Katja Nilsson

My research is focused on the genetic background to behaviour and health traits in several species, for example dogs and pigs.

I am course leader, examiner and teach in several courses at the department, mainly on bachelor level. For example I have worked with our basic courses in animal breeding and genetics, and our previous master course in genetics of dogs and cats. Since last year I am working with the new bachelor program at SLU about sports- and companion animals. I also supervise student projects at bachelor and master level.

I am currently starting up a project on leg soundness in sows, and I am also working on a project about breeding for temperament in Swedish Collies.

I cooperate with for example the Swedish Kennel Club, and I often give seminars and lectures for different dog breed clubs about basic breeding and genetics, and breeding for temperament and health.

I completed my MSc in Animal Sciene at SLU in 1997, and then worked as a high school teacher at an agricultural high school for a year. In 2003 I defended my thesis with the title “Genetic analysis of maternal behaviour in sows” and received my PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics. Since then I am working as a researcher and teacher at the Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics, SLU. I was director of studies for undergraduate education at the department 2011-2017.

Arvelius, P., Asp, HE., Fikse, WF., Strandberg, E., Nilsson, K. 2014. Genetic analysis of a temperament test as a tool to select against everyday life fearfulness in Rough Collie,Journal of animal science,92,11,4843-4855

Asp, HE., Fikse, WF., Nilsson, K., Strandberg, E. 2015. Breed differences in everyday behaviour of dogs,Applied Animal Behaviour Science,169,,69-77

Le, H.T., Nilsson, K., Norberg, E. & Lundeheim, N. 2015. Genetic association between leg conformation in young pigs and sow reproduction. Livestock Science 178.

Le, H.T., Madsen, P., Lundeheim, N., Nilsson, K. & Norberg, E. 2016. Genetic association between leg conformation in young pigs and sow longevity. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 133: 283-290.

 Le, H.T., Norberg, E., Nielsen, B., Madsen, P., Nilsson, K. & Lundeheim, N. 2016. Genetic correlation between leg conformation in young pigs, sow reproduction and longevity in Danish pig populations. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A, 65, 132-138.