Establishing collaborations with Danish dairy farmers to support EPIHERD platform development and generate novel epigenomics data from cattle, to address animal health and productivity

Project Information

EPIHERD

Grant agreement ID: 101113697

DOI

10.3030/101113697

Project closed

EC signature date 23 May 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 31 May 2024

Funded under

• European innovation ecosystems

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 75 000,00

Coordinated by

ANTLER BIO LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EPIHERD (Establishing collaborations with Danish dairy farmers to support EPIHERD platform development and generate novel epigenomics data from cattle, to address animal health and productivity)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Antler Bio, a deep tech company, focuses on enhancing animal health, efficiency, and performance through innovative epigenomic technologies. The company has developed a cutting-edge platform, EPIHERD, which leverages the underexplored field of epigenomics to analyse gene expression patterns in livestock. Antler Bio's technology holds the potential to revolutionise the livestock and agricultural industries by providing actionable insights into the genetic and environmental factors affecting animal health and productivity. The expected impacts include:
-Increased Sustainability: By optimizing animal health and production, the project aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing the environmental footprint of farming practices.
-Enhanced Animal Welfare: Precision adjustments in management practices will promote better animal well-being.
-Economic Benefits for Farmers: Improved efficiency and early detection of health issues will potentially reduce costs and increase profitability for farmer

Antler Bio faces significant challenges as an early-stage company, and the access to resources and support, such as the Women TechEU programme, is vital for overcoming these hurdles. The programme's support enabled collaboration with Finnish dairy farms to diversify the epigenomic database, refined the EPIHERD platform based on user feedback, and aided in the professional growth of the company's leadership, thereby driving the overall success and impact of the project.

In summary, Antler Bio aims to address critical needs in animal health and agriculture, offering a promising pathway to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. The successful execution of this project eventualy led to significant advancements in the field, benefiting both the industry and the environment.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The activities and main achievements are described below:
1. Project Initiation: The focus shifted from Danish to Finnish farms based on feedback from initial discussions with farmers. Collaboration agreements were secured with seven early adopter farms, committing to a three-year partnership.
2. Sample Selection: A trial method and design were established. Phenotypic data from the farms were accessed and analysed biostatistically, leading to the selection of animals based on criteria such as milk yield, lactation details, and overall health.
3. Sample Collection: A total of 234 animals were sampled for blood. The samples were biobanked, and a subset was sent to for processing to Eurofins Genomics.
4. Data Quality Control (QC), Analysis, and Integration: Bioinformatics pipelines were optimised for efficiency. Out of 234 samples, 212 passed all QC criteria and were sequenced. The data, along with phenotypic metadata, were processed and analysed.
5. Biomarker Identification: Using proprietary algorithms, differentially expressed genes and metabolic pathways were identified in the animals of the herds. The results were validated against known scientific knowledge to provide actionable insights.
6. Platform Iteration: Based on user feedback, the platform was updated with a new design and scoring system. The data model and API were improved to support FAIR data principles and enhance data security. The platform was also internationalised to support multiple languages.
These activities culminated in the refinement of the EPIHERD platform, providing farmers with precise data-driven insights to optimise herd management and improve animal health and productivity. The project achieved significant milestones in data collection, analysis, and application, setting the stage for future developments and expansion.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The Women TechEU financing enabled significant achievements for Antler Bio's EPIHERD platform. The project secured collaboration agreements with seven early-adopter farms, generating valuable gene expression data and phenotypic metadata. Technological advancements included enhancing the accuracy, scalability, and affordability of analysis capabilities and data storage, as well as the development of a new AI-driven tool to improve analysis reliability. Actionable insights provided to the farms led to measurable improvements in milk yield, profitability, sustainability, and animal health. The company also improved its management and leadership capabilities, preparing for a significant fundraising round. The project's economic impact included increased farm productivity, exemplified by a 9.1% increase in milk yield for one farm, enhancing profitability without additional input. Societally, EpiHerd optimised farm operations, improving animal health and welfare, which in turn contributed to better quality products and more efficient farming practices. Environmentally, the platform's ability to increase milk yield without additional resource consumption promoted greater sustainability.

To ensure further uptake and success, the project requires continued research and development. Demonstration projects are needed to validate the technology in diverse farming environments. Access to new markets and successful commercialisation are crucial, supported by securing additional financing, intellectual property protection, and compliance with regulatory standards. Building partnerships with industry stakeholders and creating a supportive ecosystem will also be essential for the technology's adoption and the achievement of sustainable and efficient agriculture goals.

Maria Jensen presenting at Animal Agtech Innovation Summit Amsterdam 2023

Picture of the EPIHERD interface in use