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.

The SAS research team is responsible for WP5 on the societal and ethical dimensions of this project.

• prof. dr. F.L.B. (Franck) Meijboom
• L. (Leon) Borgdorf MSc

The aim of BovReg is to identify functions in the cow genome that are relevant to the diversity and plasticity of phenotypes in cattle with respect to robustness, health and biological efficiency.
The knowledge developed within BovReg should also be particularly applicable to small cattle breeds of regional relevance and distribution, and thus contribute to the conservation of biological diversity in farmed animals. The project includes a focus on udder health and options for reducing use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry. BovReg will enable precision breeding to make cattle farming more efficient while considering animal welfare, limited primary resources and climate change.

• prof. dr. F.L.B. (Franck) Meijboom

In this project, we develop and apply a comparative responsible innovation approach to novel techniques of genome editing to examine the conditions (if any) under which the technique can and should be applied to animal breeding applications. Using the anticipate-include-reflect-respond (AIRR) RI framework beta scientists, social scientists, ethicists and breeding companies work together to understand, anticipate, reflect and respond to ethical and societal concerns. We undertake an integrated programme of research across three workpackages. In Workpackage 1 we analyse the benefits, challenges, risks and uncertainties of genome editing, the driving visions and expectations of the technology in scientific and corporate programmes, and how these compare across animal breeding and human health applications. In Workpackage 2 we open up inclusive dialogue and ethical reflection on animal genome editing. We examine the factors shaping public opinion and what constitutes an appropriate ethical framework. We compare responses to human medical and animal breeding applications, as well as to three spheres of animal breeding application: editing for animal welfare, editing for disease resistance, and editing for yield efficiency. In Workpackage 3 we experiment ways of integrating social and ethical dimensions into scientific and corporate research practices and decision-making processes, and formulate building blocks for the development of reflexive corporate and scientific cultures. The project culminates in a policy seminar aimed at decision-makers, and a policy report and toolkit, where we offer guidance on how (if at all) the science and decision-making of animal genome editing can develop in ways that are responsive and responsible.

• prof. dr. F.L.B. (Franck) Meijboom

• Prof. dr. P.M. Macnaghten