Award details

Quantitative Genetics and Population Dynamics

Reference	BBS/E/D/20211554
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Woolliams
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	The Roslin Institute
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,430,637
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2012
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	59 months

Abstract

This project will (i) develop and implement effective models for the delivery of genomic selection and the management of genetic diversity; and (ii) develop and implement a theory of genetic epidemiology that encompasses field disease data. Accelerating the genetic change in populations will require informed utilisation of genomic data. The key challenge is to make accurate predictions of breeding values, most likely an aggregate multi-trait value combining large-scale SNP and sequence data. This technique is known as genomic selection, which is in its infancy with a number of outstanding challenges remaining to be solved. A key biological challenge for genetic improvement is to increase the robustness of populations to disease. To achieve the necessary precision for predicting disease risks, and to do this in relevant populations, it will be necessary to use field data. This offers unique challenges, because assessment of disease prevalence in the field depends upon diagnostic accuracy, and infections rates are strongly influenced by environmental variables. Analysis of such data will require developments in genetic epidemiology – a field in which Roslin scientists are pioneers. The project will develop novel concepts in quantitative genetics and epidemiology. These concepts are fundamental to the understanding of genetic variation in resistance to pathogens addressed in other strategic programmes. The quantitative genetics of using data from systems biology approaches in breeding schemes will also inform and shape the development of work in other strategic programmes.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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