Selection and Breeding for Polledness in Cattle. Project ORBITA: Opportunities to Promote Animal Welfare through Innovations for the Transmission of the POLLED Allele in Piedmontese Cattle

The research contract relates to the activities of the ORBITA project, which aims to introduce and trasmit the POLLED allele, responsible for the natural absence of horns in cattle, through multidisciplinary approaches including genomics, assisted reproduction, semen sexing, MOET, and early embryo screening.The research contract includes the following activities: collection of biological samples; genetic laboratory work, including sample preparation, DNA extraction, application of amplification methods, primer design for the genetic test related to the POLLED allele or other genes of interest; interpretation of genotypic and sequence data.In addition, the assignment requires carrying out activities involving genetic data analysis (also quantitative) and including the use of related software; writing project reports; organizing and managing dissemination activities, such as scientific and technical articles, as well as outreach activities (website updating, post, etc.)