Much of the thrust of CTLGH-relevant research therefore involves genome-wide association studies combining improved genotyping capabilities (made possible by high-resolution SNP chips, whole genome sequencing and advanced computational techniques) with equally sophisticated phenotyping and ecological modelling methods.
Ecological niche modelling and landscape genomics
Livestock populations adapted to different environmental niches can be referred to as ecotypes, but cannot always be easily distinguished by observable phenotypic characteristics. Ecological Niche Modelling and ‘Landscape Genomics’ helps to characterise existing and potential ecotypes and their response to local environmental challenges such as temperature, altitude, food availability, predation and disease burden.
Further reading
- Combining Landscape Genomics and Ecological Modelling to Investigate Local Adaptation of Indigenous Ugandan Cattle to East Coast Fever
- Ecological Niche Modelling for Detecting Environmental Adaptation in Ethiopian Indigenous Chicken
Disease response and production traits
Researchers associated with the CTLGH Health Genetics Program are taking forward the work of two ‘legacy’ projects, IDEAL[1] and CIDLID[2], using advanced genotyping and phenotyping tools to revisit, refine and extend the datasets and insights already secured by these initiatives. A particular focus of the latest genome-wide association studies is on resistance and/or tolerance to vector-borne diseases in cattle and small ruminants, and on the genetic architecture mediating infectious disease responses and production traits in indigenous chickens
[1] The Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project (2006-2013) was an epidemiological study of cattle health in western Kenya, providing baseline data on the impact of different infections and co-infections as well as the influence of management and genetic factors.
[2] Combating Infectious Diseases of Livestock for International Development (CIDLID, 2010-2015) was a large initiative that included two CTLGH-relevant projects, focused on (i) improved vaccines to prevent East Coast Fever in cattle and (ii) reducing chicken disease in Ethiopian villages
Further reading
- Genetic resistance: tolerance to vector-borne diseases and the prospects and challenges of genomics
- Genome-wide association studies of immune, disease and production traits in indigenous chicken ecotypes