New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Invited paper
Application of new technologies in New Zealand for beef cattle and
deer improvement
C. A. Morris
AgResearch
Ruakura Research Centre
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
J. A. Archer
AgResearch
Invermay Agricultural Centre
Private Bag 50034
Mosgiel 9053
Dunedin, New Zealand
Abstract This review considers the application
of new technologies to beef cattle and deer improvement. Many potential
opportunities are linked to the concept of monitoring and then tracing
the unique identity (ID) of livestock through the use of DNA methods
and electronic IDs, including: identifying or confirming pedigrees;
collection of field, yard or abattoir data linked to an electronic ID;
marker-assisted selection using DNA and measured phenotypes; and
trace-back facilities for meat products at the point of sale by
matching a DNA sample taken there with one taken earlier in the
abattoir. Opportunities with assisted reproduction are described, with
the greatest potential payoffs being from much wider use of artificial
insemination, provided that more practical and economical insemination
methods can be found (especially in beef herds). Some new goal traits
are considered which could become more important than at present, when
applied to new production environments (e.g., selection to improve feed
conversion efficiency, resistance to feed-borne toxins, resistance to
nematode parasites, and deer calving earlier in the season). We
conclude with a discussion of technology adoption for beef cattle and
deer improvement.
Keywords beef cattle; deer; breeding; AI; DNA;
MAS; identification
A06056; Online publication date 2 May 2007; Received 2 October 2006;
accepted 5 April 2007
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007, Vol. 50:
163—179
0028—8233/07/5002—0163 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2007
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