Population structure and genetic diversity in Colombian Simmental cattle

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Quantitative Genetics
• Livestock Breeding

Background:

• Effective breeding programs require detailed knowledge of population structure and genetic diversity.
• The Simmental cattle breed is economically important globally and in Colombia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the population structure and genetic diversity of Colombian Simmental cattle.
• To evaluate genetic contributions and connectivity within the population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pedigree data from 27,985 animals (1975-2017).
• Assessed genetic diversity using effective number of founders and ancestors.
• Estimated inbreeding rates and genetic connectivity via regression and drift variance analyses.

Main Results:

• Low effective number of founders (50) and ancestors (38) per year observed.
• Average inbreeding decreased from 5.06% (1980) to 2.25% (2017).
• Dairy line genetic contribution increased, while beef line decreased; higher genetic connectivity in populous regions.

Conclusions:

• European/North American bull introductions increased founder numbers but intensive use of few founders leads to unbalanced contributions.
• Risk of genetic diversity loss due to gene pool erosion in Colombian Simmental cattle.
• Findings inform strategies for sustainable Simmental cattle breeding in Colombia.