Method for increasing productivity based on the fixation of the G2 allele in the promoting region of the growth hormone gene in slaughter cattle

• Grant number: 03/09023-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2004
• End date: September 30, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Ulhoa Dani
• Grantee: Sergio Ulhoa Dani
• Company: Genética Molecular Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ltda (GENON)
• City: Ribeirão Preto

Abstract

Genon proposes a method of increasing productivity based on the fixation of the G2 allele (or long allele) in the promoting region of the growth hormone gene (bGH). The characterization and quantification of the gain deriving from the fixation of the G2 allele in controlled herds of three breeds of zebu (Nelore, Gir and Guzerá) and one bull breed (Caracu), will be undertaken using DNA genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and variance analysis. It is estimated that between 5 to 20 per cent of animals in Brazilian herds are carriers of the G1 allele, a short form of bGH.With the consolidated preliminary results indicating a negative effect of this short allele on the productive characteristics of slaughter herds and a positive effect of the long allele on those same characteristics, animals carrying the G1 allele could be preferentially discarded, and animals carrying the G2 allele could be preferentially bred, as part of a program of genetic improvement for increased productivity. Based on preliminary results, it is estimated that the application of the technique on the national herd could represent an annual gain of the order of 150 thousand tons of meat for the country, obtained simply by means of the increase in productivity and competitiveness in the production chain. This will bring economic, ecological and social benefits to an entire sector based on the agribusiness breeding slaughter cattle. (AU)