During her PhD project, Ana studied how to predict the genetic merit of crossbred animals, taking into account that it may vary between animals depending on which genes the animal inherited from which breed. The statistical model used allows us not only to evaluate crossbred selection candidates but also to include crossbred phenotypes in the analysis. Her analyses involved the use of empirical and simulated data.

The new research findings show the potential of obtaining accurate genetic merits of crossbred animals regardless of the complexity of crossbreeding scheme. In addition, she obtained promising results for the application of the model to identify genes associated with traits of interest across different breeds.

The PhD study was completed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday 5 December 2022 at 10:00

Place: Building 1422, Richard Mortensen Stuen, Fredrik Nielsens Vej 2, 8000 Aarhus

The PhD defence will also be online. To receive a link to the event, please send an e-mail to Louise Fischer Koue: lfkoue@qgg.au.dk.

Title of dissertation: Genomic prediction and QTL mapping in multi-breed and crossbred cattle populations considering breed origin of the alleles

Contact information: Ana Claudia Guillenea Golovanevsky, e-mail: ana.guillenea@qgg.au.dk, tel.: +45 91 87 54 87

Members of the assessment committee:
Research Professor Ismo Strandén, Luke, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finland

Associate Professor Noelia Ibáñez Escriche, Institute for Animal Science and Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain

Professor Just Jensen (chair), Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University

Main supervisor:
Professor Mogens Sandø Lund, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University

Co-supervisor:
Assistant Professor Emre Karaman, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The thesis is available for review at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences (GSTS), Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.