Review of bovine genomic selection in France

Abstract

This article presents the history and results of bovine genomic selection in France, with its start-up stages in large dairy breeds, its gradual extension to all breeds, the development of genotyping made possible by the reduction of its cost, the extension to new traits and the redefinition of breeding goals with more importance given to functional traits. It presents the methodological changes made over time, regarding genotyping, reference populations and genomic evaluation methods. The results obtained are presented, in terms of genetic evolution on the different traits, always favorable, on the evolution of inbreeding which varies greatly between breeds, and on the control of genetic anomalies. A strong synergy has been built between research and selection: all developments have been driven by research, while the new data generated by selection have fed research. Finally, the article briefly describes the strong organizational changes that have been largely induced by genomic selection.