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
2019
Other Outputs
SNP and phenotype data, and GWAS results for macadamia breeding progeny population
O'Connor, Katie, Hayes, Ben, Hardner, Craig, Alam, Mobashwer and Topp, Bruce (2019). SNP and phenotype data, and GWAS results for macadamia breeding progeny population. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.14264/uql.2019.808
2019
Journal Article
Towards multi-breed genomic evaluations for female fertility of tropical beef cattle
Hayes, Ben J., Corbet, Nicholas J., Allen, Jack M., Laing, Alan R., Fordyce, Geoffry, Lyons, Russel, McGowan, Michael R. and Burns, Brian M. (2019). Towards multi-breed genomic evaluations for female fertility of tropical beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 97 (1), 55-62. doi: 10.1093/jas/sky417
2019
Journal Article
Towards a new phenotype for tick resistance in beef and dairy cattle: a review
Burrow, Heather M., Mans, Ben J., Cardoso, Fernando F., Birkett, Michael A., Kotze, Andrew C., Hayes, Ben J., Mapholi, Ntanganedzeni, Dzama, Kennedy, Marufu, Munyaradzi C., Githaka, Naftaly W. and Djikeng, Appolinaire (2019). Towards a new phenotype for tick resistance in beef and dairy cattle: a review. Animal Production Science, 59 (8), 1401-1427. doi: 10.1071/AN18487
2019
Conference Publication
Poll testing efficiency, accuracy and trends in Australian cattle
Randhawa, I.A.S., McGowan, M.R., Porto-Neto, L.R., Hayes, B.J., Schutt, K.M. and Lyons, R.E. (2019). Poll testing efficiency, accuracy and trends in Australian cattle. Association for the Advancement in Animal Breeding Genetics, Armidale, Australia, 27 October - 1 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
DNA testing and genetic evaluation for poll breeding in tropically adapted beef cattle
Randhawa, I. A. S, Hayes, B. J., McGowan, M. R., Porto-Neto, L. R. and Lyons, R. E. (2019). DNA testing and genetic evaluation for poll breeding in tropically adapted beef cattle. International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TROPAG2019), Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036098
2019
Conference Publication
Poll diagnostics, scur genetics and production concurrence in naturally hornless cattle
Randhawa, I. A. S., McGowan, M. R., Porto-Neto, L. R., Hayes, B. J. and Lyons, R. E. (2019). Poll diagnostics, scur genetics and production concurrence in naturally hornless cattle. 37th International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) Conference, Lleida, Spain, 7-12 July 2019.
2019
Journal Article
Multivariate genomic predictions for age at puberty in tropically adapted beef heifers
Engle, Bailey N., Corbet, Nicholas J., Allen, Jamie M., Laing, Alan R., Fordyce, Geoffry, McGowan, Michael R., Burns, Brian M., Burns, Brian M. and Hayes, Ben J. (2019). Multivariate genomic predictions for age at puberty in tropically adapted beef heifers. Journal of Animal Science, 97 (1), 90-100. doi: 10.1093/jas/sky428
2019
Conference Publication
Environmental characterization facilitate G × E interaction to highlight the role of stay-green traits for genetic gain
Amin, Asad, Christopher, Jack, Ababaei, Behnam, Cooper, Mark, Hayes, Ben, Voss-Fels, Kai, Hickey, Lee and Chenu, Karine (2019). Environmental characterization facilitate G × E interaction to highlight the role of stay-green traits for genetic gain. Translational Photosynthesis Conference: Innovations in Agriculture for Food Security (ASPS 2019), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 30 June - 3 July 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Improving poll gene testing in Australian cattle
Randhawa, I. A. S., Porto-Neto, L., Hayes, B., McGowan, M., Burns, B. and Lyons, R. (2019). Improving poll gene testing in Australian cattle. RSPCA Australian Animal Welfare Seminar, Canberra, ACT Australia, 22 February 2019.
2018
Journal Article
Accelerating crop genetic gains with genomic selection
Voss-Fels, Kai Peter, Cooper, Mark and Hayes, Ben John (2018). Accelerating crop genetic gains with genomic selection. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 132 (3), 669-686. doi: 10.1007/s00122-018-3270-8
2018
Journal Article
Sequencing the mosaic genome of Brahman cattle identifies historic and recent introgression including polled
Koufariotis, L., Hayes, B. J., Kelly, M., Burns, B. M., Lyons, R., Stothard, P., Chamberlain, A. J. and Moore, S. (2018). Sequencing the mosaic genome of Brahman cattle identifies historic and recent introgression including polled. Scientific Reports, 8 (1) 17761, 17761. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35698-5
2018
Journal Article
Harnessing genomic information for livestock improvement
Georges, Michel, Charlier, Carole and Hayes, Ben (2018). Harnessing genomic information for livestock improvement. Nature Reviews Genetics, 20 (3), 135-156. doi: 10.1038/s41576-018-0082-2
2018
Journal Article
Candidate mutations used to aid the prediction of genetic merit for female reproductive traits in tropical beef cattle
Fortes, Marina Rufino Salinas, Enculescu, Charmaine, Porto Neto, Laercio R., Lehnert, Sigrid A., McCulloch, Russell and Hayes, Ben (2018). Candidate mutations used to aid the prediction of genetic merit for female reproductive traits in tropical beef cattle. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 47 e20170226. doi: 10.1590/rbz4720170226
2018
Journal Article
Genome variants associated with RNA splicing variations in bovine are extensively shared between tissues
Xiang, Ruidong, Hayes, Ben J., Vander Jagt, Christy J., MacLeod, Iona M., Khansefid, Majid, Bowman, Phil J., Yuan, Zehu, Prowse-Wilkins, Claire P., Reich, Coralie M., Mason, Brett A., Garner, Josie B., Marett, Leah C., Chen, Yizhou, Bolormaa, Sunduimijid, Daetwyler, Hans D., Chamberlain, Amanda J. and Goddard, Michael E. (2018). Genome variants associated with RNA splicing variations in bovine are extensively shared between tissues. BMC Genomics, 19 (1) 521, 521. doi: 10.1186/s12864-018-4902-8
2018
Conference Publication
Variation in floral and growth traits in a macadamia breeding population
O’Connor, K.M., Hardner, C.M., Alam, M.M., Hayes, B.J. and Topp, B.L. (2018). Variation in floral and growth traits in a macadamia breeding population. International Symposia on Tropical and Temperate Horticulture (ISTTH), Cairns, QLD, Australia, 20-25 November, 2016. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). doi: 10.17660/actahortic.2018.1205.77
2018
Journal Article
Putative bovine topological association domains and CTCF binding motifs can reduce the search space for causative regulatory variants of complex traits
Wang, Min, Hancock, Timothy P., Chamberlain, Amanda J., Vander Jagt, Christy J., Pryce, Jennie E., Cocks, Benjamin G., Goddard, Mike E. and Hayes, Benjamin J. (2018). Putative bovine topological association domains and CTCF binding motifs can reduce the search space for causative regulatory variants of complex traits. BMC Genomics, 19 (1) 395, 395. doi: 10.1186/s12864-018-4800-0
2018
Journal Article
Benchmarking Bayesian genome enabled-prediction models for age at first calving in Nellore cows
Mota, Rodrigo Reis, Silva, Fabyano Fonseca e, Guimarães, Simone Eliza Facioni, Hayes, Ben, Fortes, Marina Rufino Salinas, Kelly, Matthew John, Guimarães, José Domingos, Penitente-Filho, Jurandy Mauro, Ventura, Henrique Torres and Moore, Stephen (2018). Benchmarking Bayesian genome enabled-prediction models for age at first calving in Nellore cows. Livestock Science, 211, 75-79. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.03.009
2018
Journal Article
Insights into population genetics and evolution of polyploids and their ancestors
Jighly, Abdulqader, Lin, Zibei, Forster, John W., Spangenberg, German C., Hayes, Ben J. and Daetwyler, Hans D. (2018). Insights into population genetics and evolution of polyploids and their ancestors. Molecular Ecology Resources, 18 (5), 1157-1172. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.12896
2018
Journal Article
The cost-benefit of genomic testing of heifers and using sexed semen in pasture-based dairy herds
Newton, J. E., Hayes, B. J. and Pryce, J. E. (2018). The cost-benefit of genomic testing of heifers and using sexed semen in pasture-based dairy herds. Journal of Dairy Science, 101 (7), 6159-6173. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13476
2018
Journal Article
An initiator codon mutation in SDE2 causes recessive embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle
Fritz, Sébastien, Hoze, Chris, Rebours, Emmanuelle, Barbat, Anne, Bizard, Méline, Chamberlain, Amanda, Escouflaire, Clémentine, Vander Jagt, Christy, Boussaha, Mekki, Grohs, Cécile, Allais-Bonnet, Aurélie, Philippe, Maëlle, Vallée, Amélie, Amigues, Yves, Hayes, Benjamin J., Boichard, Didier and Capitan, Aurélien (2018). An initiator codon mutation in SDE2 causes recessive embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 101 (7), 6220-6231. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-14119
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
-
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
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