Identification of functionally active genome features relevant to phenotypic diversity and plasticity in cattle: BovReg

Despite the revolution in genome analysis, there is still a great lack of knowledge on understanding the associations between the genome and complex the phenotypes important for breeding. The BovReg consortium uses 'whole genome association mapping' to identify candidate regions that regulate gene expression in relevant tissues, intermediate phenotypes (biomarkers) and final traits robustness, health and biological efficiency. It also examines epigenetic regulation in these regions. This knowledge is fundamental for the use of genetic variation in novel systems. The next step is to adapt the current breeding value estimation models to include this knowledge on biological regulation by a priori weighting genomic regions (or SNPs) based on biological function. This is especially important in situations where no large reference population is available, e.g. new traits or smaller breeds. This improved knowledge will be useful for reorienting livestock production, fully taking into account social precondition, environmental and animal welfare aspects and biological efficiency.