Review. Promises, pitfalls and challenges of genomic selection in breeding programs

  • N. Ibañez-Escriche
  • O. Gonzalez-Recio
Keywords: breeding scheme, chip technology, genotyping, SNP

Abstract

The aim of this work was to review the main challenges and pitfalls of the implementation of genomic selection in the breeding programs of different livestock species. Genomic selection is now one of the main challenges in animal breeding and genetics. Its application could considerably increase the genetic gain in traits of interest. However, the success of its practical implementation depends on the selection scheme characteristics, and these must be studied for each particular case. In dairy cattle, especially in Holsteins, genomic selection is a reality. However, in other livestock species (beef cattle, small ruminants, monogastrics and fish) genomic selection has mainly been used experimentally.
The main limitation for its implementation in the mentioned livestock species is the high genotyping costs compared to the low selection value of the candidate. Nevertheless, nowadays the possibility of using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips of low density to make genomic selection applications economically feasible is under study. Economic studies may optimize the benefits of genomic selection (GS) to include new traits in the breeding goals. It is evident that genomic selection offers great potential; however, a suitable genotyping strategy and recording system for each case is needed in order to properly exploit it.

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Author Biographies

N. Ibañez-Escriche
Genètica i Millora Animal. IRTA-Lleida. Avda. Rovira Roure, 191. 25198 Lleida. Spain
O. Gonzalez-Recio
Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA). Ctra. A Coruña, km 7,5. 28040 Madrid. Spain

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Published
2011-05-19
How to Cite
Ibañez-Escriche, N., & Gonzalez-Recio, O. (2011). Review. Promises, pitfalls and challenges of genomic selection in breeding programs. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 9(2), 404-413. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/20110902-447-10
Section
Animal breeding, genetics and reproduction