Gametic gene flow method accounts for genomic imprinting

Abstract

Findings within the last 15 years emphasize the possible role of genomic imprinting for trait expression in livestock species. In genetic evaluation, genomically imprinted traits can be treated by models with two different breeding values per animal; one accounts for the paternal and the other for the maternal expression pattern. Relative weighting factors for these breeding values were derived by a generalized version of the discounted gene flow method, which was extended to a gametic level to account for parent-of-origin effects. The gametic approach proved also useful for calculating the expected increase in inbreeding induced by one round of selection and its dynamics over time. The gametic gene flow method was applied to a hypothetical pig breeding programme. Relative weighting factors were higher for the paternally inherited genetic effect even in female selection paths, but depend on the breeding scheme heavily. The maximum medium-term increase in inbreeding due to selection exceeded the long-term increase in a range of 20-100%.