Methods and compositions for improved fertilization and embryonic survival

Abstract

Single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 11646 of the bovine FGF2 gene is associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate, as well as improved milk production. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

1 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising position 1326 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and at least 8 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1 adjacent to position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1, wherein position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1 is a guanine. 
     
     
         2 . A nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1 adjacent to position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1. 
     
     
         3 . A nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , which comprises at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1 adjacent position 1326 of SEQ ID No: 1. 
     
     
         4 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , which comprises not more than 150 nucleotides. 
     
     
         5 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , which comprises not more than 100 nucleotides. 
     
     
         6 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , which comprises not more than 50 nucleotides. 
     
     
         7 . A nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , wherein position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1 is within 4 nucleotides of the center of the nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         8 . A nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 7 , wherein position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1 is at the center of the nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         9 . A nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 1 , wherein position 1326 of SEQ ID No:1 is at the 3′-end of the nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         10 . An array of nucleic acid molecules comprising at least two nucleic acid molecules according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising a nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1 , and a suitable container. 
     
     
         12 - 25 . (canceled)