Genomic Selection in Sheep Breeding Programs

Abstract

Implementation of genomic selection in sheep breeding provides a number of challenges, compared to dairy cattle, because of the higher genetic diversity between and within sheep breeds, the cost of maintaining reference populations and the limited ability of individual breeders to invest in genotyping. Within this study, we compare theoretical and realized genomic prediction accuracies for traits in sheep and evaluate and describe implementation strategies for genetic selection programs. Based on modest genomic prediction accuracies and efficient genotyping strategies, it is feasible for well-designed breeding programs in sheep to apply genomic selection that are cost effective. A sustainable use of genomic selection in sheep requires cheap (i.e. low density) genotyping of large numbers of animals combined with imputation from high density information in select animals in order to provide predictability of breeding values that extend across the breed.