The two main aims for the group are to improve the breeding program and reproduction of Norwegian Red. Improving the breeding program implies new and better technology, improving statistical models, and including new and improved phenotypes in the routine genetic evaluation.
The group is located at the head office of Geno in Hamar, the Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Tine SA Dairy Herd Recording System in Ås, Norway.
The group consists of researchers holding a master's degree or Ph.D. in genetics, bioinformatics, physics, system biology, and veterinary medicine.
Current projects
The main projects are implementing embryo transfer technology to the breeding program and improving the utilization of genotype information in routine genetic evaluation. Moreover, the possibilities for the selection of new traits using genomic selection (e.g. feed efficiency) and utilization of new phenotypic records from automatic milking systems and activity measures are areas of focus.
Cooperation with other institutions
Geno is involved in research programs involving animal breeding, quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, reproduction, and biotechnology in close cooperation with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and other Norwegian and international universities, AI companies, and research institutes.
Geno's investment in research and development has resulted in several biotechnology companies where Geno has full or partial ownership, such as SpermVital and CryoGenetics.
