Genomic selection needs to be carefully assessed to meet specific requirements in livestock breeding programs

Abstract

Genomic selection is a promising development in agriculture, aiming improved production by exploiting molecular genetic markers to design novel breeding programs and to develop new markers-based models for genetic evaluation. It opens opportunities for research, as novel algorithms and lab methodologies are developed. Genomic selection can be applied in many breeds and species. Further research on the implementation of genomic selection (GS) in breeding programs is highly desirable not only for the common good, but also the private sector (breeding companies). It has been projected that this approach will improve selection routines, especially in species with long reproduction cycles, late or sex-limited or expensive trait recording and for complex traits. The task of integrating GS into existing breeding programs is, however, not straightforward. Despite successful integration into breeding programs for dairy cattle, it has yet to be shown how much emphasis can be given to the genomic information and how much additional phenotypic information is needed from new selection candidates. Genomic selection is already part of future planning in many breeding companies of pigs and beef cattle among others, but further research is needed to fully estimate how effective the use of genomic information will be for the prediction of the performance of future breeding stock. Genomic prediction of production in crossbreeding and across-breed schemes, costs and choice of individuals for genotyping are reasons for a reluctance to fully rely on genomic information for selection decisions. Breeding objectives are highly dependent on the industry and the additional gain when using genomic information has to be considered carefully. This review synthesizes some of the suggested approaches in selected livestock species including cattle, pig, chicken, and fish. It outlines tasks to help understanding possible consequences when applying genomic information in breeding scenarios.

Goals and hurdles for a successful implementation of genomic selection in breeding programme for selected annual and perennial crops

“…While GS has been, until now, a great success in dairy cattle, the application in other livestock populations has been far slower (Jonas & de Koning, 2015). Reasons are often the structure of the breeding populations, such as relatively small populations or the regular use of crossbreeding in beef cattle or pigs, especially when phenotypes are collected from crossbred animals while purebred animals are selected.…”

“…A combination of MAS and GS has also been suggested, which aims to integrate knowledge on functional markers as either known causative mutations or known QTL associations with yet to be identified genes, for improved prediction (Zhao, Mette, Gowda, Longin, & Reif, 2014). Genomic selection has been relatively successfully implemented in some livestock breeding populations (Jonas & de Koning, 2015). Development of novel platforms for the assessment of genetic information via medium-and high-throughput marker panels and the availability of full sequence information (Table 1) have also allowed the practical application of this selection strategy in crops.…”

“…But also the number of offspring in species like chicken or fish may have prevented the straight-forward application and wider use of GS, as individuals for genotyping have to be carefully selected (Jonas & de Koning, 2015).…”

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Florida’s Agriculture

“…Genetic selection has made significant contributions to the improvement of the feed-to-food conversion efficiency (Herrero et al 2010;Havenstein et al 2003). Genetic evaluation and new data collection systems have led to improved genetic selection (Zwald et al 2004a;Zwald et al 2004b;VanRaden et al 2004), and its use will increase in the future (Weigel 2006;Schaeffer 2006;Jonas and de Koning 2015). Genetic selection and crossing with tropical breeds of beef animals could be useful to improve their heat tolerance.…”

Cells: Segway for Genetically Desired Cattle through Embryotic Development Sequencings and Genetic Mapping

“…Genomic selection for dairy cattle owners becomes beneficial when comparing costs, reproduction, and generation cycles associated with traditional breeding using progeny testing. There are two ways one can use genetic selection for breeding: one way is by preselecting young bulls to test or the other option involves selecting the bull based on already available genomic information, thus the use of genetic selection for future dairy cow reproduction can have a major positive impact on the dairy industry [19]. As for beef, cattle selection of desired animals is based on the targeted market, and due to the large population of beef cattle and lower accuracy of beef cattle genetic markers, the idea of using genetic selection is not as desirable and economically pleasing as it is for dairy cows [20].…”