Earth Precision Agriculture 2026
August 10-14, Calgary, AB, Canada
Livestock Genomics Conference Track
Decode the genetic blueprint of livestock to enhance health, productivity, and sustainability, empowering breeders and producers with next-generation precision
About this Track
Livestock Genomics Conference track at EPA 2026 is dedicated to advancing genomic science and transforming our ability to understand, manage, and improve animals that are central to global food systems, sustainability, and human health. This track provides a focused forum for presenting cutting-edge research spanning genomics, multi-omics, computation, and precision animal management, with an emphasis on generating actionable biological and management insights.
Research Themes
We invite submissions that explore a wide range of genomic research in livestock species, including but not limited to:
Omics and Systems Biology
- Genomics and Transcriptomics: Novel approaches in genome sequencing, pangenome construction, assembly, annotation, and the functional analysis of animal genes. This includes studies on gene expression, alternative splicing, and regulation in the context of production traits, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation.
- Epigenetics and Functional Genomics: Research on epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs) and their role in development, phenotypic plasticity, and transgenerational inheritance in livestock. This also includes functional validation of genomic findings using technologies like CRISPR.
- Single-Cell and Spatial Omics: Application of single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and other emerging technologies to understand tissue-specific gene expression, cellular heterogeneity, and developmental processes in livestock species.
- Quantitative Genetics and Systems Biology: Studies utilizing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic selection to dissect the genetic architecture of complex traits, including non-additive genetic effects (dominance, epistasis). We also welcome the application of systems biology to model and predict animal performance and health outcomes.
Computational Methods and Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics and Data Integration: Development of new computational pipelines, algorithms, and databases for managing, analyzing, and integrating large-scale multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and high-throughput phenotyping data.
- Computational Method Development: Novel statistical and machine learning models for analyzing livestock genomic data, including methods for improving the accuracy of genomic prediction, identifying causal variants, incorporating non-additive effects, and modeling complex biological systems.
- Artificial Intelligence in Animal Science: Application of AI and deep learning for genomic prediction, automated phenotyping, behavioral analysis, and optimizing precision livestock farming strategies.
- Phylogenomics: Exploration of the evolutionary relationships within and across livestock species and their wild relatives. Contributions may address topics such as the genomic basis of domestication, inference of demographic history, or the use of phylogenetics to guide conservation and breeding strategies.
Phenotyping and Genome–Environment Interactions
- High-Throughput Phenotyping (HTP): Development and application of advanced sensing technologies (e.g., wearables, computer vision, robotics, IoT devices) for the rapid, non-invasive, and continuous measurement of animal traits related to health, welfare, behavior, and production efficiency.
- Genome–Environment Interactions (GxE): Research focused on understanding how genetic variation influences animal performance, health, and resilience across diverse production systems and environmental conditions, including studies on heat stress, thermotolerance, nutritional challenges, and disease pressure.
- Precision Livestock Farming: Rigorous studies that link molecular and sensor data with real-world animal performance, health records, and environmental data to enable data-driven management decisions at the individual animal level.
Animal Health, Welfare, and the Microbiome
- Disease Resistance and Immunogenomics: Genomic approaches to understanding and improving disease resistance, resilience, and robustness in livestock. This includes host-pathogen interactions, the genetic basis of immune response, and strategies to reduce antimicrobial use through genetic selection.
- Microbiome-Host Genetics: Research on the interaction between the gut, rumen, or other microbiomes and host genetics, including the role of the microbiome in feed efficiency, methane emissions, health, and disease susceptibility.
- Animal Welfare Genomics: Studies on the genetic basis of welfare-related traits, including temperament, stress response, and behavioral characteristics, and the incorporation of welfare traits into breeding objectives.
Reproductive Genomics and Breeding Technologies
- Reproductive Genomics: Genetic and genomic studies of fertility, fecundity, and reproductive efficiency in livestock species. This includes the identification of genetic variants affecting reproductive performance and their application in breeding programs.
- Reproductive Technologies: Integration of genomics with reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, and sexed semen to accelerate genetic gain and improve breeding program efficiency.
- Gene Editing Applications: Application of gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) for functional genomics research, trait improvement, and the development of disease-resistant or climate-adapted livestock.
Animal Improvement and Translational Applications
- Translational Genomics for Animal Breeding: Application of genomic insights to accelerate genetic gain in breeding programs, including the development of climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and highly productive animal populations.
- Genomic Management: Studies on the use of genomics to manage inbreeding, maintain genetic diversity, and optimize mating decisions within commercial and conservation breeding programs.
- Crossbreeding and Heterosis: Genomic approaches to understanding and optimizing crossbreeding systems, including the prediction and exploitation of heterosis in commercial production.
- Product Quality Traits: Genetic and genomic studies of traits related to product quality, including meat quality, milk composition, egg quality, and fiber characteristics.
- Sustainable Production Systems: Research that leverages livestock genomics to enhance the sustainability and circularity of animal agriculture, such as improving feed efficiency, reducing methane emissions and environmental footprint, and enhancing resource use efficiency.
Global Applications and Capacity Building
- Breeding Programs for the Developing World: Research on genetic improvement strategies for smallholder farming systems and low-resource environments, including community-based breeding programs and the use of appropriate technologies.
- Conservation and Local Breeds: Genomic characterization, conservation, and sustainable utilization of local and indigenous livestock breeds, including the identification of unique adaptive traits.
- Education, Training, and Outreach: Initiatives related to capacity building in livestock genomics, including undergraduate and graduate education, young scientist development, and communication of genomic science to policymakers and society.
Track Leadership
Prof. Julius van der Werf
Professor
Animal Breeding & Genetics
School of Environmental & Rural Science
University of New England
Prof. Zhihua Jiang
Professor of Genome Biology
Department of Animal Sciences
Washington State University
Prof. Hasan Khatib
Vice Chair
Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Boggio
Assistant Professor
Department of Animal Science
University of California Davis
Dr. Farhad Maleki
Director
Centre for Precision Agriculture
University of Calgary
Join the Global Community of Experts
Share ideas, connect with global experts, and be part of the Livestock Genomics community at EPA 2026