Genetics and Genomics
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Study of the structure and genetic diversity of populations through morphological characters and molecular markers for establishing conservation programs. Implementation of improvement programs: information management, evaluation of breeders and detection of QTLs in order to define optimal selection strategies. |
Projects:
Valorisation of bovine and silvopastoral resources of the across border Mediterranean Pyrenean massif (Alberapastur – Poctefa)
The aim of the project is the conservation of the Alberes bovine breed through the incorporation of animals of the two slopes of the eastern Pyrenees. A morphological and genetic characterization of animals of the French slope will be carried out, the relationships among animals will be assessed by using a SNP chip (50K), and the relationship with other bovine breeds will be estimated. In addition to that, meat quality will be assessed in order to propose a sustainable conservation scheme of the breed within the agro-silvo-pastoral system of the Alberes Massif.
Contact person: Jesús Piedrafita (jesus.piedrafita@uab.cat)
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Development of markers and characterization of genes that are of veterinary interest. Animal transgenics. Structural and functional genomics in domestic species. Researchers: Marcel Amills Eras Josep Maria Folch Albareda Armand Sánchez Bonastre |
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Projects:
Genomic analysis of the genetic determination of milk yield, composition and body condition and viability in Murciano-Granadina goats (CAPRAMUR)
The main goal of this project is to investigate the genomic architecture of dairy and body and udder morphology in Murciano-Granadina goats by performing a genome-wide association analysis based on the 50K genotypes and phenotypic records of 1,200 individuals. We will also explore the genomic distribution of inbreeding depression and transmission ratio distortion, two parameters that have profound effects on the biological efficacy of goats.
Contact person: Marcel Amills (Marcel.Amills@uab.cat)
Genomic tools to evaluate semen quality in boars (PigQSem)
The main objective of PigQSem is to map the genetic basis and the transcriptome differences associated to boar sperm quality and freezability and to evaluate the existence of genetic polymorphisms which could be used as a DNA test in pig breeding programs. Our global aim is to identify a panel of DNA markers for an early prediction of boar semen quality and tolerance to cryo-preservation conditions. To fulfil this aim, genomic approaches of high-throughput genotyping and massive sequencing will be used.
Contact person: Armand Sanchez (Armand.Sanchez@uab.cat)
Omic analysis of reproductive traits in a diallelic cross between three populations of Iberian pigs (IBERomics)
This project focuses on the analysis of the reproductive efficiency of Iberian sows, taking as a starting point an experimental design involving three different Iberian populations as their F1 crosses. Massive genomic, metabolomic and microbiomic data will merge in order to construct biological networks where the different information layers contribute a more complete and realistic characterization of the biological mechanisms involved in the regulation of sow reproduction (and efficiency).
Contact person: Joaquim Casellas (Joaquim.Casellas@uab.cat)
Functional genomics, systems biology, and microbiomics applied to the identification of genetic regulators of growth, fatness, and meat quality traits in pigs (IbeReg).
The main objective of this project is to identify and validate QTLs, candidate genes and genetic polymorphisms for growth, fatty acid composition and meat quality traits in pigs. Different layers of information will be integrated, including muscle, liver and adipose tissue transcriptome data, genotypes from whole genome SNP chips and phenotypic records. In addition, the contribution of the pig gut microbiome composition in the determination of these traits will be studied.
Contact person: Josep M. Folch (JosepMaria.Folch@uab.cat) i Armand Sanchez (Armand.Sanchez@uab.cat)