ARS | Publication request: Will genomic selection change the way sires are chosen, evaluated, sampled and marketed?

Submitted to: Genetic Trends
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2008
Publication Date: June 30, 2008
Citation: Rogers, G.W., Van Tassell, C.P., Van Raden, P.M., Wiggans, G.R. 2008. Will genomic selection change the way sires are chosen, evaluated, sampled and marketed?. Genetic Trends. 60(3):6-8

Technical Abstract: Genomic selection is a new tool available to help breeders improve populations. Genetic programs in dairy cattle have steadily improved the productivity of dairy cows over the last 50 years. Traditional approaches using selective breeding have been successful, even though we do not know the exact genes that have increased or decreased in frequency in the populations. Using DNA screening of thousands of locations along the 30 pairs of chromosomes, genetic evaluations for sires and cows will soon be enhanced by direct information from DNA. With genomic selection, annual rates of genetic improvement and reliabilities of these evaluations are expected to increase. It also allows better handling of inbreeding concerns by allowing breeders to choose outcross animals with differing DNA. Genomics will lead to more use of younger bulls with higher reliability and will increase genetic progress for production traits, health traits, reproductive traits, and longevity.