SNP-based mate allocation strategies to maximize total genetic value in pigs

Area of Science:

• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Genomics
• Quantitative Genetics

Background:

• Mate allocation strategies aim to maximize offspring genetic merit by considering non-additive genetic effects.
• Genomic evaluations facilitate the inclusion of dominance effects due to known allele combinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Estimate dominance variance components for age at 100kg (AGE), backfat depth (BD), and average piglet weight at birth (APWL).
• Evaluate mate allocation strategies incorporating dominance and inbreeding depression for improved offspring genetic merit.

Main Methods:

• Genomic models were used to estimate genetic variance components, including additive and dominance effects.
• Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects were derived to predict mating outcomes for total genetic and breeding values.

Main Results:

• Genomic models including dominance did not outperform the additive model in data fit.
• Dominance variances were 20%, 11%, and 12% of additive genetic variance for AGE, BD, and APWL, respectively.
• Maximizing total genetic values improved progeny traits but slightly reduced additive genetic gain.

Conclusions:

• Genomic mate allocation considering non-additive genetic effects is a viable strategy.
• This approach can enhance offspring performance without substantial compromise to additive genetic gain.