The National Development Board,GujaratCo-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and other milk unions of Gujarat have decided to collaborate on expanding reference Population forgenomic selection. It will extend benefits of improved genetics to the farmers of the state.
NDDB, GCMMF and the milk unions will work together to develop standard operating procedures for recording, take up data analysis and monitor the quality of data collected.NDDBs executive director Meenesh Shah and GCMMFs managing director RS Sodhi inked an MoU to this effect during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, which was attended by many milk unions of the state.
Shah said that genomic selection is dependent on size of reference population that are performance recorded and genotyped. Accuracy of genomic selection increases with expansion of reference population.
The project will fast-track genetic progress in cattle and buffaloes not only for their milk production potential but also for regular Reproduction, reduced disease incidences and improved appearance.
Around 1.9 lakh animals will be recorded in next five years for their milk production capacity, fat, SNF and protein content of milk, reproduction regularity of animals, disease incidence, animals body type, animals behaviour among others. Out of the recorded animals, more than 80,000 will be genotyped and related data will help in genomic breeding value estimation with more accuracy.