295 Genomic selection for improved resilience: A closer look to its implementation

Abstract

Before exploring the factors that determine it, it is crucial to first define the concept of resilience. Resilience is not a phenotype therefore is not directly observable or quantifiable as a phenotype. Consequently, it can only be measured or quantified using appropriate indicators. However, developing such indicators requires a clear and consistent definition to guide their estimation. Although no universally accepted definition exists, resilience is generally demarcated as the capacity of a system—be it an individual, a forest, a city, a population, or an economy—to adapt to change, cope with adversity, and continue to develop. In animal science, precise indicators are needed if resilience becomes a feature of interest. Environmental variance has emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring resilience. Defined by Falconer and Mackay in 1990, this measure represents the variance in phenotypic values among individuals arising from differences in their environmental exposures. Interestingly, it is not solely determined by the environment, it is also partially under genetic or individual animal control. Several steps are needed before genetic evaluations can be put to routine. Data quality and noise reduction are pivotal for supporting an efficient process. In this talk, we will provide an overview of the different steps and caveats that are to be considered for evaluating resilience in livestock populations.