Animal Breeding and Genomics
The Animal Breeding and Genomics group aims to improve the health, welfare and productivity of animals. The group contributes to the quality of life by providing knowledge to support the adequate supply of safe and healthy food of animal origin. This Chair group is led by Mario Calus.
Research themes
Research within Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding & Genomics (WUR-ABG) is organised into seven focus groups. Each group focuses on a different aspect of animal breeding and genomics research and is led by a different focus group leader.
- Genetic diversity
- Genomic prediction
- Sustainable breeding & Big data
- International livestock
- Unravelling DNA & biology
- Aqua breeding
- New laboratory techniques
Education
Education by Animal Breeding and Genomics
The Animal Breeding and Genomics group contributes to the curriculum of the BSc and MSc programmes of Animal Sciences at Wageningen University & Research. We offer a variety of courses on topics including wildlife conservation genetics, selective breeding and breeding programs (for livestock species and companion animals), and genomics.
Publications & Projects
Our fundamental research provides insight in evolution and biodiversity. We share our expertise through scientific publications in international refereed journals.
Highlighted publications
- Benefits of machine learning for genomic prediction across heritabilities, QTL numbers, and reference population sizes
- Comparison of linear mixed models for genetic feather score analysis in laying hens kept in recurrent testing facilities
- Comprehensive expression genome-wide association study of long non-coding RNAs in four porcine tissues
Chair Holder
Mario Calus is the Chair Holder at the Animal Breeding and Genomics group. When he was in secondary school, he already knew that he wanted to study Animal Sciences at WUR, with a specialisation in Animal Breeding.
Since 2006 genomic prediction is the main theme in Calus’ research. He is also involved in the public-private partnership Breed4Food, a collaboration with breeding companies that use genomic prediction in practice. Over the past 15 years, the implementation of this technique in breeding has made a significant contribution to making breeding goals more sustainable.
prof.dr. MPL (Mario) Calus
Chairholder
People of Animal Breeding and Genomics
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of this Chair Group.
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