How Genomics is changing Business and Services of Associations Dr. Josef Pott, Weser-Ems-Union eG, Germany

Associations Member owned and directed Purpose: improve the Holstein breed Collect and analyze data and provide information and services to members

Business activities of associations Core services: ‐Registration ‐Shows ‐Classification Other services: ‐Milk recording ‐Genetic evaluation and/or genotyping ‐A. I.

Genomic Selection -Based on DNA sequences - Genotyping of large number SNPs on low costs -Allows tracking the inheritance of short chromosomal segments - Reference population: SNPs linked to EBVs of progeny proven bulls - - essential: verified parentage, good and complete data

Genomic EBVs Reliability: parent average < genomic EBVs < progeny proven EBVs Earlier available => decreasing the generation interval Obtain acceptance by validation

gEBV – validation in Germany (S. Rensing, vit 2012) production, RZM conformation, RZE SCC, RZS Total Performance Index, RZG progenyproofprogenyproof gEBV 962 validation bulls – December 2010 – no daughter information August 2012: at least a second daughter based proof

Use of genomic bulls in Germany (Jan 2011 – May 2012, Rensing, vit 2012) regional differences: 20 % to 75 %

LD-chip LD-predictions: roughly 95% as accurate as predictions from the 50 k chip Gained popularity due to lower price => testing females More accurate and earlier information than parent average - production - conformation - productive life - SCC - calving ease - fertility - inbreeding and genetic de fects

Impact of Genomics on: classification progeny testing

Objectives of classifications Improve functional conformation - workability - resistance to diseases - longer lifetime - natural ability to produce milk Can enhance the value of an animal Type EBVs

Factors influencing the functional conformation/value of an animal value productionconformationhealthfertility productive life

Reliabilities of parent average and gEBVs vit 2009 parent average; reliability % genomic estimated breeding value (gEBV) reliability % % production3570 conformation2963 health (SCC)2965 fertility2448 longevity3052 gEBVs are of greater value than individual production records or classifications Genomic testing of females can reduce # of classifications

How will progeny testing be affected? # young bulls entering AI in Germany (2011) (vit, 2012) diff. % Holstein Red and White Total # of progeny groups is decreasing - Total # of inspected daughters is decreasing => less progeny proven bulls/year in reference population - - increasing # of daughters/bull (?) – bias! => classification in representative sample herds

Basic conditions of dairy farming Decreasing # of farms Increasing herd sizes Farmers are: more progressive, less traditional, always short of time Growing demand for services  simple, complete solutions

Genomic services Genomic testing (i.e., different types of SNP panels) Parent verification/identification Replacement management Improved mating service

Genomic testing and parent verification Genomic testing (LD, 50K, HD) EBVs for all traits Parent verification - currently: DNA-micro satellite technology (animal itself + dam + sire required) - in future: SNP technology to confirm parentage for Herdbook validation all potential parents must be tested one sample for – genomic testing - parentage verification - genetic recessives - coat colour

GENOID – Holstein Canada Genomic testing and creating a record in the Herdbook in one step for non registered animals Genomic EBVs AI sires and previously genotyped dams will be identified Registration confirmation and gEBVs to owner

Genomic testing of females; replacement management Low costs of genotyping required; to test all heifers is profitable at € 29; attractive at € 15 (Pryce et al. 2012) Cost effective in particular - if pedigree information is unavailable (if pedigree information is available pre-sort animals based on pedigree data) Weigel (2011) - if available heifers exceeding replacement needs (sexed semen)

Genomic testing of females; replacement management Applications: Selection among heifer calves or springing heifers Mating Evaluation of elite females Screening prior to purchase Manage animals more individually

Improved mating service Up to now: based on production, pedigree, physical assessment Now: based on genomic EBVs Higher reliabilities for all traits Avoid inbreeding Deal adequate with recessives Enhance genetic progress

Conclusions Genomic selection is widely introduced gEBVs are gaining acceptance Decreasing # of bulls entering AI Female genotyping is getting popular Threats: less classifications? + less progeny testing Opportunities: genomic service