Genomics applied to conservation of genetic diversity in Dutch livestock

Summary

Conserving genetic diversity is essential for the sustainability of populations. Due to an intense selection between and within breeds In livestock species their genetic diversity is threatened. Conservation efforts are costly, while conservation budgets are often limited. Therefore, choices have to be made. Before the introduction of genomics, decisions for conservation of breeds and individual animals were based on phenotypes and pedigrees. Now, DNA information can be the base for conservation decisions. In this thesis, genomics is applied to conservation practises. More specifically, genomic tools and methods were applied to prove their relevance for the conservation of Dutch livestock breeds. The use of genomics led to a more detailed understanding of the genetic diversity conserved in gene banks or in living populations of local breeds in The Netherlands. The decisions for conservation can be made more accurately. Gene banks are advised to characterize their material with these developed genomic techniques.

Symposium

Before the PhD defence a symposium entitled "Genomics applied to conservation of genetic diversity" will be held on behalf of the PhD defence of Ina Hulsegge. The symposium will take place from 10:00-15:00h in A0107, ZODIAC (Building 122), De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen. The program is as follows:

10:00 Arrival with coffee & tea

10:25 Welcome

10:30 Prof. Dirk Hinrichs

11:50 Ir. Noelle Hoorneman - Genetic variation in Dutch Sheep breeds shaped by geography, histroy, use and genetic management

12:15 Lunch

13:00 Prof. Theo Meuwissen

13:40 Dr. Jack Windig

14:20 Closure

14:30 Coffee & tea

16:00 Public PhD defence of Ina Hulsegge