Livestock Genetics & Animal Breeding Research

Genomic Selection and Marker-Assisted Breeding in Livestock

This research investigates the application of high-density SNP markers and genomic prediction equations to accelerate genetic gain in cattle, swine, and poultry populations. The work produces novel breeding strategies that reduce generation intervals while maintaining genetic diversity and identifying superior alleles for complex traits.

CRISPR-Based Gene Editing for Disease Resistance Traits

This research explores precision gene editing techniques to introduce or enhance pathogen resistance alleles in commercially important livestock species without introducing foreign DNA. The findings establish foundational knowledge for developing disease-resilient populations and regulatory frameworks for gene-edited animal products.

Polygenic Architecture and Epistatic Interaction Networks

This research deciphers the complex genetic networks underlying quantitative traits such as feed efficiency, meat quality, and reproductive performance through multi-locus genome-wide association studies. The scientific contribution reveals how gene-by-gene interactions shape phenotypic expression and inform more accurate genomic predictions.

Genomic Inbreeding Depression Mitigation Strategies

This research develops computational algorithms and mating strategies that minimize inbreeding coefficients while maintaining selective progress in numerically small breeding populations. The work produces actionable tools for preserving genetic diversity and heterozygosity in endangered livestock breeds and commercial populations.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics in Livestock Muscle Development

This research applies single-cell RNA sequencing to identify cell-type-specific gene expression patterns during myogenesis and muscle fiber specification in cattle and sheep. The findings reveal novel regulatory pathways and candidate genes controlling meat quality, carcass composition, and muscle growth trajectories.

Genomic Prediction of Complex Welfare and Behavioral Traits

This research develops genomic prediction models for livestock behavioral phenotypes including aggression, fearfulness, and social hierarchy tendencies using integrated multi-omics data. The contribution advances understanding of the genetic basis of animal welfare while enabling selection for improved temperament and resilience.

Long-Read Sequencing for Structural Variant Discovery

This research employs PacBio and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies to map large insertions, deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements missed by short-read methods in livestock genomes. The work identifies previously unknown structural variants affecting production and health traits, expanding the genomic variation landscape.

Microbiome-Host Genetics Interactions in Livestock Production

This research investigates heritable variation in ruminal and gut microbiota composition and its genomic basis in cattle and sheep, linking microbial community structure to feed efficiency and methane emissions. The findings illuminate host-microbe co-evolution mechanisms and identify genetic markers for microbiota-mediated phenotypes.

Epigenetic Regulation and Transgenerational Inheritance in Livestock

This research characterizes DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression patterns across developmental stages and generations in economically important breeds. The contribution reveals epigenetic mechanisms controlling phenotypic plasticity and documents potential transgenerational environmental effects on livestock populations.

Integrative Multi-Omics for Resilience Trait Identification

This research combines genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and immunological data to identify integrated biomarkers of disease resistance and environmental stress tolerance in livestock. The work produces comprehensive molecular signatures enabling prediction and selection of resilient animals across diverse production environments.