Genomic Selection Explained

How does Genomic Selection Work?

Analysis of the bovine genome used in genomic selection can be likened to taking a snapshot of sections of the genome and comparing it to snapshots taken from the same position in the genome of proven sires.

Using “reference” populations made up of 100s of proven sires develops the accuracy of the reference snapshot to a point where their individual trait Genomic Breeding Values (gBVs) can be predicted with around 50% reliability.

Just How Accurate is Genomic Selection?

New sires and dams can be chosen based on their DNA makeup instead of waiting on the performance of their progeny. At present some traits vital to NZ dairy farmers, such as fertility, are difficult to identify using current genetic technology. Genomic selection greatly increases the accuracy and reliability of selection by successfully identifying animals that do not have poor traits, thus reducing specific problems within breeds.

Current technology (using only pedigree information) can predict the Breeding Values (BVs) of young bulls at a reliability of around 35%. Genomic Selection increases the reliability of that predicted BV to around 50%. Given the rapid development of the technology, reliability should increase rapidly to around 65% or better very soon.

The BV that is used in association with Genomic Selection is known as a Genetic Breeding Value or gBV. Whether the reliabilities are 50% or 70%, they are still too low to be used as a single sire, in the manner our Proven Sires might be. With our tradition of Rock Solid genetics – particularly in comparison to other genetics companies in New Zealand, we make sure your risk is as low as possible.

How Do You Manage Risk With Genomically Selected Products?

The only way to manage the risk associated with using sires with reliabilities below 75% (the minimum reliability level required to make AEU’s RAS List), is to use the bulls in teams.

Breeding is a long-term, forward-looking process, and one that must be managed carefully to make sure that genetic merit in the areas you need progresses upwards.

The Team approach can be likened to accessing a “bundle of genes”. inSire Bull Teams are sold in teams of six and eight to achieve a minimum reliability of 91%. By using a set inSire Team with a minimum recommended number of doses per sire, your risk is minimised. If you cannot be sure of the number of bulls used in a genomically selected product then you cannot be sure of the reliability – at best it would be indicative. National averages work on a national basis, NOT on an individual basis.

Remember, it is your risk - not that of the industry - that you need to manage.

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