Research

Established in July 2023, in the Pocrnic Lab we develop and optimise genomic evaluation models focussing on scalable approaches, non-additive genetic effects, spatial modelling, crossbreeding and multibreed modelling, and long-term selection, using real data and stochastic simulations.

Opti-sheep project

We are collaborating with researchers in Croatia with the aim to conserve and implement genomic selection in two Croatian dual purpose (dairy and meat) breeds, Pag and Istrian sheep.  We are:

  • Estimating dominance variance and inbreeding depression in Pag sheep
  • Including copy number variants in genome-wide association analyses for milk production traits in Istrian sheep
  • In collaboration with researchers at the University of Sassari, detecting selection signatures in Sarda, Pag and Istrian sheep
Sheep grazing in rocky pasture
Pag sheep, Pag (Island), Croatia. Photo credit: Opti-sheep project.

Rare UK livestock breeds

The UK is home to many local and rare livestock breeds. The local breed populations are highly adapted to specific environments in the UK and these and other rare breeds provide solutions to niche needs. Rare breeds often contribute more than expected genetic diversity to overall species diversity, which is important because genetic variation is needed for adapting to new challenges. It is therefore very important from both UK and global perspectives to maintain genetic diversity of rare livestock breeds in the UK. We are collaborating with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) to apply for grants to characterise genetic diversity in rare UK farm animal breeds, and develop methodology to help conserve genetic resources.

Closing the genotype-to-phenotype gap by leveraging multi-omics data to transform precision selection in pigs

We are investigating the heritability of pig metabolomic features by developing a pipeline for transitioning from traditional genomic prediction models to advanced models while incorporating multi-omic data.  We will evaluate how integrating genomics, transcriptomic, and metabolomics data enhances the accuracy of genomic prediction and biological discovery, harnessing one of the most extensive multi-omic pig datasets available.  This research is funded through the EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership with support from our commercial partner.

Knowledge transfer partnership with Aquanzo

In the past 50 years, aquaculture has become the fastest growing major food production sector globally.  Aquanzo's vision is to support the sustainable development of aquaculture by pioneering production of scalable marine ingredients, specifically the farming of artemia.  Cultivating artemia on land using agricultural byproducts will ensure a reliable enhanced supply for aquaculture which will allow for a strategic shift from using artemia caught from the wild.  To complement this vision, our aim is to develop and implement a breeding programme for artemia farming and pioneer scalable, affordable, improved and sustainable artemia eggs for the aquaculture hatchery industry.  This research is funded by UKRI, Innovate UK.

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