UDDER HEALTH CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

The invention relates to a method for determining udder health characteristics in bovine subjects, wherein udder health characteristics comprise sub-clinical and clinical mastitis. In particular, the method of the invention involves identification of genetic markers and/or Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for the determination of udder health characteristics in a bovine subject. The determination of udder health characteristics involves resolution of the specific microsatellite status. Furthermore, the invention relates to a diagnostic kit for detection of genetic marker(s) associated with udder health. The method and kit of the present invention can be applied for selection of bovine subjects for breeding purposes. Thus, the invention provides a method of genetically selecting bovine subjects with udder health characteristics that will yield cows less prone to mastitis.