Abstract #715

# 715
Genomics and marker-assisted selection in small ruminants.
Brian L. Sayre*1, 1Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA.

As the world climate and population levels evolve, high demands are placed on livestock production systems. Small ruminants, especially goats, are critical to the small-scale producer as they are easy to acquire and maintain in sparse pasture and marginal crop regions that cannot easily sustain other livestock. Current small ruminant production systems around the world depend heavily on locally adapted breeds. While indigenous small ruminant genetics are relatively uncharacterized, most have undergone generations of adaptation and genetic isolation or bottlenecks, creating a large genetic reservoir of variation in genes and genetic markers. Identifying genes and genetic markers associated with disease susceptibility and resistance in locally adapted breeds is necessary to preserve local germplasm and to apply state-of-the-art genomic-based strategies to meet global food security challenges. Of particular interest are the genes or genetic markers involved in resistance to internal parasites and disease, and resilience to climate differences. The aim of the current small ruminant genetics and genomics research is the development and utilization of state-of-the-art genomic-based evaluation tools for characterization of sheep and goat populations, development of sustainable strategies for improved production, and increased education and research opportunities. International collaborations have led to the development of de novo genome assembly projects, Illumina SNP panels and, for goats, a collaborative database for submission and access to goat SNP and re-sequencing data for breeds and populations worldwide (ADAPTmap). These tools establish the baseline necessary for the development and application of marker-based selection to the sheep and goat industry.

Key Words: genomics, marker-assisted selection, small ruminant

Speaker Bio
Dr. Brian L. Sayre is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Virginia State University.  His research program revolves around utilizing a systems genetics approach to identify candidate genes associated with production characteristics or diseases.  Currently, we are working from two directions: 1) development of algorithms and models to identify causative candidate genes in multigenic diseases or traits, and 2) development of genomic-based tools for genetic improvement in the goat.  We use a systems genetics methodology to identify genes in diseases where traditional approaches have not been effective.  Recent research has applied this approach to identify genes in sheep and goats associated with resistance to internal parasite infections.  Additionally, I am a founding member of the International Goat Genome Consortium (IGGC) and African Goat Improvement Network (AGIN).  My research program has been involved in the development of the goat radiation hybrid (RH) panel, Illumina Goat 60K SNP panel and multiple sequencing projects for creation of a high quality reference genome sequence for the goat.  Partnering with international collaborators for application of these tools to a goat, current applications include the ADAPTmap project to associate genotypes with GPS and environmental data, development of low-density SNP panels for selection in goat improvement projects in Africa, and partnering with the US dairy goat industry for development of genomic selection tools.  Finally, the program is focused on the development of educational tools for increased utilization of genomic tools in goat production under multiple production and cultural systems.