Including genotypic information in genetic evaluations increases the accuracy of sheep breeding values

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Quantitative Genetics
• Sheep Breeding

Background:

• Breeding value predictions are crucial for genetic gain in livestock.
• Genomic information offers potential to improve accuracy and accelerate selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of including genome-wide genotypes on breeding value prediction accuracy in UK Texel sheep.
• To quantify changes in accuracy for various traits (growth, carcass, health) when incorporating genomic data.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of conventional breeding values (EBVs) and genomic breeding values (gEBVs) for ~822,000 animals using 10,143 genotypes.
• Application of new genetic parameters for growth, carcass, and health traits.
• Principal component analysis to assess population structure.

Main Results:

• Genomic data incorporation led to increased accuracy in breeding value predictions.
• The most significant accuracy gains were observed in un-phenotyped animals with strong links to the reference population.
• Lowly heritable health traits showed notable improvements in prediction accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Genome-wide genotypes enhance the accuracy of breeding value predictions in UK Texel sheep.
• Genomic selection accelerates genetic gain, particularly for young and un-phenotyped individuals.
• Genomic data integration is a valuable tool for improving sheep breeding efficiency and accuracy.