Abstract #173
Section: Breeding and Genetics (orals)
Session: Joint ADSA/Interbull Session: Breeding and Genetics Data Pipelines for Implementation of Genomic Evaluation of Novel Traits
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Monday 3:00 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Junior Ballroom C
Presentation is being recorded
Session: Joint ADSA/Interbull Session: Breeding and Genetics Data Pipelines for Implementation of Genomic Evaluation of Novel Traits
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Monday 3:00 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Junior Ballroom C
Presentation is being recorded
# 173
Multiple-trait single-step genomic evaluation for hoof health.
F. Malchiodi*1,2, J. Jamrozik2,3, A.-M. Christen4, A. Fleming3, G. J. Kistemaker3, C. Richardson2,5, V. Daniel6, D. F. Kelton7, F. S. Schenkel2, F. Miglior2, 1Semex Alliance, Guelph, ON, Canada, 2Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, 3Canadian Dairy Network, Guelph, ON, Canada, 4Valacta, Sainte-Anne-De-Bellevue, QC, Canada, 5School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia, 6Vic’s Custom Clips, Arva, ON, Canada, 7Department of Population Medicine, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Key Words: hoof lesions, genomic evaluation, dairy
Speaker Bio
Multiple-trait single-step genomic evaluation for hoof health.
F. Malchiodi*1,2, J. Jamrozik2,3, A.-M. Christen4, A. Fleming3, G. J. Kistemaker3, C. Richardson2,5, V. Daniel6, D. F. Kelton7, F. S. Schenkel2, F. Miglior2, 1Semex Alliance, Guelph, ON, Canada, 2Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, 3Canadian Dairy Network, Guelph, ON, Canada, 4Valacta, Sainte-Anne-De-Bellevue, QC, Canada, 5School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia, 6Vic’s Custom Clips, Arva, ON, Canada, 7Department of Population Medicine, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Hoof lesions represent an important issue in modern dairy herds, with prevalence reported in different countries ranging from 25 to 80%. This high prevalence of hoof lesions has both economic and social consequences, resulting in increased labor expenses while decreasing animal production, longevity, reproduction, health, and welfare. Therefore, a key goal of dairy herds is to reduce the incidence of hoof lesions, which can be achieved both by improving management practices and through genetic selection. In Canada, a hoof health sub index has recently been released based on a national genetic evaluation program for hoof health, which was achieved by the creation of a centralized data collection system that routinely transfers data recorded by hoof trimmers into a coherent and sustainable national database. The 8 most prevalent lesions in Holsteins (digital dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, heel horn erosion, sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, toe ulcer, and white line lesion) are analyzed with a multiple-trait model using single-step GBLUP method. Estimated genomic breeding values for each lesion are then combined into a sub-index (Hoof Health) according to their economic value and prevalence. In addition, data recorded within this system are used to create an interactive management report for dairy producers by Canadian DHI, including the prevalence of lesions on farm, their trends over time, and benchmarks with provincial and national averages.
Key Words: hoof lesions, genomic evaluation, dairy
Speaker Bio
Francesca received her MSc and PhD in Animal Science from the University of Padova, Italy, before relocating to Guelph, to join the Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock at the University of Guelph in 2014. Her research focused on genetic analysis of hoof lesions in dairy cows. In 2018, she joined the Semex Research and Innovation team as research geneticist.
