Project description
Innovative genome- and epigenome-enabled breeding selection
Sustainable animal breeding should ensure efficient resource use and animal health and welfare, while preserving genetic diversity. The EU-funded GEroNIMO project will provide new knowledge and tools to promote innovative genome- and epigenome-enabled selection methods for traits related to production efficiency, productive longevity, fertility, resilience and welfare. The initiative will build on current knowledge, analysing chicken and pig populations to quantify the contribution of genetic and epigenetic variation in gene expression, trait variation and trade-offs between traits. Researchers will characterise breeds phenotypically, genetically and epigenetically under different environments to identify underlying biological mechanisms affecting trait variation. They will also develop techniques for improving selection by integrating genetic and non-genetic factors and strategies for conserving genetic and epigenetic diversity.
Objective
To face human population growth, increasing environmental constraints and changes in socio-cultural values, animal breeding must evolve toward a more sustainable model that guarantees production while promoting efficient resource use, animal health and welfare, and preserving genetic diversity. Thanks to recent developments in omics technologies, it is now possible to rethink breeding, taking advantage of improved knowledge on genome-to-phenome relationships that accounts for both genetic and non-genetic mechanisms controlling traits. GEroNIMO will work on chicken and pig, the most used sources of animal protein worldwide, to provide breeders with new knowledge and tools to promote innovative genome- and epigenome enabled selection methods for traits related to production (quantity and quality), efficiency, productive longevity, fertility, resilience and welfare. A large number of animals from cosmopolitan and local breeds will be characterized phenotypically, genetically and epigenetically under different environments to i) identify underlying biological mechanisms affecting trait variation, ii) develop methods to improve selection strategies integrating genetic- and non-genetic factors, and iii) propose strategies to optimize the conservation of genetic and epigenetic diversity. GEroNIMO proposes demand-driven innovation employing a multi-actor approach through the involvement of breeders, professional associations of animal production, and scientists, engaged from the planning phase to the dissemination of results over Europe. GEroNIMO will build on existing academic and commercial knowledge and will analyze large populations to quantify the contribution of genetic and epigenetic variation in gene expression, trait variation and trade-offs between traits. GEroNIMO will also propose a comprehensive and enhanced characterization of diversity by integrating epigenetic diversity into conservation purposes, corresponding to a new integrated conservation strategy.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
75007 Paris
France
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Participants (22)
75116 Paris
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35650 Le Rheu
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
37310 Azay Sur Indre
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2905 AT Capelle Aan Den Ijssel
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15705 Santiago De Compostela
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1300-477 Lisboa
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75020 Paris
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
08140 Caldes De Montbui Barcelona
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75013 PARIS
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1000 Ljubljana
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751 05 Uppsala
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22960 Pledran
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37380 Nouzilly
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
5216 TZ 'S HERTOGENBOSCH
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1165 Kobenhavn
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70599 Stuttgart
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3012 Bern
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50121 Florence
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3584 CS Utrecht
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10000 Zagreb
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6708 PB Wageningen
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7000 803 Evora
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