THE IMPACT OF GENETIC-MARKERS ON SELECTION

Genetic marker technologies, such as marker-assisted selection, parent age identification, and gene introgression can be applied to livestock selection programs. Highly saturated genetic maps are now available f or cattle, swine, and sheep to provide the genetic framework for devel oping MAS programs. These programs rely on three phases for commercial ization of the technology: the detection phase, in which quantitative trait loci are located and their effects on the phenotype measured; th e evaluation phase, in which the markers are evaluated in commercial p opulations; and the implementation phase, in which markers are combine d with phenotypic and pedigree information in genetic evaluation for p redicting the genetic merit of individuals within the population. Pred icting the economic impact of genetic technologies is a complex proces s that requires quantitative prediction and economic analysis. Evaluat ing the impact of these benefits across an industry can be achieved th rough a process in which gains from implementation of a genetic techno logy are assessed at the individual, enterprise, and industry levels. A pattern of annual benefits and costs can be predicted using gene flo ws that can be evaluated by conventional economic analysis.