Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Genomic selection involves the use of dense marker maps of the genome and the application of statistical models to simultaneously estimate the effects of small chromosome segments linked to the markers, The estimates can be used to evaluate the genetic merit of an animal through agenomic estimated breeding value. Genomic selection methods have been developed and implemented in Canada for Holstein cattle in a collaboration effort between Canadian and American researchers. The proposal is to extend the work carried out for Holsteins by developing and implementing genomic selection in coloured dairy breeds in Canada. The proposed study includes the development of aresource population of genotyped animals for estimating marker effects. the determination of the appropriate set of marker to be used for each breed and implementation of specific methods for each breed when needed. Validation studies will be carried out to assess the gains in reliability due to use of genomic selection in coloured breeds. The proposal will develop the foundation to implement genomic selection in the coloured breeds and will indicate the potential increase in reiiability of proofs by adopting this technology. The key feature is that animals can be genotyped for a large number of markers at birth, and these markers can provide an accurate estimate of genetic merit before the animal producing a record or any progeny. Thus generation intervals can be greatly shortened, which shall increase the possible rate of genetic change in the coloured dairy breeds in Canada.