Genetic linkage and QTL mapping experiments involve large volumes of data. These include pedigree details, genotypes and trait data all of which must be combined in different forms to suit the nuances of each analysis program. Such experiments frequently also consist of collaborations between several groups making data sharing and concurrency a key concern. To simplify the handling of such data we have developed resSpecies using funds obtained from the BBSRC.

resSpecies is currently being used to support several European and UK national collaborative QTL mapping projects in addition to Roslin Institute's national QTL mapping programmes. Although access is currently limited to collaborating laboratories, the current collaborators represent a significant proportion of the world's livestock genome mappers.

resSpecies is currently implemented for chicken, sheep, cattle, pig, mouse, turkey, salmon and sea bass. It is entirely web-based.