Long-read genome sequencing for the identification of genetic markers for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza resistance enabling crossbred genomic evaluation and feed efficiency in dairy and beef cattle

Ultra-long DNA reads are required to assemble the most complex regions of livestock genomes. Assembly will assist in the identification of genetic markers for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza resistance enable the construction of a dairy pangenome for crossbred genomic evaluations and increase our understanding of feed efficiency in dairy and beef cattle. Long-read DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences will be performed on 82 cattle and an assortment of tissues. This sequence will be used to generate genome assemblies of all 82 animals supporting 4 separate projects.