Annotation-Based Whole Genomic Prediction and Selection: An Application to Feed Efficiency and Growth Traits in Pigs

Genomic selection is widely used in both animal and plant species, however, it is performed with no input from known genomic or biological role of genetic variants and therefore is a black box approach in a genomic era. This study investigated the role of different genomic regions and detected QTLs in their contribution to estimated genomic variances and in prediction of genomic breeding values by applying SNP annotation approaches to feed efficiency. Ensembl Variant Predictor (EVP) and Pig QTL database were used as the source of genomic annotation for 60K chip. Genomic prediction was performed using the BayesCπ method and applied to 1,272 Duroc pigs with both genotypic and phenotypic records including residual (RFI) and daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG) and back fat (BF)). Records were split into a training (968 pigs) and a validation dataset (304 pigs). SNPs were annotated by 14 different classes. Predictive accuracy was 0.531, 0.532, 0.302, and 0.344 for DFI, RFI, ADG and BF, respectively. The contribution per SNP to total genomic variance was similar among annotated classes across different traits. Predictive performance of SNP classes did not significantly differ from randomized SNP groups. Genomic prediction has accuracy comparable to an own phenotype and use of genomic prediction can be cost effective by replacing feed intake measurement. Use of genomic annotation of SNPs and QTL information had no largely significant impact on predictive accuracy for the current traits but may prove useful for less heritable traits such as diseases and fertility