Genome and Epigenome eNabled breeding in MOnogastrics

Acronym: GEroNIMO

Competition title: Horizon 2020 - Research and Innovation Framework Programme: H2020-SFS-2020-2 (Sustainable Food Security), SFS-13-2020 (Genome and epigenome enabled breeding in terrestrial livestock), RIA - Research and Innovation Action

Funding: Horizon 2020

AFZ role: partner

Total value: €7,065,711.75

Funded amount: €6,999,962.25

Contract No: GA No. 101000236

Start date: 2021/06/01

End date: 2026/05/30

Web: https://www.geronimo-h2020.eu/

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, productjve 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 analyse 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.

Prof. Danijel Karolyi, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Assoc. Prof. Dubravko Škorput, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Prof. Zoran Luković, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Prof. Krešimir Salajpal, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture