Genomic age: disease-free and excelling?

Before genomics, the use of pedigrees was among the most effective technologies for animal breeding. Horse breeders were among the first to use pedigrees and their success led to mimicry by breeders of all other domestic animals. Offspring tend to be more like their parents so selection of parents is important. It follows that characteristics of grandparents can be found in the offspring of subsequent generations. In the absence of any knowledge about genetics, pedigrees were an effective proxy for genetics. During the last 10 years the horse genome sequence became available. DNA sequences were identified for many of the traits we value and diagnostic DNA tests were developed. Here is the question. In the genomics age, will we see a decline in the use of pedigrees? Do we still need pedigrees as a proxy for genetics when we can directly identify the genes? […]