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Population genetics: Conservation breeding


Livestock breeds with few individuals and traditional Danish livestock breeds are endangered because of their small quantity. They risk a loss of genetic variation, with subsequent loss of adaptability and accumulation of harmful alleles. In the long term, this means loss of survival and reproduction capabilities. 

At the same time, unwanted cross breeding from other breeds often endangers these breeds.

We develop and use tools for the  

  • Genomic examinations of the genetic variation of livestock breeds
  • Examination of the Danish livestock breeds’ kinship to each other and to other breeds
  • Examination of the genomic inbreed degree in Danish livestock breeds
  • Preservation of the genetic variation in a more sustainable breeding planning

Projects

  • Genomic examination of kinship between Danish Landrace and other chicken breeds
  • The development of the breeding of the Ertebølle sheep

Team coordinator

Members