Development of a genomic tool for the managment of reproduction and inbreeding control in dairy cattle
Development of a herd reproduction management tool based on genomic information and free to use for the farming community. The tool plans to release information for the control of the level of genomic inbreeding, the management of genetic variability and suggests matings with selected sires based on genomic information. The tool will be complementary to the existing ones and modular with respect to future tools that can integrate it. Dissemination of results to farmers through demonstration and dissemination activities.
The work plan involves the collection of samples and data in partner farms, their storage and the extraction of DNA for genotyping through SNP chips at 150K density. The genotypes will be subsequently analysed to obtain the parameters of inbreeding and genomic variability to be used for the management of herd reproduction. Finally, the production of the management tool and its dissemination through practical school sessions is foreseen, using the data of the partner farms’ for demonstration purposes
The Regione Lombardia dairy cattle sector is a productive reality with a strong economic impact for the Italian trade balance: 43% of raw milk from the farm is, in fact, produced in this region, for a total value of more than 1.99 billion euros in the 2017.
The recent development of advanced technological genomic sequencing tools has made it possible to have direct information on the genotype of the animals under selection. The genomic selection of male reproducers proposed by Meuwissen et al. (2001) is now applied in livestock populations all over the world and is based on the use of differences in the sequence of the animal genome (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms - SNPs, i.e. single point mutations).
Breeders use medium-low density genotyping panels (SNP-chips) to obtain the genomic value of their cows. SNP genotypes, however, can also be used very effectively for the control of inbreeding in the population and for the management of genetic variability in the herd.
The project therefore responds to a need of great importance for dairy cattle farmers: the control of inbreeding and the maintenance of genetic variability through the reproductive management of the herd with a tool based on genomic information
The project introduces a process and organizational innovation at farm level and at the animal breeding supply chain level. In fact, the production of genomic data and their use at farm level for the management of reproduction involves: i) introducing a new decision-making process in business management practices; ii) develop a new organizational flow of data between companies / breeders associations / service providers to manage access to farmers and company genomic data according to rights and access to ownership; iii) develop a data analysis process\ to maximize the return on economic investment by breeders and the national sector system.
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