All animals, including people, have a complete set of genes and genetic material that are passed down to future generations. The Genomics research cluster discovers the relationships that exist between genes and health or disease and uses this information to improve the health and well-being of animals and humans. Our investigations on specific genes and whole genomes of birds, dogs and horses has helped us to develop valuable tools for comparative gene mapping and genome analysis. We leverage these tools to study gene regulation as it contributes to metabolic, immunological, neuromuscular, neurologic and aesthetic traits in birds and mammals.