Genomics

What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of the genes in our DNA and their functions using technology that allows us to make a direct assessment of the variation in an animal's genetic makeup. In livestock breeding, we tend to use the term genomics to indicate we are using genotypes to enhance our genetic evaluations and the breeding values that they generate. 

What is genotyping?

Genotyping is used to find differences in the genetic makeup of individual sheep.  DNA is mapped to identify single nucleotides that make up the DNA or the genome; where the genome represents the complete map of the individual’s DNA. These single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) show the differences between sheep across the genome. At each SNP there are two alleles, one from each parent that indicate differences between sheep. 

When sending blood cards or tissue samples to a genotyping company, the laboratory extracts the DNA and maps these SNPs. This shows what the sheep’s DNA looks like at each of these SNP regions.  The names of the genotyping chips relate to the number of SNPs on each chip. For example, a 50K chip has roughly 50,000 SNP locations that will be reported.    

You don't need to understand about genomics to benefit from this exciting new technology. 

Within this section of the Signet website we explain how genomics can revolutionise sheep breeding and why levy boards, like AHDB, QMS, HCC and AgriSearch are supporting the use of this technology.