Overview
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.
Works
Search Professor Ben Hayes’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Journal Article
Modelling the use of gene expression profiles with selective breeding for improved disease resistance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Robinson, Nick and Hayes, Ben (2008). Modelling the use of gene expression profiles with selective breeding for improved disease resistance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquaculture, 285 (1-4), 38-46. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.08.016
2008
Journal Article
Detection of QTL for growth rate in the blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra Leach) using selective DNA pooling
Baranski, M., Rourke, M., Loughnan, S., Hayes, B., Austin, C. and Robinson, N. (2008). Detection of QTL for growth rate in the blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra Leach) using selective DNA pooling. Animal Genetics, 39 (6), 606-614. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01773.x
2008
Journal Article
Use of gene expression data for predicting continuous phenotypes for animal production and breeding
Robinson, N., Goddard, M. and Hayes, B. (2008). Use of gene expression data for predicting continuous phenotypes for animal production and breeding. Animal, 2 (10), 1413-1420. doi: 10.1017/S1751731108002632
2008
Journal Article
Predicting unobserved phenotypes for complex traits from whole-genome SNP data
Lee, Sang Hong, van der Werf, Julius H. J., Hayes, Ben J., Goddard, Michael E. and Visscher, Peter M. (2008). Predicting unobserved phenotypes for complex traits from whole-genome SNP data. PLoS Genetics, 4 (10) e1000231, e1000231. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000231
2008
Journal Article
Linkage disequilibrium and persistence of phase in Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Angus cattle
de Roos, A. P. W., Hayes, B. J., Spelman, R. J. and Goddard, M. E. (2008). Linkage disequilibrium and persistence of phase in Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Angus cattle. Genetics, 179 (3), 1503-1512. doi: 10.1534/genetics.107.084301
2008
Journal Article
A linkage map of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) based on EST-derived SNP markers
Moen, Thomas, Hayes, Ben, Baranski, Matthew, Berg, Paul R., Kjoglum, Sissel, Koop, Ben F., Davidson, Willie S., Omholt, Stig W. and Lien, Sigbjorn (2008). A linkage map of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) based on EST-derived SNP markers. BMC Genomics, 9 223. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-223
2008
Journal Article
Construction of a dense SNP map for bovine chromosome 6 to assist the assembly of the bovine genome sequence
Nilsen, H., Hayes, B., Berg, P. R., Roseth, A., Sundsaasen, K. K., Nilsen, K. and Lien, S. (2008). Construction of a dense SNP map for bovine chromosome 6 to assist the assembly of the bovine genome sequence. Animal Genetics, 39 (2), 97-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01686.x
2008
Journal Article
The origin of selection signatures on bovine chromosome 6
Hayes, B. J., Lien, S., Nilsen, H., Olsen, H. G., Berg, P., Maceachern, S., Potter, S. and Meuwissen, T. H. E. (2008). The origin of selection signatures on bovine chromosome 6. Animal Genetics, 39 (2), 105-111. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01683.x
2008
Journal Article
Identification and characterisation of novel SNP markers in Atlantic cod: evidence for directional selection
Moen, Thomas, Hayes, Ben, Nilsen, Frank, Delghandi, Madjid, Fjalestad, Kjersti T., Fevolden, Svein-Erik, Berg, Paul R. and Lien, Sigbjorn (2008). Identification and characterisation of novel SNP markers in Atlantic cod: evidence for directional selection. BMC Genetics, 9 (1) 18. doi: 10.1186/1471-2156-9-18
2008
Journal Article
Comparison of casein haplotypes between two geographically distant European dairy goat breeds
Finocchiaro, R., Hayes, B. J., Siwek, M., Spelman, R. J., van Kaam, J. B. C. H. M., Adnoy, T. and Portolano, B. (2008). Comparison of casein haplotypes between two geographically distant European dairy goat breeds. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 125 (1), 68-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00687.x
2008
Journal Article
Technical note: prediction of breeding values using marker-derived relationship matrices
Hayes, B. J. and Goddard, M. E. (2008). Technical note: prediction of breeding values using marker-derived relationship matrices. Journal of Animal Science, 86 (9), 2089-2092. doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0733
2007
Journal Article
Genomic selection
Goddard, M. E. and Hayes, B. J. (2007). Genomic selection. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 124 (6), 323-330. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00702.x
2007
Journal Article
Mapping of a quantitative trait locus for resistance against infectious salmon anaemia in Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar): comparing survival analysis with analysis on affected/resistant data
Moen, Thomas, Sonesson, Anna K., Hayes, Ben, Lien, Sigbjorn, Munck, Hege and Meuwissen, Theo H. E. (2007). Mapping of a quantitative trait locus for resistance against infectious salmon anaemia in Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar): comparing survival analysis with analysis on affected/resistant data. BMC Genetics, 8 (1) 53. doi: 10.1186/1471-2156-8-53
2007
Journal Article
Accuracy of marker-assisted selection with single markers and marker haplotypes in cattle
Hayes, B. J., Chamberlain, A. J., McPartlan, H., Macleod, I., Sethuraman, L. and Goddard, M. E. (2007). Accuracy of marker-assisted selection with single markers and marker haplotypes in cattle. Genetical Research, 89 (4), 215-220. doi: 10.1017/S0016672307008865
2007
Journal Article
Nonlinear regulation enhances the phenotypic expression of trans-acting genetic polymorphisms
Gjuvsland, Arne B., Hayes, Ben J., Meuwissen, Theo H. E., Plahte, Erik and Omholt, Stig W. (2007). Nonlinear regulation enhances the phenotypic expression of trans-acting genetic polymorphisms. BMC Systems Biology, 1 (1) 32. doi: 10.1186/1752-0509-1-32
2007
Conference Publication
SNP detection exploiting multiple sources of redundancy in large EST collections improves validation rates
Hayes, Ben J., Nilsen, Kjetil, Berg, Paul R., Grindflek, Eli and Lien, Sigbjorn (2007). SNP detection exploiting multiple sources of redundancy in large EST collections improves validation rates. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btm154
2007
Journal Article
Genetic support for a quantitative trait nucleotide in the ABCG2 gene affecting milk composition of dairy cattle
Olsen, Hanne Gro, Nilsen, Heidi, Hayes, Ben, Berg, Paul R., Svendsen, Morten, Lien, Sigbjorn and Meuwissen, Theo (2007). Genetic support for a quantitative trait nucleotide in the ABCG2 gene affecting milk composition of dairy cattle. BMC Genetics, 8 (1) 32. doi: 10.1186/1471-2156-8-32
2007
Journal Article
An extensive resource of single nucleotide polymorphism markers associated with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) expressed sequences
Hayes, B., Laerdahl, J. K., Lien, S., Moen, T., Berg, P., Hindar, K., Davidson, W. S., Koop, B. F., Adzhubei, A. and Hoyheim, B. (2007). An extensive resource of single nucleotide polymorphism markers associated with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) expressed sequences. Aquaculture, 265 (1-4), 82-90. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2007.01.037
2007
Journal Article
Optimisation of marker assisted selection for abalone breeding programs
Hayes, Ben, Baranski, Matt, Goddard, Mike E. and Robinson, Nick (2007). Optimisation of marker assisted selection for abalone breeding programs. Aquaculture, 265 (1-4), 61-69. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2007.02.016
2007
Conference Publication
Design of a whole genome scan experiment for a multi-breed beef cattle population with a complex pedigree
Kelly, M.J., Hayes, B.J. and Miller, S.P. (2007). Design of a whole genome scan experiment for a multi-breed beef cattle population with a complex pedigree. 17th Conference: Genetic Improvement - Making it Happen, Armidale, N.S.W., 23-26 September 2007. Armidale NSW: Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding Genetics.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Ben Hayes is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
AI-accelerated breeding of high-protein mungbean
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Eric Dinglasan, Dr Millicent Smith
-
Doctor Philosophy
New mate allocation strategies to accelerate genetic gain in agricultural species.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eric Dinglasan, Dr Elizabeth Ross, Dr Owen Powell
-
Doctor Philosophy
On farm genomics for selection and management in aquaculture: tank-side genotyping
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Hannah Siddle
-
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular genetic analysis of rust disease resistance in wheat using cutting-edge technologies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Eric Dinglasan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic prediction for faster genetic gains in sugarcane improvement
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eric Dinglasan, Dr Seema Yadav
-
Doctor Philosophy
Reducing methane emissions and improving profitability in Northern Australian beef
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kieren McCosker
-
Doctor Philosophy
New approaches to maximise gain and genetic diversity in plant breeding programs
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Owen Powell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic selection for finfish Breeding Programs
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Owen Powell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular genetic analysis of multi-disease resistance in barley using cutting-edge technologies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Eric Dinglasan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Predicting better parents to accelerate genetic gain in wheat breeding
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Kelly, Associate Professor Karine Chenu, Dr Eric Dinglasan, Professor Lee Hickey
-
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic Prediction of Specific Combining Ability in Sugarcane
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Seema Yadav
-
Master Philosophy
Applying genomics tools for novel nematode resistance in sugarcane
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Eric Dinglasan
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Genotype by environment interaction for beef cattle fertility traits in northern Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ben Wood, Dr Elizabeth Ross
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic selection in multi-breed and multi-subspecies populations
Principal Advisor
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising Genomic Selection for Sugarcane
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey, Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Dr Elizabeth Ross, Dr Owen Powell
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
On-farm genotyping to accelerate genetic gain in Australia's northern beef industry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elizabeth Ross
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
A transcriptomic-based comparison of host leukocyte and skin responses to cattle tick infestation in Brangus steers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elizabeth Ross, Professor Ala Tabor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Correlation Scan: developing and applying a new method to uncover the genomic locations that affect the genetic correlations between traits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Marina Fortes
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Pathogenomics of bovine infertility in northern Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Conny Turni, Associate Professor Gry Boe-Hansen, Professor Ala Tabor
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating envirotyping methodology to evaluate contributions of stay-green traits to wheat yield in Australian environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Cooper, Associate Professor Karine Chenu, Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Professor Lee Hickey
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Strategies to improve dairy cow productivity and welfare in Vietnam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating genomic selection and speed breeding to increase genetic gain in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) breeding
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lee Hickey
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Selection strategies to improve yield in macadamia using component traits and genomics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry, Associate Professor Craig Hardner, Dr Mobashwer Alam, Professor Bruce Topp
Media
Enquiries
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