Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Useful DNA based probes are being evaluated. The technologies being developed for selecting DNA markers include: random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR). The objective is to identify probes that correlate with useful qualitative and or quantitative traits.

Swine markers showing correlations with specific traits are: back-fat (9), feed intake (4), and growth rate (11). The search for DNA markers in dairy cattle to correlate with milk and protein yield, has resulted in the identification of 3
useful markers.

•  DNA markers have been established for a serious disease (spontaneous cardiomyopathy) in turkeys, which could be used for the benefit of Utah's turkey industry.