Livestock genomics in Southern Africa The Beef Genomics Programme: an update LRF BGP Feedback Session 3 August 2017 John Becker
Brief background
Info sheet: Needs and requirements Curation of current information Assistance with phenotyping Assistance with engaging your constituents/organisation on issues of genomics Contact with the relevant stakeholders More information on Livestock Genomics or Genomic Selection Biobanking facilities Facilities for genotyping Collaboration with other stakeholders Funds for research 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Info sheet: Have/access to resources Research funds Biobanking facilities Bioinformatic calculation of DGVs and gebvs Expertise in Genomic Selection Experience in/facilities for genotyping Genotypes Database facilities and management Experience/expertise in phenotyping (BLUP) Hair, blood or semen for genotyping Phenotypes 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Info sheet: Resources to contribute Research funds Biobanking facilities Bioinformatic calculation of DGVs and gebvs Experience in/facilities for genotyping Expertise in Genomic Selection Database facilities and management Genotypes Experience/expertise in phenotyping Phenotypes Hair, blood or semen for genotypes 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
www.livestockgenomics.co.za
Beef Genomics Programme
BGP: intention To ensure accurate measurement of phenotypes closely associated with quality of beef produced in Southern Africa To combine the phenotypic data with genomic data to further enhance breeding values of the Southern African beef herd To use the enhanced breeding information to increase the competitiveness of the industry
Participating institutions Agricultural Research Council accredited testing stations Universities: Pretoria Fort Hare Free State Stellenbosch Breed societies (15 breeds) Service providers (Stud Book, Livestock Registering Federation)
Participating breeds 2015/16 Afrikaner Beefmaster Bonsmara (SA and Namibia) Boran Brahman (SA and Namibia) Charolais Drakensberger Hereford Limousin Santa Gertrudis Simbra Simmentaler 2016/17 Brangus Nguni Tuli
Programme funding The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) of South Africa funded the programme for R29 831 580 for three years starting in April 2015 2015/16: R 9 831 580 2016/17: R 10 000 000 2017/18: R 10 000 000 The Programme is substantially co-funded by industry 2015/16: > R18 m 5.36X initial estimate
BGP outcome: 1 st 3 years Useful data for research Data to be provided by the Breed Society to their service provider of choice for the development of the EBVs/GEBVs and economical indices as required by the Society
Programme progress
Teamwork and collaboration Between industry groups Between breeds within groups Leadership established within breeds Amongst project committee members Amongst research committee members
Research objective: Databank Central databank established Access to breed data by nominated society representative Further value-addition to data by chosen service provider
Research objective: WGS 39 highly influential animals sequenced 2-4 animals per participating breed For some breeds- first WGS undertaken
Trait measurements Stud Book and LRF different BGP approaches Co-funded by TIA and industry Measurements include: matings births birth, weaning, yearling, mature weights feed intake meat quality scrotal measurements fertility
Conclusion
Implementation year Collection of trait records exceeded expectation Genotyping exceeded targets Research programme is on track Principles and protocols are in place Good collaboration amongst diverse team members Full effect of the drought to be realised and mitigated
Acknowledgements Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Industry- participation and funding BGP Project + Research Committees Livestock Genomics Task Team Service Providers BGP Advisors + Mentors
Contact details Dr John Becker Centre Manager: African Centre for Gene Technologies jbecker@csir.co.za +27 12 420 6147 +27 82 321 2150