Value Of DNA Information For Beef Bull Selection

Abstract

The value of genomic selection to the dairy industry was immediately apparent due mainly to the gains associated with the early selection of A.I. sires in the absence of progeny test information, and theoretical simulations of benefit to the breeding sector (Schaeffer, 2006) were followed by swift industry adoption (Hayes et al., 2009). Few studies have examined the economic implications of using DNA marker information in the beef cattle breeding sector which is characterized by a large number of seedstock herds specializing in the production of yearling bulls for sale to commercial producers. From the perspective of a seedstock breeder, the response to selection and therefore the value associated with the use of a DNA test is dependent upon how much the DNA information improves the accuracy of genetic evaluations at the time of selection, and the value of a unit of genetic improvement. The objective of this work was to estimate the economic value of using DNA test information to increase the accuracy of sire selection in a closed seedstock breeding program. A selection index model was used to predict the response to selection based on conventional performance recording and on selection with additional DNA information. The expected selection differential of bulls when selected on the basis of DNA test and performance recording information was determined, and the returns associated with the selection of the top 3% of the bull calves as stud sires, and the top half of the remaining bull calves as commercial sires was calculated.