Genomics for phenotype prediction and management purposes

ditive-genetic values for SNP or haplotype effects are transmitted to male selection candidates (young bulls) from the broad population. Further GS applications focus on genotyping females with the objectives i) to improve within-herd selection strategies using low-density 10K SNP-chip panels and ii) to predict phenotypes and to explain causal mutations using high-density or even whole-genome sequence data. Objective i addresses the evaluation of on-farm selection strategies combined with the utilization of reproduction technologies while still using “SNP-equations” from a bull calibration group. Objective ii implies relating genotypes directly to phenotypes, along with an evaluation of statistical methodology for phenotype prediction, with genome-wide association studies and with studies on genotype by environment (farm) interactions. As outlined, a major focus is placed on dairy cattle, but at specific points, applications to other species will be discussed as well.