Systems Genomics, Transcriptomics and Metabolomics of Feed efficiency in Pigs

The FeedOMICS project is aimed at understanding and utilizing multi-omic molecular biology information in genomic selection and breeding for Feed Efficiency (FE) in pigs. FE defined in terms of FCR or RFI had been a central focus of the pig breeding programs but in recent years there is a renewed interest to identify and utilize the genes/variants/QTLs with functional effects in an improved version of genomic prediction. FeedOMICS project conducts multi-omics experiments using high-density SNP genotyping, RRBS, RNA-Seq and NMR technologies to profile genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic variations in pigs with different genetic merit (genomic breeding values) for FE in an intensive experimental setting. This project involves extensive biological sampling in experimental farm and slaughter house and processing of samples in labs. Project will utilize multi-omic high-throughput datasets originating from these experimental pigs; investigate multi-omic data integration methods, joint modelling, analyses and inferences. The project aims to provide systems level understanding of biology of FE, to deliver testable genetic-, epigenetic-, bio- and metabolite- markers for FE and to improve genomic prediction/selection methods for FE given the genetic architecture and biological information. Quantitative-molecular genetics, bioinformatics, bio-statistics and integrative systems biology will form a core part of this research project.
This project is funded by The Danish Council for Independent Research – Technology and Production Sciences (DFF-FTP) with co-funding from University of Copenhagen for 3 years (total grant size of ~ 8.5 million Danish Kroner or 1.3 M US$). The overall project director is Professor Haja Kadarmideen.