Huaxi Cattle Genomic Mating with Whole-Genome SNP Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breeding methods for Huaxi cattle lead to homozygous accumulation of harmful genes and loss of rare genes, causing inbreeding depression, which hampers sustainable genetic gain and efficient breeding.

Innovation Solution

A genomic mating method utilizing whole genome SNP information, including DNA extraction, genotyping with a Cattle110K chip, data processing, genomic estimated breeding value calculation, and optimized mating combinations using a genetic algorithm to maximize genetic gain while minimizing inbreeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If artificial insemination is used to rapidly improve population genetic gain, then breeding efficiency is improved, but inbreeding depression occurs due to homozygous accumulation of harmful genes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreeding efficiencyVSAvoidgenetic health
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary genomic evaluation and mating optimization before actual breeding occurs. By calculating genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and optimizing mating combinations in advance using whole genome SNP information, the system prevents inbreeding depression before it occurs while still achieving rapid genetic gain through artificial insemination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using genomic information to continuously monitor and adjust mating decisions. The genomic estimated breeding values and inbreeding coefficients are calculated based on actual genomic data, providing feedback that guides optimal mating pair selection to maintain genetic health while improving breeding efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If traditional breeding methods are used to maintain genetic diversity, then inbreeding depression is reduced, but breeding efficiency and genetic gain are slowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoidbreeding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter basis for mating selection from traditional pedigree information to whole genome SNP-based genomic estimated breeding values. This parameter change enables the system to identify optimal mating pairs that maintain genetic diversity while accelerating genetic gain, resolving the contradiction between genetic diversity preservation and breeding efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By performing preliminary genomic evaluation and mating optimization before breeding, the system can identify and select mating pairs that maximize genetic diversity preservation while maintaining high breeding efficiency. This preliminary action allows traditional breeding advantages to be maintained while eliminating their inefficiencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If whole genome SNP information is used for genomic mating, then breeding accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreeding accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes only the most relevant genomic information (whole genome SNP data) for breeding decisions, rather than processing all possible genomic data. By focusing on specific SNP markers and calculating genomic estimated breeding values based on selected traits, the system achieves high breeding accuracy while reducing data processing complexity through targeted information extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12426578B1Genomic mating method for Huaxi cattle based on whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism information and application thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL SCIENCES OF CHINESE ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
  • US12426578B1 patent drawing
  • US12426578B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a genomic mating method for Huaxi cattle based on whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information and an application thereof. The method includes the following specific steps: step 1, extracting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from to-be-hybridized Huaxi cattle individuals for genotyping; step 2, performing genotype data imputation to obtain high-density chip data; step 3, calculating an additive genetic relationship matrix, utilizing genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) to obtain genomic estimated breeding values of five important economic traits of a to-be-hybridized Huaxi cattle population, and calculating a comprehensive selection index of the individuals; and step 4, using a genetic algorithm to construct a population optimal mating combination list. In the present invention, the breeding cost is greatly saved and an inbreeding level of offspring populations is reduced.