Genomic selection improves genetic gain for fiber traits in a breeding program for alpacas

Cruz A.; Sedano J.; Burgos A.; Gutiérrez J.P.; Wurzinger M.; Gutiérrez-Reynoso G. · Livestock Science (2023) · DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105195

Resumen

The implementation of genetic improvement programs including genomic information leads to higher genetic and economic gains in animal production. So far, genomic selection in alpacas is still at an early stage and its response for fiber quality traits has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic gains for fiber diameter (FD) and percentage of medullation (PM) using BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) and ssGBLUP (single-step Genomic BLUP) under five selection index scenarios. The ZPLAN+ software was used to simulate for FD and PM annual genetic gain and standardized genetic gain, and also a total standardized genetic gain for a selection index. Input parameters were taken from field data of the Pacomarca Scientific Station in the Highlands of Peru. The respective weights given for FD and PM in the selection indexes were as follows: -1 and 0 (Scenario 1); -0.75 and -0.25 (Scenario 2); -0.5 and -0.5 (Scenario 3); -0.25 and -0.75 (Scenario 4); and 0 and -1 (Scenario 5). Total standardized genetic gain from the alpaca breeding program based on ssGBLUP in scenario 2 was higher compared to other scenarios. In all scenarios the genetic gain using ssGBLUP were higher than those from BLUP. Therefore, the use of genomic breeding values could have a favorable impact on genetic gains for FD and PM in alpacas.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina