Breeding Goals and Phenotyping Programs for Multi-Trait Improvement in the Genomics Era

Abstract

Genomic information can enhance breeding programs by increasing the accuracy of estimated breeding values. In a multi-trait setting, genomic information also provides opportunities to remove limitations of traditional breeding programs with regard to genetic improvement of 'hard to measure' traits, in particular if they have unfavorable genetic correlations with 'easy to measure' traits. The objectives of this paper are to describe and discuss the impact of availability of genomic information on breeding goals and phenotyping programs for multi-trait improvement of selection programs towards an overall economic objective.