Abstract

Advances made in DNA sequencing technologies over the past 15 years (Zhao & Grant 2011) have resulted in genome wide selection for production traits becoming a reality. Soon all sequence variations in each individual in closed breeding schemes will be known. What is not currently known is how to rank these variations, especially those that involve changes in gene expression rather than amino acid sequence. In order to continue making genetic progress we will need an understanding of how epigenetics affects gene expression and ultimately phenotype.

C, Couldrey, R Brauning, EF Retzel, and JC McEwan

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 72, Christchurch, 163-165, 2012