Genomic Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) Prediction

Genomic selection estimates different chromosome fragments or single marker effect values through a large number of genetic markers in the whole genome and then accumulate the fragments or marker-effect values within the whole genome of an individual to obtain genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV). The reliability of GEBV depends on the size of the reference population, the effective number of chromosome fragments, and the methods used to predict marker effects. Therefore, extensive research is devoted to developing statistical models to predict marker effects. BioVenic's professional knowledge in animal genetics and breeding and rich experience in animal related research and development enables us to provide genetic estimated breeding value prediction services to customers around the world to better meet research needs.

Genomic Models

The model most suitable for the breeding plan depends on the accuracy of the breeding value of selected candidates and available data. Some models avoid the prediction of marker effect by constructing a genome relationship matrix based on SNP genotype. The most prominent method is GBLUP. The G matrix based on marker calculation replaces the matrix based on pedigree calculation, which is faster in calculation and more truly reflects the difference in genetic information between individuals. Due to the interaction between genotype and environment, the presence of incomplete LD, dominance, epistasis and imprinting, and the incomplete correlation between pure race and hybridization performance, it is necessary to select an appropriate genomic model in breeding plans to achieve GEBV prediction.

• Additive Models

In quantitative genetics, it is often assumed that genetic effects at different loci are additive. At each locus, the effect of the homozygous genotype is called an additive effect, and the model that decomposes the genotype value into an additive effect is an additive model, including the parental additive model, the BSAM and ASGM model, additive single-step model, etc.

• Dominance Models

The effect of the heterozygous genotype is called the dominant effect, and a dominant model can be obtained. The dominant effect is the combination of different alleles at the same locus, which produces an effect different from the average performance of the homozygous genotype, sometimes called gene interaction within the locus. Models that decompose dominance effects by genotype values are called dominance models.

• Additive and Dominance Model

Individuals are not necessarily homozygous or heterozygous at all loci. At this time, the genetic composition of the individual will contain both additive effects and dominant effects. Models that decompose genotype values into additive and dominance effects are called additive and dominance models.

• Dominance Model with Imprinting

Dominance effects, as well as additive effects may depend on the breed of origin, which may be due to imprinting or breed complementarity. It could therefore be advantageous to account for imprinting explicitly. A dominance model with imprinting needs to distinguish between the paternal and the maternal allele.

Our Services

BioVenic combines its professional knowledge and rich experience in animal breeding, genetics, and modern biotechnology to provide genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) prediction services for customers around the world. Our specific services include but are not limited to:

• Using the GBLUP model to predict heritability.
• Estimation of prediction accuracy using genomic selection data.
• Selecting the best statistical model to calculate the correlation between genes and traits.

Based on our services, you can take the lead in predicting and selecting complex traits and accelerate your breeding plan. Our experts are committed to helping our customers solve all bottlenecks in animal genetics and breeding research. We look forward to working with all partners to promote animal breeding and genetic research.

Want to Learn More?

With years of experience in animal breeding and genetics, BioVenic is committed to providing high-quality animal breeding and genetic research services. We are confident that we can design effective solutions to support the effective operation of your project. If you are interested in the prediction of GEBV, please contact us and tell us more about your project.

Reference

1. Stock J.; et al. A Review of Genomic Models for the Analysis of Livestock Crossbred Data. Front Genet. 2020, 11: 568.