Norman, Duane
Research Leader
duane.norman@ars.usda.gov
(301) 504-8660

Coordinates the research effort to improve genetic evaluation of dairy animals, the operation of USDA-DHIA evaluation systems, and policy with industry cooperators. Oversees the maintenance and improvement of the national research database. Conducts research using milk and component yield, fitness, and health traits.

Investigates methods to improve accuracy of genetic evaluations of yield traits, type traits, and calving ease, including use of genomic data. Conducts genetic evaluation of dairy goats. Advises on procedures to develop, improve, and access the national database and on distribution of evaluation information.

Investigates genetic differences among dairy cattle for yield, longevity, fertility, and udder health traits. Determines economic values for traits included in Net Merit. Examines effects of inbreeding, crossbreeding, and non-additive genetic merit. Develops statistical methods to improve national and international genetic evaluations and to use genomic data in predictions.

Investigates genetic differences among dairy cattle for calving ease, persistency of yield, and health traits. Evaluates changes in genetic diversity in U.S. dairy cattle over time. Develops strategies for including climatic data in the national database and using those data to study the impact of climate on national dairy cattle evaluations.

Van Tassell, Curt
Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory
curtvt@ars.usda.gov
(301) 504-9271

Works between the Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory and the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory. Develops and implements methodologies for detection and characterization of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in cattle. Designs, conducts, and evaluates research to improve systems used in the national and international genetic evaluation of dairy cattle. Develops bioinformatic tools to acquire, store, and analyze genomic data.

Investigates genetic evaluations across countries, including cooperation with the International Bull Evaluation Service. Examines accuracy of domestic evaluations and stability of bull evaluations across time.

Participates in a number of research studies exploring the economic importance of somatic cell score and reproduction and their relationships with other traits.