Marker-assisted estimation of pedigree errors and QTL mapping in the German Angeln dairy

The overall aim of this thesis was the marker-assisted estimation of pedigree errors and the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the Angeln dairy cattle population. The use of microsatellite markers for paternity verification is the main objective in chapter one. Furthermore, the effects of pedigree errors (wrong and missing sire information) on the genetic gain in the German Angeln population were estimated. In chapter two the characterisation of the evidence and of the frequencies of the alleles at the DGAT1 K232A mutation, the DGAT1 promoter VNTR, and the CSN1S1 promoter on the bovine chromosome 14 (BTA14) and BTA6 is the main objective. Another aspect of this chapter is the investigation of the effects of their alleles on the milk production traits. Finally, the mapping process of QTL affecting the milk production traits is presented in chapter three. One objective is the characterisation of milk trait related QTL, i.e. putative QTL for the traits lactose yield and content as well as milk energy yield and content.