Using pooling to capture commercial data for inclusion in genetic evaluations

Authors: BALLER, JOHNNA - University Of Nebraska; KACHMAN, STEPHEN - University Of Nebraska; Kuehn, Larry; SPANGLER, MATTHEW - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: Nebraska Beef Reports
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2020
Publication Date: 1/15/2021
Citation: Baller, J.L., Kachman, S.D., Kuehn, L.A., Spangler, M.L. 2021. Using pooling to capture commercial data for inclusion in genetic evaluations. Nebraska Beef Reports. p. 11-13. Available: https://beef.unl.edu/documents/2021-beef-report/mp110-2021-03.pdf.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Economically relevant traits are those that directly impact commercial-level profit, and as such can only be measured at the commercial level. To capture and use these phenotypes in genetic evaluations, quantifiable relationships that connect routinely collected phenotypes from commercial animals to selection candidates in the seedstock sector are needed. Unfortunately, these relationships are largely unknown. Using pooled genotyping (pooling), relationships between commercial and seedstock animals can be established at a reduced cost. In return, the accuracy of expected progeny differences (EPD) of the seedstock selection candidates are increased and estimated breeding values (EBV) for the pools of commercial animals can be used for management. Seedstock animals with prior low accuracy, those that did not have progeny in genetic evaluations, benefit the most from this strategy. Generally speaking, a pool of any size is better than no information from commercial animals. However, some pool formations are better than others. Pooling in order to minimize phenotypic variation using pool sizes of 10 or greater in order to optimize EPD/EBV accuracy and cost is recommended.