Birgitte Ask

CV

2009-now:     Post Doc in Quantitative Breeding and Genetics, Genetics and Bioinformatics, Department of Basic Animal and Veterinary Science, Faculty of LIFE Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.

2007-2008:   Geneticist (R&D), Hybro BV / Cobb-Europe (from July 2008), Boxmeer, The Netherlands.

2002-2006:   PhD in poultry genetics and –immunology, Utrecht (Dept. of Farm Animal Health) & Wageningen University (Animal Breeding and Genetics group), The Netherlands. Defence and obtaining of Ph.D. degree: 16th April 2007. Title dissertation: “Susceptibility of broilers to colibacillosis: Opportunities of challenge testing and indicator traits in selection strategies”.

2003:               ‘Art. 9’ in Laboratory Animal Science - Dutch authorization to be responsible for animal experiments, Utrecht University, Utrecht,, The Netherlands.

2003:               MSc in Animal Science, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands, 21st March 2003.

1999-2002:   Cand. Agro, the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark, 25th October 2002.

1996-1999:   BSc in agricultural science, the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark, 29th June 1999.

1995-1996:   Nature Sciences Basis Year, Odense University, Odense, Denmark.

1991-1994:   Mathematical Gymnasium (Studentereksamen, matematisk), Næstved Gymnasium, Næstved, Denmark.

Primary fields of research

Quantitative breeding and genetics

Optimization of poultry breeding programs

Genetic parameter estimation

Challenge testing and poultry immunology as selection tools

Experimental design

Dynamic simulation modelling in biology

Current research

Investigation of the genetic background of the historical increase in cowmortality in Black and White Holstein, Red and White Holstein, and Jersey in Denmark. Estimation of genetic trend and genetic parameters with threshold and survival model.

Investigation of the genetic background for foot pad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers. Line comparison and estimation of genetic parameters.

Knowledge of languages

Fluent in English and Dutch; written German and French.

Teaching

Teacher on the courses: "Elementary Animal Breeding", "Applied Genetics", and "Advanced Animal Breeding".

Supervisor of students majoring in Quantitative Genetics and Breeding, and supervision of quantitative genetic aspects of veterinary student projects.