The CGIL lab resources in the past have been defined as our computing hardware and software, and these needs will continue. However, as faculty and graduate students become more involved in research involving marker genotypes and QTLs, CGIL is very lacking in laboratory facilities in which to store and process tissue samples for DNA studies. The facilities in LSD (Laboratory Services Division) seem to be full to capacity and unable to accommodate any of CGIL's future needs. Besides a laboratory, there will need to be purchases of equipment such as freezers and incubators. The formation of a CGIL lab will be a priority in the next year or two.
CGIL will continue to adapt to changes in computer hardware as we have in the last ten years. When possible, newer and faster machines will be purchased to allow us to apply the complicated models and to handle the expanded databases that research demands. CGIL could also be a participant in a university Beowulf project, part of a transparent cluster of powerful computers.
CGIL will continue research on genetic evaluation problems and genetic parameter estimation, involving marker or major gene genotypes. There are always new traits to explore in each species, or new ways to analyze old traits and make evaluations more accurate. Random regression models for longitudinal data will likely become more widely used in all species. More emphasis will be placed on locating genes and determining their biological function and products. Development of breeding strategies for new technologies and for special situations will also continue to be an important area of research for CGIL.