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.