Application of genomics to improve performance traits in mink

Understanding the genes involved in variation of complex traits is termed genomics. Genomics can provide new tools that can be used to easily and accurately select animals for economically important traits. This exercise will generate large numbers of DNA markers that can be used to find the genes that explain variation in such traits. These tools increase the accuracy and rate of improvement for the traits of interest so as to be able to produce more quantity of fur. This project, a partnership between the Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association will collect large numbers of measurements. The rich dataset and results will provide new tools to help develop more fur products and create new opportunities to develop novel approaches for mink breeding. This team is seeking to apply the latest methods to create new ways of improving the competitiveness of the Canadian mink breeding sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Younes Miar

Student:

Partner:

Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: