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Published on: July 27, 2021
Strategy for applying genome-wide selection in dairy cattle
1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. lrs@uoguelph.ca
Summary
Genomic selection accurately estimates breeding values at birth, significantly reducing costs and increasing genetic gain in livestock. This advanced method offers a powerful tool for efficient animal breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Quantitative Genetics
- Genomic Selection
Background:
- Modern genotyping allows simultaneous analysis of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across animal genomes.
- Haplotypes, combinations of alleles at linked SNPs, are inherited from parents and influence traits.
- Estimating the effects of genomic regions on traits is crucial for genetic improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of genomic selection compared to traditional progeny testing in dairy cattle.
- To assess the impact of genomic selection on cost-efficiency and genetic gain.
- To explore the potential of genome-wide selection as a tool for livestock genetic improvement.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping animals for thousands of SNPs at 1-cM intervals.
- Estimating haplotype effects for each genomic interval using a random effects model.
- Calculating genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) by summing estimated haplotype effects based on an animal's genotype.
- Comparing a genomic selection strategy with traditional progeny testing in a Canadian dairy cattle context.
Main Results:
- Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) achieved approximately 80% accuracy.
- The genomic selection strategy reduced the cost of proving bulls by 92%.
- Genetic change was increased by a factor of 2 compared to traditional methods.
Conclusions:
- Genomic selection provides accurate breeding value estimates at birth.
- This method offers substantial cost reductions and accelerated genetic gain in livestock.
- Genome-wide selection is a promising and potentially popular tool for future livestock genetic improvement.
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