Integration of foreign breeding values and genomic information from other red-pied dual-purpose cattle breeds in the genetic evaluation of the East-Belgian Red and White

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the integration of Dutch breeding values from related red-pied cattle breeds into the Walloon genetic evaluation of the East Belgian Red and White (EBRW), a local red-pied dual-purpose breed, alongside the integration of genomic information. EBRW breeders frequently import genetic material from related breeds but currently lack a method to compare foreign breeding values. Additionally, incomplete pedigree records in EBRW hinder reliable selection decisions. The Centre for Genetic Resources in the Netherlands (CGN) provided genotypes for 276 Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (MRY) and 49 Deep Red (DR) animals. This information, together with pedigree data and available Dutch breeding values for these animals and their ancestors, were integrated as prior information in the Walloon genetic evaluation of 407 EBRW animals, of which 370 were genotyped, using a Bayesian approach. Results demonstrated that incorporating Dutch information enabled the estimation of reliable Walloon breeding values for external MRY and DR animals, provided they had reliable prior Dutch data. Furthermore, the inclusion of genomic information improved the prediction accuracy of breeding values for genotyped EBRW animals. The integration of Dutch breeding values, regardless of genomic data, positively impacted the reliability of EBRW breeding values. This approach proved well-suited to the EBRW population, and has the potential to guide EBRW breeders in their selection decisions.