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Contributions to an animal trait ontology
B Hulsegge1, M A Smits, M F W te Pas
1Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands. ina.hulsegge@wur.nl
Journal of Animal Science
|January 10, 2012
Summary
Developing domain-specific ontologies like REPO enhances livestock trait data integration. This standardization aids in understanding complex traits, such as female fertility in cattle, and identifying candidate genes.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
Background:
- Understanding livestock traits requires integrating diverse data sources.
- Standardized terminology is crucial for effective data combination and analysis.
- Complex biological mechanisms of quantitative traits in livestock remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a framework for domain-specific ontologies in livestock research.
- To develop the Reproductive Trait and Phenotype Ontology (REPO) and Host Pathogen Interactions Ontology.
- To improve data annotation, retrieval, integration, and analysis for livestock traits.
Main Methods:
- Developed a framework for creating domain-specific ontologies.
- Created the Reproductive Trait and Phenotype Ontology (REPO) focusing on female cattle fertility.
- Developed the Host Pathogen Interactions Ontology focusing on pig-Salmonella interactions.
Main Results:
- Introduced a framework for livestock ontologies.
- Successfully developed REPO and the Host Pathogen Interactions Ontology.
- Demonstrated REPO's utility in selecting candidate genes for cattle fertility.
Conclusions:
- Domain-specific ontologies are essential for advancing livestock trait research.
- REPO and related ontologies facilitate data integration and analysis for traits like fertility.
- These ontologies contribute to the global effort for an Animal Trait Ontology.
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