Fitting and validating the genomic evaluation model to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Quantitative Genetics
• Dairy Cattle Breeding

Background:

• Genomic selection offers a powerful tool for enhancing genetic gain in livestock.
• Accurate genomic evaluation models are crucial for optimizing breeding strategies in dairy cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and validate a genomic evaluation model for Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle.
• To assess the accuracy of genomic predictions for production, fertility, and conformation traits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a training dataset of 1227 bulls with genotypes from Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip.
• Employed a mixed model incorporating deregressed national proofs and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects.
• Validated the model using a separate dataset of 232 bulls.

Main Results:

• High correlations (0.98 for production traits) were observed between direct genomic values and conventional breeding values in the training set.
• Validation correlations ranged from 0.32 to 0.38 for yield traits, and 0.31 to 0.44 for other traits.
• The model met Interbull validation criteria, confirming its suitability for genomic selection.

Conclusions:

• The developed genomic evaluation model is effective for Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle.
• Genomic selection can be realistically implemented to improve breeding values in this population.
• The study provides a foundation for future genomic selection programs in Polish dairy cattle.