Genome analysis of farm animal species : establishing the genetic map of pig and cattle

Abstract

Gene maps of domestic animal species are still very rudimentary as compared to those of man and mouse. However, many techniques are now available which should permit rapid progress in the establishment of these gene maps. The immediate objective of the INRA research teams in molecular genetics and cytogenetics is to identify for the bovine genome (Jouy-en- Josas) and porcine genome (mainly Toulouse), a range of genetic markers separated by about 20 cM, ie a group of about 150 markers. Taking into account the fact that the organization of the genome is relatively conserved between mammalian species, the information obtained in man and mouse will help, at least in part, to guide progress of gene mapping in domestic animals. The following results are expected : 1) identification of genome regions implicated in the variability of quantitative traits ; 2) information necessary for cloning genes of interest in animal breeding ; 3) approximate localisation of major genes with respect to neighbouring marker genes ; 4) a better understanding of the genetical diversity in breeds ; 5) a higher precision in the identification of animals and the parentage control. International collaborations are being established, notably within the EEC.