Animal Genetics

In cooperation with the Swiss Sheep Breeding Association, we are conducting and improving breeding value estimation.

For meat production, we estimate the breeding values for the trait "daily gain to the 45^th day". In doing so, we differentiate between the genetic growth potential of the lamb and the genetic potential of the dam for milk production. The development of animals with high daily gains that are also good milk producers shall then be promoted on the basis of these two traits. For fertility, we estimate the breeding values for the traits "age at first lambing", "lambing interval”, “litter size 1" and "litter size 2".

Breeding value estimation is an essential tool for the genetic improvement of Swiss horse populations. The first efforts to introduce this method date back to the 1990s. It was adopted in 2004 by the Swiss Sport Horse breeding association and in 2006 by the Franches-Montagnes breeding association. The project was implemented by the “Equine Genetics” working group, consisting of Christian Hagger, Fritz Schmitz-Hsu, Markus Schneeberger, Stefan Rieder and Pierre-André Poncet.

The breeding value estimation is based on extensive data sets from linear scoring and performance tests. The Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method was used to estimate variance components for a total of 24 traits of the linear scoring, for height at withers and for exterior assessment scores for type, conformation and gaits.

Systematic environmental factors such as gender, age, location and time of the data collection are an essential part of the analysis and are included in the calculations. Breed-specific differences were found, particularly in the heritability of withers height.

Performance tests and breeding value estimation
As the two horse breeds have different breeding objectives and uses, the traits included in the breeding value estimation were not the same:

• Swiss Sport Horse: Four traits from the field test (walk, trot, canter, free jumping), three traits from the Swiss Championship (4-, 5- and 6-year-old horses) and 28 traits from the linear scoring.
• Franches-Montagnes: Twelve traits from the field test (driving, riding), the proportion of white markings and 28 traits of the linear scoring.

The estimated breeding values of the Swiss Sport Horses were grouped into three indices: basic gaits, jumping and Swiss Championship. For the Franches-Montagnes, the breeding values for the white markings on the head, forequarters and hindquarters were aggregated in a separate index.

Breeding value estimation carried out by at HAFL is a key element in the sustainable further development of Swiss Sport Horse and Franches-Montagnes breeding. It provides a scientifically sound basis for the selection and long-term genetic improvement of both horse populations.

We deal with the monitoring and conservation of local breeds, analyse their specific traits and identify opportunities for conservation projects.

A current example of this is the project dedicated to promoting breeding and preserving the genetic variability and health of the Rhaetian grey cattle. Various objectives are being pursued in collaboration with partners from research and practice.

Our main focuses in the project:

• Genetic analysis of the entire stock: SNP genotyping provides a comprehensive picture of the genetic diversity of the breed. These results allow to identify genetically valuable animals and help to guide future breeding decisions taking into consideration the degree of relatedness between animals.
• Analysis of breed-specific traits: SNP genotyping can be used to investigate inheritance mechanisms of important traits such as size, coat colour and milk protein variants.

(Project partners: ProSpecieRara; Verein Rätisches Grauvieh Schweiz; Braunvieh Schweiz; Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern; financially supported by the Federal Office for Agriculture)

The milk from some Appenzell goats cannot be stored as it develops a rancid flavour. Some milk producers are therefore considering changing to another breed. The project aims to identify ways of combating this off-flavour.