Hybrid dairy cattle and systems for maximizing hybrid advantage
Inventors
Lightner, Jon • Williams, Richard
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11399521-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.
Core Innovation
A method uses In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to produce F1 cross-breed embryos of female dairy cattle. The F1 cross-breed embryos are obtained from crosses of F0 parents selected based on one or more improved performance characteristics of prior F1 progeny generated in crosses of the same individuals or lines.
The approach addresses the problem that conventional natural mating, AI backcrossing, or introducing a third breed can cause allele segregation and loss of uniform F1 traits, which makes replacement outcomes unpredictable. By selecting F0 sires and/or dams using the performance of prior F1 progeny derived from the same individuals or lines, the system aims to preserve a hybrid advantage characterized by F1 performance and uniformity.
The document describes performance-based selection of F0 parents using improved performance characteristics measured for prior F1 progeny, and it links this selection to producing new F1 cross-breed embryos via IVF. The system also contemplates generating and maintaining F1 herds using F0 gametes from different breeds and using performance information across farms in a service architecture.
Claims Coverage
The provided set includes one independent claim, supported by dependent claims that specify selection metrics, breed lists, and IVF-related implementation details, for a total of multiple inventive features built on the core IVF-to-F1-embryo production with F0 selection from prior F1 performance.
IVF-produced F1 cross-breed embryos using F0 parents selected from prior F1 performance
Using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to produce F1 cross-breed embryos of female dairy cattle from crosses of F0 parents selected based on one or more improved performance characteristics of prior F1 progeny generated in crosses of the same individuals or lines.
Selecting improved performance characteristics for F0 parent choice using extensive trait metrics
Using performance metrics including milk production and components, fertility and conception rates, health and disease indicators, longevity and productive life, and linear body and udder conformation measurements to select F0 parents based on improved performance characteristics of prior F1 progeny.
Breed selection of F0 parents from a listed set of dairy cattle breeds
Selecting breeds used for generating cross-breed embryos from a listed group of cattle breeds, including Holstein, Friesian, Norwegian Red, Danish Red, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Jersey, Red & White, Milking Shorthorn, Linebackers, Dutch Belts, Burlina, Belarus Red, Belted Galloways, Canadienne, Carora, Danish Jersey, Frankeston Red, German black pied, Girolando, Brahman, Illawarra, Meuse-Rhine-Issel, Siboney de Cuba.
IVF embryo culturing prior to implantation into a host heifer or cow
Characterizing the IVF method as culturing embryos prior to implanting them into a host heifer or cow.
Fertilization using F0 donor oocytes matured in vitro
Carrying out fertilization using oocytes removed from an F0 donor and matured in vitro.
Improved F1 performance superiority relative to prior F1 when compared with both F0 parent versions
Defining that the improved performance characteristic of F1 is superior to the prior F1 when compared with both F0 parent versions.
Across the independent claim and dependent refinements, the central claim coverage is the production of F1 cross-breed embryos via IVF using F0 parents selected from improved performance characteristics observed in prior F1 progeny from crosses of the same individuals or lines, with dependent claims further specifying trait metric categories, a listed breed set, and additional IVF implementation and comparison constraints on the improved F1 performance.
Stated Advantages
Preserves hybrid advantage characterized by F1 performance and uniformity.
Reduces unpredictability of replacement outcomes by selecting F0 using prior F1 progeny performance rather than relying on approaches that lead to allele segregation and loss of uniform F1 traits.
Documented Applications
Producing F1 cross-breed embryos of female dairy cattle for generating and maintaining F1 herds using selected F0 parents.
Using a system architecture that includes testing and an IVF/embryo-transfer service and sales model to support F1 herd generation.
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