Strategies for implementing genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle breeding schemes

Area of Science:

• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Dairy Cattle Improvement
• Quantitative Genetics

Background:

• Feed efficiency is crucial for dairy cattle sustainability and profitability.
• Traditional breeding schemes often struggle to improve complex traits like feed efficiency.
• Genomic selection offers potential for faster genetic gain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare genomic selection and traditional BLUP breeding schemes for feed efficiency in Norwegian Red dairy cattle.
• To evaluate the impact of including feed efficiency on genetic gain for milk yield.
• To assess the effectiveness of contracted test herds for genomic evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Simulated Norwegian Red dairy cattle populations were used.
• Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and traditional BLUP schemes were compared.
• Selection accuracy and genetic gain for milk yield and residual feed intake were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Genomic BLUP schemes achieved higher genetic gain for feed efficiency than traditional BLUP.
• Including feed efficiency in the breeding goal reduced genetic gain for milk yield.
• Contracted test herds with 4,000 heifers yielded accuracies comparable to progeny testing.

Conclusions:

• Genomic selection is superior for improving feed efficiency in dairy cattle.
• Contracted test herds are a viable strategy for genetic improvement of hard-to-record traits.
• International collaboration could enhance the utility of contracted test herds.