Working Group Quantitative Animal Genetics

How does genetic makeup influence the health, performance and adaptability of farm animals? The Quantitative Animal Genetics research group at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) investigates the quantitative genetic basis of complex traits and uses this to develop innovative concepts for sustainable animal breeding.

Quantitative Genetics and Population Genetics

A key focus of our research is the quantitative genetic basis of traits relevant to livestock farming and breeding. We analyse how these traits are genetically influenced and how they can be utilised in breeding programmes.

Using population genetic analyses, we also investigate the structure and development of livestock populations. This is important for reconciling genetic progress through selection with the long-term conservation of genetic diversity.

Animal health, efficiency and resilience

Our focus is on traits relating to immune competence, feed and nutrient efficiency, metabolic stability and resilience. The aim is to adapt livestock populations to future or changing environmental and production conditions, to sustainably enhance their health and performance, and to reduce the negative environmental impacts of livestock farming.

Genetics, Environment and Omics Data

We conduct research into modern breeding concepts that also take into account interactions between genetics and the environment. These include, for example, pathogen-host interactions. Another key focus is the integration of microbiota data and other omics information to gain a more comprehensive understanding of biological relationships, predict traits more accurately and thereby further increase the efficiency of breeding programmes.