Source: University of Idaho
The Livestock Genetics and Phenotypic Trait Research laboratory utilizes the best molecular tools towards a better understanding of the genetically mediated regulation of economically important traits in livestock species including; beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep. The traits examined include efficiency, immune function, disease resistance, beef quality, muscle growth, fertility, fecundity, longevity and recombination in male and female gametogenesis.
Research
- Characterizing the relationship between genetic variation in mammals with biological traits that are valued and important to society
- Exploit molecular and genetic tools available to further improve our understanding of how chromosome structure and genetic variations affect biological processes of both undesirable and desirable phenotypic traits
- Association of genetic mutations, genotypes, alleles, haplotypes and chromosomal regions with the incidence of disease and a number of valued complex traits
Current projects
- Advanced carcass maturity: developing an understanding, screening method and possible solution
- Functional importance of microbiota on sensory attributes of whole-muscle dry aged beef
- Implementation of genetic selection technologies on Texas sheep ranches
- The functional annotation of the bovine animal genome
- Ovine FAANG project
- Understanding parasite resistance in organic livestock and using a systems approach for control
- Optimizing and characterizing sustainable beef cattle production in forage base systems on western rangelands
- Reproductive performance in domestic ruminants
