The Department of Animal Production at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, organized a workshop titled “Statistical Analysis of Genetic Data” as part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (quality education). The workshop was delivered by Professor Dr. Riyad Hamad Sinkal, and attended by the Head of the Animal Production Department, Professor Dr. Hussam Jassim Bananah, along with several faculty members and postgraduate students.
The workshop aimed to review the main methods of statistical analysis for data involving the study of genes and their relationship to production. These methods are of three types: 1. Genetic diversity, 2. Inbreeding (parent and maternal lines), and 3. The relationship of phenotypic variation with production. New equations designed by Professor Dr. Riyad Hamad were presented, which can calculate the impact of genetic mutations on quantitative traits such as weight and milk production in grams, as well as the financial impact of mutations on overall value. One of the most important features of these equations is that they can predict the impact of the studied gene on the quantity and price of the trait, and thus the overall price of the animal. It is possible to differentiate between genes that influence the trait of interest by understanding the contribution strength of each gene to its formation. Consequently, these equations can be adopted in genetic improvement programs and selection assisted by markers (MAS). This is an economical language understood by breeders, economists, and non-specialists in genetics, thereby aiding them in decision-making regarding the adoption of improvement methods or participation in animal production projects.
