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 at uoguelph dot 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 and aquaculture species, 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 and genetic evaluation for growth, carcass quality and health traits in Atlantic Cod.
  • Genetic evaluation and improvement of sow productivity and piglet growth and survival traits.

Post-doctoral Fellows

  • Current and Recent
     Dr. Gord Vander Voort - Genomic analyses

Graduate Students

  • Current
    Ms. Alison Cooke (M. BINF.) - QTL detection in corn (co-advisor)
    Ms. Victoria Shouldice (M.Sc.) - Expression of purebred phenotypes in crossbred dogs
    Ms. Alison Sullivan (M.Sc.) - Genetic improvement of swime meat quality traits
  • Recent
    Dr. Everestus Akanno (Ph.D.) - Genetic improvement of indigenous pigs
    Ms. Kristen Alves (M.Sc.) - Early growth in swine
    Ms. Stephanie Marr (M.Sc.) - Peri-natal survival in swine
    Ms. Christina Hastings (M.Sc.) - QTL detection in Atlantic Cod
    Ms. Samantha Hobbes (M.Sc.) - Genetic evaluation of service dogs
    Mr. Brent DeVries (M.Sc.) - QTL detection for feed efficiency in swine
    Dr. Mohsen Jafrikia (Ph.D.) - Use of haplotypes for marker assisted selection in dairy cattle.

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-3060 and 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 2016
  • Genetics of Companion Animals -  MBG-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 role of purebred registration systems in the breeding program. Currently offered in Fall 2015.

Publications - Last 10 Years

  • E. C. Akanno, F. S. Schenkel, M. Sargolzaei, R. M. Friendship and J. A. B. Robinson. 2014. Persistency of accuracy of genomic breeding values for different simulated pig breeding programs in developing countries. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics published online March 14, 2014.
  • E. C. Akanno, F. S. Schenkel, M. Sargolzaei, R. M. Friendship and J. A. B. Robinson. 2013. Opportunities for genome-wide selection for pig breeding in developing countries. Journal of Animal Science published online July 26, 2013
  • E. C. Akanno, F. S. Schenkel, V. M. Quinton, R. M. Friendship and J. A. B. Robinson. 2013. Meta-analysis of genetic parameter estimates for reproduction, growth and carcass traits of pigs in the tropics. Livestock Science.
  • C.E. McCorquodale, A. Sewalem, F. Miglior, D. Kelton, A. Robinson, A. Koeck and K.E. Leslie. 2013. Short communication: Analysis of health and survival in a population of Ontario Holstein heifer calves. Journal of Dairy Science 96: 1880-1885.
  • E.C. Akanno, F.S. Schenkel, R.M. Friendship and J.A.B. Robinson. 2013. Relative economic returns from selection schemes for a nucleus swine breeding program. Livestock Research for Rural Development 25, (http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd25/3/akan25053.htm)
  • T.S. Hori, A.K. Gamperl, C.E. Hastings, G.E. Vander Voort, J.A.B. Robinson, S.C. Johnson and L.O.B. Afonso. 2012. Inter-individual and-family differences in the cortisol responsiveness of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Aquaculture 324: 165-173.
  • L. Henderson, F. Miglior, A. Sewalem, J. Wormuth, D. Kelton, J.A.B. Robinson, K.E. Leslie. 2011. Short communication: Genetic parameters for measures of calf health in a population of Holstein calves in New York State. L. Henderson, F. Miglior, A. Sewalem, J. Wormuth, D. Kelton, J.A.B. Robinson, K.E. Leslie. Journal of Dairy Science 94: 6181-6187.
  • L. Henderson, F. Miglior, A. Sewalem, D. Kelton, J.A.B. Robinson, K.E. Leslie. 2011. Estimation of genetic parameters for measures of calf survival in a population of Holstein heifer calves from a heifer rearing facility in New York State. Journal of Dairy Science 94: 461-470.
  • J.J. Tosh, A.F. Garber, E.A. Trippel, J.A.B. Robinson. 2010. Genetic, maternal, and environmental variance components for weight and length of Atlantic cod at two points in life. Journal of Animal Science 88: 3513-3521.
  • A.F. Garber, J.J. Tosh, S. E. Fordham, S. Hubert, G. Simpson, J.E. Symonds, J.A.B. Robinson, S. Bowman, E.A. Trippel. 2010. Survival and growth traits at harvest of communally reared families of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Aquaculture 307: 12-19.
  • J.A. Brown, C. Dewey, C.F.M. Delange, I.B. Mandell, P.P. Purslow, J.A.B. Robinson, E.J. Squires and T.M. Widowski 2009. Reliability of temperament tests on finishing pigs in group-housing and comparison to social tests. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 118: 28-35.
  • 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.

Abstracts - Last 10 Years

  • 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.