Professor Ben Hayes
Professor

Ben Hayes

Email: 

Background

Professor Hayes has extensive research experience in genetic improvement of livestock, crop, pasture and aquaculture species, with a focus on integration of genomic information into breeding programs, including leading many large scale projects which have successfully implemented genomic technologies in livestock and cropping industries. Author of more than 300 journal papers, including in Nature Genetics, Nature Reviews Genetics, and Science, contributing to statistical methodology for genomic, microbiome and metagenomic profile predictions, quantitative genetics including knowledge of genetic mechanisms underlying complex traits, and development of bioinformatics pipelines for sequence analysis. Thomson Reuters highly cited researcher in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Availability

Professor Ben Hayes is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Central Queensland University
  • Certificate of Quantum Information, Computation and Communication, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research impacts

Genomic prediction, of which Ben Hayes was a co-inventor, and first described in the seminal publication [Meuwissen THE, Hayes BJ, Goddard ME (2001) Prediction of total genetic value using genome-wide dense marker maps. Genetics 157, 1819-1829] is now being used very widely in livestock and crops to predict future trait outcomes. The technology is also being used increasingly in human disease research.

In dairy cattle, the technology has been actively used by the industry for the past five years, and increases in genetic gain for key economic traits can be demonstrated. Nearly every dairy bull worldwide chosen for widespread use in the industry is now selected on the basis of genomic predictions. Dr Hayes has been an invited speaker at numerous high profile conferences, including the Biology of Genomes conference at Cold Spring Harbor May 2015, and also has a number of youtube videos explaining complex trait prediction for a general audience, one of which has been viewed more than 5000 times (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovnCsda-zQ).

Ben Hayes led the program on animal improvement of the Dairy Futures CRC, which concluded June 2016. The animal improvement program in the Dairy Futures CRC is a successful research and utilisation program which has a very high level of industry input and collaboration. The value of the program was recognised recently when it was awarded a Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA) Award for Excellence in Innovation. The Dairy Futures CRC under the leadership of Dr. Hayes successfully developed and implemented a genomic breeding value for feed efficiency, which has been widely adopted by the industry.

Dr. Hayes established the 1000 bull genomes project, a consortium of over 30 institutes across the globe, which has assembled whole genome sequences of 1682 cattle of 55 breeds. The consortium has published a widely cited paper in Nature Genetics (Daetwyler et al. 2014), and has already led to more than 50 companion papers.

Search Professor Ben Hayes’s works on UQ eSpace

399 works between 2000 and 2024
All (399) Journal Article (338) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (51) Other Outputs (1)

321 - 340 of 399 works

2011

Journal Article

Short communication: Genomic selection using a multi-breed, across-country reference population

Pryce, J. E., Gredler, B., Bolormaa, S., Bowman, P. J., Egger-Danner, C., Fuerst, C., Emmerling, R., Soelkner, J., Goddard, M. E. and Hayes, B. J. (2011). Short communication: Genomic selection using a multi-breed, across-country reference population. Journal of Dairy Science, 94 (5), 2625-2630. doi: 10.3168/jds.2010-3719

Short communication: Genomic selection using a multi-breed, across-country reference population

2011

Journal Article

Technical note: Efficient parentage assignment and pedigree reconstruction with dense single nucleotide polymorphism data

Hayes, B. J. (2011). Technical note: Efficient parentage assignment and pedigree reconstruction with dense single nucleotide polymorphism data. Journal of Dairy Science, 94 (4), 2114-2117. doi: 10.3168/jds.2010-3896

Technical note: Efficient parentage assignment and pedigree reconstruction with dense single nucleotide polymorphism data

2011

Journal Article

Polymorphic regions affecting human height also control stature in cattle

Pryce, Jennie E., Hayes, Ben J., Bolormaa, Sunduimijid and Goddard, Michael E. (2011). Polymorphic regions affecting human height also control stature in cattle. Genetics, 187 (3), 981-984. doi: 10.1534/genetics.110.123943

Polymorphic regions affecting human height also control stature in cattle

2011

Journal Article

Genotype calling and mapping of multisite variants using an Atlantic salmon iSelect SNP array

Gidskehaug, Lars, Kent, Matthew, Hayes, Ben J. and Lien, Sigbjorn (2011). Genotype calling and mapping of multisite variants using an Atlantic salmon iSelect SNP array. Bioinformatics, 27 (3) btq673, 303-310. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btq673

Genotype calling and mapping of multisite variants using an Atlantic salmon iSelect SNP array

2011

Journal Article

Recent and historical recombination in the admixed Norwegian Red cattle breed

Sodeland, Marte, Kent, Matthew, Hayes, Ben J., Grove, Harald and Lien, Sigbjorn (2011). Recent and historical recombination in the admixed Norwegian Red cattle breed. BMC Genomics, 12 (1) 33. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-33

Recent and historical recombination in the admixed Norwegian Red cattle breed

2011

Book Chapter

Genetics: cattle genomics

Hayes, B. J., Cocks, B. and Goddard, M. E. (2011). Genetics: cattle genomics. Encyclopedia of dairy sciences. (pp. 663-668) edited by John W. Fuquay. Kidlington, Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374407-4.00211-9

Genetics: cattle genomics

2011

Conference Publication

The importance of population structure on the accuracy of genomic prediction in a multi-breed sheep population

Daetwyler, H. D., Kemper, K. E., van der Werf, J. H. J. and Hayes, B. J. (2011). The importance of population structure on the accuracy of genomic prediction in a multi-breed sheep population. Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Perth, Australia, 19-21 July 2011. Perth, Australia: Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics.

The importance of population structure on the accuracy of genomic prediction in a multi-breed sheep population

2011

Journal Article

The distribution of SNP marker effects for faecal worm egg count in sheep, and the feasibility of using these markers to predict genetic merit for resistance to worm infections

Kemper, Kathryn E., Emery, David L., Bishop, Stephen C., Oddy, Hutton, Hayes, Benjamin J., Dominik, Sonja, Henshall, John M. and Goddard, Michael E. (2011). The distribution of SNP marker effects for faecal worm egg count in sheep, and the feasibility of using these markers to predict genetic merit for resistance to worm infections. Genetics Research, 93 (3), 203-219. doi: 10.1017/S0016672311000097

The distribution of SNP marker effects for faecal worm egg count in sheep, and the feasibility of using these markers to predict genetic merit for resistance to worm infections

2010

Journal Article

Genomic selection in livestock populations

Goddard, Michael E., Hayes, Ben J. and Meuwissen, Theo H. E. (2010). Genomic selection in livestock populations. Genetics Research, 92 (5-6), 413-421. doi: 10.1017/S0016672310000613

Genomic selection in livestock populations

2010

Journal Article

Accuracy of estimated genomic breeding values for wool and meat traits in a multi-breed sheep population

Daetwyler, H. D., Hickey, J. M., Henshall, J. M., Dominik, S., Gredler, B., van der Werf, J. H. J. and Hayes, B. J. (2010). Accuracy of estimated genomic breeding values for wool and meat traits in a multi-breed sheep population. Animal Production Science, 50 (12), 1004-1010. doi: 10.1071/AN10096

Accuracy of estimated genomic breeding values for wool and meat traits in a multi-breed sheep population

2010

Journal Article

Deterministic models of breeding scheme designs that incorporate genomic selection

Pryce, J. E., Goddard, M. E., Raadsma, H. W. and Hayes, B. J. (2010). Deterministic models of breeding scheme designs that incorporate genomic selection. Journal of Dairy Science, 93 (11), 5455-5466. doi: 10.3168/jds.2010-3256

Deterministic models of breeding scheme designs that incorporate genomic selection

2010

Journal Article

Accuracy of direct genomic values in Holstein bulls and cows using subsets of SNP markers

Moser, Gerhard, Khatkar, Mehar S., Hayes, Ben J. and Raadsma, Herman W. (2010). Accuracy of direct genomic values in Holstein bulls and cows using subsets of SNP markers. Genetics Selection Evolution, 42 (1) 37, 37.1-37.15. doi: 10.1186/1297-9686-42-37

Accuracy of direct genomic values in Holstein bulls and cows using subsets of SNP markers

2010

Journal Article

Limited evidence for genetic variation for resistance to the white spot syndrome virus in Indian populations of Penaeus monodon

Hayes, Ben J., Gitterle, Thomas, Gopikrishna, Gopalapillay, Gopal, Chavali, Krishna, Gopal, Jahageerdar, Shrivinas, Lozano, Carlos, Alavandi, Shankar, Paulpandi, Sivagnanam, Ravichandran, Pitchaiyappan and Rye, Morten (2010). Limited evidence for genetic variation for resistance to the white spot syndrome virus in Indian populations of Penaeus monodon. Aquaculture Research, 41 (11), e872-e877. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2010.02611.x

Limited evidence for genetic variation for resistance to the white spot syndrome virus in Indian populations of Penaeus monodon

2010

Journal Article

Genetic architecture of complex traits and accuracy of genomic prediction: coat colour, milk-fat percentage, and type in Holstein cattle as contrasting model traits

Hayes, Ben J., Pryce, Jennie, Chamberlain, Amanda J., Bowman, Phil J. and Goddard, Mike E. (2010). Genetic architecture of complex traits and accuracy of genomic prediction: coat colour, milk-fat percentage, and type in Holstein cattle as contrasting model traits. PLoS Genetics, 6 (9) e1001139, e1001139. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001139

Genetic architecture of complex traits and accuracy of genomic prediction: coat colour, milk-fat percentage, and type in Holstein cattle as contrasting model traits

2010

Journal Article

Testing options for the commercialization of abalone selective breeding using bioeconomic simulation modelling

Robinson, Nick, Li, Xiaoxu and Hayes, Ben (2010). Testing options for the commercialization of abalone selective breeding using bioeconomic simulation modelling. Aquaculture Research, 41 (9), e268-e288. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2010.02528.x

Testing options for the commercialization of abalone selective breeding using bioeconomic simulation modelling

2010

Journal Article

Multivariate analysis of a genome-wide association study in dairy cattle

Bolormaa, S., Pryce, J. E., Hayes, B. J. and Goddard, M. E. (2010). Multivariate analysis of a genome-wide association study in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 93 (8), 3818-3833. doi: 10.3168/jds.2009-2980

Multivariate analysis of a genome-wide association study in dairy cattle

2010

Journal Article

A validated genome-wide association study in 2 dairy cattle breeds for milk production and fertility traits using variable length haplotypes

Pryce, J. E., Bolormaa, S., Chamberlain, A. J., Bowman, P. J., Savin, K., Goddard, M. E. and Hayes, B. J. (2010). A validated genome-wide association study in 2 dairy cattle breeds for milk production and fertility traits using variable length haplotypes. Journal of Dairy Science, 93 (7), 3331-3345. doi: 10.3168/jds.2009-2893

A validated genome-wide association study in 2 dairy cattle breeds for milk production and fertility traits using variable length haplotypes

2010

Journal Article

A genome wide association study for QTL affecting direct and maternal effects of stillbirth and dystocia in cattle

Olsen, H. G., Hayes, B. J., Kent, M. P., Nome, T., Svendsen, M. and Lien, S. (2010). A genome wide association study for QTL affecting direct and maternal effects of stillbirth and dystocia in cattle. Animal Genetics, 41 (3), 273-280. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2009.01998.x

A genome wide association study for QTL affecting direct and maternal effects of stillbirth and dystocia in cattle

2010

Journal Article

Genetic markers for lactation persistency in primiparous Australian dairy cows

Pryce, J. E., Haile-Mariam, M., Verbyla, K., Bowman, P. J., Goddard, M. E. and Hayes, B. J. (2010). Genetic markers for lactation persistency in primiparous Australian dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 93 (5), 2202-2214. doi: 10.3168/jds.2009-2666

Genetic markers for lactation persistency in primiparous Australian dairy cows

2010

Journal Article

Power of a genome scan to detect and locate quantitative trait loci in cattle using dense single nucleotide polymorphisms

MacLeod, I. M., Hayes, B. J., Savin, K. W., Chamberlain, A. J., McPartlan, H. C. and Goddard, M. E. (2010). Power of a genome scan to detect and locate quantitative trait loci in cattle using dense single nucleotide polymorphisms. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 127 (2), 133-142. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2009.00831.x

Power of a genome scan to detect and locate quantitative trait loci in cattle using dense single nucleotide polymorphisms

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2029
    ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding for Agricultural Futures
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Program 2 - Resistance Sources: Using 'FastStack' to develop effective durable net blotch resistance gene stacks
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2029
    Achieving improved genetic gain for yield in chickpea, faba bean and lentil using genetic diversity (GRDC grant administered by Murdoch University)
    Murdoch University
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Fast tracking deployment of chickpea heat tolerance
    GRDC - PROC-9176886 - Fast tracking deployment of chickpea heat tolerance to develop chickpea varieties with improved high temperature tolerance
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    RustHapSelect: Fast-tracking rust resistance haplotypes into high-yielding germplasm (GRDC grant administered by CSIRO)
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Reducing methane emissions and improving profitability in Northern Australian beef
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Scaling Genomic Selection Across the Indian Smallholder Dairy Sector (BMGF grant administered by BAIF Development Research Foundation)
    BAIF Development Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Facilitating Innovations for Resilient Livestock Farming Systems (Re-Livestock) (Horizon Europe grant administered by the Spanish National Research Council)
    Spanish National Research Council (Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas)
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Balancing polled and profit: demonstration of breeding strategies to replace dehorning in a large integrated beef and cattle operation
    A. A. COMPANY PTY. LTD.
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    On-farm genomics: genomic solutions for Northern beef cattle management and breeding
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Digging deeper to improve yield stability
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    LESTR Low Emission Saliva Test for Ruminants
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    ARC Research Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture Through Genetic Solutions - externally administered by James Cook University (JCU)
    James Cook University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    NB2: Assessing practical interventions to reduce calf wastage and herd mortality in northern systems
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Genomic prediction of ratoon yield robustness
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Northern Genomics commercialisation scoping study
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Northern Beef Information Nucleus (Spyglass) Phase 4 Extension
    Australian Brahman Breeders' Association Limited
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Development of genomic multi-breed eating quality trait estimates using shared global data (Meat & Livestock Australia project administered by University of New England)
    University of New England
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    DNA as the ultimate identifier in blockchain traceability systems
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Screening of diverse barley germplasm for rapid discovery and utilisation of novel disease resistance in barley using R-HapSelect : A haplotype-based toolkit
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    FY20 Postgraduate Scholarships - Harrison Lamb
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Bull fertility update: historical data, new cohort and advanced genomics (Meat & Livestock Australia grant administered by CSIRO)
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    India Dairy Genetic Gain: Array designs for Indian Cattle and Buffalo
    Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    National Tree Genomics Program - Genomics Toolbox
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Predicting age of livestock from DNA samples
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    National Tree Genomics Program - Phenotype Prediction
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    FastStack - evolutionary computing to stack desirable alleles in wheat
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Female Reproduction Phenobank and Validation Herds
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Novel genomic technologies to improve fertility in Northern Beef Cattle
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    Improving fertility in northern cattle through host and pathogen molecular diagnosis
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Implementing and validating genomic selection in SRA breeding programs to accelerate improvements in yield, commercial cane sugar, and other key traits
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Genetics R&D: Characterisation of the Brahman Genome
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Improving bovine respiratory disease control through the characterisation of pathogen genomics and host interactions
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Expression of genes and proteins related to meat quality in Bos indicus cattle
    UQ-FAPESP Strategic Research Fund SPRINT
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2022
    Accelerating genetic gain for productivity and profitability in Northern beef cattle with genomic technologies
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    Cattle tick and Buffalo fly host genetics, susceptibility to buffalo fly lesions and biomarkers for resistance
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Ben Hayes is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Ben Hayes's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au