Impact of the RI

Strategies and Objectives

Reasearch aims

Joint strategies

EuroFAANG aims to maximise user engagement and uptake of results by targeting a wide range of stakeholder groups.

Our shared objective is to characterise the regulatory mechanisms and functional components of the genome in farm animals. By doing so, we aim to unravel the underlying mechanisms of complex breeding traits that contribute to more efficient and sustainable animal production.

Understanding Genomic Regulation

Although the genomes of most domesticated animals have been successfully sequenced, we still have a limited understanding of regulatory mechanisms and functional regions in the DNA. The EuroFAANG projects will:

• Improve functional annotation of genomes, including chromatin accessibility and modifications.

• Understand environmentally induced regulation of the genome through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to changes in gene expression.

• Estimate the transmission of epigenetic information to future generations.

Improved Prediction Models

A significant output of the EuroFAANG initiative will be improved prediction models for breeding. These models will accelerate scientific and industrial research. Data generated by the projects is rapidly made publicly available via:

• EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institutes public archives

• Ensembl genome browser

• EuroFAANG data portal

Addressing Global Challenges

Using genomic, epigenetic, and microbiome information, we can predict phenotypes in specific environments. This helps address the challenge of feeding a growing world population with sustainable and healthy food.

Several complex traits (e.g. growth rate, feed efficiency, fertility, product quality) related to sustainable and efficient production in monogastrics (pigs and poultry), and assess whether the epigenetic effects induced by a major environmental factor (i.e. diet) on the embryonic genome persist in the offspring.

Precision breeding in aquaculture by enhancing traits of commercial relevance within the most important fish species used in European aquaculture (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, common carp, European seabass, gilthead seabream and turbot), with a special focus on disease.

Impact for different target groups

Research and Academia

EuroFAANG RI will provide a framework to bundle the expertise of knowledge hubs, repositories, and experimental facilities, accelerating genome-to-phenome (G2P) research across species and accelerate knowledge transfer. The aim of the research infrastructure is to optimize the interdisciplinary capabilities of livestock research for G2P and to provide the European research community and stakeholders access to all relevant facilities, expertise and knowledge. In this way, the infrastructure will support G2P livestock research in Europe, advancing excellent science and frontier research based on user-defined priorities.

Policymakers

The project addresses challenges in farmed animal production, which align with the farm to fork strategy, under the green deal. This includes better use of resources, improvement of animal health and welfare through acceleration of breeding progress, and the climate impact of breeding. The insights generated can guide policy decisions.

Welfare and Ethics Experts, higher education providers

EuroFAANG RI is setting up a gene editing think-tank with genome editing, ethics, and animal breeding experts across Europe. This initiative will help ensure that the project's research and outcomes align with ethical standards and contribute to animal welfare.

Biobanks and Laboratories

EuroFAANG RI aims to develop a unique web portal to collect and centralise access to resources. This portal will share samples, data, and results, providing a framework for an accessible and interactive portal. At the same time transnational access to the institutions and reference samples, including organoids and stem cells will be established.

Breeders

The project's G2P research can help breeders understand the link between the genetic makeup of animals and their observable physical and physiological traits. This knowledge can inform and adapt breeding decisions and strategies more quickly to future challenges.

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