Abstract:
The benefits of applying genetic selection and molecular tools in cattle genetic improvement
programmes have been well demonstrated in developed countries. However, genetic
improvement in the cattle systems in developing countries is faced with some major bottlenecks
resulting from the lack of proper data and pedigree recording schemes. The application of
molecular tools and genetic selection provide opportunities to overcome some of these
limitations. In addition, understanding the genetic basis of adaptation of indigenous breeds to
harsh climatic is fundamental to designing breeding programmes for their sustainable utilization.
This paper therefore examines the role of genomic selection and genomic tools in genetic
improvement programs for indigenous and crossbred cattle in developing countries in addition
to the role genomics for their sustainable utilization. Some potential “quick wins” of genomics in
developing countries include the ability to handle the limited data structure resulting from lack
of pedigrees and small herd and sire progeny sizes in these countries. These quick wins could be
achieved through the development of tools for determining parentage and breed composition and
the use of the genomic relationship and single step genomic best linear unbiased prediction
methodology for the prediction of genetic merit. The accuracies of genomic predictions reported
for systems in these developing countries vary from low (0.21 for back fat thickness) to medium
(0.55 for milk yield) and high (0.83 for body weight), thereby providing opportunities to select
top ranking animals. Genomics approaches have identified genomic regions associated with heattolerance,
trypanotolerance and reproduction in some indigenous cattle breeds, which would be
useful in designing sustainable breeding programmes for these breeds. Lower methane emission
has been reported in some indigenous breed. Therefore, utilizing the underlying genetics for
adaptation for local breeds will become even more important in the light of climate change.
However, the cost efficiency of genomic technologies remains one of the limiting factors for their
widespread usage in developing countries. There is the need to establish a one stop shop to offer
bundled services such as genotyping, parentage and breed composition, genomic selection, and
mating advice to increase the cost efficiency. The joint application of genomic and reproductive
technologies has been found to improve cost efficiency. Finally, use of digital tools to build
efficient and routine data collection systems will be critical. To increase efficiency and maximize
impact, genomic systems must be linked to existing systems such the national artificial
insemination centers, for the delivery of superior genetics to the farmer
