Design of low density SNP chips for genotype imputation in layer chicken

摘要

BackgroundThe main goal of selection is to achieve genetic gain for a population by choosing the best breeders among a set of selection candidates. Since 2013, the use of a high density genotyping chip (600K Affymetrix® Axiom® HD genotyping array) for chicken has enabled the implementation of genomic selection in layer and broiler breeding, but the genotyping costs remain high for a routine use on a large number of selection candidates. It has thus been deemed interesting to develop a low density genotyping chip that would induce lower costs. In this perspective, various simulation studies have been conducted to find the best way to select a set of SNPs for low density genotyping of two laying hen lines.