Genomic Selection - Dairy

24th September 2009

To whom it may concern,

Opportunities for Closer Collaboration in Genomics Research.

Are you interested in working closely with an organisation that is keen to foster development in genomic selection, through mutual sharing of genotypes, ideas and methodologies? If so, please read on.

Following on from the successful launch and implementation of genomic selection in dairy cattle in Ireland in Spring 2009 (please refer to the attached references), ICBF and its research partner Teagasc, are keen to further develop their research work, by engaging with cattle breeding companies and research organisations that would consider the mutual sharing of genotypes, ideas and methodologies as part of their ongoing work in this area.

As part of our commitment to this approach, we attach a file of international dairy AI sires (some 14,500 sires in total) with information on the bull’s genotype status in Ireland. For simplification we have grouped the AI sires into three distinct categories;

Category	Number bulls	Description.
1 Yellow	987	Genotypes for these bulls are owned by ICBF and are available for mutual exchange.
2 Green	1,772	These bulls were either marketed in the past or are currently being marketed in Ireland. As of yet, ICBF has not been able to obtain DNA (for genotyping) for these bulls. These are our TOP priority bulls.
3 White	11,780	These bulls have never been marketed in Ireland (to-date), but have International MACE proofs for Ireland. These are our MEDIUM priority bulls.

As part of this initiative, ICBF are prepared to swap copies of our category 1 genotypes, in exchange for genotypes from bulls in either category 2 or category 3. This would be done on a bi-lateral basis between ICBF and the individual cattle breeding companies/research organisations involved in the initiative. In addition, we would also consider the swapping of semen, in exchange for genotypes for bulls in our TOP priority category. Please note that in no circumstances will ICBF make available genotypes owned by other organisations, as part of this initiative (without the express permission of that organisation). Only genotypes owned by ICBF will be available for mutual exchange.

If you would like more information on this exciting new initiative, then please contact us and we will send on a draft contract, with details of the collaborative agreement.

We look forward to hearing from you over the next few days.

Dr. Andrew Cromie;     acromie@icbf.com.
Dr. Donagh Berry;        dberry@teagasc.ie
Dr. Brian Wickham;      bwickham@icbf.com.

References.

Implementation and uptake of genomic evaluations in Ireland.
Kearney, F, Berry, D, Cromie, A.R.
Genomic Selection procedures for Ireland (version 1.1).
Berry D, Kearney, F.
Genomic Selection in Irish Dairy Cattle Breeding.
Sonneson, A, Meuwissen, T, Cromie, A.R. December 2008.