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SNP Genotyping for Animal Genomics and Breeding: Accelerating Trait Discovery, Development, and Advancing Animal Health

SNP Genotyping for Animal Genomics and Breeding: Accelerating Trait Discovery, Development, and Advancing Animal Health

Empowering Global Efforts in Sustainability and Diversity with SNP Genotyping

There is a wide diversity of animal genetic resources available for genomics and breed improvement programs. Researchers and breeders worldwide are now working to investigate and ensure the sustainable contribution of livestock to world food security and nutrition. Molecular techniques have developed rapidly, and the livestock sector has been an active participant in the genomic revolution. Advances in genome sequencing and genotyping methods, in particular SNP genotyping, have created opportunities for gathering more information on the molecular level than ever possible, faster and at exponentially decreasing costs. The decreased costs of genomic applications are now creating opportunities in countries with developing and transitional economies. Raising awareness of these opportunities like this blog will maximise accessibility to the full application of genomic tools. The aim is to improve the sustainable use and conservation of livestock genetic diversity.

Genomic Tools for Advancing Animal Health, Breeding, and Conservation

Genomics tools have emerged as invaluable assets in animal research and breeding. These tools encompass a range of molecular techniques, including SNP genotyping through methodologies like microarrays, GBS (Genotyping by Sequencing), and WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing). Their applications are diverse and impactful, enabling the assessment of genomic variation within populations.

Techniques like GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) and haplotype analysis offer insights into the genetic basis of a wide range of traits.

Why SNP Genotyping?

SNPs, or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, are the predominant from of genetic variation, occurring at a frequency of 1 SNP per kilobase in most mammalian genomes. Their stable inheritance, high-density distribution, and ease of detection makes them the most suitable candidates for high throughput genotyping.

Allele-specific PCR with PACE

Alelle-specific PCR and SNP genotyping, and Indel genotyping with 3CR bio’s PACE reagents is ideal for breeding programs undertaking marker validation, genomic selection and marker-assisted selection. Allele-specific PCR with PACE genotyping reagents is widely used to identify and select animals with desirable traits. Accurate tracking of SNPs and Indels associated with traits such as disease resistance, productivity, or reproductive performance allows breeders to make informed decisions for breeding pair selection. PACE genotyping can be used to genotyping large numbers of animals quickly and accurately with identified allelic variants to study genetic relationships, evolutionary history, and patterns of genetic variation within and across animal populations. Allele-specific PCR lends itself perfectly to generate rapid, precise data for conservation efforts, to understand species evolution and design breeding strategies. In addition, efficient genotyping workflows can be integrated for veterinary genetic studies and diagnostics to help identify genetic disorders and determine the risk to animals.

3CR Bioscience’s Technology Leading Products for SNP Genotyping:

  • PACE Genotyping Master Mix: A universal PCR mix for allele-specific PCR assays. Precision fluorescent signal generation with consistently high performance at any reaction volume.
  • PACE 2.0 Genotyping Master Mix: Improved signal to noise ratio and tighter clustering compared, plus follow reactions in real time. Developed for crude DNA samples.
  • PACE OneStep RT PCR Master Mix: Genotype directly from RNA samples. RNA Reverse transcription & cDNA PCR genotyping simultaneously in a single, one step reaction.
  • ProbeSure Master Mix: Hydrolysis probe master mix for use with 5’ nuclease assays such as TaqManâ„¢. Accurate, robust performance at competitive prices.
  • Free assay design service:Develop allele-specific assays as breeder-friendly markers rapidly from genomic variants like SNPs and Indels for use with all PACE Genotyping Master Mixes. Full- and partial assay validation also available from our science team.

Harnessing the Power of Genetic Diversity with PACE PCR Genotyping

PACE PCR genotyping accelerates your genomic research and breed improvement programs. Read how PACE users apply genomic tools in livestock breeding to maximise animal health and longevity:

 A reverse genetic screen method to investigate lamb mortality in French Dairy Sheep

Investigating chicken immune responses with PACE genotyping for improved animal health and sustainability

Early, rapid sex-linked markers for Colossoma macropomum, the Amazon Tambaqui

Highlights from the 31st Plant and Animal Genome Conference :

Addressing Climate Change and Breeding Climate Resilient Livestock

The impact of climate change on agriculture encompasses many challenges such as extreme temperatures, drought, and shifts in pathogen distribution. These factors significantly affect food security and animal farming worldwide, across different economic backgrounds. A better understanding of how animals genetically and physiologically respond to climate change is crucial for effective strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Pangenome analysis, genomic selection, PCR genotyping, transcriptomics, and genome editing all play vital roles in this endeavour, in breeding animals with greater resilience to climate change, and adopting innovative management techniques. By identifying and breeding livestock better suited to these evolving conditions, we can enhance productivity, minimize ecological impacts and reduce mortality rates in animal populations.
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Genomics of Animal Health

Genomic advancements hold the potential for enhancing animal well-being by improving their health. The health of livestock is a primary concern, not only for maintaining animal welfare but also for preventing economic losses. The globalisation of the livestock sector adds international significance. Efforts to combat diseases in animals have traditionally focused on phenotypic diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and eradication. Vaccines and antibodies have typically been the primary tools used. However, pathogens often evolve more rapidly than vaccines can adapt reducing their effectiveness. Moreover, the widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in many countries. There is considerable pressure to explore alternative methods for disease control in animals to ensure the industry’s sustainability. Genomic tools such as SNP discovery and validation with SNP genotyping provide a well-demonstrated avenue for improving animal health and longevity as well as agriculturally important traits such as nutrition. Research efforts are underway to identify genetic factors in livestock that contribute to disease susceptibility and resistance with the aim of reducing disease incidence and strengthening breeding populations.
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MORE POSTS

Top 5 assay designs for SNP and Indel genotyping
Learn how to design highly accurate SNP and indel genotyping assays using proven PACE strategies.
High-throughput, scalable SNP and indel marker development and screening with PACE genotyping reagents on the Biomark X9 System
Learn how Biomark X9 and PACE technology enable scalable, high-throughput SNP genotyping for modern genomics and breeding workflows.
Outsourcing SNP Genotyping: When Does It Make Sense?
Should you build an in-house SNP genotyping lab or outsource it? Discover when outsourcing accelerates research, reduces costs, and improves scalability.

Our product portfolio for your PCR genotyping workflow

Our portfolio of products and services include PACE® genotyping chemistry, instruments, and lab services to streamline every step of your workflow. Designed for life sciences, biotech, and agricultural research, our high-performance reagents, reliable instruments, and expert lab support help you achieve accurate, consistent results while reducing time and costs – making science affordable.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Steve AsquithManaging Director
Steve began his career in the Genetics Division of GlaxoSmithKline, as part of the team establishing GSK’s high-throughput core genotyping laboratory. Steve joined KBioscience when it was first founded in 2002 and was a key driver in taking the company from a small start-up to a multi-national service laboratory, quickly growing the company’s revenue to over $7.5M p.a. Following the acquisition of Kbioscience by LGC in 2011, Steve was appointed Global Director of Operations for LGC Genomics, responsible for over 100 staff in Europe and N. America, successfully elevating the genotyping products and service business. Steve held a crucial leadership role until he left in 2016. In 2017 Steve joined forces with John Holme to create 3CR Bioscience, a new company with a mission to deliver outstanding, customer-focused genotyping products with innovation and affordability at its core.
Dr. John HolmeTechnical Director

John joined KBioscience shortly after it was founded, in 2003, and became Head of Technical Development, building the company’s genotyping and DNA extraction product portfolio and service delivery until 2011 when it was acquired by LGC. Post-acquisition, John was appointed Head of Technical Group for LGC Genomics, in charge of all Research & Development and Technical Support activities for the company. In this role John continued to build on the high-quality products and services provided to the companies growing customer base.

During the 19 years John has worked in commercial R&D, he has co-invented numerous highly successful products including PACE®, ProbeSure, KASP™, KlearKall, KlearGene, KlearAmp and KlearTaq™, creating breakthrough offerings in genotyping and extraction and generating huge revenues for the companies he has worked in. In 2017, he joined forces with Steve Asquith and started 3CR Bioscience. John is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Dr. Nisha JainOperations Director

Nisha has been innovating since the start of her career at Geneform Technologies developing Iso-thermal Genotyping Technologies. Nisha joined KBioscience in 2008, as Senior R&D Scientist and key account Technical Support Scientist, developing KASP and Klearkall performance and coinventing two further versions of KASP.

Nisha has more than 15 years’ experience working in molecular biology and genotyping technologies, with extensive experience in the areas of R&D, Quality Assurance and Customer Technical Support. She has technically assisted many giants of the industry with their protocol development and troubleshooting and continues to deliver high-quality support and guidance. In 2018, Nisha joined 3CR Bioscience as Operations Director where she continues to develop PACE and ProbeSure for an increasing range of applications, and to grow 3CR Bioscience’s new product pipeline. Nisha is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Nazma SaffinGeneral Manager
For 20 years Nazma Saffin has worked and gained extensive expertise within the genotyping sector. Working at Kbioscience and then LGC, she has held operational leadership posts responsible for manufacturing and laboratory services. With experience of ISO 9001 implementation, production scale up and LEAN operations, Nazma has successfully led highly profitable production departments. Joining 3CR Bioscience in 2022, Nazma is committed to delivering operational excellence.
Greig PollandAutomation and Support Manager

Greig is a hands-on automation specialist and team leader with a strong background in laboratory and industrial automation. He has spent over 25 years developing, installing, and supporting automated systems that transformed laboratory workflows. During this time, Greig worked closely with scientists and engineers to tailor automation solutions for genotyping and molecular biology, an experience that sparked his lasting passion for combining technology with practical science.

Since then, Greig has built on that foundation through leadership roles where he leads automation and support operations. He’s known for being approachable, commercially minded, and deeply committed to helping teams and customers get the best from their technology.

Whether managing a complex automation rollout or helping a customer troubleshoot in real time, Greig brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach that keeps people ,not just machines, at the centre of what he does.