Can Grazing Livestock in Developing Countries Benefit From Use of Genomic Selection?

Abstract

Genomic selection is transforming animal and plant breeding across developed countries globally, with economic benefits of billions of dollars annually. Despite huge potential for livestock industries in developing countries to achieve similar transformations, to date there has been very limited use of genomic selection in grazing livestock in those countries. This is attributable to several major challenges. This paper discusses those challenges and proposes options to overcome or reduce them. It also identifies priority areas of research that must be undertaken if grazing livestock in developing countries are to benefit from genomic selection. Achieving genetic gains through genomic selection in smallholder cattle herd in Southern Africa and opportunities to extend the concept to other livestock species, and other developing countries, is also briefly examined.