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Smarter Breeding Starts Here with MateSel + VSNi
Accelerate Genetic Gains. Maximise Returns. Sustain Long‑Term Value.
MateSel is a strategic tool for selection and mating optimisation
Smarter Breeding Decisions.
Made Simple.
We’re delighted to bring to you VSNi + MateSel in partnership, giving you access to the world-leading selection and mating optimisation software.
Designed for breeding teams who want to make confident, data-driven decisions, MateSel helps you achieve genetic gain while managing diversity, resource use, and long-term sustainability.
It supports breeding programmes across plant, animal, aquaculture and forestry, from early-stage selection to advanced crossing strategies.
Why breeding teams choose MateSel
MateSel helps you make the most of the data you already have – turning it into clear, actionable breeding plans.
Achieve faster genetic progress through smarter mating combinations
By simulating millions of mating combinations, MateSel finds those that maximise progress based on your chosen traits and breeding values. Whether you’re focused on growth rate, yield, resilience, or quality traits, you can reach your goals sooner and more efficiently.
Maintain genetic diversity and control inbreeding across generations
Balancing gain with genetic diversity is essential for long-term sustainability. MateSel uses optimal contribution selection (OCS) to manage inbreeding and ensure your breeding programme stays robust across generations. You can set diversity thresholds, control mating contributions, and avoid narrowing your gene pool — all while continuing to make meaningful genetic progress.
Use time and resources more efficiently, avoiding trial-and-error
MateSel reduces the trial-and-error involved in mating decisions. Instead of manually assessing crossing options, the software builds and scores complete mating plans in minutes. This frees up time, improves consistency, and helps your team focus on implementing decisions rather than recalculating them.
Model different breeding objectives, so you can balance traits, risk, and return
Every breeding programme has competing priorities. MateSel helps you compare scenarios and test different combinations of gain, cost, diversity, and trait emphasis. You can explore trade-offs and choose the approach that best fits your business goals. Whether that’s maximising a selection index, targeting specific traits, or adjusting to changing operational demands.
Adapt to changing priorities, from market-led traits to long-term sustainability
Markets evolve, breeding targets shift, and new data emerges. MateSel gives you the flexibility to revisit and update your breeding plans as needed, adjusting trait weightings, diversity constraints, or logistics. This adaptability helps keep your programme aligned to commercial, scientific, and operational goals over time.
Built to work alongside your existing breeding tools
At VSNi, we support breeding teams with trusted tools like ASReml and Genstat – used to estimate breeding values, explore trait relationships, and model complex genetic data.
MateSel complements this work by helping you decide how to act on that information – turning EBVs, GEBVs, and trait priorities into a well-structured mating plan.
If ASReml helps you identify which individuals carry the most potential, MateSel helps you decide which combinations will deliver the best results – based on your goals for gain, diversity, and future resilience.
Together, they support:
- Genomic and traditional selection workflows
- Breeding goal-setting and scenario planning
- Crossing decisions that align with operational priorities
- Long-term strategies built on solid genetic evidence
MateSel doesn’t replace your existing tools – it helps you put their insights into practice.
How it works
- Upload your breeding values
Compatible with EBVs and GEBVs from ASReml or other models. - Set your breeding goals
Prioritise traits, diversity, or economic return, or a balanced approach. - Run the optimisation
MateSel simulates millions of crosses to find the best combination based on your objectives. - Discover new directions
Use MateSel interactively to discover possible new directions and ideas. - Export a clear crossing plan
Get ready-to-use outputs: who to cross, what gains to expect, and diversity metrics for each outcome.
Designed for the way you breed
Partnering with us ensures:
Smart Trait Management
Control multiple trait distributions in line with your selection index. Balance competing priorities across generations with clarity and confidence.Â
Genomic Marker Control
Handle single-gene effects and genome-wide variation, including edits, conditions, and Mendelian segregation variance.
Balanced Genetic Progress
Use optimal contribution selection (OCS) to drive gain while maintaining diversity, a sustainable foundation for future success.
Market-Oriented Planning
Create differentiated seedstock for different market needs. Tailor outcomes for customer segments or breeding partnerships.
Inbreeding Safeguards
Monitor and control progeny inbreeding (average and maximum) to protect population health and programme longevity.Â
Operational Constraints
Build crossing plans that reflect real-world logistics: movement limits, mating quotas, facility rules, and more.
Who uses MateSel?
MateSel is used by breeding organisations across a wide range of species and systems:
- Plant and Forestry breeding – canola, chickpeas, beans, potatoes, pine
- Animal Breeding - beef, sheep, dairy, pigs, poultry
- Aquaculture – salmon, shrimp, tilapia, trout
It supports both genomic and traditional selection, and scales to match the size and complexity of your programme.
Let’s take the next step together
VSNi supports breeding programmes in making more confident, effective decisions, grounded in data, aligned to your goals, and ready for the real world. If you’re looking to improve selection decisions, make better use of your data, or bring more structure to your mating strategy, let’s talk.