Jared E. Decker

Jared E. Decker is an Associate Professor of Animal Sciences and the Wurdack Chair of Animal Genomics at the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics from the same university in 2012, with a minor in Statistics. His research focuses on computational genomics, integrating quantitative genomics, population genomics, and evolutionary biology to address challenges in livestock production and biology. Key areas include genomic prediction, selection mapping, and genotype-by-environment interactions, with a focus on cattle and swine genetics.

Decker leads projects on identifying loci responding to selection using his Generation-Proxy method, studying metabolic efficiency in beef cattle, and analyzing population structure of cattle breeds. He has secured significant funding, including a $500,000 USDA grant for puberty and fertility genomics and a $236,750 grant for veterinary education in cattle reproduction and genomics. He teaches AN_SCI 4323: Applied Livestock Genetics, expanded to 3 credits to enhance quantitative genetics education.

His lab collaborates across disciplines, including bioinformatics and informatics, and contributes to national beef cattle genetics outreach. Research outputs span cattle, swine, and even non-livestock species like cats and Brassica, reflecting a broad interest in evolutionary and applied genomics.