Innovative NextGen pig breeding using DNA sequence data

This Project addresses food security and sustainability by substantially increasing the efficiency of genomic selection of pigs. Specifically we will develop a new technology we call NextGen Breeding, based on the collection and utilization of very large quantities of sequence data, which will enable us to dramatically accelerate the rate of genetic improvement in our pig populations. The project involves collaboration between two world class UK partners, PIC (part of Genus plc), the world’s leading pig breeding company and The Roslin Institute (RI), the world’s leading research centre in the application of genomics and quantitative genetics to farm animal breeding. The project requires whole genome sequencing of samples on an unprecedented scale and even though our innovative approach dramatically reduces the costs over the conventional paradigm, the risk and costs are still considerable.