56 Awardee Talk: Genetic Improvement of Disease Resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Jack C Dekkers ◽  
Frederic Fortin ◽  
Michael Dyck ◽  
John Harding ◽  
Graham Plastow
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Genetic Resistance ◽  
Swine Industry ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Potential Indicator ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Indicator Traits ◽  
Cost Components

Abstract Infectious disease represents one of the largest cost components to the swine industry, incurring veterinary costs, loss of pigs due to mortality, reduced performance, and reduced animal welfare. Strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of infectious disease include biosecurity, vaccination, veterinary treatment, and selection for genetic resistance. However, biosecurity protocols that keep most infectious pathogens out are not feasible at the commercial level in hog-dense regions, effective vaccines are only available and/or efficacious for some pathogens, and complete genetic resistance is also limited to only a few pathogens (e.g. F18 E.coli) or is only possible to achieve by gene editing (e.g. the PRRS-resistant pig created by editing the CD163 gene). Given these limitations, commercial pigs will continue to be exposed to and infected by pathogens for the foreseeable future. In such a scenario, the ability of an animal to clear the infection while maintaining performance is an important characteristic, which is referred to as disease resilience and is a useful target for inclusion in breeding programs. However, collection of data on disease resilience for genetic improvement requires animals to be exposed to disease, which is not possible in the nucleus herds of breeding programs that most selection is practiced in. To study the genetic basis of disease resilience and develop phenotypes, genetic tests, or indicator traits that could be used to select for disease resilience, a polymicrobial natural disease challenge model was established in grow-finish pigs at the Center de Développement du Porc du Québec, in collaboration with PigGen Canada. The purpose of this presentation is to present results on phenotypes that are relevant to disease resilience, including estimates of genetic parameters, and on potential indicator traits for disease resilience that could be collected in nucleus herds. Funding by Genome Canada, Genome Alberta, PigGen Canada, and USDA NIFA grant #2017-67007-26144.

scholarly journals Sustainable Intensification of Beef Production in the Tropics: The Role of Genetically Improving Sexual Precocity of Heifers

Animals ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Gerardo Alves Fernandes Júnior ◽  
Delvan Alves Silva ◽  
Lucio Flavio Macedo Mota ◽  
Thaise Pinto de Melo ◽  
Larissa Fernanda Simielli Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Zebu Cattle ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Sexual Precocity ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Selection For

Increasing productivity through continued animal genetic improvement is a crucial part of implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs. In Zebu cattle, the lack of sexual precocity is one of the main obstacles to improving beef production efficiency. Puberty-related traits are complex, but large-scale data sets from different “omics” have provided information on specific genes and biological processes with major effects on the expression of such traits, which can greatly increase animal genetic evaluation. In addition, genetic parameter estimates and genomic predictions involving sexual precocity indicator traits and productive, reproductive, and feed-efficiency related traits highlighted the feasibility and importance of direct selection for anticipating heifer reproductive life. Indeed, the case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs presented here show that, in 12 years of selection for female early precocity and improved management practices, the phenotypic means of age at first calving showed a strong decreasing trend, changing from nearly 34 to less than 28 months, with a genetic trend of almost −2 days/year. In this period, the percentage of early pregnancy in the herds changed from around 10% to more than 60%, showing that the genetic improvement of heifer’s sexual precocity allows optimizing the productive cycle by reducing the number of unproductive animals in the herd. It has a direct impact on sustainability by better use of resources. Genomic selection breeding programs accounting for genotype by environment interaction represent promising tools for accelerating genetic progress for sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle.

scholarly journals Genetic improvement of indigenous Greek sheep and goat breeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 2063
Author(s):  
A. ARGYRIADOU ◽  
A. I. GELASAKIS ◽  
G. BANOS ◽  
G. ARSENOS
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Improvement Potential ◽  
Breeding Schemes

The objective of the study was twofold: (i) to review the genetics of production and resilience traits of indigenous Greek small ruminant breeds as well as the evolution of national breeding programs, and (ii) explore innovative and feasible approaches to overcome the challenges and constraints towards improving these breeds and enhancing the sustainability of the small ruminant sector. Previous studies on the genetic basis of production and resilience traits of indigenous breeds revealed high improvement potential. However, the lack of follow-up action has failed to produce applicable results. Thus, implementation of scientific findings in existing breeding programs for these breeds is extremely limited. The latter has contributed to the overall poor success of such programs. Furthermore, due to the fact that most farmers do not comprehend the strategic importance of genetic improvement and lack motivation for self-funding, breeding programs have mostly relied on European or government funding; the latter has resulted in intermittent implementation. Therefore, most programs failed to improve performance of indigenous Greek breeds, many of which were consequently replaced by foreign breeds of higher productivity and documented merit. In order to facilitate the design of breeding schemes and overcome the challenges towards improvement of indigenous breeds, an integrative approach is necessary. The latter should be based on identification of specific breeding objectives, reflecting the priorities and needs of the sector, as well as the capacity of the indigenous populations. Scientific advances exemplified by genomic selection and novel reproductive technologies will enable faster and more effective genetic improvement. The overall approach is expected to enhance the competitiveness of indigenous Greek small ruminant breeds and the sustainability of the sector.

The value of indicator traits in the genetic improvement of dairy cattle

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Woolliams ◽  
C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Progeny Testing ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Combined Selection ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Indicator Traits ◽  
Indicator Trait

ABSTRACTThe value of indicator traits (7), such as physiological or biochemical traits in the genetic improvement of dairy cattle for milk yield (M) was studied. First, some corrections were made to the base rates of genetic change possible by improvement systems based on progeny testing and on multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), and on combinations of these. Efficient field progeny-testing systems can be competitive with current adult MOET nucleus herd schemes but juvenile MOET nucleus herd schemes offer substantial increases in rates of response. With high co-heritability, selection for the T alone may allow greater rates of response than those currently considered feasible using progeny testing. However, faster rates are obtained with combined selection. When breeding values are accurately measured by pedigree and performance records on M, as in the progeny test, the extra rates of response with combined selection may be small. Where breeding values are less accurately assessed, as in juvenile MOET nucleus schemes, the extra rates of response can be appreciable. For T with co-heritability (hMrGhT) of 0·27 and the CV for M from 0·15 to 0·20, response rates of 2·0 to 2·7% of the mean per year possible by traditional methods could be increased to 2·2 to 2·9% in progeny testing schemes, 2·3 to 3·1% and to 4·3 to 5·7% for adult and juvenile MOET nucleus schemes respectively.A possible useful indicator trait is blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measured in young animals after a short fast. Results from four experiments with calves having high or low genetic merit for M were summarized. The pooled co-heritability estimate was —0·27 (s.e. 0·05). With this, or even a more modest effect, BUN would be a useful indicator trait in selection for milk production. Its use in practice in high and low selection lines or in a section of the industry, would allow assessment of the merit of the method.

ESTIMASI NILAI HERITABILITAS BOBOT IKAN MAS VARIETAS PUNTEN DALAM PROGRAM SELEKSI INDIVIDU

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 217
Author(s):  
Estu Nugroho ◽  
Budi Setyono ◽  
Mochammad Su’eb ◽  
Tri Heru Prihadi
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Base Population ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Body Weight Trait ◽  
Population Selection ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Weight Trait ◽  
Selection Of

Program pemuliaan ikan mas varietas Punten dilakukan dengan seleksi individu terhadap karakter bobot ikan. Pembentukan populasi dasar untuk kegiatan seleksi dilakukan dengan memijahkan secara massal induk ikan mas yang terdiri atas 20 induk betina dan 21 induk jantan yang dikoleksi dari daerah Punten, Kepanjen (delapan betina dan enam jantan), Kediri (tujuh betina dan 12 jantan), Sragen (27 betina dan 10 jantan), dan Blitar (15 betina dan 11 jantan). Larva umur 10 hari dipelihara selama empat bulan. Selanjutnya dilakukan penjarangan sebesar 50% dan benih dipelihara selama 14 bulan untuk dilakukan seleksi dengan panduan hasil sampling 250 ekor individu setiap populasi. Seleksi terhadap calon induk dilakukan saat umur 18 bulan pada populasi jantan dan betina secara terpisah dengan memilih berdasarkan 10% bobot ikan yang terbaik. Calon induk yang terseleksi kemudian dipelihara hingga matang gonad, kemudian dipilih sebanyak 150 pasang dan dipijahkan secara massal. Didapatkan respons positif dari hasil seleksi berdasarkan bobot ikan, yaitu 49,89 g atau 3,66% (populasi ikan jantan) dan 168,47 g atau 11,43% (populasi ikan betina). Nilai heritabilitas untuk bobot ikan adalah 0,238 (jantan) dan 0,505 (betina).Punten carp breeding programs were carried out by individual selection for body weight trait. The base population for selection activities were conducted by mass breeding of parent consisted of 20 female and 21 male collected from area Punten, eight female and six male (Kepanjen), seven female and 12 male (Kediri), 27 female and 10 male (Sragen), 15 female and 11 male (Blitar). Larvae 10 days old reared for four moths. Then after spacing out 50% of total harvest, the offspring reared for 14 months for selection activity based on the sampling of 250 individual each population. Selection of broodstock candidates performed since 18 months age on male and female populations separately by selecting based on 10% of fish with best body weight. Candidates selected broodstocks were then maintained until mature. In oder to produce the next generation 150 pairs were sets and held for mass spawning. The results revealed that selection response were positive, 49.89 g (3.66%) for male and 168.47 (11.43%) for female. Heritability for body weight is 0.238 (male) and 0.505 (female).

scholarly journals GENERAL AND SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY IN SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) / APTITUD COMBINATORIA GENERAL Y ESPECÍFICA EN EL GIRASOL (Helianthus annuus L.) / APTITUDE À LA COMBINATION GENERAL ET SPECIFIQUE CHEZ LE TOURNESOL (Helianthus annuus L.)

Helia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (34) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Laureti ◽  
Andrea Del Gatto
Keyword(s):  
Helianthus Annuus ◽  
Combining Ability ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Specific Combining Ability ◽  
First Year ◽  
Male Sterile ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
East Central ◽  
Helianthus Annuus L ◽  
Selection For

SUMMARYA total of 245 test cross progenies obtained by crossing cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and restorer (RHA) lines were evaluated in replicated trials in 1995 and 1997. Experiments were carried out in two locations (Osimo, East Central Italy and Budrio, Northern Italy) in 1995, whereas in 1997 trials were conducted only in Osimo. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of the parents was evaluated to identify genotypes suitable to be used as testers for breeding programs and to verify the performance of hybrids. The results obtained in 1995 were used to make test crosses in 1996 to be evaluated in 1997. The GCA and SCA of RHA and CMS lines were nearly always significant for all the studied traits when lines were randomly taken in 1995. When selected testers were used on the basis of the results of the first year, the SCA of new RHA lines and GCA of new CMS lines were not significant for achene yield, but they were for the other traits.The best GCA estimates for RHA were often higher than those of CMS, indicating that selection for RHA could be more useful than for CMS. As expected, GCA was always lower than SCA. CMS and RHA, with high variance among their test crosses for yield and many other traits, could be used as testers. The lack of a tester with high variance in all traits requires more than one tester in evaluating lines. The GCA of a line can change in function of the germplasm with which it is combined.

Seedling vigour as a preselection criterion for short juvenile period in olive breeding

2006 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 477 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. De la Rosa ◽  
A. I. Kiran ◽  
D. Barranco ◽  
L. León
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Adult Stage ◽  
General Context ◽  
Fruit Traits ◽  
Juvenile Period ◽  
Seedling Vigour ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Early Evaluation ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Olive Breeding

The juvenile period represents a serious impediment in olive breeding programs. Seedlings with long juvenile period are of very low interest for the breeder because their evaluation considerably delays the first stages of the breeding process. For this reason, the influence of seedling vigour (measured as plant height or stem diameter) on the characteristics at the adult stage was studied to establish useful negative preselection criteria on the basis of that relationship. Olive progenies from crosses and open pollinations of 12 different parents carried out in 1998 and 1999 were evaluated in the greenhouse and, afterwards, during the first 3 years of bearing in the open field. The results obtained indicate that early evaluation and selection for juvenile period can be performed at the seedling stage in olive progenies on the basis of vigour measurements. Selection for short juvenile period was valid irrespective of parentage and, therefore, could be efficient in a general context. No relationship between juvenile period and yield or fruit traits was found so that this preselection criterion would have no adverse effects on these characters.

scholarly journals Why and How to Switch to Genomic Selection: Lessons From Plant and Animal Breeding Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Aline Fugeray-Scarbel ◽  
Catherine Bastien ◽  
Mathilde Dupont-Nivet ◽  
Stéphane Lemarié
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genomic Selection ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Animal Breeding ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
The Third ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Selection For

The present study is a transversal analysis of the interest in genomic selection for plant and animal species. It focuses on the arguments that may convince breeders to switch to genomic selection. The arguments are classified into three different “bricks.” The first brick considers the addition of genotyping to improve the accuracy of the prediction of breeding values. The second consists of saving costs and/or shortening the breeding cycle by replacing all or a portion of the phenotyping effort with genotyping. The third concerns population management to improve the choice of parents to either optimize crossbreeding or maintain genetic diversity. We analyse the relevance of these different bricks for a wide range of animal and plant species and sought to explain the differences between species according to their biological specificities and the organization of breeding programs.

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