Projektnummer: 26.15.17.08.01_GENESIS-Cattle
GENESIS-Cattle: Genomik und Phenomik der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit bei Rindern
This project aims to improve the sustainability of cattle production by integrating genomic analysis, advanced phenotyping, and predictive modelling. Genome-wide association studies will identify genetic variants for key sustainability traits such as dry matter intake, nitrogen use efficiency, and methane emissions. Functional genomic analyses will investigate diet-related effects on molecular physiology, while population genetics will characterise the Swiss cattle population to assess the transferability of genomic predictions. Phenotyping efforts will expand sustainability datasets and additional traits including milk quality and welfare indicators and explore cost-efficient approaches. To enable large-scale application, infrared spectroscopy models will be developed for rapid, affordable prediction of sustainability traits. We will evaluate environmental and economic impacts, ensure stakeholder engagement, and disseminate results. By combining genomics, phenotyping, and modelling, the project will deliver tools that reduce the environmental footprint of cattle production while supporting efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability for farmers and industry.
