Focus groups
Research within ABG is organised into seven focus groups, with each group focusing on a different aspect of animal breeding and genomics research. Each group is led by a different focus group leader.
Genetic diversity
The aims of this focus group are:
- to better understand and preserve the genetic diversity of wild and domestic animal species
- to develop methods and tools for sustainable breeding programs and genetic management of populations
- to develop protocols for cryoconservation for implementation in animal species
Genomic prediction
The aims of this focus group are:
- to develop methods and tools for genomic prediction, tailored to specific populations and traits
- to optimise designs of reference populations and genomic breeding programmes
- to investigate the impact of genomic selection
Sustainable breeding & Big data
The aims of this focus group are:
- to explore collection of phenotypes
- to evaluate designs of breeding programmes
- to develop big data approaches and other statistical methods that contribute to a more sustainable animal husbandry and that work towards a result that can be applied in practice
International livestock
The aim of this focus group is to contribute to sustainable intensification of livestock production worldwide with expertise, research, education and capacity building. The focus is on sustainability and circularity of livestock systems and their contribution to food security.
Unravelling DNA &
biology
The aims of this focus group are:
- to bridge the genotype-phenotype gap
- to understand how genotypes result in phenotypes by making use of a wide variety of methods and tools like whole genome sequencing, DNA methylation, gene expression, microbiota and organoids.
Aqua breeding
New laboratory techniques
The aims of this focus group are:
- to optimize existing laboratory protocols and introduce
- to implement new laboratory techniques needed for all the other focus groups to perform innovative scientific research.