During her PhD study, Saija Tenhunen examined how genomic selection has influenced genetic diversity in Holstein and Jersey cattle. The project combined empirical analyses with simulations to evaluate how diversity can be managed more effectively in breeding programs. A particular focus was on recent inbreeding and its association with cow survival, using genomic indicators. The study also explored the potential of applying optimal contribution selection at different stages of the selection process to develop more balanced and sustainable breeding strategies.

The findings offer practical guidance for managing genetic diversity in dairy cattle breeding programs.

The PhD study was completed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at 13:00
Place: Building 1110, room 223 (Auditorium), Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus
Title of PhD thesis: Balancing genetic gain and diversity in dairy cattle breeding schemes in the genomics era
Contact information: Saija Tenhunen, email: saten@vikinggenetics.com, tel: +358445610298
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Jörn Bennewitz, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Germany
Research Scientist Janez Jenko, GENO SA, Norway
Senior Researcher Goutam Sahana (Chair), Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Main university supervisor: Senior Researcher Hanne Marie Nielsen, QGG, Aarhus University, Denmark
Industrial Supervisor: Senior Project Manager Jørn Rind Thomasen, VikingGenetics, Denmark and Honorary Associate Professor, QGG, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisors:
Senior Researcher Morten Kargo, QGG, Aarhus University, Denmark and Product Manager DairyCross & Senior Advisor VikingRed, VikingGenetics, Denmark
Professor Peer Berg, Faculty of Bioscience, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
Genetic Development Manager Lars Peter Sørensen, VikingGenetics, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defense is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.