Strategy for design and implementation of reference populations in beef and sheep breeding

Abstract

The advent of genomic selection provides opportunities for increasing the rate and direction of genetic change in breeding programs, but depends critically on the existence and design of reference populations. Simultaneously, the scope for decoupling of recording from estimation, creates opportunities and challenges for multi-member organisations such as breed associations. These challenges are primarily economic and revolve around coordination and reward mechanisms. Significant change and innovation will be required for breed associations to survive and capitalise in the genomics era.