Genomic Selection Program

Genomics Selection Program

Genomic Selection is the method of selecting high genetic merit animal based on combined information from DNA and phenotype to increase milk productivity.

Advantages:

• Selection of calves can be done at the time of birth instead of waiting till bull gets proven (Normally it takes 8 to 10 years under Progeny Testing)
• Rapid genetic gain per year through early selection of animals with desired genetics
  
  

Major activities:

• Performance recording of various traits at field level i.e. milk production, fat %, protein %, Reproduction trait, Health trait etc.
• Generate genomic information of recorded animals through genotyping
• Deriving of estimated breeding value through association of genotype and performance data.
  
  

Considering above, we have planned to implement Genomic Selection programme in milk shed area of our Milk Unions and signed following MoU for implementation of Genomic Selection programme:

1. "Cooperation in the Field of Animal Breeding through Genomic Selection"

MoU date: 28 May, 2021

MoU between:

• NDDB
• All Member Unions
• GCMMF
  
  

2. "Establishing Genomic Selection Network for Dairy Cattle and Buffalo Breeds in Gujarat

MoU date: 4th June, 2021

MoU between:

• Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre-GBRC, Gandhinagar
• NDDB, Anand
• Department of Animal Husbandry (Govt. of Gujarat, Gandhinagar)
• Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar
• Mehsana Milk Union
• Banaskantha Milk Union
• GCMMF
  
  

Member Unions playing crucial role in collecting data for different field activities and various samples (milk, blood etc.) for analysis. Whereas, GBRC, NDDB and Kamdhenu university will be playing active role in genomic testing and data analysis for deriving breeding value of animals.

Benefits to Milk Unions of GCMMF by Collaborating with GBRC:

• We have planned to cover around 94,000 animals. Out of that around 40,000 animals will be covered under GBRC project.
• As genotyping cost of these 40,000 animals will be borne by GBRC. It will reduce expenses of GCMMF under GS programme.
• In collaboration with GBRC, Mehsana (Buffalo) and Kankrej (Cow) breed will be covered. As our Mehsana MU have our own semen station, all MUs of Gujarat will get better genomic breeding value semen of these breeds from our semen station.