Emerging Technology
Breakout session focuses on application of genetic, genomic evaluation.
The evolution of genetic and genomic evaluation of cattle, and current research applications of genome sequencing were discussed during the Advancements in Emerging Technologies breakout session of the 2015 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Convention June 9-13 in Biloxi, Miss. Featured speakers were geneticists Dorian Garrick of Iowa State University and Jerry Taylor of the University of Missouri.
Dorian Garrick described research efforts to develop single-step methods for incorporating genomic information into genetic evaluation.
Garrick shared the history of genetic evaluation as developed and implemented by the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium (NBCEC) and the eventual development of expected progeny difference (EPD) values as predictors of genetic merit. He explained how responsibility for genetic evaluation shifted to individual breed associations and described the methods currently used, including the emphasis on incorporation of genomics to improve the accuracy of prediction.
Garrick described research efforts to develop single-step methods for incorporating genomic information into genetic evaluation. He explained how computer hardware originally developed for electronic gaming applications is being used to build more powerful computer systems capable of more sophisticated and more rapid analyses of larger data sets at lower cost.
“In the future,” said Garrick, “I expect evaluations to run almost continuously with constantly improving genomic features.”
Jerry Taylor provided updates on two multi-institutional research projects funded by USDA, and researchers’ efforts to sequence the genomes of beef cattle.
“Every animal has broken genes — mutations that result in a gene not producing certain proteins. Not all of these cause observable effects, but some do. Some are lethal and may be propagated through generations,” explained Taylor. “We need to figure out how to manage them.”
The Feed Efficiency project is a collaborative effort among geneticists and nutritionists to better understand feed intake and efficiency, collect phenotypic data, and develop selection tools for use in selection for increased efficiency.
The Heifer Fertility project joins geneticists with reproductive physiologists to study approaches to improve various measures of reproductive efficiency. In particular, Taylor noted their efforts to discover and validate genomic sequences that may cause embryonic mortality.
“Every animal has broken genes — mutations that result in a gene not producing certain proteins. Not all of these cause observable effects, but some do. Some are lethal and may be propagated through generations,” explained Taylor. “We need to figure out how to manage them.”
Taylor said research efforts are furthered by collaboration among research groups worldwide, leading to shared collections of genomic sequence information on beef cattle of many breeds.
The 2015 BIF Annual Convention was hosted by Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Extension Service June 9-12 at the Beau Rivage Casino and Hotel in Biloxi. The Angus Journal and LiveAuctions.tv provide comprehensive online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the Newsroom for summaries, proceedings, PowerPoints and audio of the sessions; the Awards page for announcements of award winners; and the Photos page for photo galleries of the tour stops.
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