Use of molecular genetic information to supplement population genetics

Genomic information is nowadays available for animal breeding. Possibilities and limitations of a marker assisted selection (MAS) are discussed. MAS has highest potential for traits which are difficult to measure and can be observed only late in the life of an animal. But this potential can only be gathered if enough phenotypic data are available to identify the markers linked to quantitative trait loci and to quantify the effect on the trait of interest. Marker assisted genetic evaluation combines polygenic information with genomic information to estimate a more reliable breeding value early in life, e.g. to select among a group of young test bull candidates. Infrastructure and know-how are giving a high potential for a sucessful use of MAS in Germany.

Vollversion deutsch