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Animal Breeding
Data Analysis for Animal Breeding
Animal breeders face a continuous challenge to improve breeding stock while reducing costs and minimising environmental impacts. New technologies have substantially increased the amount of data available, leading to improvements in animal feed efficiency, management of genetic variation and better overall health. Recent advancements in areas such as quantitative genetics, genomics, high-throughput phenotyping, physiology and many others, have made breeding activities more cost-effective and productive.
VSNi works with animal breeders to provide data analysis solutions that help create better breeding programs.
How Can Data Science Improve Livestock Outcomes?
Designed by statisticians with non-statisticians in mind, our data and analytics software are ideal for users looking for exceptional decision-making tools.
Our software provides all the tools you need to bring viable research, quality production and breeding lines to your fingertips.
- Analyse large, complex datasets easily and efficiently
- Assist in defining factors that affect your breed
- Discover patterns in vast sets of data to identify key qualities in your breeding linesÂ
- Define key traits to help you discover and create new allelesÂ
- Determine genetic risk factors as well as gainsÂ
- Examine traits of scientific-economic importanceÂ
- Assist in increasing livestock qualityÂ
- Assist in the prediction of breeding values and genetic meritsÂ
- Integrate breeding, agricultural and climatic data
At VSNi we believe in working with our users to assist with continuous improvements within livestock management and production, developing beneficial approaches to reduce environmental impacts whilst increasing food security.
Our Animal Breeding Software Solutions
VSNI creates statistical software that makes a significant contribution to accelerating the rate of genetic gain and transforming animal breeding activities. We also produce fully documented user guides, knowledge bases and video tutorials, making VSNi’s products easy to learn – but should you need more assistance or want to make suggestions, you can even get help directly from the team who developed the software (us!).
Genstat
Genstat is a flexible and easy to use menu-driven statistical package ideal for those involved in animal breeding activities. Genstat uses a standard menu and dialog interface where only a few inputs, selections and mouse clicks are needed to undertake simple or more complex analyses.
Genstat users in the animal breeding sector have a wealth of analysis models available to them including linear, generalised linear and non-linear regression models and multivariate analysis. Genstat analysis tools most commonly used by researchers in the field are:Â
REML: Estimate breeding values and heritability from genetic models including the animal model, maternal trait model, common environmental effects model, and full-sib, half-sib and sire parental models
Genomic selection: Genstat offers a suite of procedures for statistical genetics including genomic prediction (or genomic selection) and selection indexes.
GxE: Genstat helps you easily explore the phenotypic performance of animals in different environments using a GGE biplot or AMMI model.Â
QTL: Identify the genetic factors underlying phenotypic variation in animals by means of QTL linkage analysis or association linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping from a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
AsReml
ASReml provides theoretically advanced approaches for the mixed model analysis of discrete, categorical, continuous, and non-Normal response data, as well as spatial, repeated measures (longitudinal), multivariate, complex design, and unbalanced data sets.
ASReml can handle large databases and fit many complex linear models. A single record animal model is the simplest, and probably most important, linear mixed model (LMM) used in animal breeding. This model is called animal model (or individual model) because we estimate a breeding value for each animal defined in the pedigree. You can read more about single record animal model in ASReml in our dedicated blog.
Genstat is a flexible and easy to use menu-driven statistical package ideal for those involved in animal breeding activities. Genstat uses a standard menu and dialog interface where only a few inputs, selections and mouse clicks are needed to undertake simple or more complex analyses.
Genstat users in the animal breeding sector have a wealth of analysis models available to them including linear, generalised linear and non-linear regression models and multivariate analysis. Genstat analysis tools most commonly used by researchers in the field are:Â
REML: Estimate breeding values and heritability from genetic models including the animal model, maternal trait model, common environmental effects model, and full-sib, half-sib and sire parental models
Genomic selection: Genstat offers a suite of procedures for statistical genetics including genomic prediction (or genomic selection) and selection indexes.
GxE: Genstat helps you easily explore the phenotypic performance of animals in different environments using a GGE biplot or AMMI model.Â
QTL: Identify the genetic factors underlying phenotypic variation in animals by means of QTL linkage analysis or association linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping from a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
ASReml provides theoretically advanced approaches for the mixed model analysis of discrete, categorical, continuous, and non-Normal response data, as well as spatial, repeated measures (longitudinal), multivariate, complex design, and unbalanced data sets.
ASReml can handle large databases and fit many complex linear models. A single record animal model is the simplest, and probably most important, linear mixed model (LMM) used in animal breeding. This model is called animal model (or individual model) because we estimate a breeding value for each animal defined in the pedigree. You can read more about single record animal model in ASReml in our dedicated blog.
Case Studies
Our analytics software and consulting services are chosen by seed, plant, aqua and animal breeding companies worldwide to support and inform the development of new varieties, strains, stocks and breeds.
Accelerating sugar beet breeding insights for SESVanderHave
Explore SESVanderHave’s H3 Pipeline: Advancing sugar beet breeding through phenotypic…
Nofima: vaccine reactions and innate resistance in Salmon
Aquaculture is the name given to the farming of salt water and freshwater fish and marine animals.
Uncovering disease control strategies: A Genstat case study on Maedi-Visna (MV) epidemiology in sheep
This case study focuses on the collaborative research of Andrew Illius,…
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Animal Breeding FAQs
What is Animal Breeding Analysis Software?
Animal breeding analysis software is used to provide animal breeders with solutions for creating better breeding programs. With recent advances in technology, quantitative genetics and genomics analysis, breeding activities have become more cost effective and productive than ever before.
Which Animal Breeding Software Should You Use?
How Do You Use Animal Breeding Software for data analysis?
If this is your first time using animal breeding analysis software, check out our large range of resources so you can become an expert. We have interactive demos, E-Learning and knowledge bases available, or contact a member of our team and we would be happy to help.
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How Do You Import Data into Animal Breeding Software?
There are several different methods of importing and exporting data into animal breeding software. Our in depth Genstat guide simplifies the process.