Genetic expressions and economic impact of performance recording in multi-tiered sheep breeding schemes — ASN Events

Genetic expressions and economic impact of performance recording in multi-tiered sheep breeding schemes (#46)

Bruno F.S. Santos 1 2 , Timothy J. Byrne 1 , Bram Visser 1 , Julius van der Werf 2 , John P. Gibson 2 , Peter R. Amer 1
  1. AbacusBio Ltd, Dunedin, OTAGO, New Zealand
  2. School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia

This research initiative specifically relates to sheep breeding scheme design and integrating commercial and breeding structures. Discounted gene flow theory was used to model the flow of genes from the selected multiplier rams that are mated to commercial ewes. A model which predicts genetic trends and gene flows at an individual trait level was combined to trait economic values to aggregate the total industry benefits associated with alternate recording and selection strategies. While molecular technology adds significant costs to the breeding scheme, application of genomic selection also adds considerable margins by increasing accuracy of selection with consequent higher rates of progress.

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