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Effects of Genetic Risk Factors for Bovine Congestive Heart Failure on Carcass Performance, Feedlot Health, and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Beef Cattle
Abstract
The rising rates of bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) at low to moderate elevations has become a significant concern to North American cattle producers. The condition's etiology remains largely unknown, but clinical signs are similar to those of high altitude disease, which historically only affected cattle at elevations above 2,000 meters. Studies have investigated potential risk factors associated with BCHF. Two genetic markers in the arrestin domain-containing protein 3 gene (ARRDC3) and the nuclear factor IA gene (NFIA) were recently discovered to be associated with BCHF in feedlot cattle in the Western Great Plains. In order for cattle producers to use this genetic information to select against BCHF risk in their herds, a custom assay was developed. Chapter two evaluates the accuracy and efficiency of this genotyping assay and testing platform. The adoption of new genetic selection practices is often met with cautionary resistance, due to the uncertainty of potential selection against beneficial production traits. Therefore, chapter three details a study on calves born in a western Nebraska herd during a three-year period to track ARRDC3 and NFIA genotypes and their associations with carcass performance and health outcomes. Additionally, the results of an association study between BCHF genetic risk factors and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in seedstock bulls is presented in chapter four. The research presented in this dissertation addresses the need for reliable genetic tests and the effects that ARRDC3 and NFIA genotypes have on carcass performance, health outcomes, and PAP in cattle. Cattle producers, veterinarians, and scientists can use these results to further understand BCHF.
Subject Area
Veterinary services|Animal Diseases|Genetics
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Jaden M, "Effects of Genetic Risk Factors for Bovine Congestive Heart Failure on Carcass Performance, Feedlot Health, and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Beef Cattle" (2023). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI30488611.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI30488611