Impact
EU-LI-PHE is creating a strong European network in livestock phenomics, connecting research groups across COST Members and Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC).
By linking experts in genetics, animal management, data science, precision livestock farming (PLF), and socio-economic research, EU-LI-PHE addresses four key challenges in livestock phenomics:
- Phenotyping technologies: developing high-throughput methods to capture accurate and novel phenotypes.
- Genome-to-phenome integration: linking genomic data with phenotypic traits for better breeding decisions.
- Computational resources and data analysis: creating infrastructures and methodologies to manage and interpret complex datasets.
- Economic, regulatory, and societal impact: supporting sustainable livestock production, policy frameworks, and societal benefits.
Through this collaborative approach, EU-LI-PHE is building an operative network of technologies, facilities, and expertise, providing immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for long-term advancements. High-throughput phenotyping technologies and integrated data analysis will revolutionize how animals are phenotyped, how data are managed, and how genomic and environmental information is applied.
EU-LI-PHE is also strongly committed to career development and inclusiveness. The Action provides training schools, workshops, short-term scientific missions (STSM), and dissemination opportunities to Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and ITC members. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged across Working Groups, fostering new knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities.
The project will deliver measurable impacts across multiple domains:
- Scientific and technological progress: New phenotyping methods, novel traits, large datasets, databases, and computational tools will drive research innovations and commercial applications.
- Livestock production efficiency: Phenomics will enhance breeding programs, improve animal health and welfare, and reduce environmental impacts, similar to the transformative effects of genomic selection.
- Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applications: Improved management tools will support farmers’ income, enhance welfare, and further reduce environmental footprints.
- Regulatory and societal impact: Clear frameworks on data sharing, intellectual property, and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) will promote sustainable innovation, while contributing to One Health priorities, including disease risk reduction, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
- Economic potential: A conservative estimate suggests a potential ~0.1% annual increase in EU livestock sector output (~160 million € per year), with additional benefits across related sectors.
The project ensures broad dissemination and stakeholder engagement. Results will be published in high-impact journals, patents, and shared through conferences, webinars, newsletters, and the EU-LI-PHE website. Support from the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) will further expand business and innovation opportunities.
By the end of the Action, EU-LI-PHE will have established a robust and lasting network of experts, technologies, and infrastructures, bridging the phenotyping gap in livestock production and driving scientific, technological, economic, and societal progress across Europe.