Effective Use Of Genomics In Sire Selection & Replacement Heifer Management

Mar 16, 2015

For more than half a century, progeny testing has been the foundation of genetic selection programs in dairy cattle, and it has led to rapid genetic gains in traits such as milk production, for which breeding values of bulls and cows have increased by roughly 200 pounds per year.

However, progeny testing is expensive and time-consuming due to a long generation interval in cattle, and it is not an effective method for improving traits that are difficult or expensive to measure routinely on commercial dairy farms, such as feed efficiency. Whole genome selection, more commonly known as genomic selection, refers to using information about single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers in the cattle genome to predict the genetic merit of young animals that have no offspring or performance data at the time selection decisions are made.

The information obtained by genomic testing a young heifer or bull is compared with genomic data from a reference population of older animals of the same breed. The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) provides routine genomic predicted transmitting abilities (PTA) for US dairy cattle, and more than 800,000 dairy bulls, cows, heifers, and calves have been tested to date. Genome-Tested Young Sires Virtually every bull offered to US dairy farmers has been chosen based on the results of genomic

At the 2015 Western Dairy Management Conference, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist Kent Weigel discusses the use of genomics in sire selection.

Source:uwex.edu

Video: How We Pick Sheep For Use As Breeding Stock

In this episode of our sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we’re diving deeper into one of the most important parts of raising purebred sheep — selecting our breeding stock. ?? This episode is a direct follow-up to our popular video “You Be The Judge,” where we invited viewers to help evaluate our rams. We read through your comments, shared your insights, and now we’re responding! Arnie and I go over what we agreed with, where our opinions differed, and what we look for when choosing both rams and ewes to carry on our genetics. Breeding decisions at Ewetopia Farms aren’t just about looks — they’re about structure, performance, temperament, and the future of the flock. Whether you’re building your own breeding program or just curious how we make these decisions, today’s discussion offers a rare look inside the thought process behind improving a flock year after year.