The breeding and genetics group is known for its historical and recent accomplishments in application of classical quantitative genetics for improvement of beef, swine, and dairy animals. More recently the mouse has been used to create unique lines to study metabolic, composition, and reproductive performance, to provide evidence for likehood of beneficial application of knowledge gained to livestock species. The range of current research efforts spans quantitative to molecular investigations, and is characterized by well-funded, team-oriented, multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary projects. General areas of research include selection to improve livestock performance, identification of genes affecting livestock performance, gene structure and expression, and the application of markers to assist selection. Undergraduate employment includes UCARE and independent study projects as well as part-time work in the small animal and molecular genetics labs.

Some recent and ongoing research includes:

• Genetic effects on animal related viruses
• Genetic effects on specific metabolic energy pathways
• Dairy cattle genetic evaluation
• Discovery of genes affecting energy utilization and stress
• Models to estimate competition effects in livestock
• Mouse models for disease resistance
• Genetic by environment effects on sow longevity