New Method to Combine Pedigree and Molecular Relationships applied to Brandrood Cattle

Relationship coefficients are traditionally based on pedigree data. Today, they are often replaced by coefficients calculated from molecular data, for example, microsatellites-based relationships for bio-diversity studies or genomic relationships for prediction of breeding values. However, in many situations, optimal combination of both sources would be the best solutions; i.e. when population is incompletely genotyped or when pedigree information is sparse. Also even dense markers do not reflect the whole genome. The objective of this study was to applied a new method to calculate a relationship matrix by the combination of molecular and pedigree data on Brandrood cattle. The results showed that combining marker and pedigree information produced more accurate A-matrices what will be useful for future management of the breed genetic variability.