Optimized management of genetic variability with genomic selection in French goat breeds

Abstract

An optimization method, based on simulated annealing, managing genetic variability and genetic gain has been implemented in Alpine and Saanen breeds since 2006, for producing young IA bucks, born from elite sires and dams. When genomic evaluation started in 2018, this procedure was modified in order to account for genomic coancestries and substantial differences of GEBV accuracies between sires, because non progeny-tested sires were introduced. Based on the optimized matings carried out in 2021, the offspring reached a high genetic level on the total merit index (fixed by the breeding organization), and a balanced profile on the different EBV although exhibiting a moderate genomic inbreeding (3.0 to 3.6%). In each breed, the percentage of matings from non progeny-tested elite sires was about 35%. The long-term efficiency of the method was appreciated based on the AI bucks born between 2000 and 2020. The average annual genetic gain was 0.17 genetic standard deviation in each breed. The rate of inbreeding per generation was 0.26% in  Alpine breed and 0.21% in Saanen breed.