Projects - ir. MJ (Marije) Steensma
I am currently working on a PhD project called ConserFriesian: Genetic conservation of the Friesian horse breed
Genetic diversity is essential for maintaining a healthy population. However, many breeds have a (genetically) small population size with low genetic diversity and high inbreeding rates. High inbreeding causes expression of genetic disorders, like in the Friesian horse breed. Simultaneous selection against multiple genetic disorders in a population is complex, as it might compromise genetic diversity and thereby increase the risk of novel genetic disorders. I will work towards a roadmap for genetic conservation of the Friesian horse, providing an optimal balance of selection against multiple genetic disorders and conservation of genetic diversity.