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Implementation of genomic selection in the asi pacific oyster breeding program

BUDGET EXPENDITURE: $933,028

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Andrew Trotter

ORGANISATION: IMAS - UTAS

PROJECT CODE: 2023-113

PROJECT STATUS: Current

 

WHY IS THE RESEARCH BEING UNDERTAKEN?

The intent of this project is to conduct the research needed move the ASI breeding program to operational genomic selection. Funding is being sought to cover the cost of genomic selection over two breeding years, with activities in both the South Australian and Tasmanian breeding hubs. There are no “off the shelf” processes for genomic selection in oyster breeding and, therefore, R&D is needed. This funding will cover the costs of new activities associated with genomic selection: genotyping (the major cost), analysis of genomic data to produce genomic breeding values, tissue sampling of the measured oysters, and tagging and tissue sampling of the candidates for selection. It will also allow ASI to integrate these new activities into standard operational breeding activities. Timelines are tight, as they always are for operational breeding, and this project provides a means to test and refine processes both within ASI and for the external genotyping provider (CAT).


The project plan includes a process to validate the genetic gains achieved from genomic selection. Gains have been estimated based on experiences in other sectors and on genetic theory. However, validated gains are needed to demonstrate the business case to industry.


A parallel activity alongside this project will be to develop the use of genomic selection for commercial
deployments of individual enterprises. The genotyping associated with this activity will be funded separately
by oyster enterprises, however, the data analysis will be done together with the analysis planned for this
project. The intention is to provide a pathway to transfer the benefits directly and rapidly to industry. In
addition, genomic selection can potentially give industry much greater flexibility in the way they use genetic
selection for their business needs, allowing them to customise their selections.

OBJECTIVES:

  1. Standard operating procedures for an operational genomic selection program for the ASI breeding program, including proven protocols for tissue sampling, tagging, dispatch and processing of genotype data, GEBV calculation, genotype data management, and hatchery protocols for using individual animal selections (as opposed to family selection).

  2. A funding plan in place to allow ASI to continue using genomic selection in an operational setting. 

  3. Documentation of the validation of the genetic gains, and an updated cost benefit study to show the
    economic value of the validated gains.

  4. Use of genomic selection by commercial hatcheries for production of commercial seed, and a process
    defined to allow commercial hatcheries to be able to routinely use genomic selection through a service
    agreement with ASI.

  5. ASI having contracts in place to provide the ongoing genomic selection services including genotyping, GEBV calculation, data management, and any other processes identified during the implementation of
    this project.

PROJECT RESOURCES GENERATED:

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