My research interests are in quantitative genetics and genomics with two main themes: (i) defining pragmatic strategies to improve the reliability of genetic evaluation, and thereby enhancing selection response, in livestock species; and, (ii) understanding how animals, changed through artificial selection, are influenced by and interact with their environment. This work involves a mixture of theory, simulation and field studies, with close collaborations nationally, in Great Britain and in Norway.
Research projects that I currently have underway are: (i) enhancing the reliability of genetic evaluations in ruminant livestock by developing strategies to ensure strong genetic links (connectedness) across-farms; (ii) assessing genetic sensitivities to nutritional constraints and disease challenges in long-term divergently selected lines of chickens; and, (iii) predicting intake and diet selection in grazing cattle to improve the efficiency of cow-calf systems.
