PhD (Anim.Sci)

Birch Bark's Amore (Molla) and Vallattoman Odyssee (Demi)
photo Pia Herme 2002

Research and genetic consulting

I am specialized in population genetics (genetic diversity and small populations), genetic evaluation of canine hereditary disorders, and EBV (BLUP) estimations.

My consulting services include
• research of genetic traits (incidence, heritability, development of EBV estimation)
• initiation and maintenance of databases for different traits and pedigree information
• research of genetic diversity, including estimates of
- mean inbreeding coefficient in the breed
- effective population size of the breed
- mean kinship or mean additive relationship within the breed
- contribution of the founder animals
- effective number of founders and ancestors
- genetic relationships between the populations in different countries
- for each animal: inbreeding coefficient, ancestor loss coefficient, average relationship / mean kinship with the other animals in the population.

Recent and current research:
• Population structure and worldwide genetic diversity in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the Lancashire Heeler dog populations
• Breed-specific EBV (BLUP) estimation for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in 40 breeds in Finland
• Longevity in the Bernese Mountain Dog
- the aim of the study is to estimate heritability of longevity in the Bernese Mountain Dog and to develop tools for breeding dogs with a longer lifespan. The first EBV estimation has been done and the statistical model will be refined as more data is being collected. Read preliminary results of the study here.

Moneypenny (Penni)
photo Veijo Vilva 2001