Technical Keynote Session 1
DNA companies share vision
for whole-genome future
“This is really an exciting time in animal breeding with the new technology coming available,” Mark Allan of Pfizer Animal Genetics told attendees at the annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium April 30-May 3 in Sacramento, Calif.
Allan remarked how advancements in genetic selection over the last four decades — such as performance data and EPDs — have aided in improving beef cattle performance and adding value to the industry. And now, with the addition of whole-genome selection, Allan said, “The industry is adding more tools for genetic prediction and accuracies.”
Allan and Brent Woodward of Igenity both shared remarks about their respective company’s vision for implementation of whole-genome-enabled animal selection in the beef industry.
Igenity is presently working to commercialize a new breed-specific genome marker panel that will likely be available later this year. Woodward explained that his company has been collaborating with university and government researchers, and even researchers on the human health side, to select SNPs to make the new panel of markers.
“From the 50,000 bovine SNP chip, Igenity has looked at numerous analytical methods to help pick out the best panel that is also most cost-effective for the beef industry,” Woodward said.
In the future, he said, his company will make additional whole-genome marker panel tests available, and he foresees different tests offering different SNP levels and price points, which he dubbed small, medium and large. Woorward explained that a 100-SNP panel, for instance, could be made available for a relatively inexpensive cost. Whereas, some breeders may seek a larger SNP panel that could explain more variation for traits, and that might be made available for a higher price.
Additionally, Woodward shared that Igenity has agreements in place with several breed associations and national cattle evaluation centers to assist in producing molecular breeding values (MBVs) or genomic EPDs. Igenity is also developing software tools available on their web site for producers to use to do custom sorts based on their herd's own genomic information from Igenity marker tests, or to benchmark within a breed, or even the entire Igenity database.
Likewise, Allan reported that Pfizer Animal Genetics is developing a whole-genome selection product, using what he called their own “robust system with a novel approach” to select SNPs for their specific marker test. Allan emphasized that Pfizer is using different methodologies with checks and balances in place to ensure that the product will align with customer needs and expectations.
Allan said Pfizer will make their whole-genome product available “when we are confident in the offering.”
Looking forward, Allan said he too anticipates that a variety of whole-genome panels will be developed for specific traits, suites of traits and even for specific markets. He foresees whole-genome tests for traditional cow herd and postweaning traits like fertility, growth and carcass as well as newer traits like feed efficiency and health. But additionally, Allan says this new technology should give way to some new evaluations for traits. As one example, he said he anticipates the creation of a SNP for a “healthfulness index,” which would look at the healthy attributes of beef and ultimately help promote the consumption of beef.
Allan concluded noting that the end goal of genomics-based tests is to be a useable resource that assists producers in their decision-making and allows for prediction of animal performance at a young age.
He emphasized that for whole-genome technology to advance and be credible, the industry must also continually invest. “It’s going to take lots of phenotypes and lots of environments to make this happen.”
Allan said his company is committed to this new era of genetic selection tools not only in providing products, but also investing in the education and implementation process.
“We’re assembling a team of people to deliver a product with full service," he said. "Education is a huge part of the implementation of whole-genome selection from scientist to producers.”
Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API). To request reprint rights contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter.
The 41st BIF Research Symposium and Annual Meeting was hosted by the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the California Cattlemen's Association. For more information, visit www.bifconference.com or www.calcattlemen.org/bif2009.html.
