How is the Beef Genomics Programme helping emerging stud breeders access advanced genetic technology? This article describes the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) initiative within BGP2, which supports qualifying previously disadvantaged stud and commercial livestock farmers across the SADC region. It outlines the programme?s growth, breeder participation and contribution to a more diverse genomic database, while explaining how genomic testing supports genomically enhanced estimated breeding values (GEBVs), more accurate selection and faster genetic progress. Participating breeders can also gain access to breed composition analysis, parentage verification, single-gene trait information and screening for genetic disorders.
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Emerging stud breeders benefit focus from KyD BGP2 initiative By Johan Griesel and Jason Reding, geneticists, SA Stud Book
The Beef Genomics Programme Phase 2 (BGP2), supported by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), represents another advancement for the South African beef cattle industry. Since its launch in April 2024, SA Stud Book and its affiliated breeders’ societies have reaped the benefits of the initiative. The first year of the programme concluded on 31 March 2025, during which more than 16 200 samples were submitted by breeders representing 23 beef cattle breeders’ societies. The second year commenced immediately on 1 April 2025 and concluded in March 2026. The objectives of BGP2 include the standardisation of SNP-based genotyping technology and the establishment of genomic reference populations for breeds that do not yet receive genomic evaluations. This enables more accurate prediction of genetic merit for traits that are difficult or expensive to measure, only expressed in one of the sexes, only recorded late in life or with a low heritability.
Advancing genomic technologies A key outcome of the programme is the transition towards genomically enhanced estimated breeding values (GEBVs) as the industry standard, ultimately replacing traditional estimated breeding values (EBVs). EBVs are calculated by SA Stud Book using BLUP-based analyses of trait measurements in cattle combined with pedigree information. GEBVs therefore represent the latest technology in breeding value estimation, incorporating genomic data into pedigree relationships. This results in higher estimation accuracy, earlier selection decisions – often as soon as a calf’s genome is sampled and analysed – and accelerated genetic progress. In addition, genomic testing enables selection for or against specific single-gene traits.
A new component of BGP2 is the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo or KyD initiative, led by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). KyD means ‘improvement of cattle’ in Sesotho, and focusses on expanding access to genomic technology, such as SNP-based genomic testing and GEBV estimation. It supports breeders who qualify as previously disadvantaged individuals and who are involved in stud or commercial livestock farming within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The initiative also strengthens the scientific merit of the South African genomic database by incorporating data from a more diverse cattle population across the region. Samples submitted by KyD breeders across the SADC were processed at the ARC Biotechnology Platform in Onderstepoort, with genotypes analysed by SA Stud Book using the Logix platform, …
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