Genotyping is the process of finding differences in the genetic makeup of individual sheep in their DNA sequence. There are two main types of genotyping services available – DNA parentage testing or genotyping (50K).
It is important to note that genomics should be thought of as the icing on the cake i.e., you need to get the basics right first (collecting data on traits of interest and good data quality).
DNA parentage testing provides direct pedigree/parentage information by matching up progeny to parents that have also been DNA tested.
Genotyping (50K) uses more information to find relationships with the reference population (animals which have been genotyped and phenotyped) to provide genomically enhanced ASBVs. Genotyping (50K) enhances the accuracy of ASBVs, especially for those hard to measure traits such as eating quality, health/welfare, and reproduction, and provides the ability to select younger animals with more accuracy. Genomically enhanced ASBVs are not available for all breeds at this point. A comprehensive list can be found on the Sheep Genetics website. A link to this will be provided upon completion of this module.
NOTE: An animal must exist in Sheep Genetics with pedigree and basic measurements, for its genotype to contribute to ASBVs. Animals will not get genomically-enhanced ASBVs from a genotype alone.
How genomics works
Using pedigree, we generally assume that progeny receive 50% of their genes from their sire and dam equally. However through the use of genomic data, we can more accurately identify the relationship as it actually varies from 40 – 60% for sire/dam.
The requirements to receive genomic information depends on the type of genotyping service – more information is available on the Sheep Genetics website, or please feel free to contact the Sheep Genetics team to discuss this more.
As a general rule of thumb, trait measurements must to be provided in conjunction with genomics information. ASBVs CANNOT be calculated from genomics alone. Pedigree information needs to be provided by the breeder in their software, and submitted to Sheep Genetics. This process does not occur automatically.