interest. To overcome these problems, a ‘next-generation’ computational genetic mapping program with three advanced features was developed [14]. (1) By merging two large SNP datasets, which included SNPs generated from analysis of the complete genomic sequence of multiple inbred strains [26], a high quality haplotype map with ~3 million SNPs was produced that covers virtually (>95%) the entire genome for 16 inbred strains. (2) A new haplotype block construction method was developed that allows haplotype blocks within a region to overlap, which enables all patterns of genetic variation within a region to be identified. (3) A 30,000-fold improvement in the computational efficiency enables customized haplotype blocks to be dynamically produced for the strains with available phenotypic data. The next generation method identified a causative genetic factor that would have been missed if the previous genetic mapping method was used [14].
