University of Guelph    
Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock 

     
 

J. Andrew B. Robinson
Associate Professor
B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, Ph.D. Cornell
email: andyr@uoguelph.ca

 Andy Robinson

     

Member of the Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock

Schooling

  • Ph.D., 1988. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
  • M.Sc., 1983. University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
  • B.Sc. (Agr.), 1980. University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Research Interests

Livestock genetic improvement, specializing in swine, including but not limited to:

  • Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for traits of economic importance
  • Genetic evaluation and improvement through statistical modeling
  • Combining molecular and quantitative genetic information
  • Information systems and bio-informatics with application to genetic improvement of livestock

Recent and Ongoing Research Projects

  • Marker / QTL associations for carcass quality and reproductive traits of pigs.
  • Marker / QTL associations for growth, carcass quality and health traits in Atlantic Cod.
  • Marker / QTL associations for production, conformation and health traits of dairy cattle.
  • Genetic evaluation and improvement of sow productivity traits.
  • Genetic evaluation and improvement of growth, carcass quality and health traits in Atlantic Cod.

Post-doctoral Fellows

  • Current and Recent
     Dr. Gord Vander Voort - Genomic analyses
    Dr. Honghe Cao - Radiation hybrid mapping, comparative mapping and detection of QTL for reproductive traits in swine.
    Dr. Matt Jones - Radiation hybrid mapping, comparative mapping and detection of QTL for reproductive traits in swine.
    Dr. Jane Tosh - Genetic improvement of Atlantic Cod
    Dr. Xianghai Ye - Radiation hybrid mapping, comparative mapping, gene expression and detection of QTL for reproductive and meat & carcass quality traits in swine. 

Graduate Students

  • Current
    Mr. Everestus Akanno (Ph.D.) - Genetic improvement of indigenous pigs
    Ms. Christina Hastings (M.Sc.) - QTL detection in Atlantic Cod
    Ms. Samantha Hobbes (M.Sc.) - Genetic evaluation of service dogs
    Mr. Agus Susanto (Ph.D.) - Genetic improvement of litter size in small-holder sheep production
    Mr. Owen Willems (M.Sc.) - Marker Assisted Selection in Atlantic Cod
  • Recent
    Ms. Jennifer Ansell (M.Sc.) - Effects of culling in early lactation on accuracy of genetic evaluation.
    Ms. Sarah Burd - Radiation hybrid mapping and detection of QTL for meat and carcass quality traits in swine.
    Mr. Randall Dass - Expression of genes potentially affecting pork meat quality in peri-mortem muscle.
    Mr. Brent DeVries (M.Sc.) - QTL detection for feed efficiency in swine
    Ms. Katy Harris (M.Sc.) - Detection of QTL in dairy Cattle
    Dr. Mohsen Jafrikia (Ph.D.) - Use of haplotypes for marker assisted selection in dairy cattle.
    Dr. Zhiquan Wang (Ph.D.) - Inbreeding and genetic variances with finite locus models under selection
    Ms. Amy Wilson (M.Sc.) - Piglet survival and gender ratio
    Dr. Xianghai Ye (Ph.D.) - Associations of candidate genes with growth and meat quality in swine

Undergraduate Students

  • Recent
     Ms. Sarah Bakhtiyari - Genetic parameters for growth traits in swine
    Ms. Ashley Carriere - Genetics of immune mechanisms in dogs
    Ms. Andrea Critch - Genetic means of reducing aggressiveness in pigs
    Mr. Randall Dass - Simulation of the population dynamics and inheritance of mutant SOD1
    Ms. Sarah Burd - Detection of QTL for meat and carcass quality traits in swine
    Ms. Sabrina Chung - Simulation of inheritance of major genes affecting traits like asthma
    Ms. Julia Henkel - Genetic parameters for carcass traits in swine
    Ms. Jennifer Hodges - Simulation of marker assisted selection versus conventional selection in Thoroughbred horses
    Ms. Katheryn Martin - Genetic evaluation of conformation in horses
    Ms. Erin Spires - Genetic improvement of endurance horses

Teaching

  • Introduction to Quantitative Genetics - MBG-3060DE
    An introduction to the nature of the implications of and how to analyze genetic variation within contemporary populations. The course covers topics like Mendelian genetics, selection, migration, sampling, inbreeding, relationships, breeding values and QTL detection. The format is distance learning with extensive use of e-Learning resources.
    Next offered Winter 2011
  • Genetics of Companion Animals -  ANSC-4020
    A fourth year capstone course that explores the genetic improvement of companion species. For this course, companion species are defined as those species where there is no large-scale genetic improvement program in place so everything needs to be designed by the breeder. This includes dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, llamas and other camelids, captive wild species and so forth. We explore how to design and implement a breeding program while taking into account the size of the population, any unusual biology of the species and any other special circumstances. We also touch on genetic conservation, morally and ethically responsible breeding decisions and the legislation governing purebred registrations and establishing a new breed.

Recent Publications

  • H. Daetwyler, F.S. Schenkel, M. Sargolzaei and J.A.B. Robinson. 2008. A Genome Scan to Detect Quantitative Trait Loci for Economically Important Traits in Holstein Cattle Using Two Methods and a Dense Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Map. Journal of Dairy Science 91: 3255-3236
  • P.P. Purslow, I.B. Mandell, T.M. Widowski, J. Brown, C.F.M. deLange, J.A.B. Robinson, E.J. Squires, M.C. Cha and G. VanderVoort 2008. Modelling quality variations in commercial Ontario pork production. Meat Science 80: 123-131.
  • D. Kolbehdari and J.A.B. Robinson. 2007. QTL Mapping Using Multiple Markers Simultaneously. American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science 2:195-201.
  • V.M. Quinton, J.W. Wilton, J.A.B. Robinson and P.K. Mathur. 2006. Economic weights for sow productivity traits in nucleus pig populations. Livestock Science 99:69-77.
  • P.G. Sullivan, J.W. Wilton, L.R. Schaeffer, G.J. Jansen, J.A.B. Robinson and O.B. Allen. 2005. Genetic evaluation strategies for multiple traits and countries. Livestock Production Science 92: 195-205.
  • J.A.B. Robinson and M.M. Buhr. 2005. Impact of genetic selection on management of boar replacement. Theriogenology 63: 668-678.
  • P.G. Sullivan, J.W. Wilton, L.R. Schaeffer, G.J. Jansen, J.A.B. Robinson and O.B. Allen. 2005. Genetic evaluation strategies for multiple traits and countries. Livestock Production Science 92: 195-205.
  • H. Cao, J.A.B. Robinson, Z.H. Jiang, J.S. Melville, S.P. Golovan, M.W. Jones and A. M. Verrinder Gibbins. 2004. A High-resolution Radiation Hybrid Map of Porcine Chromosome 6. Animal Genetics 35: 367-378.
  • J.P. Gibson, Z.H. Jiang, J.A.B. Robinson, A.L. Archibald and C.S. Haley. 2002. No Detectable Association of the ESR PVUII Mutation with Sow Productivity in a Meishan x Large White F2 Population. Animal Genetics 33: 448-450.
For copies of above reprints, click here

Recent Abstracts

  • E. A. Trippel, A. F. Garber, J.J. Tosh, S.R.E. Neil, S. Fordham, D. Berlinsky, I. Butts, M. Litvak, F. Powell, G. Nardi, V. Puvanendran, L.P. Lush, D. Boyce, M. Rise, J. Symonds, and J.A.B. Robinson. 2008. Performance Of Cultivated Northwest Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua) Families: Initiation Of A Selective Breeding Program In Eastern Canada. Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Larval Fish Conference, Kiel, Germany, August 2008.
  • J.J. Tosh, A.F. Garber and J.A.B. Robinson. 2008. Genetic parameters for weight and length of Atlantic cod at two stages of life. Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Guelph Ontario, August 2008.
  • M. Jafarikia, J.A.B. Robinson, L.R. Schaeffer and M. Sargolzaei. 2008. Mapping quantitative trait loci by using haplotype blocks in granddaughter design families. Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Guelph Ontario, August 2008.
  • L. Henderson, F. Miglior, D. Kelton, J.A.B. Robinson, A. Sewalem and K. Leslie. 2008. Genetic analysis of dairy calf heath traits and survival. Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Guelph Ontario, August 2008.
  • J.A.Brown, I. Mandell, C. Dewey, C.F.M. deLange, P. Purslow, J.A.B. Robinson, J. Squires and T. Widowski. 2008. Effects of on-farm handling treatments and temperament on pork quality. Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Guelph Ontario, August 2008.
  • A.F. Garber, J.J. Tosh, E.A. Trippel, J.A.B. Robinson, M. Rise, S. Fordham, T. Harrold and J. Symonds. 2008. Genetic variation of cultured Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) families reared in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Halifax, N.S. May 2008.
  • S. Bowman, E. Trippel, K. Gamperl, S. Johnson, M.L. Rise, A. Robinson, K. Culver, A. Garber, T. Borza, S. Hubert, J. Tosh, L. Lush, S. Neil, L. Afonso, T. Hori, M. Rise, K. Were, G. Nardi, J. Moir, F. Powell, A. Walsh and J. Symonds. 2008. Overview of the Atlantic Cod Genomics and Broodstock Development Project (CGP). Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Halifax, N.S. May 2008.
  • A. Garber, K. Were, A. Robinson, V. Puvanendran, S. Walker, S. Neil, S. Fordham, E. Trippel, L. Lush, D. Boyce, K. Gamperl, G. Nardi, F. Powell, A. Walsh and J. Symonds. 2008. Cod Broodstock Development in Atlantic Canada: An Update. Proceedings of AquaFair 2008. Huntsman Marine Science Institute, St. Andrews NB.
  • A.F. Garber, V. Puvanendran, J.A.B. Robinson, S.P. Walker, S.R. Neil, E.A. Trippel, D. Boyce, A.K. Gamperl, L.P. Lush, G.C. Nardi, F. Powell, A. Walsh and J.E. Symonds. 2008. Performance Evaluation Of Juvenile Cultured Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Families. The Annual International Conference and Exposition of the World Aquaculture Society, February 26-March 2, 2008. San Antonio, Texas.
  • J.A.B. Robinson. 2008. Selecting for improved sow productivity. Proceedings of the Mike Wilson University of Guelph Swine Research Day, May 2008, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario.
  • E.A. Trippel, A.F. Garber, S.R.E. Neil, S.P. Walker, F. Powell, G. Nardi, V. Puvanendran, L.P. Lush, D. Boyce, K. Gamperl, A. Robinson, and J.E. Symonds. 2007. Performance of Cultivated Northwest Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Families: Initiation of a Selective Breeding Program in Eastern Canada. 8th International Marine Biotechnology Conference, March 11-16, Eilat, Israel.
  • M. Jafarikia, A. Susanto, J. A. B. Robinson, L.R. Schaeffer. 2006. Method for Obtaining QTL Solutions Without Inverting the IBD Matrix. Proceedings of the 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
  • D. Kolbehdari, J.A.B. Robinson, L. R. Schaeffer. 2006. Mapping Of QTL Using Regression On Multiple Marker Haplotypes. Proceedings of the 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
  • M. Jafarikia, J. A. B. Robinson, and D. Ashlock. 2007. Defining the haplotype blocks in outbred livestock populations. Proceedings of the ADSA Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, July 2007.
  • M. Jafarikia, J. A. B. Robinson, and L. R. Schaeffer. 2007. Obtaining multiple QTL solutions without inverting the IBD matrix. Proceedings of the ADSA Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, July 2007.
  • A. Garber, V. Puvanendran, A. Robinson, S. Neil, E. Trippel, S. Walker, D. Boyce, K. Gamperl, L. Lush, G. Nardi, F. Powell, A. Walsh and J. Symonds. 2006. Initial performance evaluation of cultured Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) families. Aquaculture Canada 2006, November 19-22, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • J.A.B. Robinson. 2005. Piglet survival - Implications of large litter sizes: Genetic Focus on What is Happening as Litter Sizes Increase to Levels That Create Challenges to Survival. Invited talk and paper at the National Swine Improvement Federation Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario. December 2005.
  • H. Cao, J.S. Melville, Z.H. Jiang, J.A.B. Robinson and A. M.V. Gibbins. 2003. A High-resolution radiation hybrid map of porcine chromosome 6 relative to human chromosomes 1, 16, 18 and 19. Proceedings of the Plant and Animal Genome XI Conference, San Diego, California.
  • A.M.V. Gibbins, H. Cao, J.S. Melville, Z.H. Jiang, S.P. Golovan and J.A.B. Robinson. 2003. Use of high-resolution radiation hybrid maps of porcine chromosomes 3 and 6 to identify genes associated with prolificacy. Proceedings of the XIX International Congress of Genetics, Melbourne, Australia, July 2003.
  • V.M. Quinton, J.W. Wilton, J.A.B. Robinson and P.K. Mathur. 2003. Relative importance among sow productivity traits in the selection criterion for purebred dam lines, based on a modified profit function with causal relationships between traits. Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of ADSA/ASAS, June 2003, Phoenix, Arizona.
  • J.A.B. Robinson, G. Vander Voort, G.B. Jansen, J.C. Byatt, L. A. Messer, F.-X. Du and M.M. Lohuis. 2003. Detection of QTL affecting milk production and conformation traits on six chromosomes in Holstein cattle. Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of ADSA/ASAS, Phoenix, Arizona, June 2003.
  • Melville J.S., Z.H. Jiang, A.M. Verrinder Gibbins, J.A.B. Robinson and J.P. Gibson. 2002. Chromosome-wide scanning of SSC3 for QTL associated with prolificacy in a Meishan x Large White population using a comparative mapping approach. Proceedings of the 28th ISAG conference, Germany
  • J.A.B. Robinson and V.M. Quinton. 2002. Genetic parameters of early neo-natal piglet survival and number of piglets born. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France.
  • J.S. Melville, A.M. Verrinder Gibbins, J.A.B. Robinson, J.P. Gibson, A.L. Archibald, C.S. Haley and Z.H. Jiang. 2002. A Meishan positive QTL for prolificacy traits found at the NC0A1 locus on SSC 3.  2002.  Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France.
  • Z.H. Jiang, J.A.B. Robinson, A.M. Verrinder Gibbins, J.P. Gibson, A.L. Archibald and C.S. Haley. 2002. Mapping of QTLs for prolificacy traits on SSC8 using a candidate gene approach. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France.
  • X. Ye, J.A.B. Robinson, Z.H. Jiang, A.M. Verrinder Gibbins and J.P. Gibson. 2002. Polymorphisms of histone deacetylase 1 and 3 genes and fatty acid binding protein 3 and 4 genes and their associations with economic traits in swine. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France.
  • J.J. Tosh, J.A.B. Robinson, G.B. Jansen and C.Y. Lin. 2001. Effect of reducing the frequency of milk recording on accuracy of genetic evaluation using a random regression model. J. Dairy Sci. 84: (Suppl.1) 342