Re: Genetic modification technologies

Authors: Zhou H, Hickford JGH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 51, Issue 5, pp 250, Oct 2003
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Hoof/claw, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Genetics, Locomotor, Molecular biology/medicine, Parasites - internal
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: We read with interest the recent article on the use of genetic modification technologies published in the April 2003 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal (Crawford 2003). In the section on commercialisation of DNA tests, Dr Crawford appears to have overlooked the footrot gene-marker test that has been commercially available through Lincoln University for the last 2 years. This test, developed with the assistance of MeatNZ and the New Zealand Wool Board, is based on assessing variation in the ovine MHC-DQA gene and the relationship of that variation to the ability of sheep to tolerate footrot.
This test is used widely in the Merino and mid-micron breeding industries, with Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry support, and the majority of Merino stud-breeders in New Zealand now utilise the technology. To date, over 11,000 sheep have been commercially gene-tested, in addition to testing undertaken in the research and development phases, and there are over 130 breeder clients, plus a few commercial farmers. Uptake of the technology is pleasing and rarely are the services advertised, as there seems to be good awareness of it in the sheep farming community, and acceptance of its veracity…
 

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