Genomic selection in beef cattle creates additional opportunities for embryo technologies to meet industry needs

Abstract

The use of genotype information to improve the predictability of Expected Progeny Difference was first implemented in American Angus cattle in 2009 and has now grown to where over 50% of all registered calves are genotyped. Animals with only a genotype now have genetic prediction accuracy equivalent to eight or more progeny records across all traits. Reproductive technologies have also been widely adopted with approximately 50% of all calves born being the result of artificial insemination. Non-surgical embryo transfer started increasing in the mid 1990s with just over 10% of calves born being the result of embryo transfer since 2005. The number of embryos created with in vitro technologies has risen sharply since 2015 and now accounts for close to 30% of all ET calves. Genomics has enabled embryo technologies to be more impactful, as females can be selected with greater accuracy and sires can be used at earlier ages with moderate accuracy. Large numbers of females genotyped each year also increases the number of selection candidates, increasing the selection intensity. Genomics, combined with increased recording, also provides more information on females. This increases the spread in the estimated index values of current dams, identifying more elite dams for selection as embryo donors. The greater scope of female selection also contributes to better inbreeding management. Commercial animals genotyped could be targeted for oocyte harvesting at slaughter, creating opportunities for low cost high value beef embryos to be used in the beef on dairy segment of the industry.