Friday, February 2, 2024 -- 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Using Genomics to Unravel the Secrets of Heterosis

Sponsored By Zoetis

Crossbreeding is a common strategy used in tropical and subtropical regions to enhance beef production. Heterosis, which is one benefit of crossbreeding, arises from combining the genes from different breeds in such a way that inferior recessive genes are concealed. Heterosis may result in the crossbred being better than either parental breed or simply better than the average of the two. While the maximum heterosis is achieved in the first cross of purebred animals (F1), retained heterosis in subsequent matings is not accurately known. Using high-density SNP genotypes, a breed of origin can be assigned to small chromosomal segments in a crossbred animal, and heterozygosity can be calculated on breed of origin haplotypes. The ability to estimate heterosis for individual animals would enable breeders to make informed selection and mating decisions and drive progress in beef cattle breeding programs.

This session will feature Raluca Mateescu, PhD, University of Florida.