J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim. Sci. 2003. 81:E24-E27
© 2003 American Society of Animal Science

Genomic and computing strategies in the optimization of the genetic component of specification beef

J. W. Wilton1

Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1

1 Correspondence: phone: 519-824-4120, ext. 53647; fax: 519-767-0573; E-mail: jwilton{at}uoguelph.ca.

Genomics and computing are closely interrelated in beef cattle improvement. Both require the prior definition of breeding objectives, both can be used to carry out genetic evaluations of economically important traits, and both can be used in the development of selection tools for sires and dams. Effective use of both requires accurate specification of the desired product, an optimal production program, and crossbreeding structure. Optimizing the genetic component of production requires information on traits of economic importance, identification and relationships of animals, information on candidate and marker genes, and information on economics. Genomic information can be used for strategies involving identified allele deletions, identified allele introgressions, marker-assisted introgression, and marker-assisted selection. Techniques are being developed to combine genotypic data and quantitative data into genetic evaluations, although more developments are needed to optimize the use of these techniques across the range of beef traits varying in economic importance and cost of measurement. The genetic component of economical production of specified products can be optimized with customized selection programs. An example is presented in which performance levels are predicted from genetic evaluations based on quantitative and genomic information. The implications for selection within a seedstock population are also discussed.

Key Words: Beef Production • Genetic Improvement • Genome Analysis






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