Research in Animal Breeding and Genetics at UNE
Areas of Research
Research in livestock genetics involves the application of quantitative genetics to animal production systems.
Our research in animal science, in broad terms, relates to
- determination of breeding objectives (economic values, biological relationships between traits, systems optimisation)
- genetic evaluation (linear models, data analysis, estimation of genetic parameters, estimation of breeding values)
- design and optimisation of breeding programs (inbreeding avoidance, optimising response, use of genetic markers, use of reproductive technologies and progeny testing)
Current Research
One of our current areas of research focus is related to the use of genomic information in genetic evaluation and selection programs.
The world of genetics is facing very rapid changes with the sequencing of genomes of various species, and with the development of molecular genetic tools. These developments are stimulating a change in attitude and approach to biological research. What is often a reductionist science is becoming more holistic. What used to be event-driven is becoming increasingly data-driven, an information-centred science. Biology has become big. High-throughput techniques churning out huge amounts of data are the norm. Databases are growing exponentially.
Molecular information on SNP chips containing genotypes for tens of thousands of gene markers may help us to more accurately predict breeding value of all agricultural species plant, animal and bacterial. Gene expression data on thousands of genes has become available, and tells us which genes are active in different defined biological processes. Such new information provides exciting challenges to unravel the processes and the components that cause genetic variation and phenotypic variation in animal populations.
The genetics group at UNE is actively involved in the development of methods to analyse this new microarray, microsatellite and SNP chip data, as well as creating tools to better integrate and use these sources of data along with existing phenotypic and biological information to generate new knowledge for livestock production. Strong links with industry, and the potential large impact of these developments on genetic improvement make interesting challenges for usefully implementing this new knowledge in existing breeding programs.
We conduct research and training collaboratively with the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). AGBU is world famous for its success in delivering research and useful breeding programs to a diverse range of primary industries.
Researchers
Prof John Gibson
Dr Cedric Gondro
Prof Brian Kinghorn
Dr Sanghong Lee
Dr Lisa Mascord
Ms Lynette McLean
Prof Julius van der Werf
To find out more about individual research interests, go to the Genetics Research page.
Events
In 2007 UNE hosted an international symposium in honour of Emeritus Professor Stuart Barker. The symposiusm brought together researchers from around the globe to discuss the issue of maintenance of fitness in animal breeding programs. Papers will be available in a book to be published in 2008.
In September 2007, UNE also hosted the 17th Association for the Advancement 0f Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) conference-"Animal Breeding and fitness". The program and papers can be viewed from the AAABG Web pages.
Summer School 2010
Professor Julius van der Werf organises a summer school held in January each year covering the latest techniques in analysis of data for animal breeding and genetics research.
This years topic is whole genome association and selection methods. Topics include linkage disequilibrium in livestock populations, mapping QTL using linkage disequilbrium, marker assisted selection with markers in linkage disequilibrium with QTL and genomic selection. Lectures are supported by practical sessions.
The lecturer will be Dr Ben Hayes from Department of Primary Industries Research Victoria, Attwood, Melbourne.
