HD BeadChip for deeper genomic selection

A bovine BeadChip which will allow more in depth genomic selection of cattle has been released by Illumina.

The High-Density Bovine BeadChip (BovineHD) contains genetic data from more than 20 diverse breeds and 10 times more genetic markers than the company’s BovineSNP50 BeadChip.

The BeadChip will serve as a powerful research tool to allow more discoveries of quantitative traits and expand the diversity of bovine breeds assessed in genetic predictions, says Jay Flatley of Illumina.

According to Maurice Barbezant, director of UNCEIA in France and Didier Boichard, chief of Animal Genetics at INRA, BovineHD will be an important additional whole-genome research tool.

“This will complement the current genomic tools available for identification of agriculturally important genes and allow a deeper implementation of genomic selection in cattle.”

In genomic selection it will prove particularly useful for between-breed analysis and in populations for which the size of a reference population is limited.

Our collaboration with Illumina to develop this high-density chip supports our desire to develop strategic partnerships that harness the power of genomic innovation for the benefit of the bovine research community and for our cattle producer customers, says Nigel Evans, vice president for Pfizer Animal Genetics.