Genetic evaluation systems and breeding programs in sheep and goats: an international perspective.

Genetic selection has been a key tool for improving productive performance in small ruminant populations around the world, especially in Europe. This has been achieved through selective breeding for numerous traits, using diverse genetic evaluation systems and breeding schemes. Knowledge of the alternative approaches taken is paramount to the design of efficient and integrated genomic breeding programs. In this study, we summarised information on 48 sheep and goat breeding programs, genetic and genomic evaluation systems and resources available in 12 countries involved in the SMARTER project. This was done using published reports and surveys distributed to all partners. Responses to the surveys reveals information for more than 9, 16, and 20 dairy goat, dairy sheep, and meat sheep breeds involved in genetic schemes, respectively, with ~3,083,562 animals included in data collection schemes. The main groups of traits recorded across countries are: (1) milk yield and composition, mastitis indicators, udder andbody conformation, and reproduction in dairy sheep and dairy goats; and (2) growth, reproduction, health, ultrasound, wool, and carcass in meat sheep. Seven countries have progeny testing schemes, but only 5 use artificial insemination. There are numerous challenges to be addressed (e.g. disparity of trait recording, SNP panels, statistical models used, joining pedigrees across countries as well as grouping breeds based on genetic similarity, and an average of ~30% of animals with unknown sires). However, there are many opportunities to use the current resources and develop collaborative approaches to optimise selection for novel breeding goals such as resilience and efficiency in small ruminants across countries.