Animal Genetics and Genomics Lab

Welcome to Animal Genetics and Genomics Lab

The focus of the Animal Genetics and Genomics lab is to identify genetic variants that act to alter phenotypic traits, and to understand how the genome responds to stressors.

The lab also works to develop new tools (e.g., breed-specific reference genomes and functional annotation) to characterize breed-specific variation and genome regulation.

Finally, we work in studies of population genetics. These studies serve to characterize current population (breed) diversity, which allows for the monitoring of change in the future. Using pedigree or historic genotype data, we also examine past changes in diversity.

Why study animal genetics?

Genetic studies of animals are exciting for several reasons. First, by learning more about how genetics influence individual traits, we can use this information to improve animal health and production. Second, because of the unique population structure of domestic species such as cattle and horses (breeds that represent nearly closed populations of animals all with very similar genetics, and with many highly related individuals), we have greater statistical power to map genes and mutations in domestic animals than we would studying diverse, outbred populations. Finally, the gene(s) that influence an animals' susceptibility to disease, their patterns of growth and metabolism, and things such as coat (hair) color, are often under similar genetic control to traits found in humans. Agricultural species such as cattle and horses are often overlooked as potential systems in which to study biology and genetics of human disease and traits.