Research

Identify genomic regions relevant for local (environmental) adaptation and traits of interest (artificial selection) to preserve genetic diversity and contribute to informed breeding

Research interests

We focus on the genetics of domesticated animals. We apply population and quantitative genetic approaches to dissect the genetic basis of phenotypic traits and to improve understanding of domestication and breed development. We also exploit the wealth of historical information on domesticated species to develop and improve methods of analysis, which can be applied to a variety of species.

  1. Dissection of the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in domesticated animals: We aim to improve strategies for management of livestock and companion animals via better understanding of complex trait genetic architecture.
  2. Improvement of understanding of domestication, breed development and commercialisation processes: We apply population genetics approaches to the study of domestication and breed development in various domesticated animal species. We also use domesticated animals as test cases with which the performance of different statistical methods can be compared in terms of their characterisation of population structure and assignment of individuals to population origin.
  3. Exploitation of features of domesticated animals to develop and improve genetic mapping methods: Another focus of our work is the development, evaluation and application of methods for the identification of genomic regions under selection, with three main aims: (a) to better understand the processes of evolutionary change in domesticated species, (b) to identify genes associated with selected phenotypes and (c) to improve the methods for detection of genes under selection using genomic data.

Recent projects

  • Selection in admixed livestock population in collaboration with the Racimo Lab (University of Copenhagen)
  • Trait-association of selection in indigenous African cattle
  • Genetic diversity and admixture of Caribbean sheep
  • Restricted introgression in indigenous African cattle
  • Adaptation to environmental factors in Ethiopian sheep
  • Genetic basis and genomic evaluation of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs
  • Genetic basis of behaviour in German Shepherd dogs