Assembling a Reference Population – from Genetic Architecture to New Phenotypes

Abstract Text: This paper summarizes the potential and the limitations for the genetic make-up of reference populations in the light of genetic architecture of population and traits, and discusses the resulting consequences for introducing new phenotypes in dairy cattle breeding schemes. To overcome the problem of limited reference population size, genotype exchanges between populations from different countries, inclusion of genotyped females, or imputation of completely un-genotyped animals are promising solutions. Concerning the persistence of linkage disequilibrium, marker density needs to be balanced with the level of genetic divergence between animals. With regard to the increasing complexity of future traits and their recording, the utilization of cooperator herds is advisable. Functional traits will remain the focus of future research, in which health and fertility are the main issues. The increasing interdisciplinary background of relevant traits requires accordant collaborations and a holistic approach.

Keywords:

dairy cattle

genomic selection programs

reference population

new traits