Genomics and the beef industry

Missing links

Abstract

Genomic selection has become pervasive across all animal breeding programs. In the beef industry, genotyping a non-parent animal is equivalent to that animal having already produced approximately 5 to 25 offspring, depending on the trait. Although this increase in information can greatly increase the rate of genetic gain, if utilized, the benefit of genomic information could be multiplied if it were to be used throughout all sectors of the beef industry. This would ideally require a data feedback loop whereby commercial-level phenotypes were used in genetic evaluation and prediction of genetic merit to inform management decisions of commercial animals. The decisions made could be enhanced using sophisticated software to contemplate genetics, environment, management, and societal demands many of which manifest into economic constraints. The objective of this paper is to briefly summarize the current state of genomic selection and to propose a path forward relative to a more comprehensive use of genetic information throughout the beef industry.