MSc in Dairy Science - Animal Breeding and Genetics in Madison United States | University of Wisconsin-Madison

The objective of animal breeding and genetics research is to enhance the genetic advancement of economically and socially significant characteristics in both livestock and pets. Our work explores the genetic and epigenetic foundations of observable traits through gene mapping and functional genomics techniques, while creating statistical and computational approaches to combine diverse data types such as pedigree records, genomic information, and trait measurements. We also design systems for capturing innovative metrics like feeding efficiency and behavioral patterns, along with applying genetic data to improve management strategies. Key research areas encompass genomic selection (estimating breeding value through SNP markers), correlations between genomic predictions and offspring performance, forecasting traits using combined genetic and environmental data, managing inbreeding in contemporary breeding initiatives, creating affordable genotyping solutions, employing statistical models and machine learning to pinpoint elite breeding candidates, and identifying influential genes via genome-wide association analyses.