Marker assisted selection ‐ an overview

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Abstract
The main force driving gene mapping in domestic animals, is the potential for using gene maps as a means of identifying and mapping the genetic loci responsible for genetic variation in traits of economic importance. The ultimate objective is utilizing this information for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) using DNA level polymorphisms. This overview considers: (1) The need for MAS, (2) The relationship of gene mapping to MAS, (3) Implementing MAS. Examples illustrating the potential contribution of MAS to animal genetic improvement are presented, including (I) Preselection of candidate bulls for progeny testing in dairy cattle improvement, (2) Introgression of trypanotolerance from N'Dama to other cattle breeds, and (3) Improvement of a successful layer cross.