Diversity of Cattle
Iowa’s dairy industry is an essential part of the state's economy, and maintaining diverse herds helps Iowa continue the tradition of raising healthy cattle.
Within herds of cattle, differences in appearance can be seen between individuals in the pigmentation of their coats. These differences come primarily from differences in the DNA sequence of cattle. One gene that influences pigmentation is the MC1R gene. The environment can also play a role in gene expression, such as exposure to light and different temperatures.
The three cows presented in the media all have different coat variations. Information about their gene sequence, parentage, and living conditions are provided.
Iowa Core Standard
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors
Driving Question
- What are the causes of different pigmentation in the coats of Iowa’s dairy cattle?
Probing Questions
- What do you notice about the cows?
- What could have caused the differences?
- What do you notice about the DNA sequences?
Classroom Suggestions
Students could:
- Review the images of the cattle without the DNA sequences and complete a notice and wonder activity before reviewing the DNA sequences and how the cows were raised.
- Make a hypothesis as to why the cows look different based on the information given.
- Write a CER about meiosis and genetic variation at the end of a unit to explain the differences between the cattle.
- Research mutations in cattle that can cause differences in coat patterns and color.
- Review teacher-provided information about what genes make cattle coat patterns happen.
Resources
- Iowa PBS | Market to Market: Scientists Encourage Greater Genetic Diversity in Livestock: This video about Penn State scientists looking at the family tree of Holstein can be used to further knowledge about the importance of genetic diversity.
- Dairy Herd Management | Connecting Genomic Data for Dairy Farming Success: This article about genomic data and how it can help improve the decisions farmers have to make can be used to show how farmers use data to help make decisions about their herds.
- Iowa PBS | FIND Iowa: Studying Genetics for Increased Food Production: This video explores how studying genetics can lead to improved production and can be related to how the genetics of cattle is important to people.
Contributors
Submitted by Bailey Bushman.
Photos by Raeleigh Hepker.
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