“The Genetic Revolution” presented by Teun van de Braak, Geneticist, Hendrix Genetics.

The first selective breeding of farm animals started with the domestication of their wild ancestors. Both conscious selective breeding (selecting for desirable traits) as well as unconscious selection have led to our modern breeds. If we look back into history we can identify some key periods where genetic selection played an important role in the evolution of our modern breeds:

The 17th and 18th centuries are known for the impressive selection on desired phenotypes. In the 20th century huge genetic increases in animal production efficiency were established by the recognition and the use of Mendel’s theories on inheritance, as well as the development of high performance computers and the discovery of DNA.

The aforementioned have all led to significant changes in the animals’ physiology and needs, but, unfortunately, not only always as a positive change. With the help of explaining the Hendrix Genetics breeding program for Laying Hens, van de Braak will describe the steps that the company is taking to overcome the downside of the genetic revolution.

OVC Pathobiology AHL, Room 1800

Meet and Greet afterwards in ANNU 101/lobby – please join us!