Keynote Speech (Genomic selection and use of molecular tools in breeding programs for indigenous and crossbred cattle in developing countries.)

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