Evolution of Genetics Organisations’ Strategies through the Implementation of Genomic Selection: Learnings and Prospects

Robert Banks ()
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Robert Banks: Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia

Agriculture, 2022, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Since its initial description in 2001, and with falling costs of genotyping, genomic selection has been implemented in a wide range of species. Theory predicts that the genomic selection approach to genetic improvement offers scope both for faster progress and the opportunity to make change in traits formerly less tractable to selection (hard-to-measure traits). This paper reports a survey of organisations involved in genetic improvement, across species, countries, and roles both public and private. While there are differences across organisations in what have been the most significant outcomes to date, both the increased accuracy of breeding values that underpins potentially faster progress, and the re-balancing of genetic change to include real progress in the hard-to-measure traits, have been widely observed. Across organisations, learnings have included the increasing importance of investment in phenotyping, and opportunities to evolve business models to engage more directly with a wider range of stakeholders. Genomic selection can be considered a more modular approach to genetic improvement, and its simplicity and effectiveness can transform both genetic improvement and the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary approaches to improving livestock and plant production, enabling potentially very significant increases in agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Keywords: genomic selection; implementation; strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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