Genstat Discovery Edition: The path forward

Genstat Discovery Edition: The path forward

The VSNi Team

20 October 2023
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Is Genstat free? 

No. Genstat Discovery Edition was a free version of Genstat that was available for non-commercial users in developing countries, but it is no longer available. 

Genstat Discovery Edition history 

Genstat has a rich history in the world of statistical software. It is celebrated for its versatility, encompassing a wide range of statistical techniques for data analysis, experimental design, and data visualisation. Genstat Discovery Edition was designed to make Genstat accessible to researchers and students in developing countries. 

The Genstat Discovery Edition was supported by a consortium of organisations, including the Statistical Services Centre at the University of Reading, the World Agroforestry Centre, the International Livestock Research Institute, and the Biometry Unit Consultancy Service at the University of Nairobi. 

Why the Genstat Discovery Edition is no longer free 

5 years ago, the decision was made to discontinue the Genstat Discovery Edition. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing cost of development and maintenance, and the changing needs of our users. 

We understand that this decision may have disappointed some of our users, but we want to assure you that we are committed to developing and supporting the use of Genstat across the world. 

Obtaining a pricing quote 

We understand that for many, budgets can be a constraint to access Genstat. The good news is that we've created a tiered price offering depending on your location, research status and requirements.  

Please request a quote and tell us the number of licenses you require, any academic or institutional affiliations, your location and a bit of background to your research. We can then provide you with a price for the full version of Genstat

Why is Genstat worth the investment? 

Genstat is a renowned statistical software package that is used by breeders in all areas of agriculture, including plant, animal, and aquaculture breeding. It is used by researchers and commercial breeders alike to design and analyse breeding experiments, select the best breeding stock, and predict the performance of offspring. 

Genstat is worth the investment because it is a powerful tool that can help breeders improve their results and achieve their breeding goals more quickly and efficiently.  

Genstat can be used to: 

  • Design and analyse breeding experiments of all types, including experimental designs such as randomised complete block designs, split-plot designs, and factorial designs. 
  • Estimate genetic parameters such as heritability, repeatability, and genetic correlations. 
  • Select the best breeding stock using methods such as BLUP selection and genomic selection. 
  • Predict the performance of offspring using methods such as best linear unbiased prediction and genomic prediction. 
  • Improve the genetic diversity of a population using methods such as crossbreeding and population structure analysis. 
  • Genstat is also a valuable tool for teaching and learning about breeding. It is used by universities and research institutions around the world to teach courses on breeding and quantitative genetics. 

 We believe that Genstat is the best all-around statistical software available for breeders. It is easy to use, even for users with no previous experience with statistical software. We offer a wide range of training and support resources to help our users get the most out of Genstat. These resources include online tutorials, video courses, and user documentation. 

 If you are a breeder or researcher who is looking for a powerful and versatile statistical software package, then Genstat is a great option. 

 Request a quote today for the full version of Genstat and please tell us: 

  • How many licenses you need 
  • If you have any academic or institutional affiliations 
  • Your location 
  • A brief description of your research 

 We will use this information to provide you with a personalised quote.