BovReg

It is now well established that epigenetic modifications are implicated in the regulation of gene expression. However, the associations between these modifications and complex phenotypes are poorly understood.  

The EU-funded BovReg project focuses on understanding how epigenetic variation in cattle translates into commercially important phenotypes, paving the way for biology-driven predictions needed by scientific and industry livestock communities. The project brings together experts in ruminant research from around the globe to generate functional genomics data related to robustness, health and biological efficiency in cattle. Data, knowledge and protocols will be deposited in European biological archives, aiming to set up and maintain a knowledge hub and establish gold standards.  

Overall, the BovReg prediction tools will provide the opportunity to select cattle populations, maintain animal welfare and support precision breeding for efficient cattle production.