John W. Keele

John.Keele@ars.usda.gov

Phone: (402) 762-4251

Dr. Keele’s research includes genome annotation, genomic databases, genome mapping, discovering genetic polymorphism, and associating chromosomal regions with economically important traits.  He typically deals with quantitative or statistical aspects of these activities.  Currently, a major focus is to develop a whole genome selection program to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle.  With the recent advent of high density (~60,000 markers) SNP arrays, we expect that whole genome selection can be implemented at a much lower cost than conventional genetic improvement programs such as progeny testing.  Feed is a major cost component for producing beef and cattle lag behind other major meat producing species (e.g., swine, catfish and chicken) in feed efficiency.