Projects / Programmes
THE INTRODUCTION OF GENOMIC SELECTION AND GENOTYPING IN DAIRY CATTLE BREED IN SLOVENIA
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.02.01 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Animal production |
Genetics and selection |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B400 |
Biomedical sciences |
Zootechny, animal husbandry, breeding |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.02 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Animal and Dairy science |
animal science, cattle production, cattle, genome, genes, markers, selection, genomic breeding value
Researchers (13)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Classical breeding programs to select animals used breeding values, which are calculated on the basis of information from the phenotypic value and pedigree. With the development of genomics has become the price of genotyping by the so-called chips for a large number of genetic markers available for breeding programs in small populations. The inclusion of this additional source of information in the system of evaluation of breeding values leads to the introduction of genomic selection and calculation of the genomic breeding values for male and female animals at an early age, immediately after birth. This greatly shorten the generation interval and increase the genetic progress in each breed. The project will in the case of black and white breed in cooperation with farmers and their financial contribution genotyped about 5,000 cows in herds that have expressed their desire to participate. The number of cows and from around 500 bulls of Holstein breed we formed the reference population as the basis for the development and calculation of predictive equations for calculation and assessment of genomic breeding values. Genotyping data will be used for detailed analysis of the reference population of female and male animals in terms of the presence or. absence of genetic defects (which in turn can cause major economic losses), in terms of the presence of genetic peculiarities such as polled (positive effect on animal welfare), useful kappa and beta caseins (which may have a significant impact on improving milk quality and better yield in the processing of milk), assessing the inbreeding level, and in this respect the production of the mating plan in a way that would reduce the level of inbreeding and give possibility to check origin (pedigree) through participation in PSE GENOEX at Interbull.
The aim of this project is to provide for breeders of Holstein breed as soon as possible estimation of genomic breeding values and on the end of the project to make test gMACE for Hosltien bulls. In the meantime, we will searched for the possible cooperation in an international consortium of countries that have not yet been included in any international consortium in Holstiein breed. On selected number of cows, we will examine the coagulation ability of milk (KSM) and link with genomic selection in dairy cattle breeds. As final goal of this project is to prepare the plan of introducing genomic selection in all dairy breeds in Slovenia and optionally also in the beef breeds.
The results will be published in scientific and professional journals and presented at professional meetings with farmers and agricultural experts and on international conferences. Project results will serve as a model for the modernization of breeding programs of other cattle breeds in Slovenia and for the implementation of genomic selection in other breeds of dairy cattle. This will give the basis for sustainable development and greater competitiveness of the Slovenian cattle.
Significance for science
Genotyping of cows and the introduction of genomic selection in Slovenia could offer many competitive advantages Slovenian cattle. Positive effects of the introduction of genomic selection could feel the breeders, semen collection centers, professional and research institutions, and consumers. With genomic selection could change significantly breeding scheme. Shorter generation interval would allow faster genetic progress in the population, which would result in more economic livestock production and increased income of farmers. Consequently, insemination centers had a competitive advantage in the market and a greater possibility of selling seeds beyond the borders of the Republic of Slovenia. Research institutions would gain a large amount of genetic podakov, which would allow the current of current research in the field of cattle and publishing articles with high impact factor. Consumers would be ensured traceability of products. In the case of genotyping a large majority of the animals should be carefully check the origin of the meat.
Using genotypic data is not limited to the prediction of genomic breeding values ??for milk production. In the event that the animals are also known data from the slaughter line, the growth rate, feed conversion, ..., it would be possible to evaluate the genomic breeding values ??for these properties. Associational studies would allow the detection of regions of the genome that are associated with a particular phenotypic characteristic. When selecting for a particular property would also be an emphasis on individual regions in the genome and thus allow faster genetic progress for a particular trait.
We estimate that the full introduction of predicting genomic breeding values ??is possible in three years. In the first year should be regulated protocols and organize the genotyping of animals. The simulations should show the advantages offered by genomic selection and evaluate the genetic progress that is expected in today's form of a selection scheme and the scheme selection with genomic selection. In the second year would commence genotyping cows (from the current population recorded cows milk) and developing a system for imputation and prediction of genomic breeding values. In the third year we would genotype all cows with first calf involved in the control of milk production that year and by the end of the year had an online system where farmers can during more than one month from the award of the sample to the laboratory to verify the predicted genomic breeding values. Based on the genotypes of the second year to assess what is the correlation between genomic breeding value of bulls and breeding value estimated based on progeny test. In the event that this correlation is high then use of genomic tested bulls are highly reliable.
Significance for the country
Research project on the introduction of genomic selection and genotyping in dairy cattle breed in SLOVENIA is very important for the economy in Slovenia. With the implementation of this project and the introduction of genomic selection in dairy cattle breed we will get a much better insight into the genetic quality of our animals very early after birth. Genetic defects will be identified at an early age in their lives and to convince the uncontrolled spread of genetic defects so paternal as well as maternal line on the population. Knowing the genetic peculiarities (such as polled, beta and kappa casein, Red Factor, ...) we can deliberately choose those animals, which will convey the desired gene and that will give better long-term quality protein, a better yield in the processing of milk and provide breeders better economic results. By knowing the genes beneficial to animal health and longevity, we will be in a suitable condition husbandry provide better production results and economic effects.
Genomic selection is a landmark development in the livestock sector. Practical results from foreign populations show that genomic selection doubling genetic improvement.
Genomic selection based on predictions of breeding values ??for genotyped animals. Forecasts are based on the reference population consisting of animals with known phenotypic and genotypic data, which is the main objective of this project.
Genomic selection enables reliable odbiro animal at birth. Shorter generation intervals allows a period of 5 years conducted three generations of selection. Classic selection allows only one generation of selection at the same time.
The fall in prices genotyping enables even small populations compose their own reference population. We estimate that this could be achieved by genotyping 500 tested bulls and 5,000 cows.
In the light of all previous milestones that have intervened in the field of selection, we can say that genomic selection gives the most numerous options. When using any information that it provides, in addition to greater genetic progress, but this can be more accurately guided. We believe that it will soon be possible from such information to predict the phenotype-specific breeding conditions. So there will be single out the animals that are optimal eg. for top management in milk production, or those who will be most economical for the production of milk from forage. It is possible to use the data to control inbreeding, genetic culling in instructions prior to heritable diseases or unwanted features and all this in young animals or even embryos. All this was before us, the decision of breeders is whether we will use these tools in Slovenia manage themselves and have the fate of Slovenian populations of cattle in their own hands or will only buyers in the global market.
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
