.9



DIK2892
30.9



DIK3003
36.5



DIK3002
36.5



BMS1267
38.7



DIK5142
43.8



BMS555
43.8



DIK5364
45.7



UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9



DIK2816
68.1



BM6436
77.6



BMS2753
79.2



BM4208
90.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 12.8 cM to about 64.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers ETH225 and BMS1290. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7c:












TABLE 7c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ETH225
12.8



ILSTS037
26.3



BM2504
30.9



DIK2892
30.9



DIK3003
36.5



DIK3002
36.5



BMS1267
38.7



DIK5142
43.8



BMS555
43.8



DIK5364
45.7



UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 50.0 cM to about 91.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers UWCA9 and BMS2819. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7d:












TABLE 7d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9



DIK2816
68.1



BM6436
77.6



BMS2753
79.2



BM4208
90.7



BMS2819
91.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 50.0 cM to about 79.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers UWCA9 and BMS2753. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7e:












TABLE 7e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9



DIK2816
68.1



BM6436
77.6



BMS2753
79.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 45.7 cM to about 68.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5364 and DIK2816. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7f:












TABLE 7f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK5364
45.7



UWCA9
50.0



DIK4720
54.0



BMS1290
64.9



DIK2816
68.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 12.8 cM to about 43.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA9. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region flanked by and including the markers ETH225 and DIK5142. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 7g:












TABLE 7g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA9
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ETH225
12.8



ILSTS037
26.3



BM2504
30.9



DIK2892
30.9



DIK3003
36.5



DIK3002
36.5



BMS1267
38.7



DIK5142
43.8










BTA10

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.7 cM to about 104.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2658 and BMS2614. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8a:












TABLE 8a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2658
2.7



DIK2503
9.0



CSSM38
11.0



BMS528
24.0



BM1237
24.7



MB077
35.1



DIK2000
37.5



BMS2742
44.3



BMS529
55.6



DIK2361
56.5



BM888
60.0



TGLA433
74.0



INRA037
79.0



BMS1620
80.4



ILSTS070
81.4



BMS2641
87.5



BMS614
100.0



BMS2614
109.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 9.0 cM to about 35.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2503 and MB077. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8b:












TABLE 8b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2503
9.0



CSSM38
11.0



BMS528
24.0



BM1237
24.7



MB077
35.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.0 cM to about 37.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers CSSM38 and DIK2000. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8c:












TABLE 8c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









CSSM38
11.0



BMS528
24.0



BM1237
24.7



MB077
35.1



DIK2000
37.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 24.0 cM to about 35.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS528 and MB077. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8d:












TABLE 8d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS528
24.0



BM1237
24.7



MB077
35.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 37.5 cM to about 80.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2000 and BMS1620. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8e:












TABLE 8e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2000
37.5



BMS2742
44.3



BMS529
55.6



DIK2361
56.5



BM888
60.0



TGLA433
74.0



INRA037
79.0



BMS1620
80.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 44.3 cM to about 74.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2742 and TGLA433. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8f:












TABLE 8f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2742
44.3



BMS529
55.6



DIK2361
56.5



BM888
60.0



TGLA433
74.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 56.5 cM to about 74.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2361 and TGLA433. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8g:












TABLE 8g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2361
56.5



BM888
60.0



TGLA433
74.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 74.0 cM to about 87.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers TGLA433 and BMS2641. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8h:












TABLE 8h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









TGLA433
74.0



INRA037
79.0



BMS1620
80.4



ILSTS070
81.4



BMS2641
87.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 87.5 cM to about 109.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA10. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2641 and BMS2614. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 8i:












TABLE 8i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA10
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2641
87.5



BMS614
100.0



BMS2614
109.4










BTA11

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.4 cM to about 122.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM716 and HELL 3. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9a:












TABLE 9a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM716
19.4



BMS2569
21.1



BM2818
30.0



INRA177-2
34.8



INRA177
34.8



RM096
40.5



INRA131
47.3



BM7169
50.3



BM6445
61.6



ILSTS036
61.6



BMS1822
65.9



TGLA58
73.1



BMS2047
78.5



HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2



TGLA436
105.2



BMS460
109.4



ILSTS045
114.2



DIK4819
115.0



HEL13
122.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.4 cM to about 92.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM716 and BMS989. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9b:












TABLE 9b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM716
19.4



BMS2569
21.1



BM2818
30.0



INRA177-2
34.8



INRA177
34.8



RM096
40.5



INRA131
47.3



BM7169
50.3



BM6445
61.6



ILSTS036
61.6



BMS1822
65.9



TGLA58
73.1



BMS2047
78.5



HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.4 cM to about 50.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM716 and BM7169. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9c:












TABLE 9c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM716
19.4



BMS2569
21.1



BM2818
30.0



INRA177-2
34.8



INRA177
34.8



RM096
40.5



INRA131
47.3



BM7169
50.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.0 cM to about 50.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM2818 and BM7169. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9d:












TABLE 9d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM2818
30.0



INRA177-2
34.8



INRA177
34.8



RM096
40.5



INRA131
47.3



BM7169
50.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 34.8 cM to about 47.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA177-2 and INRA131. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9e:












TABLE 9e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA177-2
34.8



INRA177
34.8



RM096
40.5



INRA131
47.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 50.3 cM to about 92.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM7169 and BMS989. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9f:












TABLE 9f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM7169
50.3



BM6445
61.6



ILSTS036
61.6



BMS1822
65.9



TGLA58
73.1



BMS2047
78.5



HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 61.6 cM to about 92.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM6445 and BMS989. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9g:












TABLE 9g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM6445
61.6



ILSTS036
61.6



BMS1822
65.9



TGLA58
73.1



BMS2047
78.5



HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 73.3 cM to about 92.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA11. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers TGLA58 and BMS989. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9h:












TABLE 9h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









TGLA58
73.1



BMS2047
78.5



HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 92.2 cM to about 109.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA1. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region flanked by and including the markers HUJV174 and BMS460. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 9i:












TABLE 9i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA11
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















HUJV174
92.2



BMS989
92.2



TGLA436
105.2



BMS460
109.4










BTA12

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA12. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 109.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA12. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA12 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS410 and BMS2724. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 10a:












TABLE 10a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA12
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS410
0.0



BM6108
15.1



BM860
50.4



BM3975
63.8



BMS1316
102.0



BMS2724
109.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 50.4 cM to about 109.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA12. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA12 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM860 and BMS2724. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 10b:












TABLE 10b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA12
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM860
50.4



BMS975
63.8



BMS1316
102.0



BMS2724
109.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 50.4 cM to about 102.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA12. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA12 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM860 and BMS1316. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 10c:












TABLE 10c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA12
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM860
50.4



BMS975
63.8



BMS1316
102.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 63.8 cM to about 102.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA12. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA12 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS975 and BMS1316. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 10d:












TABLE 10d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA12
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS975
63.8



BMS1316
102.0










BTA15

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 9.4 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BR3510 and BMS429. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11a:












TABLE 11a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BR3510
9.4



BMS2533
13.9



INRA050
31.1



JAB8
31.2



BMS2684
48.2



DIK1106
51.9



INRA145
67.8



IDVGA-10
67.8



DIK4850
74.1



DIK2768
77.9



ILSTS027
83.4



BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8



BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 48.2 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2684 and BMS429. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11b:












TABLE 11b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2684
48.2



DIK1106
51.9



INRA145
67.8



IDVGA-10
67.8



DIK4850
74.1



DIK2768
77.9



ILSTS027
83.4



BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8



BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 48.2 cM to about 91.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2684 and BMS2076. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11c:












TABLE 11c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2684
48.2



DIK1106
51.9



INRA145
67.8



IDVGA-10
67.8



DIK4850
74.1



DIK2768
77.9



ILSTS027
83.4



BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 77.9 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers 77.9 and 109.8. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11d:












TABLE 11d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK2768
77.9



ILSTS027
83.4



BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8



BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 84.9 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS812 and BMS429. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11e:












TABLE 11e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8



BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 84.9 cM to about 94.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS812 and BL1095. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11f:












TABLE 11f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS812
84.9



BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 91.8 cM to about 105.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2076 and BMS927. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11g:












TABLE 11g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2076
91.8



BL1095
94.8



BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 98.2 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS820 and BMS429. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11 h:












TABLE 11h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS820
98.2



BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 105.0 cM to about 109.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA15. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS927 and BMS429. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 11i:












TABLE 11i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA15
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS927
105.0



BMS429
109.8










BTA18

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 84.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-31 and DIK4013. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12a:












TABLE 12a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















IDVGA-31
0.0



BMS1355
2.9



BMS1322
13.5



TEXAN-10
20.7



BMS2213
24.5



INRA121
30.2



BR4406
33.4



BMS2554
40.2



MNB-27
44.0



BM7109
47.0



INRA063
48.0



ILSTS002
54.7



BMS2639
55.5



DIK4960
56.3



DIK4849
57.0



BMON117
57.6



DIK4232
61.2



BMS2785
72.0



DIK4569
73.8



BM2078
76.8



BM6507
78.8



TGLA227
84.1



DIK4013
84.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 13.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-31 and BMS1322. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12b:












TABLE 12b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















IDVGA-31
0.0



BMS1355
2.9



BMS1322
13.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.9 cM to about 13.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1355 and BMS1322. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12c:












TABLE 12c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS1355
2.9



BMS1322
13.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located 10 in the region from about 30.2 cM to about 61.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA121 and DIK4232. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12d:












TABLE 12d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA121
30.2



BR4406
33.4



BMS2554
40.2



MNB-27
44.0



BM7109
47.0



INRA063
48.0



ILSTS002
54.7



BMS2639
55.5



DIK4960
56.3



DIK4849
57.0



BMON117
57.6



DIK4232
61.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 33.4 cM to about 54.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BR4406 and ILSTS002. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12e:












TABLE 12e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BR4406
33.4



BMS2554
40.2



MNB-27
44.0



BM7109
47.0



INRA063
48.0



ILSTS002
54.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 57.6 cM to about 84.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMON117 and DIK4013. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12f:












TABLE 12f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMON117
57.6



DIK4232
61.2



BMS2785
72.0



DIK4569
73.8



BM2078
76.8



BM6507
78.8



TGLA227
84.1



DIK4013
84.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 61.2 cM to about 84.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK4232 and DIK4013. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12g:












TABLE 12g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK4232
61.2



BMS2785
72.0



DIK4569
73.8



BM2078
76.8



BM6507
78.8



TGLA227
84.1



DIK4013
84.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 72.0 cM to about 76.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2785 and BM2078. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12h:












TABLE 12h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2785
72.0



DIK4569
73.8



BM2078
76.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 76.8 cM to about 84.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM2078 and DIK4013. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12i:












TABLE 12i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM2078
76.8



BM6507
78.8



TGLA227
84.1



DIK4013
84.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 76.8 cM to about 78.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM2078 and BM6507. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12j:












TABLE 12j








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM2078
76.8



BM6507
78.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 78.8 cM to about 84.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA18. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM6507 and DIK4013. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 12k:












TABLE 12k








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA18
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM6507
78.8



TGLA227
84.1



DIK4013
84.4










BTA19

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 108.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM9202 and BMS601. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13a:












TABLE 13a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM9202
0.0



BMS745
16.0



BP20
45.9



IDVGA-46
47.0



BMS2389
52.2



CSSM065
69.8



ETH3
90.0



BMS601
108.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 90.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM9202 and ETH3. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13b:












TABLE 13b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM9202
0.0



BMS745
16.0



BP20
45.9



IDVGA-46
47.0



BMS2389
52.2



CSSM065
69.8



ETH3
90.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 45.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM9202 and BP20. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13c:












TABLE 13c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM9202
0.0



BMS745
16.0



BP20
45.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 16.0 cM to about 45.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS745 and BP20. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13d:












TABLE 13d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS745
16.0



BP20
45.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 47.0 cM to about 90.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-46 and ETH3. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13e:












TABLE 13e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









IDVGA-46
47.0



BMS2389
52.2



CSSM065
69.8



ETH3
90.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 52.2 cM to about 108.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2389 and BMS601. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13f:












TABLE 13f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS2389
52.2



CSSM065
69.8



ETH3
90.0



BMS601
108.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 69.8 cM to about 90.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA19. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region flanked by and including the markers CSSM065 and ETH3. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 13g:












TABLE 13g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA19
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









CSSM065
69.8



ETH3
90.0










BTA20

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 77.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM3517 and UWCA26. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14a:












TABLE 14a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM3517
0.0



HEL12
0.6



BMS1282
19.1



BMS1754
26.3



TGLA126
31.9



BMS2361
49.7



AGLA29
55.1



BMS703
60.1



BM5004
71.8



UWCA26
77.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 71.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM3517 and BM5004. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14b:












TABLE 14b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM3517
0.0



HEL12
0.6



BMS1282
19.1



BMS1754
26.3



TGLA126
31.9



BMS2361
49.7



AGLA29
55.1



BMS703
60.1



BM5004
71.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 26.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM3517 and BMS1754. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14c:












TABLE 14c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM3517
0.0



HEL12
0.6



BMS1282
19.1



BMS1754
26.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.6 cM to about 19.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers HEL12 and BMS1282. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14d:












TABLE 14d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















HEL12
0.6



BMS1282
19.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.1 cM to about 55.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1282 and AGLA29. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14e:












TABLE 14e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS1282
19.1



BMS1754
26.3



TGLA126
31.9



BMS2361
49.7



AGLA29
55.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 31.9 cM to about 49.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers TGLA126 and BMS2361. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14f:












TABLE 14f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









TGLA126
31.9



BMS2361
49.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 49.7 cM to about 55.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2361 and AGLA29. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14g:












TABLE 14g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2361
49.7



AGLA29
55.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 55.1 cM to about 77.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers AGLA29 and UWCA26. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14h:












TABLE 14h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









AGLA29
55.1



BMS703
60.1



BM5004
71.8



UWCA26
77.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 60.1 cM to about 71.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA20. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS703 and BM5004. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 14i:












TABLE 14i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA20
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS703
60.1



BM5004
71.8










BTA21

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 5.6 cM to about 76.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5182 and IDVGA-30. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15a:












TABLE 15a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK5182
5.5



BMS1117
11.0



RM151
12.6



DIK2492
18.3



AGLA233
21.2



ILSTS095
23.7



DIK4602
24.3



BM103
29.8



DIK4001
30.0



IDVGA-45
30.9



DIK2481
33.7



INRA103
35.9



BMS2815
41.7



DIK2842
41.7



DIK3036
47.8



DIK4391
52.1



DIK2913
57.1



BM846
61.2



TGLA122
62.7



ILSTS054
65.8



BMS743
75.3



IDVGA-30
76.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.0 cM to about 61.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1117 and BM846. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15b:












TABLE 15b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS1117
11.0



RM151
12.6



DIK2492
18.3



AGLA233
21.2



ILSTS095
23.7



DIK4602
24.3



BM103
29.8



DIK4001
30.0



IDVGA-45
30.9



DIK2481
33.7



INRA103
35.9



BMS2815
41.7



DIK2842
41.7



DIK3036
47.8



DIK4391
52.1



DIK2913
57.1



BM846
61.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 18.3 cM to about 57.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2492 and DIK2913. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15c:












TABLE 15c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2492
18.3



AGLA233
21.2



ILSTS095
23.7



DIK4602
24.3



BM103
29.8



DIK4001
30.0



IDVGA-45
30.9



DIK2481
33.7



INRA103
35.9



BMS2815
41.7



DIK2842
41.7



DIK3036
47.8



DIK4391
52.1



DIK2913
57.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 18.3 cM to about 30.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2492 and DIK4001. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15d:












TABLE 15d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2492
18.3



AGLA233
21.2



ILSTS095
23.7



DIK4602
24.3



BM103
29.8



DIK4001
30.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 30.9 cM to about 47.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-45 and DIK3036. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15e:












TABLE 15e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









IDVGA-45
30.9



DIK2481
33.7



INRA103
35.9



BMS2815
41.7



DIK2842
41.7



DIK3036
47.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 33.7 cM to about 41.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2481 and BMS2815. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15f:












TABLE 15f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2481
33.7



INRA103
35.9



BMS2815
41.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 5.5 cM to about 61.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA21. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5182 and BM846. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 15g:












TABLE 15g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA21
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















DIK5182
5.5



DIK3036
47.8



DIK4391
52.1



DIK2913
57.1



BM846
61.2










BTA22

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 0.0 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers CSSM26 and BM4102. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16a:












TABLE 16a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















CSSM26
0.0



INRA026
2.9



BM1558
19.1



BM3628
47.1



BMS875
64.1



BM4102
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.9 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA026 and BM4102. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16b:












TABLE 16b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















INRA026
2.9



BM1558
19.1



BM3628
47.1



BMS875
64.1



BM4102
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.9 cM to about 47.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA026 and BM3628. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16c:












TABLE 16c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















INRA026
2.9



BM1558
19.1



BM3628
47.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.1 cM to about 47.1 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM1558 and BM3628. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16d:












TABLE 16d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM1558
19.1



BM3628
47.1










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 19.1 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM1558 and BM4102. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16e:












TABLE 16e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM1558
19.1



BM3628
47.1



BMS875
64.1



BM4102
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 47.1 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM3628 and BM4102. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16f:












TABLE 16f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM3628
47.1



BMS875
64.1



BM4102
82.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 64.1 cM to about 82.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA22. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS875 and BM4102. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 16g:












TABLE 16g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA22
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS875
64.1



BM4102
82.9










BTA24

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 6.2 cM to about 65.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS917 and BMS3024. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17a:












TABLE 17a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS917
6.2



BM7151
8.2



BM226
8.2



BMS2526
8.2



TGLA351
11.1



BM7228
19.3



CSSM23
20.6



BMS2270
23.7



ILSTS065
27.4



BMS1862
35.5



BMS466
48.8



INRA090
56.3



BMS1926
61.2



BMS3024
65.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 8.2 cM to about 65.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM7151 and BMS3024. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17b:












TABLE 17b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM7151
8.2



BM226
8.2



BMS2526
8.2



TGLA351
11.1



BM7228
19.3



CSSM23
20.6



BMS2270
23.7



ILSTS065
27.4



BMS1862
35.5



BMS466
48.8



INRA090
56.3



BMS1926
61.2



BMS3024
65.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 8.2 cM to about 35.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM7151 and BMS1862. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17c:












TABLE 17c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BM7151
8.2



BM226
8.2



BMS2526
8.2



TGLA351
11.1



BM7228
19.3



CSSM23
20.6



BMS2270
23.7



ILSTS065
27.4



BMS1862
35.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 11.1 cM to about 23.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers TGLA351 and BMS2270. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17d:












TABLE 17d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















TGLA351
11.1



BM7228
19.3



CSSM23
20.6



BMS2270
23.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 35.5 cM to about 65.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1862 and BMS3024. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17e:












TABLE 17e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS1862
35.5



BMS466
48.8



INRA090
56.3



BMS1926
61.2



BMS3024
65.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 48.8 cM to about 61.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS466 and BMS1926. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17f:












TABLE 17f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS466
48.8



INRA090
56.3



BMS1926
61.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 48.8 cM to about 56.3 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS466 and INRA090. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17g:












TABLE 17g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS466
48.8



INRA090
56.3










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 56.3 cM to about 61.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA24. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region flanked by and including the markers INRA090 and BMS1926. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 17h:












TABLE 17h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA24
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









INRA090
56.3



BMS1926
61.2










BTA25

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 7.2 cM to about 61.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers ILSTS102 and AF5. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18a:












TABLE 18a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















ILSTS102
7.2



BMS2843
22.6



BM737
31.6



ILSTS046
33.3



BMS1353
46.4



AF5
61.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 7.2 cM to about 31.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers ILSTS102 and BM737. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18b:












TABLE 18b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















ILSTS102
7.2



BMS2843
22.6



BM737
31.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 7.2 cM to about 22.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers ILSTS102 and BMS2843. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18c:












TABLE 18c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















ILSTS102
7.2



BMS2843
22.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 31.6 cM to about 61.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers BM737 and AF5. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18d:












TABLE 18d








Relative position (CM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BM737
31.6



ILSTS046
33.3



BMS1353
46.4



AF5
61.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 33.3 cM to about 46.4 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers ILSTS046 and BMS1353. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18e:












TABLE 18e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ILSTS046
33.3



BMS1353
46.4










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 46.4 cM to about 61.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA25. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1353 and AF5. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 18f:












TABLE 18f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA25
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS1353
46.4



AF5
61.7










BTA26

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.8 cM to about 66.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS651 and BM7237. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19a:












TABLE 19a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS651
2.8



HEL11
22.9



BMS332
31.7



RM026
37.6



BM9284
41.6



RME40
43.2



IDVGA-59
53.1



BMS882
53.5



BM804
60.5



BM7237
66.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.8 cM to about 60.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS651 and BM804. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19b:












TABLE 19b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS651
2.8



HEL11
22.9



BMS332
31.7



RM026
37.6



BM9284
41.6



RME40
43.2



IDVGA-59
53.1



BMS882
53.5



BM804
60.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 2.8 cM to about 37.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS651 and RM026. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19c:












TABLE 19c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMS651
2.8



HEL11
22.9



BMS332
31.7



RM026
37.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 22.9 cM to about 31.7 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers HEL11 and BMS332. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19d:












TABLE 19d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









HEL11
22.9



BMS332
31.7










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 31.7 cM to about 41.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS332 and BM9284. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19e:












TABLE 19e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS332
31.7



RM026
37.6



BM9284
41.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 37.6 cM to about 66.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers RM026 and BM7237. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19f:












TABLE 19f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









RM026
37.6



BM9284
41.6



RME40
43.2



IDVGA-59
53.1



BMS882
53.5



BM804
60.5



BM7237
66.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 37.6 cM to about 43.2 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers RM026 and RME40. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19g:












TABLE 19g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









RM026
37.6



BM9284
41.6



RME40
43.2










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 43.2 cM to about 66.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers RME40 and BM7237. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19h:












TABLE 19h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









RME40
43.2



IDVGA-59
53.1



BMS882
53.5



BM804
60.5



BM7237
66.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 53.1 cM to about 60.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA26. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region flanked by and including the markers IDVGA-59 and BM804. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 19i:












TABLE 19i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA26
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









IDVGA-59
53.1



BMS882
53.5



BM804
60.5










BTA28

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 8.0 cM to about 59.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMC6020 and BMC2208. The at least one genetic marker is significant for the calving traits SB, CD and/or CS. In a particular embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for example the trait SB, such as CD, for example CS. However, in a further embodiment the at least one genetic marker is significant for the traits in any combination. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20a:












TABLE 20a








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMC6020
8.0



ETH1112
16.9



BL25
24.8



DIK2955
38.0



BMS2608
38.5



BMS2658
43.0



DIK713
45.9



BMS1714
49.4



DIK5056
50.5



DIK5323
55.9



DIK4862
59.6



BMC2208
59.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 8.0 cM to about 24.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMC6020 and BL25. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20b:












TABLE 20b








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BMC6020
8.0



ETH1112
16.9



BL25
24.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 16.9 cM to about 24.8 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers ETH1112 and BL25. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20c:












TABLE 20c








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









ETH1112
16.9



BL25
24.8










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 24.8 cM to about 50.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers BL25 and DIK5056. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20d:












TABLE 20d








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/



















BL25
24.8



DIK2955
38.0



BMS2608
38.5



BMS2658
43.0



DIK713
45.9



BMS1714
49.4



DIK5056
50.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 38.0 cM to about 45.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2955 and DIK713. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20e:












TABLE 20e








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2955
38.0



BMS2608
38.5



BMS2658
43.0



DIK713
45.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 38.0 cM to about 43.0 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK2955 and BMS2658. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20f:












TABLE 20f








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK2955
38.0



BMS2608
38.5



BMS2658
43.0










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 43.0 cM to about 59.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS2658 and BMC2208. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20g:












TABLE 20g








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS2658
43.0



DIK713
45.9



BMS1714
49.4



DIK5056
50.5



DIK5323
55.9



DIK4862
59.6



BMC2208
59.6










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 45.9 cM to about 55.9 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK713 and DIK5323. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20h:












TABLE 20h








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK713
45.9



BMS1714
49.4



DIK5056
50.5



DIK5323
55.9










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 49.4 cM to about 50.5 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers BMS1714 and DIK5056. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20i:












TABLE 20i








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









BMS1714
49.4



DIK5056
50.5










In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one genetic marker is located in the region from about 55.9 cM to about 59.6 cM (http://www.marc.usda.gov/) on the bovine chromosome BTA28. In one embodiment the at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region flanked by and including the markers DIK5323 and BMC2208. The at least one genetic marker is selected from the group of markers shown in Table 20j:












TABLE 20j








Relative position (cM)



Marker on BTA28
http://www.marc.usda.gov/









DIK5323
55.9



DIK4862
59.6



BMC2208
59.6










In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one genetic marker is a combination of markers, as indicated in tables 20k1 to 20k19. It is understood that the term BTA3, BTA4. BTA5, BTA7, BTA8, BTA9, BTA10, BTA11, BTA12, BTA15, BTA18, BTA19, BTA20, BTA21, BTA22, BTA24, BTA25, BTA26, and BTA28 in tables 20k1 to 20k19 is meant to comprise any regions and genetic markers located on the bovine chromosomes, respectively, as described elsewhere herein.


The tables 20k1 to 20k19 show different embodiments, wherein the combination of markers is a multiplicity of bovine chromosomes, wherein the specific chromosome in each embodiment is indicated with X.











TABLE 20k1









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1
X
X



















2
X

X


3
X


X


4
X



X


5
X




X


6
X





X


7
X






X


8
X







X


9
X








X


10
X









X


11
X










X


12
X











X


13
X












X


14
X













X


15
X














X


16
X















X


17
X
















X


18
X

















X


19
X

X

X





X






X


20
X

X

X





X


21
X

X

X


22
X

X







X


23
X



X





X






X


24
X









X






X


















TABLE 20k2









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1

X
X


















2

X

X


3

X


X


4

X



X


5

X




X


6

X





X


7

X






X


8

X







X


9

X








X


10

X









X


11

X










X


12

X











X


13

X












X


14

X













X


15

X














X


16

X















X


17

X
















X


18

X


X


X




X



X

X


19

X
X

X





X






X


20

X
X

X





X


21

X
X

X


22

X
X







X


23

X


X





X






X


24

X








X






X


















TABLE 20k3









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1


X
X

















2


X

X


3


X


X


4


X



X


5


X




X


6


X





X


7


X






X


8


X







X


9


X








X


10


X









X


11


X










X


12


X











X


13


X












X


14


X













X


15


X














X


16


X















X


17


X


X

X


X

X

X

X
X


18


X


19


X

X





X






X


20


X

X





X


21


X

X


22


X







X


23


X

X





X






X


24


X







X






X


















TABLE 20k4









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1



X
X
















2



X

X


3



X


X


4



X



X


5



X




X


6



X





X


7



X






X


8



X







X


9



X








X


10



X









X


11



X










X


12



X











X


13



X












X


14



X













X


15

X

X
X

X

X

X



X

X
X
X


16


X
X

X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


17

X

X

X

X



X

X
X


18



X

X

X

X

X



X

X
X


19


X
X
X





X






X


20


X
X
X





X


21


X
X
X


22


X
X






X


23



X
X





X






X


24



X






X






X


















TABLE 20k5









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1




X
X















2




X

X


3




X


X


4




X



X


5




X




X


6




X





X


7




X






X


8




X







X


9




X








X


10




X









X


11




X










X


12




X











X


13




X












X


14




X













X


15

X

X
X

X

X

X



X

X
X
X


16


X
X
X
X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


17

X

X
X
X

X



X

X
X


18



X
X
X

X

X

X



X

X
X


19


X

X





X






X


20


X

X





X


21


X

X


22


X

X





X


23




X





X






X


24




X





X






X


















TABLE 20k6









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1





X
X














2





X

X


3





X


X


4





X



X


5





X




X


6





X





X


7





X






X


8





X







X


9





X








X


10





X









X


11





X










X


12





X











X


13





X












X


14

X

X
X
X
X

X

X



X

X
X
X


15


X
X
X
X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


16

X

X
X
X

X



X

X
X


17



X
X
X

X

X

X



X

X
X


18

X



X


X

X


X


19


X

X
X




X






X


20


X

X
X




X


21


X

X
X


22


X


X




X


23




X
X




X






X


24





X




X






X


















TABLE 20k7









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1






X
X













2






X

X


3






X


X


4






X



X


5






X




X


6






X





X


7






X






X


8






X







X


9






X








X


10






X









X


11






X










X


12






X











X


13

X

X
X
X
X

X

X



X

X
X
X


14


X
X

X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


15

X



X
X
X



X

X
X


16



X
X
X
X
X

X

X



X

X
X


17

X



X
X

X

X


X


18






X


19


X

X

X



X






X


20


X

X

X



X


21


X

X

X


22


X



X



X


23




X

X



X






X


24






X



X






X


















TABLE 20k8









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1







X
X












2







X

X


3







X


X


4







X



X


5







X




X


6







X





X


7







X






X


8







X







X


9







X








X


10







X









X


11







X










X


12

X

X
X
X
X
X
X

X



X

X
X
X


13


X
X

X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


14

X



X
X
X



X

X
X


15



X
X
X
X
X

X

X



X

X
X


16

X



X
X
X
X

X


X


17


X

X


X




X



X


18



X
X

X
X

X


X

X

X


19


X

X


X


X






X


20


X

X


X


X


21


X

X


X


22


X




X


X


23




X


X


X






X


24







X


X






X


















TABLE 20k9









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1








X
X











2








X

X


3








X


X


4








X



X


5








X




X


6








X





X


7








X






X


8








X







X


9








X








X


10








X









X


11




X

X

X
X

X


X

X

X


12

X
X


X

X
X
X
X


X

X

X


13
X

X

X



X

X






X


14
X

X

X



X

X


15
X

X

X



X


16
X

X





X

X


17


X

X



X

X






X


18


X





X


19


X

X



X

X


20


X

X



X








X


21


X





X

X






X


22


X





X








X


23




X



X

X


24
X







X

X






X


















TABLE 20k10









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1









X
X










2









X

X


3









X


X


4









X



X


5









X




X


6









X





X


7









X






X


8









X







X


9









X








X


10




X

X


X

X


X

X

X


11

X
X


X

X

X
X


X

X

X


12
X

X

X




X
X






X


13
X

X

X




X
X


14
X

X

X




X


15
X

X






X
X


16


X

X




X
X






X


17


X






X


18


X

X




X
X


19


X

X




X







X


20


X






X
X






X


21


X






X







X


22




X




X
X


23
X








X
X






X


24
X








X
X






X


















TABLE 20k11









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1










X
X









2










X

X


3










X


X


4










X



X


5










X




X


6










X





X


7










X






X


8










X







X


9

X


X


X

X
X

X

X
X

X


10
X


X


X

X
X
X
X

X
X

X


11


X



X

X
X
X

X





X


12

X
X


X

X

X
X


X

X

X


13
X

X

X





X






X


14
X

X

X





X


15
X

X

X





X


16
X

X







X


17


X

X





X






X


18


X







X


19


X

X





X


20


X

X





X






X


21


X







X






X


22


X







X






X


23




X





X


24
X









X






X


















TABLE 20k12









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1











X
X








2











X

X


3











X


X


4











X



X


5











X




X


6











X





X


7











X






X


8


X
X
X
X
X
X

X

X

X

X
X


9

X

X
X
X

X



X

X
X


10



X
X
X

X

X

X



X

X
X


11

X



X


X

X


X


12


X

X
X




X






X


13
X

X

X





X
X





X


14
X

X

X





X
X


15
X

X

X






X


16
X

X







X
X


17


X

X





X
X





X


18


X








X


19


X

X





X
X


20


X

X






X





X


21


X







X
X





X


22


X








X





X


23




X





X
X


24
X









X
X





X


















TABLE 20k13









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1












X
X







2












X

X


3












X


X


4












X



X


5












X




X


6












X





X


7

X


X


X

X


X

X
X

X


8
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X
X

X


9


X



X

X
X
X

X





X


10

X
X


X

X

X


X
X

X

X


11
X

X

X





X

X




X


12
X

X

X





X

X


13
X

X

X





X

X


14
X

X







X

X


15


X

X





X

X




X


16


X







X

X


17


X

X







X


18


X

X







X




X


19


X









X




X


20


X







X

X




X


21




X







X


22
X









X

X




X


23




X







X




X


24












X




X


















TABLE 20k14









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1













X
X






2













X

X


3













X


X


4













X



X


5













X




X


6

X


X


X

X


X

X
X

X


7
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X
X

X


8


X



X

X
X
X

X





X


9




X

X




X

X
X

X

X


10

X
X


X

X


X


X

X

X


11
X

X

X





X


X



X


12
X

X

X





X


X


13
X

X

X








X


14
X

X







X


X


15


X

X





X


X



X


16


X










X


17


X

X





X


X


18


X

X








X



X


19


X







X


X



X


20


X










X



X


21




X





X


X


22
X









X


X



X


23
X









X


X



X


24










X


X



X


















TABLE 20k15









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1














X
X





2














X

X


3














X


X


4














X



X


5

X


X


X

X


X

X
X

X


6
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X
X

X


7


X



X

X
X
X

X

X



X


8




X

X




X


X

X

X


9

X
X


X

X


X



X
X

X


10
X

X

X





X



X


X


11
X

X

X





X



X


12
X

X

X









X


13
X

X







X



X


14


X

X





X



X


X


15


X











X


16


X

X





X



X


17


X

X









X


X


18


X







X



X


X


19


X











X


X


20




X





X



X


21
X









X



X


X


22
X









X



X


X


23










X



X


X


24










X



X


X


















TABLE 20k16









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1















X
X




2















X

X


3















X


X


4

X


X


X

X


X


X

X


5
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X

X
X


6


X



X

X
X
X

X


X


X


7




X

X




X



X
X

X


8

X
X


X

X


X




X

X


9
X

X

X





X




X

X


10
X

X

X





X




X


11
X

X

X










X


12
X

X







X




X


13


X

X





X




X

X


14


X












X


15


X

X





X




X


16


X

X










X

X


17


X







X




X

X


18


X












X

X


19




X





X




X


20
X









X




X

X


21
X









X




X

X


22










X




X

X


23










X




X

X


24










X




X

X


















TABLE 20k17









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1
















X
X



2
















X

X


3

X


X


X

X


X



X
X


4
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X


X


5


X



X

X
X
X

X



X

X


6




X

X




X




X

X


7

X
X


X

X


X





X
X


8
X

X

X





X





X
X


9
X

X

X





X





X


10
X

X

X











X


11
X

X







X





X


12


X

X





X


X


X
X


13


X











X

X


14


X

X





X


X


X


15


X

X









X
X
X
X


16


X







X





X
X


17


X










X

X
X
X


18




X





X





X


19
X









X




X
X
X


20
X









X





X
X


21

X

X
X





X





X
X


22






X



X


X


X
X


23

X
X

X
X




X





X
X


24
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X


















TABLE 20k18









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1

















X
X


2
X

X

X





X






X


3
X

X

X





X






X


4
X

X

X












X


5
X

X







X






X


6


X

X





X






X


7


X

X












X


8


X







X






X


9


X

X












X


10


X







X






X


11


X














X


12




X





X






X


13
X









X






X


14
X



X





X






X


15
X

X

X


X

X
X

X

X

X
X


16
X
















X


17





X


X

X


X

X

X


18

X

X


X


X

X


X
X
X
X


19


X

X





X






X


20


X

X





X






X


21


X

X












X


22


X







X






X


23

X


X

X
X


X






X


24






X



X

X

X


X


















TABLE 20k19









BTA


























Embodiment
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
28





























1

X


X


X

X


X




X
X


2
X


X


X

X
X

X
X
X




X


3


X



X

X
X
X

X





X


4




X

X




X



X


X


5

X
X


X

X


X






X
X


6
X

X

X





X






X
X


7
X

X

X





X







X


8
X

X

X

X

X


X

X

X
X

X


9
X

X







X







X


10


X

X





X


X



X
X


11


X











X



X


12


X

X





X


X




X


13


X

X









X
X

X
X


14


X







X






X
X


15


X










X

X

X
X


16




X





X







X


17
X









X




X

X
X


18
X









X






X
X


19

X

X
X





X






X
X


20






X



X


X



X
X


21

X
X

X
X




X






X
X


22
X

X







X







X


23
X



X





X






X


24
X









X






X









Detection

The detection of the presence or absence of a genetic marker allele according to the present invention may be conducted on the DNA sequence of the bovine chromosomes BTA3, BTA4, BTA5, BTA7, BTA8, BTA9, BTA10, BTA11, BTA12, BTA15, BTA18, BTA19, BTA20, BTA21, BTA22, BTA24, BTA25, BTA26, and/or BTA28 specified elsewhere herein according to the present invention or a complementary sequence as well as on transcriptional (mRNA) and translational products (polypeptides, proteins) therefrom.


It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that there are a large number of analytical procedures which may be used to detect the presence or absence of variant nucleotides at one or more of positions mentioned herein in the specified region. Mutations or polymorphisms within or flanking the specified region can be detected by utilizing a number of techniques. Nucleic acid from any nucleated cell can be used as the starting point for such assay techniques, and may be isolated according to standard nucleic acid preparation procedures that are well known to those of skill in the art. In general, the detection of allelic variation requires a mutation discrimination technique, optionally an amplification reaction and a signal generation system.


A number of mutation detection techniques are listed in Table 21. Some of the methods listed in Table 21 are based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), wherein the method according to the present invention includes a step for amplification of the nucleotide sequence of interest in the presence of primers based on the nucleotide sequence of the variable nucleotide sequence. The methods may be used in combination with a number of signal generation systems, a selection of which is also listed in Table 22.










TABLE 21







General
DNA sequencing, Sequencing by hybridisation,


techniques
SNAPshot


Scanning
Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis,


techniques
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, Temperature



gradient gel electrophoresis, Chemical mismatch



cleavage, cleavage, heteroduplex analysis, enzymatic



mismatch cleavage


Hybridisation
Solid phase hybridisation: Dot blots, Multiple allele


based
specific diagnostic assay (MASDA), Reverse dot blots,


techniques
Oligonucleotide arrays (DNA Chips)



Solution phase hybridisation: Taqman-U.S. Pat. No.



5,210,015 & 5,487,972 (Hoffmann-La Roche), Molecular



Beacons -- Tyagi et al (1996), Nature Biotechnology, 14,



303; WO 95/13399 (Public Health Inst., New York),



Lightcycler, optionally in combination with Fluorescence



resonance energy transfer (FRET).


Extension
Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS),


based
Amplification refractory mutation system linear extension


techniques
(ALEX) - European Patent No. EP 332435 B1 (Zeneca



Limited), Competitive oligonucleotide priming system



(COPS) - Gibbs et al (1989), Nucleic Acids Research,



17, 2347.


Incorporation
Mini-sequencing, Arrayed primer extension (APEX)


based


techniques


Restriction
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP),


Enzyme
Restriction site generating PCR


based


techniques


Ligation based
Oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA)


techniques


Other
Invader assay


Various Signal
Fluorescence:


Generation or
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET),


Detection
Fluorescence quenching, Fluorescence polarisation--


Systems
United Kingdom Patent No. 2228998 (Zeneca Limited)


Other
Chemiluminescence, Electrochemiluminescence, Raman,



Radioactivity, Colorimetric, Hybridisation protection



assay, Mass spectrometry









Further amplification techniques are listed in Table 2. Many current methods for the detection of allelic variation are reviewed by Nollau et al., Clin. Chem. 43, 1114-1120, 1997; and in standard textbooks, for example “Laboratory Protocols for Mutation Detection”, Ed. by U. Landegren, Oxford University Press, 1996 and “PCR”, 2nd Edition by Newton & Graham, BIOS Scientific Publishers Limited, 1997.


The detection of genetic markers can according to one embodiment of the present invention be achieved by a number of techniques known to the skilled person, including typing of microsatellites or short tandem repeats (STR), restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), detection of deletions or insertions, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPIDs) or the typing of single nucleotide polymorphisms by methods such as restriction fragment length polymerase chain reaction, allele-specific oligomer hybridisation, oligomer-specific ligation assays, hybridisation with PNA or locked nucleic acids (LNA) probes.










TABLE 22







Further amplification techniques
Self sustained replication (SSR),



Nucleic acid sequence based



amplification (NASBA),



Ligase chain reaction (LCR),



Strand displacement amplification



(SDA)









A primer of the present invention is a nucleic acid molecule sufficiently complementary to the sequence on which it is based and of sufficiently length to selectively hybridise to the corresponding region of a nucleic acid molecule intended to be amplified. The primer is able to prime the synthesis of the corresponding region of the intended nucleic acid molecule in the methods described above. Similarly, a probe of the present invention is a molecule for example a nucleic acid molecule of sufficient length and sufficiently complementary to the nucleic acid sequence of interest which selectively binds to the nucleic acid sequence of interest under high or low stringency conditions.


Sample

The method according to the present invention includes analyzing a sample of a bovine subject, wherein said sample may be any suitable sample capable of providing the bovine genetic material for use in the method. The bovine genetic material may for example be extracted, isolated and purified if necessary from a blood sample, a tissue samples (for example spleen, buccal smears), clipping of a body surface (hairs or nails), milk and/or semen. The samples may be fresh or frozen.


The sequence polymorphisms of the invention comprise at least one nucleotide difference, such as at least two nucleotide differences, for example at least three nucleotide differences, such as at least four nucleotide differences, for example at least five nucleotide differences, such as at least six nucleotide differences, for example at least seven nucleotide differences, such as at least eight nucleotide differences, for example at least nine nucleotide differences, such as 10 nucleotide differences. The nucleotide differences comprise nucleotide differences, deletion and/or insertion or any combination thereof.


Primers

The primers that may be used according to the present invention are shown in Table 22. The in Table 22 specified primer pairs may be used individually or in combination with one or more primer pairs of Table 22.


The design of such primers or probes will be apparent to the molecular biologist of ordinary skill. Such primers are of any convenient length such as up to 50 bases, up to 40 bases, more conveniently up to 30 bases in length, such as for example 8-25 or 8-15 bases in length. In general such primers will comprise base sequences entirely complementary to the corresponding wild type or variant locus in the region. However, if required one or more mismatches may be introduced, provided that the discriminatory power of the oligonucleotide probe is not unduly affected. The primers/probes of the invention may carry one or more labels to facilitate detection.


In one embodiment, the primers and/or probes are capable of hybridizing to and/or amplifying a subsequence hybridizing to a single nucleotide polymorphism containing the sequence delineated by the markers as shown herein.


The primer nucleotide sequences of the invention further include: (a) any nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule of the delineated region(s) or its complementary sequence or RNA products under stringent conditions, e.g., hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C. followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC/0.1% Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) at about 50-65° C., or (b) under highly stringent conditions, e.g., hybridization to filter-bound nucleic acid in 6×SSC at about 45° C. followed by one or more washes in 0.1×SSC/0.2% SDS at about 68° C., or under other hybridization conditions which are apparent to those of skill in the art (see, for example, Ausubel F. M. et al., eds., 1989, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. I, Green Publishing Associates, Inc., and John Wiley & sons, Inc., New York, at pp. 6.3.1-6.3.6 and 2.10.3). Preferably the nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes to the nucleotide sequence of (a) and (b), above, is one that comprises the complement of a nucleic acid molecule of the region s or r or a complementary sequence or RNA product thereof. In a preferred embodiment, nucleic acid molecules comprising the nucleotide sequences of (a) and (b), comprises nucleic acid molecule of RAI or a complementary sequence or RNA product thereof.


Among the nucleic acid molecules of the invention are deoxyoligonucleotides (“oligos”) which hybridize under highly stringent or stringent conditions to the nucleic acid molecules described above. In general, for probes between 14 and 70 nucleotides in length the Melting Temperature™ is calculated using the formula:





Tm(° C.)=81.5+16.6(log [monovalent cations (molar)])+0.41(% G+C)−(500/N)


where N is the length of the probe. If the hybridization is carried out in a solution containing formamide, the melting temperature is calculated using the equation Tm(° C.)=81.5+16.6(log [monovalent cations (molar)])+0.41 (% G+C)−(0.61% formamide)−(500/N) where N is the length of the probe. In general, hybridization is carried out at about 20-25 degrees below Tm (for DNA-DNA hybrids) or 10-15 degrees below Tm (for RNA-DNA hybrids).


Exemplary highly stringent conditions may refer for example to washing in 6×SSC/0.05% sodium pyrophosphate at 37° C. (for about 14-base oligos), 48° C. (for about 17-base oligos), 55° C. (for about 20-base oligos), and 60° C. (for about 23-base oligos). Accordingly, the invention further provides nucleotide primers or probes which detect the r region polymorphisms of the invention. The assessment may be conducted by means of at least one nucleic acid primer or probe, such as a primer or probe of DNA, RNA or a nucleic acid analogue such as peptide nucleic acid (PNA) or locked nucleic acid (LNA).


According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an allele-specific oligonucleotide probe capable of detecting a polymorphism at one or more of positions in the delineated regions 1.


The allele-specific oligonucleotide probe is preferably 5-50 nucleotides, more preferably about 5-35 nucleotides, more preferably about 5-30 nucleotides, more preferably at least 9 nucleotides.


Determination of Linkage

In order to detect whether the genetic marker is present in the genetic material, standard methods well known to persons skilled in the art may be applied, for example by the use of nucleic acid amplification. In order to determine whether the genetic marker is genetically linked to the calving traits, a permutation test can be applied when the regression method is used (Doerge and Churchill, 1996), or the Piepho-method can be applied (Piepho, 2001) when the variance components method is used. The principle of the permutation test is well described by Doerge and Churchill (1996), whereas the Piepho-method is well described by Piepho (2001). Significant linkage in the within family analysis using the regression method, a 1000 permutations were made using the permutation test (Doerge and Churchill, 1996). A threshold at the 5% chromosome wide level was considered to be significant evidence for linkage between the genetic marker and the calving traits. In addition, the QTL was confirmed in different sire families. For the across family analysis and multi-trait analysis with the variance component method the piepho method was used to determine the significance level (Piepho, 2001). A threshold at the 5% chromosome wide level was considered to be significant evidence for linkage between the genetic marker and the calving traits.


Kit

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a diagnostic kit for use in detecting the presence or absence in a bovine subject of at least one genetic marker associated with bovine calving characteristics, comprising at least one oligonucleotide sequence, wherein the nucleotide sequences are selected from any of SEQ ID NO.: 1 to SEQ ID NO.: 558 and/or any combination thereof.


Genotyping of a bovine subject in order to establish the genetic determinants of calving traits for that subject according to the present invention can be based on the analysis of genomic DNA which can be provided using standard DNA extraction methods as described herein. The genomic DNA may be isolated and amplified using standard techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers corresponding (complementary) to the polymorphic marker regions. Additional steps of purifying the DNA prior to amplification reaction may be included. Thus, a diagnostic kit for establishing calving characteristics comprises, in a separate packing, at least one oligonucleotide sequence selected from the group of sequences shown in table 23 and any combinations thereof.


EXAMPLES
Experimental Design

A total genome scan for QTL affecting calving traits, was carried out in the Danish Holstein population. Marker and phenotypic data were collected according to the granddaughter design (Weller et al., 1990), which included 34 sires with 2042 progeny-tested sons. Numbers of sons per sire ranged from 20 to 106. Sires and their sons were genotyped for marker information whereas phenotypic records were taken from granddaughter performances. Numbers of daughters of each son ranged between 70 and 100. The marker data set included a total of 384 microsatellites covering all 29 Bos Taurus chromosomes.


Purification of genomic DNA


Genomic DNA was purified from semen according to the following protocol:


After thawing the semen-straw, both ends of the straw were cut away with a pair of scissors and the content of semen transferred to a 1.5 ml eppendorf tube. 1 ml of 0.9% NaCl was used to flush the straw into the tube. The tube was then centrifuged for 5 minutes at 2000 rpm, followed by removal of the supernatant. This washing step was repeated twice.


Then 300 μl buffer S (10 mM Tris HCl pH 8, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM EDTA pH 8; 0.5% SDS), 20 μl 1 M DTT and 20 μl pronase (20 mg/ml) (Boehringer) are added to the tube. After mixing the tubes are incubated over night with slow rotation where after 180 μl saturated NaCl is added followed by vigorous agitation for 15 seconds. The tube is the centrifuged for 15 minutes at 11000 rpm. 0.4 ml of the supernatant is transferred to a 2 ml tube and 1 ml of 96% ethanol is added, mixing is achieved by slow rotation of the tube. The tube is then centrifuged for 10 minutes at 11000 rpm. Remove the supernatant by pouring away the liquid, wash the pellet with 70% ethanol (0.2 ml) and centrifuge again for 10 minutes at 11000 rpm. Pour away the ethanol, dry the pellet and resuspend in 0.5 ml of TE-buffer) for 30 minutes at 55° C.


Amplification Procedures

PCR reactions were run in a volume of 8 μl using TEMPase (GeneChoice) polymerase and reaction buffer I as provided by the supplier (GeneChoice). Usually 5 different markers are included in each multiplex PCR. 1 μl DNA, 0.1 μl TEMPase enzyme, 0.2 mM dNTPs, 1.2 mM MgCl2, 0.3 μM each primer.


The PCR mixtures were subjected to initial denaturation at 94° C. for 15 min (for TEMPase). Subsequently, the samples were cycled for 10 cycles with touchdown, i.e. the temperature is lowered 1° C. at each cycle (denaturation at 94° C. 30″, annealing at 67° C. 45″, elongation 72° C. 30″), after which the samples were cycled for 20 cycles with normal PCR conditions (denaturation at 94° C. 30″, annealing at 58° C. 45″, elongation 72° C. 30) PCR cycling was terminated by I cycle at 72° C. 30′ and the PCR machine was programmed to cooling down the samples at 4° C. for ‘ever’.


The nucleotide sequence of the primers used for detecting the markers is shown in Table 23. The sequence is listed from the 5′ end.












TABLE 23






Forward Primer F




Marker name
Reverse Primer R
SEQ ID NO.:







BTA3:





TNRA006
F AGGAATATCTGTATCAACCTCAGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 1



R CTGAGCTGGGGTGGGAGCTATAAATA
SEQ ID NO.: 2





UWCA7
F TGTAGCTCCCTGGAGGAGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 3



R GCAAATACAACCCAGTCTGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 4





ILSTS096
F GTGACCTGGAGAAGTTTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 5



R ACCACGCTCTGACTTGTAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 6





DIK4403
F CGTGCTGCAACTGAGAGTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 7



R GCTGTATAGCAAAGTGACCCAGT
SEQ ID NO.: 8





RME23
F AGAACAAATGTGACACTCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 9



R GTGAGTACAGGCGCTTTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 10





BMS963
F GGAGGATGAAGGAGTCTTTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 11



R AATTTACCACAGTCCACCGC
SEQ ID NO.: 12





BMS819
F AAAGAATTGGACCTGACTGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 13



R GCTTTCACTTCTGCTGGCTT
SEQ ID NO.: 14





FCGR1
F GGTCTTCATTGGTGTTTTCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 15



R GAGCTGCCCTAGATGAGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 16





BL41
F CCTCTGCCATCTTTATTCCG
SEQ ID NO.: 17



R AAGATCAACTTATTCCTCACAGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 18





DIK4353C
F TGAACTTTAGGGCAGCATGA
SEQ ID NO.: 19



R AAGACTGAGATGTGGGGAAAA
SEQ ID NO.: 20





INRA003
F CTGGAGGTGTGTGAGCCCCATTTA
SEQ ID NO.: 21



R CTAAGAGTCGAAGGTGTGACTAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 22





BMS2790
F AAGACAAGGACTTTCAGCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 23



R AAAGAGTCGGACATTACTGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 24





ILSTS029
F TGTTTTGATGGAACACAGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 25



R TGGATTTAGACCAGGGTTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 26





BM220
F TTTTCTACTGCCCAACAAAGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 27



R TAGGTACCATAGCCTAGCCAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 28





INRA123
F TCTAGAGGATCCCCGCTGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 29



R AGAGAGCAACTCCACTGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 30





BMS862
F TATAATGCCCTCTAGATCCACTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 31



R ATGGAAAAATAAGATGTGGTATGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 32





HUJ246
F ACTCCAGTTTTCTTTCCTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 33



R TGCCATGTAGTAGCTGTGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 34





BMS937
F GTAGCCATGGAGACTGGACTG
SEQ ID NO.: 35



R CATTATCCCCTGTCACACACC
SEQ ID NO.: 36





DIK4664
F AACTGGCTCCAAGGTCAATG
SEQ ID NO.: 37



R TCCCCTGTCACACACCTGTA
SEQ ID NO.: 38





DIK2702
F TGCGATATTTAATGGATGTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 39



R TTCCTTTCTCCGAACTGCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 40





HUJII77
F TCCATCAAGTATTTGAGTGCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 41



R ATAGCCCTACCCACTGTTTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 42





DIK2686
F ATGTTTTTCAGGCCAATCCA
SEQ ID NO.: 43



R TGCCCTGATTTCTCATACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 44





BM7225
F GGTGTTATGCATTCTCTAGGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 45



R AAGAGTTAGACATGACTGAGCACG
SEQ ID NO.: 46





BTA4:


BMS1788
F ACGTCCAGATTCAGATTTCTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 47



R GGAGAGGAATCTTGCAAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 48





BMS2646
F CAAAGCCATAAGAAGCAATTATG
SEQ ID NO.: 49


BMS2646
R CCTTCTATAGTGTGGTGAGTACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 50





TGLA116
F GCACAGTAATAAGAGTGATGGCAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 51



R TGGAGAAGATTTGGGTGTGTACCCA
SEQ ID NO.: 52





INRA072
F CTTAACTCATTCACCTCAACTG
SEQ ID NO.: 53



R AGTGATTGAGCACATTGCGCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 54





BM8233
F GCATTGGCAAGTGGATTCTT
SEQ ID NO.: 55



R AAGGCAATTAACACATACATCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 56





BMS648
F ACTTCCCATCCATCCATCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 57



R CTTCCATTCTCAGCCATCTAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 58





BR6303
F TGAGCCATAGAATTAAGATTCAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 59



R TTTGTTCCTCTTTATTTTCTTCTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 60





MGTG4B
F GAGCAGCTTCTTTCTTTCTCATCTT
SEQ ID NO.: 61



R GCTCTTGGAAGCTTATTGTATAAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 62





BTA5:


BMS1095
F AGGGATTGGTTTATGCTCTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 63



R GTTGCAGAGTCGGACATGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 64





BM6026
F GCAACTAAGACCCAACCAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 65



R ACTGATGTGCTCAGGTATGACG
SEQ ID NO.: 66





MNB-33
F GCTTTGGTACACCCTTTAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 67



R GAACAAATTCACAAGGGAAAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 68





BMS610
F TTTCACTGTCATCTCCCTAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 69



R ATGTATTCATGCACACCACACA
SEQ ID NO.: 70





BP1
F AAAATCCCTTCATAACAGTGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 71



R CATCGTGAATTCCAGGGTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 72





DIK4747
F CCAAAAATTCTGGCACCAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 73



R CCTGGGCTTGTGACTAGCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 74





DIK2718
F AGGAAGGACAAGGACATTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 75



R AGAGGGTCAAAGGCTTAATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 76





AGLA293
F GAAACTCAACCCAAGACAACTCAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 77



R ATGACTTTATTCTCCACCTAGCAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 78





DIK5002
F TGTGCTGGAGGTGATAGCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 79



R TGCAGGAATATGAGAGCTGAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 80





DIK4759
F AGTTGGACCTGCCATTGTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 81



R ACTTATGTGCGTGCGTGCT
SEQ ID NO.: 82





BMC1009
F GCACCAGCAGAGAGGACATT
SEQ ID NO.: 83



R ACCGGCTATTGTCCATCTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 84





CSSM034
F CCATAACTCTGGGACTTTTCCTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 557



R ATGTTCAGCCATCTCTCCTGGTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 558





RM500
F CAGACACGACTAAGCGACCA
SEQ ID NO.: 85



R CCTACAATAAAGCACGGGGA
SEQ ID NO.: 86





BMS1617
F GCCTGCATGTGTCTGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 87



R TCTGTGTCGGAATACCCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 88





DIK5046
F TGAATTGTTTCTGCTTCTTGGA
SEQ ID NO.: 89



R TGCATGACTCCCCTCTCTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 90





ETH10
F GTTCAGGACTGGCCCTGCTAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 91



R CCTCCAGCCCACTTTCTCTTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 92





CSSM022
F TCTCTCTAATGGAGTTGGTTTTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 93



R ATATCCCACTGAGGATAAGAATTC
SEQ ID NO.: 94





BMS1216
F GAGTAGAACACAACTGAGGACACA
SEQ ID NO.: 95



R CAATGCTGTGGGTACTGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 96





DIK2943
F GGTTTCCTCAGGACATGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 97



R CAGTCCATGAGGTTGCAGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 98





BMS1248
F GTAATGTAGCCTTTTGTGCCG
SEQ ID NO.: 99



R TCACCAACATGAGATAGTGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 100





BM315
F TGGTTTAGCAGAGAGCACATG
SEQ ID NO.: 101



R GCTCCTAGCCCTGCACAC
SEQ ID NO.: 102





BMS1658
F ATTGATGCTTTATGATCCTCATG
SEQ ID NO.: 103



R CCCACTAAGAGAGGAGGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 104





BM2830
F AATGGGCGTATAAACACAGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 105



R TGAGTCCTGTCACCATCAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 106





BTA7:


BM7160
F TGGATTTTTAAACACAGAATGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 107



R TCAGCTTCTCTTTAAATTTCTCTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 108





BL1067
F AGCCAGTTTCTTCAAATCAACC
SEQ ID NO.: 109



R ATGGTTCCGCAGAGAAACAG
SEQ ID NO.: 110





BMS713
F CCAAGGGAGGAAAAATAAGTTAA
SEQ ID NO.: 111



R ACCAGCAGTAGGTTGAGGTTAA
SEQ ID NO.: 112





DIK5321
F AACCTTCACAGGCTCCTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 113



R CCCATCTCTTGTGCCAAATC
SEQ ID NO.: 114





DIK4421
F CATCTGAATGGCCAGAATGA
SEQ ID NO.: 115



R GTCCCCTGCATGTGTCTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 116





DIK2207
F ACATTGGCTTACGCTCACACT
SEQ ID NO.: 117



R CCTGTCTGGGTTTGTTTGCT
SEQ ID NO.: 118





DIK5412
F ATGGACAGAACAGCCTGACA
SEQ ID NO.: 119



R TGGTGAACTCAGCCTCACTG
SEQ ID NO.: 120





IL4
F GTGCTGGACATCTGCAAGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 121



R ACATTCAGGTCTGTGATCCATG
SEQ ID NO.: 122





BM6105
F ACTAATAAGAAATTCTGCATGTGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 123



R CCACCATGACTCAGAAGTAGTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 124





TGLA303
F TAATCATAAGTCAAAGTAACAGTTT
SEQ ID NO.: 125



R GATCTGGACATACAAAAGTATTAC
SEQ ID NO.: 126





DIK2819
F TTACTTTTCGTGGGCCAGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 127



R GGAACTGTGCCACATAGCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 128





DIK4606
F TCTTGGAAAGGGGAAAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 129



R TGCTTCATAGCACTTATCTCTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 130





BM7247
F AGTAAGGCCTGCAGTATTTATATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 131



R AATCTTTCCCTAGAACTTACAAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 132





UWCA20
F CTGAAACACTCTAAAAGGGTATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 133



R ATCCCAACATCCACCCATTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 134





BM6117
F GTTCTGAGGTTTGTAAAGCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 135



R GGTGAGCTACAATCCATAGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 136





BMS2840
F AGGAACCCATAGGCAGACAC
SEQ ID NO.: 137



R GCCTGGCAAAGAGAAAATTC
SEQ ID NO.: 138





DIK2915
F TCTCACCCTCACATGGTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 139



R GTGGAGCCAAGGTGAAAGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 140





BMS2258
F CCAGCAGAAGAGAAAGATACTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 141



R AGTGGTAGAACTTCCATCTCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 142





OARAE129
F AATCCAGTGTGTGAAAGACTAATCCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 143



R GTAGATCAAGATATAGAATATTTTTCAACACC
SEQ ID NO.: 144





DIK2895
F CTCAATGACGTTTGGCTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 145



R GGTGCCTGACTCCAATTGAT
SEQ ID NO.: 146





ILSTS006
F TGTCTGTATTTCTGCTGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 147



R ACACGGAAGCGATCTAAACG
SEQ ID NO.: 148





BL1043
F AGTGCCAAAAGGAAGCGC
SEQ ID NO.: 149



R GACTTGACCGTTCCACCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 150





BTA8:


IDVGA-11
F CCTCTGGGTCTATCCATGTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 151



R TGGATGAATGAAGAAGATGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 152





BMS1591
F GACAAGATAGGCTTTGCATGA
SEQ ID NO.: 153



R GATAGAAATATACCAGGAGCTCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 154





BMS678
F ACCATCTACTGTGCTATGGCTT
SEQ ID NO.: 155



R GCAGAAACACAATACTCAGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 156





INRA129
F GGGTAGCCTGTTAAAATGCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 157



R CAGTGCTGACCTCTGAAGTAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 158





BMS2072
F TGTTCAGTGCTTGTCTTAGCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 159



R TCTTCAAAGCCATCAATCATC
SEQ ID NO.: 160





BMS887
F AAGCTAACTGATATTCTGCCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 161



R TTCCCTCTCTTCCCTCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 162





URB037
F ACTGGAGACGACTGAAGCAACC
SEQ ID NO.: 163



R GAGTGGCTGTTGCTAAATTTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 164





MCM64
F TACAGTCCATGGGGTCACAAGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 165



R TCTGAATCTACTCCCTCCTCAGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 166





CSSM047
F TCTCTGTCTCTATCACTATATGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 167



R CTGGGCACCTGAAACTATCATCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 168





BMS836
F GAAACTCTTTTCACTCTGCGC
SEQ ID NO.: 169



R GCTCTTAGGGATTGCTTCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 170





BTA9:


BMS2151
F CCATTAAGAGGAAATTGTGTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 171



R ATGGAGTCACTGAAAGGTACTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 172





ETH225
F GATCACCTTGCCACTATTTCCT
SEQ ID NO.: 173



R ACATGACAGCCAGCTGCTACT
SEQ ID NO.: 174





ILSTS037
F TAGGCTATGTACTGACCATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 175



R CTGAACTGAGATGACTTTGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 176





BM2504
F CAGCTTTCCATCCCCTTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 177



R CTCCCATCCCAAACACAGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 178





DIK2892
F TTGACCCTGAAAGATGTCCA
SEQ ID NO.: 179



R CACGGTTTATCAGCTTGGGTA
SEQ ID NO.: 180





DIK3003
F ACTTTCAGTTTTGGGCTGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 181



R TGTCACTAGGTAAATTGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 182





DIK3002
F AAATGGAGGTAATGAAATAAAATA
SEQ ID NO.: 183



R CAAACCCATGGACTGTAACCT
SEQ ID NO.: 184





BMS1267
F TTCTGAATTTGATTCCCAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 185



R ACTGTTTCCTTAAAAGCTTCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 186





DIK5142
F TGGGTAAGTGGGAAAGGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 187



R CTCAGCCAGGTTGTCCTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 188





BMS555
F GGAAAGAGTAGGTGATTCCCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 189



R ATTTAATTGTCATCCCAGGTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 190





DIK5364
F CCTCTGAAACCCCAGACTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 191



R AAAAACCCAAAACAACACACAA
SEQ ID NO.: 192





UWCA9
F CCTTCTCTGAATTTTTGTTGAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 193



R GGACAGAAGTGAGTGACTGAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 194





DIK4720
F CATGATATTTACCCTGTGTGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 195



R GAGGAGCTGGAGGGCTAAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 196





BMS1290
F TTGGCACTTACTACCTCATATGTT
SEQ ID NO.: 197



R TTTTCTGGATGTTGAGCCTATT
SEQ ID NO.: 198





DIK2816
F ACCTTGGGAATCAAGGTCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 199



R CCCAGTAGTCCAGTGGCTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 200





BM6436
F AAAGACTGCTTGCCTGAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 201



R CAACCAGTGATGCTGTACTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 202





BMS2753
F TCAAAAAGTTGGACATGACTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 203



R AGGTTTTCAAATGAGAGACTTTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 204





BM4208
F TCAGTACACTGGCCACCATG
SEQ ID NO.: 205



R CACTGCATGCTTTTCCAAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 206





BMS2819
F GCTCACAGGTTCTGAGGACTC
SEQ ID NO.: 207



R AACTTGAAGAAGGAATGCTGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 208





BMS2295
F GCTCTGGTGACCCAGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 209



R CTGGCAGGAGATGAGAGGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 210





BMS1967
F GGGCAGATGTGAGTAATTTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 211



R AACTGAGCTGTATGGTGGACG
SEQ ID NO.: 212





BTA10


DIK2658
F GCACATTGGGATCTCTCCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 213



R AAAGTCCCATCCCACAATCA
SEQ ID NO.: 214





DTK2503
F TCCTTACAACACACCATGCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 215



R CACACCCAGGCATCCATAC
SEQ ID NO.: 216





CSSM38
F TTCATATAAGCAGTTTATAAACGC
SEQ ID NO.: 217



R ATAGGATCTGGTAACTTACAGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 218





BMS528
F CTCACTCCACTGGGCTTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 219



R TGTGTTCTCACCTCGACCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 220





BM1237
F TCATCTTGGGCATAAGACAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 221



R ATTGTTCCCAGCATCTTAGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 222





MB077
F CACCCGTACCCTCACTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 223



R TCACAACCCTCTTCTCACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 224





DIK2000
F TGGCTTGCAACACTGCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 225



R CCCACCTACGACTGGGACTTA
SEQ ID NO.: 226





BMS2742
F GCTTCAGTTCTGCTTTTCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 227



R CTTCAGCATCTTGATTGTTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 228





BMS529
F CTCCAGGTAAGACAGGCCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 229



R CCCGATCTGTGTGTGGGT
SEQ ID NO.: 230





DIK2361
F TGTGGGTTTGATCTCTGAGT
SEQ ID NO.: 231



R TGTGTCCTCCTTTGTGGTAGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 232





BM888
F ACTAGGAGGCCATATAGGAGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 233



R GAGCTCAAAACGAGGGACAG
SEQ ID NO.: 234





TGLA433
F ATTTCTATGAAGTAGTCTTCTGACT
SEQ ID NO.: 235



R ATTTTAAAACTAGTCACGAGTGCCT
SEQ ID NO.: 236





INRA037
F GATCCTGCTTATATTTAACCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 237



R AAAATTCCATGGAGAGAGAAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 238





BMS1620
F TATGAACTCACATGGTTACCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 239



R TTGCCCAAAAATAGACCTTAAA
SEQ ID NO.: 240





ILSTS070
F GGTATTTTGAGAATGTGGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 241



R TCTTTGACCACTACCTATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 242





BMS2641
F GTGCGGAAAGGAACAGAGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 243



R AAAGCCGGACTGGAGTGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 244





BMS614
F AATGCGTGGGACTTGTTTT
SEQ ID NO.: 245



R CAATTGCTGAAGCAGTCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 246





BMS2614
F ACTTTCTTTTCCTGTGGCTCG
SEQ ID NO.: 247



R CAGAGCTGGCACCAGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 248





BTA11:


BM716
F AGTACTTGGCTTGCTTTGCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 249



R TTAAATTTCCATCTCACCCTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 250





BMS2569
F AGAGAGGCCAAAGCTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 251



R TTTCCTTGGGCTTCAGGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 252





BM2818
F TTCTGTGGTTGAAGAGTGTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 253



R CAATGGCTAAGAGGTCCAGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 254





INRA177-2
F TCCAAAAGTTTCGTGACATATTG
SEQ ID NO.: 255



R CACCAGGCTTCTCTGTTGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 256





INRA177
F TCCAAAAGTTTCGTGACATATTG
SEQ ID NO.: 257



R CACCAGGCTTCTCTGTTGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 258





RM096
F TCGCAAAAAGTTGGACAAGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 259



R TTAGCAGGGTGCCTGACACTT
SEQ ID NO.: 260





INRA131
F GGTAAAATCCTGCAAAACACAG
SEQ ID NO.: 261



R TGACTGTATAGACTGAAGCAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 262





BM7169
F TGGTATGTAGTTACAGCAGCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 263



R CCATTGAAACAGACATGAATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 264





BM6445
F GTGTCTGTCAAAAGATGAATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 265



R GACAACTGCTTCTCGTTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 266





ILSTS036
F GAGTATTATGCTTGGGAGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 267



R AGACAGGATGGGAAGTCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 268





BMS1822
F AAAGGCTTCTATTTGTGGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 269



R TTGATGCTTTATTGTTTTCCTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 270





TGLA58
F TTCTACTCTCCAGCCTCCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 271



R GTTGGCTCCAAGAGCAAGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 272





BMS2047
F ACTATGGACATTTGGGGCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 273



R AGTAGGTGGAGATCAAGGATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 274





HUJV174
F CAGACCAGTTTCTCAGACAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 275



R TCATTCCTGTGTCAATACAGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 276





BMS989
F TTTGAGAACTTTTGTTTCTGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 277



R TTATTTTGCTTTTCTGATTTTGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 278





TGLA436
F TGTATGGCTGAATGATATTCCATTT
SEQ ID NO.: 279



R CTACTGACAGATGATTAGATAAAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 280





BMS460
F TGCCCCATAGTGTAGTGCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 281



R GCCAGCAGAGAATTGTAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 282





ILSTS045
F TTCTGGCAAACTATTCCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 283



R CATGAAAGACACAGATGACC
SEQ ID NO.: 284





DIK4819
F ATTTTTCCCAGCGCCTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 285



R AAACAGAAGACTCAGGAAGACGA
SEQ ID NO.: 286





HEL13
F TAAGGACTTGAGATAAGGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 287



R CCATCTACCTCCATCTTAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 288





BTA12:


BMS410
F GGCTGAAAAGCTGTGGTGTT
SEQ ID NO.: 289



R TTGCCACATTTACCTTCTTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 290





BM6108
F TTCTAATGTAGAGCAAAGTGATTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 291



R TGTAGGAGGGACAGATTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 292





BM860
F ACCAGATTGGTGGTAGTGGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 293



R CATGCCGTGGCTAAGACC
SEQ ID NO.: 294





BMS975
F TGGAGCTAAATCAATGCGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 295



R CCCAATGGCCAATTAAGTACC
SEQ ID NO.: 296





BMS1316
F CCTTCATGGAAGAAATTTTGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 297



R GGAGTTACAGTCCATGGGTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 298





BMS2724
F GGCTGATACACAGAGACATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 299



R CCTCTCTGCCTTCTATCAGGT
SEQ ID NO.: 300





BTA15:


BR3510
F GCTGGTGGGTTGTTTACCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 301



R ACCCCGTGGACTGTAGTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 302





BMS2533
F TGAAGTAAGTAAGCACACAAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 303



R TTGATCATCTTTAGGTCCATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 304





INRA050
F ACAGGCTACAGTCCATGGGGTT
SEQ ID NO.: 305



R TATAGAACAGAAAAATGACTACACG
SEQ ID NO.: 306





JAB8
F CACGTCACCCGCTTTCTCTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 307



R GGTGAGTGTAACACCTGTGTGCG
SEQ ID NO.: 308





BMS2684
F CCAAGGTCATTGTTGCAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 309



R TGGGGATTTGCTTCTCAGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 310





DIK1106
F CAAGAGTCAGACATGACTTAGTGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 311



R TCTACCTTTTGATAGCGTGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 312





INRA145
F TAATAAAACTGGTCCCTCTGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 313



R TGCTGGCTCTCCAGTATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 314





IDVGA-10
F TCTCCTGGCTACAGGGCTAA
SEQ ID NO.: 315



R CCCACTGGCCTAGAACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 316





DIK4850
F AGGGGCGAAGTGAGGATTA
SEQ ID NO.: 317



R TTGCATGGTTCTGCAGATGT
SEQ ID NO.: 318





DIK2768
F AGCCTTCCCAGTACCTGTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 319



R TAAGGGAGCTCAAAACCACA
SEQ ID NO.: 320





ILSTS027
F GGTGTGTTGGTTAAGACTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 321



R GAATCATAGACCTGACTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 322





BMS812
F TGGACAGGACTGAGTATGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 323



R AGGTATCCAACTAACACAGCCA
SEQ ID NO.: 324





BMS2076
F AGCACCTGTACCATCTGTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 325



R TCCATAGGCTCACAAAGAGTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 326





BL1095
F TCCCTCTACCATATATTTCCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 327



R CATTAGCATGGAAAAACCTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 328





BMS820
F CCACTACTTGCCTCAGGGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 329



R ACAGGACTCTCAAGCATCAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 330





BMS927
F GATGATCCACCATAACTACCAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 331



R TGGCTCTCAAAGGTCATTGT
SEQ ID NO.: 332





BMS429
F TACATTAACCCCAAAATTAAATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 333



R CCCTTGATTTCTCTCATGAGTATT
SEQ ID NO.: 334





BTA18:


IDVGA-31
F CCTTGAGATGAATGTTTGAGGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 335



R AACGCAGCCAGCAGGGTCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 336





BMS1355
F TAAAACCCCAAAAAGAACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 337



R ATATTTGCGACATTGGATGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 338





BMS1322
F TGATGCTGATTGATTTTGTGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 339



R TATCTTTGCTCACTCTTTCCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 340





TEXAN-10
F TGTGGCTAGGTTCAAGCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 341



R TCTCTTCTGGTGCATCCATTG
SEQ ID NO.: 342





BMS2213
F ATGGGCAGCTTAGGGATTG
SEQ ID NO.: 343



R CTTCAAGAGCCTTCAGTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 344





INRA121
F GGAAACCCATTGGAGGATTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 345



R CTTCACTATTCCCCACAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 346





BR4406
F TACCTACCAGTTTTCCAGCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 347



R AGAAGAGCCTGGAGGGCTAC
SEQ ID NO.: 348





BMS2554
F GGGCTGTAAAGAGTAGGACACA
SEQ ID NO.: 349



R ATCATCTGCTTCCAGTCACAG
SEQ ID NO.: 350





MNB-27
F GAGTAAATAAAGCTGCATGATGTC
SEQ ID NO.: 351



R GGATCAGGAGATTTCAACACAG
SEQ ID NO.: 352





BM7109
F CAGGTAAAAGAGCGGCTTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 353



R GAGCTTCATGCCCTAGAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 354





INRA063
F ATTTGCACAAGCTAAATCTAACC
SEQ ID NO.: 355



R AAACCACAGAAATGCTTGGAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 356





ILSTS002
F TCTATACACATGTGCTGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 357



R CTTAGGGGTGAAGTGACACG
SEQ ID NO.: 358





BMS2639
F ATATCGTTTTCAGATTTCTTTTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 359



R GAGAGATAAATTGGGAGTTTGAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 360





DIK4960
F CGCAACTTCCAAGTCCATCT
SEQ ID NO.: 361



R GGACACCTTCCTGTCCTCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 362





DIK4849
F CCATCTTCCCCCATTGTGTA
SEQ ID NO.: 363



R CCCCTCTTCATCTCAAAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 364





BMON117
F TAGGGCCGTGATACTGTGT
SEQ ID NO.: 365



R CTCTACCATCCAGCACCCTAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 366





DIK4232
F TTGTGAGGTAAAGGGACATGA
SEQ ID NO.: 367



R GCCAGATTTGCCAACTGTTT
SEQ ID NO.: 368





BMS2785
F ACAAACCTGTGCGCCTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 369



R GGCAATCAGTCGGACACAC
SEQ ID NO.: 370





DIK4569
F TCCCCCTAAGGCTCAGAGTT
SEQ ID NO.: 371



R CTAACTTCCCCTTCGGAACC
SEQ ID NO.: 372





BM2078
F CCCAAAAGAAGCCAGGAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 373



R TCAGAGTTTGGGGTCCTCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 374





BM6507
F ACTTAGCACAATGCCCTCTAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 375



R ATGTTATTCCATCAGGAGGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 376





TGLA227
F CGAATTCCAAATCTGTTAATTTGCT
SEQ ID NO.: 377



R ACAGACAGAAACTCAATGAAAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 378





DIK4013
F GAAATTTGTGACCCCTGCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 379



R CTAAAGCTCTGCCTCCCAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 380





BTA19:


BM9202
F TCTATGAAGACTTTCAGGACCTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 381



R GCATCCCGGTCTCCTATG
SEQ ID NO.: 382





BMS745
F TAGGGACTTGTTACCCGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 383



R TGCAAGCTGTGAGGAGGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 384





BP20
F TCTGTGGGTGAACAAGCAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 385



R GGCTCCCTAAAGACCCACTC
SEQ ID NO.: 386





IDVGA-46
F AAATCCTTTCAAGTATGTTTTCA
SEQ ID NO.: 387



R ACTCACTCCAGTATTCTTGTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 388





BMS2389
F AATGTTAGGTTTACATGCAGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 389



R AGGCAATAGGATCTCCACTAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 390





CSSM065
F TTCCTGCTTGGTGAAACTTTGAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 391



R CAACTCAAAGCTTCAACAGCAGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 392





ETH3
F GAACCTGCCTCTCCTGCATTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 393



R ACTCTGCCTGTGGCCAAGTAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 394





BMS601
F CACTAGGACGATGCTCTCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 395



R TCACAAGAGCAATGACGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 396





BTA20:


BM3517
F GTGTGTTGGCATCTGGACTG
SEQ ID NO.: 397



R TGTCAAATTCTATGCAGGATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 398





HEL12
F GCATTAGGTTCTCCAGAGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 399



R CAGACTTGTCAGACTCCATA
SEQ ID NO.: 400





BMS1282
F ACTCTTCCACAGTTGGCCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 401



R CCTCCTTCCTCCAGAGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 402





BMS1754
F GCATTATTCTTTGTTCTTTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 403



R GTTTCTGCTCCTGATCTCCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 404





TGLA126
F CTAATTTAGAATGAGAGAGGCTTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 405



R TTGGTCTCTATTCTCTGAATATTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 406





BMS2361
F ACACAACCCAAATGTTACCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 407



R ATTGTGCAGAGACCAAGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 408





AGLA29
F AGGAAGCCGAGTGAGATATGTAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 409



R TTACAGCCTGTGTGAATGTCCTCTA
SEQ ID NO.: 410





BMS703
F CAATGAGCTCAGATTGTTGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 411



R ATACATGTAGTCAAAAGGCTCATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 412





BM5004
F TCTGGAGTGAATGTTTCTGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 413



R TTGTGATGAGCACCTGAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 414





UWCA26
F TGGGGTCTAAAAGAGTCAGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 415



R TTCAAGTCTGCCTTTTGGTTTCGT
SEQ ID NO.: 416





BTA21:


DIK5182
F CGATGTAAAGGGCAGGTTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 417



R CTCTTAGAATCCTGTTTTAGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 418





BMS1117
F TGTGTGCTCTCTCACACATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 419



R AACCAAAGCAGGGATCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 420





RM151
F CCCAGAGGTGACAACATTTCCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 421



R GATCCACCAAAAACCAGCTGGA
SEQ ID NO.: 422





DIK2492
F AATCCATCCATTCAGCCTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 423



R GAAATGACAGCCCACTCCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 424





AGLA233
F TGCAAACATCCACGTAGCATAAATA
SEQ ID NO.: 425



R GCATGAACAGCCAATAGTGTCATC
SEQ ID NO.: 426





ILSTS095
F GAAAGATGTTGCTAGTGGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 427



R ATTCTCCTGTGAACCTCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 428





DIK4602
F GACTGCGACCAGGTCTTTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 429



R AGGCCCATACGCATTTGTTA
SEQ ID NO.: 430





BM103
F CTAGCTGCTGGCTACTTGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 431



R GGCTGCTCTGGGCTATTG
SEQ ID NO.: 432





DIK4001
F TTCTCCAACCCGGTTATGC
SEQ ID NO.: 433



R CTGATTGGTCACTCCATCCA
SEQ ID NO.: 434





IDVGA-45
F GTGGTGGCAAAGAGTCAGA
SEQ ID NO.: 435



R AACAGCCCTGATTTCCATA
SEQ ID NO.: 436





DIK2481
F CCGTGTTTGTCTTCCTCTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 437



R TGACAGCAGCCAAGATATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 438





INRA103
F TTGTCCAGCCCAGCATTTAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 439



R GGAGAAGACTTATGGGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 440





BMS2815
F TGATATTCAAACTCAATGAACCC
SEQ ID NO.: 441



R CTTGCATATGCTCATCATTATCA
SEQ ID NO.: 442





DIK2842
F GGATTTTAGCTGCCATTGCT
SEQ ID NO.: 443



R AATCCCATGGACAGAAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 444





DIK3036
F TGTGTGGCTTTAGCACAT
SEQ ID NO.: 445



R CAGAAAGGGAAATCACATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 446





DIK4391
F CCCTTCCAATAGGCAAATCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 447



R TCCAACAAGCTTTTCCTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 448





DIK2913
F AACGTCCAGTCGCTTCAAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 449



R TCACACACCTGAACTCAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 450





BM846
F GACCACTGGACCACCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 451



R CTGGTAAAAAGCAATGATGCC
SEQ ID NO.: 452





TGLA122
F CCCTCCTCCAGGTAAATCAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 453



R AATCACATGGCAAATAAGTACATAC
SEQ ID NO.: 454





ILSTS054
F GAGGATCTTGATTTTGATGTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 455



R AGGGCCACTATGGTACTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 456





BMS743
F AGCTACCCTGGTATACAACACG
SEQ ID NO.: 457



R GCTCTGAAATTCTGGCAGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 458





IDVGA-30
F GCATCTGGGAGCCTCGTATCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 459



R TTGTAAAACTCGGGGCATAAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 460





BTA22:


CSSM26
F GACTTCTGCTTGTGGTTTCCAAGT
SEQ ID NO.: 461



R TTTTCCCATTATGGTTTATCCCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 462





INRA026
F TAGTTCCAATGAGACACGAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 463



R TAGGAGCACGGAGGTAAAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 464





BM1558
F TGAGGAAAGCCTTGGCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 465



R ACTGGGCCTAGCTCCTTCTC
SEQ ID NO.: 466





BM3628
F CTGAGATGGACTCAGGGAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 467



R GTTGGATTGGAAAGGTTAGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 468





BMS875
F TCCAGCTTGAATCCCTTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 469



R AAGCAAAGGCTGGGAACAC
SEQ ID NO.: 470





BM4102
F CCAAATTCCACTGTGCTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 471



R GAGCGGCCTATCAACCCTAC
SEQ ID NO.: 472





BTA24:


BMS917
F TAATGCCTCTGGAAGGTTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 473



R CAAGCTGGTTGTTCTTTTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 474





BM7151
F AAATGTCCACTGCTCAAAGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 475



R ACTTGGAGATAGAACTGGCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 476





BM226
F ATTGCCTTGTCCGTGTATCC
SEQ ID NO.: 477



R CCGGCTGAATTGCTATAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 478





BMS2526
F CAGGCTCCATGTTGGACAC
SEQ ID NO.: 479



R CATCAGGTTGGCAGAGTCG
SEQ ID NO.: 480





TGLA351
F GCACATCTGGTGGCCACATCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 481



R CTCTAGGGGATTTCAGTCTCAGT
SEQ ID NO.: 482





BM7228
F TTAAATCCTCAAGTAAAGGAAGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 483



R GCAAACCTAAGAATCCTCATTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 484





CSSM23
F CACTGGAGTGGGTTGCCATTGTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 485



R GTTCGCAATATGATCTCTGATTTG
SEQ ID NO.: 486





BMS2270
F CTGCGTTAACACCCCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 487



R GCAGGAAGGCTGATGCAC
SEQ ID NO.: 488





ILSTS065
F GCTGCAAAGAGTTGAACACC
SEQ ID NO.: 489



R AACTATTACAGGAGGCTCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 490





BMS1862
F GCACATGCAATCTTGAAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 491



R ACCAGAGATGATGAAGAATCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 492





BMS466
F AGCAGAGGGCAAATGTTATG
SEQ ID NO.: 493



R GGATGTAAGAGGATGCAGACC
SEQ ID NO.: 494





INRA090
F GGTCATTTTCCATTATGACAGCAG
SEQ ID NO.: 495



R GGTGTTACCTTTTTTAGTCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 496





BMS1926
F CAACTAGCTTCTCAATGCCTTT
SEQ ID NO.: 497



R TTCTCCCAATCTGTAACTGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 498





BMS3024
F CCAAACCAGTGTGACTGACA
SEQ ID NO.: 499



R TTGCTCATTTAACTTCATTACAACA
SEQ ID NO.: 500





BTA25:


ILSTS102
F CAGGACTGAGTAACTAAGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 501



R AGGAGACAGCTACAAACCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 502





BMS2843
F ATCCAAGGAGGTCCCAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 503



R TCCTCCAGTGGGAAATATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 504





BM737
F TGGGATAGACCACATTGGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 505



R GAATGCTGTTTGGGAGGGTA
SEQ ID NO.: 506





ILSTS046
F TAAAGTCCTGCAAGAGAAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 507



R TTTCTGTCTTGAGTCTCTCC
SEQ ID NO.: 508





BMS1353
F TTTCAGGACTAATAGGGCATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 509



R ATTCAGACCTGCCTGGTGAC
SEQ ID NO.: 510





AF5
F GCAGAAGGAAAAAGCAATGG
SEQ ID NO.: 511



R GATCCTGCGAGCCACAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 512





BTA26:


BMS651
F AATATGTGAAAACAAGTCAAAGCA
SEQ ID NO.: 513



R CCTGGCAAGCAACAGTTAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 514





HEL11
F CTTTGTGGAAGGCTAAGATG
SEQ ID NO.: 515



R TCCCACATGATCTATGGTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 516





BMS332
F GACAAAACCCTTTTAGCACAGG
SEQ ID NO.: 517



R AATTGCATGGAAAGTTCTCAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 518





RM026
F TTGTACATTTCTGTCAATGCCTT
SEQ ID NO.: 519



R ACAATGTCATTGGTCAATTCATT
SEQ ID NO.: 520





BM9284
F AGGTGCTGGAATGGCAAC
SEQ ID NO.: 521



R TGTGATTTTGGTCTTCCTTGC
SEQ ID NO.: 522





RME40
F TCTGTGAGCATGTGCAGAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 523



R CTCACAGGTAAATTTGGGTGAT
SEQ ID NO.: 524





IDVGA-59
F AACCCAAATATCCATCAATAG
SEQ ID NO.: 525



R CAGTCCCTCAACCCTCTTTTC
SEQ ID NO.: 526





BMS882
F TAGTGTCCACCAGAGACCCC
SEQ ID NO.: 527



R CCAAAGACACAGTTTAAAGGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 528





BM804
F CCAGCATCAACTGTCAGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 529



R GGCAGATTCTTTGCCTTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 530





BM7237
F CCAGCATCAACTGTCAGAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 531



R GGCAGATTCTTTGCCTTCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 532





BTA28:


BMC6020
F ATTGCATGTAGCTCTTGGGG
SEQ ID NO.: 533



R AAGTGGGTGGCTTCAACACT
SEQ ID NO.: 534





ETH1112
F AGTGGATCCTGCATGTTATGCCG
SEQ ID NO.: 535



R CCAGACGGACCTTTGTGGGCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 536





BL25
F AACAGTGGCAATGGAAGTGG
SEQ ID NO.: 537



R AGTCAGGATCTAGTGGGTGAGTG
SEQ ID NO.: 538





DIK2955
F CATTGAACACTGAAAGGAAAGC
SEQ ID NO.: 539



R TCACAAGGGCTTTGAAGTGA
SEQ ID NO.: 540





BMS2608
F GACTAAGCATATGAACCTGGGC
SEQ ID NO.: 541



R CTGCCCCTTGTCATCTCATC
SEQ ID NO.: 542





BMS2658
F TCCCTGGACTTCTTGCAGAG
SEQ ID NO.: 543



R CTGGCCCCAGACACAATC
SEQ ID NO.: 544





DIK713
F CACTTTGCTGTGGACCTGAA
SEQ ID NO.: 545



R ACCCAGGAACTGAACCCAT
SEQ ID NO.: 546





BMS1714
F TTTATCCCAAGAGGTTCCACC
SEQ ID NO.: 547



R AGGTGCTTGCAGTGAATCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 548





DIK5056
F CCACCAGGCTAATGGGTAAA
SEQ ID NO.: 549



R TGGTGTTGCATCTGCATTCT
SEQ ID NO.: 550





DIK5323
F CTGGGAAGCCTTTTGATCTG
SEQ ID NO.: 551



R ATGGACCAGATGGTGGAAAT
SEQ ID NO.: 552





DIK4862
F CTTTCCCATCCTTTCACCAA
SEQ ID NO.: 553



R AAGTAGGGTGTGTGGGGGTA
SEQ ID NO.: 554





BMC2208
F GTTGAGCAGGGGGTAACAAG
SEQ ID NO.: 555



R ACGAGTCCCTGCTGCTCTAC
SEQ ID NO.: 556









0.5 μl PCR-product is added to 9.5 μl formamide and analysed on an ABI-3730XL sequencing Instrument (Applied Biosystems Inc.).


Phenotype Data

The calving traits considered were stillbirth (SB), calving difficulty (CD) and the size of calf at birth (CS) after first calving. The traits were assessed both as a “direct’ effect (D) of the sire in the calf and as a “maternal” effect (M) of the sire in the mother of the calf, giving a total of 6 traits for the QTL analysis. Breeding values for each trait were obtained from the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service database. The breeding values were obtained from the routine breeding value estimation procedure by the exception that information from correlated traits and pedigree information were ignored.


Statistical Analysis

The calving traits were analyzed using the linear regression mapping procedure of Haley & Knott (1992). Significant QTL were found by using permutation tests developed by Churchill & Doerge (1994). In this procedure traits and chromosomes were analyzed separately and tested for the presence of a single QTL affecting a particular trait. If the test: (1) exceeds the 5% chromosome-wise significance threshold and (2) the QTL-region affecting two or more traits, then the QTL is retained for further characterization. The variance component QTL mapping approach was used to test if it is a single pleiotropic QTL affecting two traits or two linked QTL affecting different traits. The QTL is modeled as a random effect in a bivariate linear mixed model that adjusts for polygenenic and overall trait means. The IBD matrices were computed using a recursive algorithm (Sørensen et al., 2003, Wang et al., 1995), conditional on the most likely marker linkage phase in the sire. The IBD matrices were computed for every 2 cM along the chromosomes and used in the subsequent variance component estimation procedure.


Baysian information criterion (BIC) and correlation between the QTL (rq) were used to compare the pleiotropic and linked model.


Example 1

The chromosome-wise regression test (table 24) showed a total of 27 significant QTL for calving traits in first lactation on 17 different chromosomes. 15 of the QTL were related to direct calving ease and 12 QTL was related to the maternal effects.


Average number of informative markers per grandsire family varied from 3.0 (BTA25) to 8.5 (BTA3) informative markers per chromosome.









TABLE 24







Chromosome wise regressions analysis across families for calving traits after first


calving. QTL are shown for traits that exceed 5% chromosome wise threshold level.


Numbers of segregating families are shown in brackets for each trait and chromosome.















Inform.








BTA
Level
D_CD
D_SB
D_CS
M_CD
M_SB
M_CS





BTA3
8.5a (34)b

0.010c (5)d






BTA4
5.0 (19)
0.023 (3)


BTA7
6.4 (34)

0.003 (6)
0.042 (5)


BTA8
3.6 (34)
0.042 (2)



0.030 (3)


BTA9
6.0 (19)





0.027 (3)


BTA10
6.1 (34)



0.035 (3)


BTA12
5.1 (19)

0.031 (1)


0.028 (2)


BTA15
6.5 (34)


 0.02 (3)


BTA18
7.0 (34)
0.010 (5)
0.026 (4)
   0 (4)

0.015 (7)


BTA19
5.2 (19)


0.007 (3)


BTA20
3.5 (19)


0.005 (5)


BTA21
5.3 (34)



0.044 (2)


BTA22
4.1 (19)


0.010 (2)


0.029 (3)


BTA24
4.6 (19)




0.041 (2)


BTA25
3.0 (19)
0.006 (2)

0.002 (4)


BTA26
4.7 (34)

0.021 (3)


 0.00 (7)


BTA28
3.5 (33)



0.025 (3)
0.045 (0)





D_CD: direct calving difficulty,


D_SB: direct stillbirth,


D_CS: direct calf size,


M_CD: maternal calving difficulty,


M_SB: maternal stillbirth,


M_CS: maternal calf size.



anumbers of informative markers,




bnumber of analyzed grandsires,




cp-values







Each QTL was detected significant in 0 to 7 Holstein families when the test was performed within family analysis. BTA 28 showed no significant families for M_SB, but four families were candidates to significance (p<0.10).


Seven chromosomes showed more than one significant QTL in the same region and were further examined for the presence of pleiotropic or linked QTL. Only BTA 18 showed more than two significant QTL.


Example 2

Table 25 shows results of tests to distinguish between pleiotropic and linked QTL. Two regions (BTA 12, BTA25) indicate QTL with pleiotropic effects with strong correlations between the traits (close to 1 or −1). For BTA7 and BTA26 the linkage model is in favor with correlations closer to 0 and high BIC-values. The analysis on BTA22 and BTA28 could not clarify whether it is linked or pleiotropic QTL. BTA8 did not give useful results because the likelihood did not converge to a maximum. On BTA 18 there may be a pleiotropic QTL affecting all the direct calving traits and probably one QTL affecting maternal stillbirth (M_SB).









TABLE 25







Multi-trait analysis with pleiotropic and linked QTL models for calving


traits on BTA 7, 8, 12, 18, 22, 25, 26, and 28 where QTL were


identified for more than one calving trait in first lactation.














No.
Bayes


BTA
rq
Dist (cM)
markersa
factorb















BTA7
D_SB, D_CS
0.35
26
1.15
0.3


BTA8
D_CD, M_SB
NC
38
1.12
NC


BTA12
D_SB, M_SB
0.99
4
0
27


BTA18
D_CD, D_SB
0.87
0
0
27



D_CD, D_CS
0.93
0
0
109848



D_CD, M_SB
0.71
14
1.15
0.7



D_SB, D_CS
0.95
0
0
1806411



D_SB, M_SB
NC
14
1.15
NC



D_CS, M_SB
0.49
14
1.15
0.7


BTA22
D_CS, M_SB
0.72
14
0.68
3.7


BTA25
D_CD, D_CS
1.00
0
0
548


BTA26
D_SB, M_SB
0.1 
10
0.32
0.13


BTA28
M_CD, M_SB
0.78
10
0.39
3.7





D_CD: direct calving difficulty,


D_SB: direct stillbirth,


D_CS: direct calf size,


M_CD: maternal calving difficulty,


M_SB: maternal stillbirth,


M_CS: maternal calf size.



aaverage number of informative markers between QTL,




bprobability of a pleiotropic model over the linked model







Several QTL affecting both direct and maternal calving traits were identified. The QTL for D_CD on BTA8 confirmed the result in Ashwell et al (2003) and the QTL for direct and maternal stillbirth on BTA7 and BTA18 confirmed the results in Kuhn et al (2003). The multi-trait and multiple QTL variance component approach detected two pleiotropic QTL affecting both direct calving size and calving difficulties, and two pleiotropic QTL affecting both direct and maternal stillbirth. The identified QTL could have important implications for the Danish Holstein breeding program because of relative high economic weight in the combined selection index. In particular, QTL affecting survival and stillbirth without affecting calf size will be an efficient way to improve genetic progress for calving traits. More marker information is needed to get a more precise characterization of the QTL, before it can be used for effective selection purposes.

Claims
  • 1. A method of determining calving characteristics in a bovine subject, comprising detecting in a sample from said bovine subject the presence or absence of at least one genetic marker that is linked to at least one trait indicative of increased risk of stillbirth and/or increased risk of calving difficulties and/or increased risk of non-desired calf size, wherein said at least one genetic marker is located on the bovine chromosome BTA3 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers INRA006 and BM7225 and/or BTA4 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1788 and MGTG4B and/or,BTA5 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS1095 and BM2830 and/or,BTA7 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM7160 and BL1043 and/or,BTA8 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-11 and BMS836 and/or,BTA9 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS2151 and BMS1967 and/or,BTA10 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK2658 and BMS2614 and/or,BTA11 in the region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM716 and HEL13 and/or,BTA12 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS410 and BMS2724 and/or,BTA15 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BR3510 and BMS429 and/or,BTA18 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers IDVGA-31 and DIK4013 and/or,BTA19 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM9202 and BMS601 and/or,BTA20 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BM3517 and UWCA26 and/or,BTA21 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers DIK5182 and IDVGA-30 and/or,BTA22 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers CSSM26 and BM4102 and/or,BTA24 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS917 and BMS3024 and/or,BTA25 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers ILSTS102 and AF5 and/or,BTA26 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers BMS651 and BM7237 and/or,BTA28 in a region flanked by and including polymorphic microsatellite markers, BMC6020 and BMC2208,wherein the presence of said at least one genetic marker is indicative of calving characteristics of said bovine subject and/or off-spring therefrom.
  • 2-62. (canceled)
  • 63. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA3 in the region from about 17.1 to 101.8 cM, or between genetic markers INRA006 and BM7225.
  • 64. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA4 in the region from about 12.5 to 112.8 cM, or between genetic markers BMS1788 and MGTG4B.
  • 65. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA5 in the region from about 0.0 to 116.9 cM, or between genetic markers BMS1095 and BM2830.
  • 66. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA7 in the region from about 0.0 to 135.6 cM, or between genetic markers BM7160 and BL1043.
  • 67. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA8 in the region from about 11.3 to 122.9 cM, or between genetic markers IDVGA-11 and BMS836.
  • 68. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA9 in the region from about 8.49 to 109.3 cM, or between genetic markers BMS2151 and BMS1967.
  • 69. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA10 in the region from about 2.7 to 109.4 cM, or between genetic markers DIK2658 and BMS2614.
  • 70. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA11 in the region from about 19.4 to 122.4 cM, or between genetic markers BM716 and HEL13.
  • 71. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA12 in the region from about 0.0 to 109.0 cM, or between genetic markers BMS410 and BMS2724.
  • 72. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA15 in the region from about 9.4 to 109.8 cM, or between genetic markers BR3510 and BMS429.
  • 73. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA18 in the region from about 0.0 to 84.4 cM, or between genetic markers IDVGA-31 and DIK4013.
  • 74. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA19 in the region from about 0.0 to 108.0 cM, or between genetic markers BM9202 and BMS601.
  • 75. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA20 in the region from about 0.0 to 77.1 cM, or between genetic markers BM3517 and UWCA26.
  • 76. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA21 in the region from about 5.5 to 76.8 cM, or between genetic markers DIK5182 and IDVGA-30.
  • 77. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA22 in the region from about 0.0 to 82.9 cM, or between genetic markers CSSM26 and BM4102.
  • 78. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA24 in the region from about 6.2 to 65.9 cM, or between genetic markers BMS917 and BMS3024.
  • 79. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA25 in the region from about 7.2 to 61.7 cM, or between genetic markers ILSTS102 and AF5.
  • 80. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA26 in the region from about 2.8 to 66.8 cM, or between genetic markers BMS651 and BM7237.
  • 81. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one genetic marker is located in the region of the bovine chromosome BTA28 in the region from about 8.0 to 59.6 cM, or between genetic markers BMC6020 and BMC2208.
  • 82. A diagnostic kit for use in detecting the presence or absence in a bovine subject of at least one genetic marker associated with bovine calving characteristics, comprising at least one oligonucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO.: 1 to SEQ ID NO.: 558 and combinations thereof.
Priority Claims (2)
Number Date Country Kind
PA 2006 00181 Feb 2006 DK national
PA 2007 00165 Jan 2007 DK national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind 371c Date
PCT/DK2007/000060 2/5/2007 WO 00 11/6/2008