Longevity of reference populations in a trans-Tasman genetic evaluation: Review of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program

Abstract

<p>The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) remains the cornerstone genomic reference behind Angus Australia's TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE). The success of industry funded genomic reference populations depends on the ability to maintain a strong relationship of the seedstock population with the sires selected for the reference population. Results from a review of the ASBP show that, for hard to measure traits (eg. feed intake), the ASBP is influencing the accuracy of breeding value estimation across the registered population. However, the evolution of the genetic make-up of the Trans-Tasman herd means that the continued collection of hard to measure phenotypes via the ASBP or similar programs is essential.</p>