Mating allocations in Nordic Red Dairy Cattle using genomic information.

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Quantitative Genetics
• Breeding Programs

Background:

• Optimizing mating allocations is crucial for dairy cattle breeding programs.
• Genomic information offers advanced tools for genetic selection and relationship management.
• Balancing economic traits with genetic diversity and defect elimination is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare mating allocation strategies in Nordic Red Dairy Cattle using genomic data.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of linear programming in optimizing economic scores considering various factors.
• To assess the accuracy of pedigree versus genomic relationships in mating decisions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized linear programming for mating allocation optimization in 9,841 genotyped females.
• Employed various pedigree and genomic relationship coefficients (SNP-by-SNP, shared segments).
• Incorporated economic factors including semen cost and recessive genetic defects.

Main Results:

• High correlations (≥0.83) were observed between pedigree and genomic relationship measures.
• Mating allocations successfully reduced genetic relationships with minimal impact on genetic level.
• Inclusion of recessive genetic defect costs effectively eliminated their expression.
• Genomic measures provided superior reduction of genomic relationships compared to pedigree measures.

Conclusions:

• Linear programming is a fast and effective tool for optimizing dairy cattle breeding.
• Genomic relationships are more accurately managed using genomic measures for optimal mating strategies.
• Integrating economic factors and genetic defect management into mating decisions enhances breeding program outcomes.