Genomics - lots of potential, but don't break out the bubbly just yet!

Abstract

It is very easy to get caught up in the hubris around new technologies like genomics, and primarily because we are all optimistic when it comes to what we think they might deliver in future. The problem is of course that we only ever have 20:20 vision in hindsight, and so often the promise of a better future doesn't quite deliver the things we imagined. This will be true of genomics, because while it is now easy to find genes, it is still immensely challenging to work out how they are switched on and off, how they interact with each other, and how they interact with the environment. In that context Corriedale breeders do need to support genomics approaches, BUT also realise they need to also use more conventional quantitative genetic approaches for key traits and good breeding practice for qualitative traits. All that, and keep a close eye on the market, and rising consumer demand for natural products produced from sheep farmed with the highest welfare standards and transparency in the production system. No one says it will be easy!