Biparental haploid cells to generate genomically designed offspring

In natural selection, differential fitness relies on the chromosomal shuffling during meiosis that enables the production of haploid gametes that are genetically different. However, meiotic-induced genetic variability can be an economic burden to the animal breeding industry since offspring often do not inherit the most desirable genes from their parents. Although genomic markers are currently being used to identify superior offspring at birth or even sooner, animals or embryos are frequently culled for not inheriting the best genes from their parents. This project is aimed at eliminating meiotic uncertainty from cattle breeding programs by determining the genomic value of both parental gametes before fertilization. Oocyte and sperm-derived haploid cells will be produced and analyzed to identify those carrying a superior genome to generate offspring. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Lawrence C Smith

Student:

Rafael Vilar Sampaio

Partner:

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: