Use of health data for research
Résumé
Animal health issues are of increasing importance to all animal breeding sectors, by raising health and welfare issues and causing major production costs, but also to citizens, by affecting possibly their own health and lifestyle choices. So far, traditional selective breeding approaches have been applied successfully to enhance production and reproduction traits; but the inclusion of animal health related traits are scarcely considered because of a clear lack of easy measurable and relevant health phenotypes and associated genetic markers which could be integrated in running breeding programs. Though, there have been numerous studies in the past showing evidence of genetic variability of responses to various diseases of economic interest. New opportunities have been arising thanks to major advances in animal genomics and related technologies. Most research strategies are now developed, combining structural, population and functional genomics approaches. The objectives of this research studies using health data are two-fold: 1-identification of genes, gene products and regulatory networks involved in host pathogen interactions which could be used in selection and 2- better understanding their functions and the underlying mechanisms. Applications of such research using health data may cover areas like vaccine development, improved diagnosis and treatment, epidemiology, in addition to breeding. Likely, integrated strategies using several approaches will be more successful to combat diseases. Thus, research and development aiming at understanding health related mechanisms and implementing integrated strategies for improved health of livestock requires large use of recorded health data, collaborative multidisciplinary programs and efficient technology transfer between research and industry. Improving recording systems of health data would benefit both research and industry in an ultimate goal of breeding more “robust” animals for a sustainable production.
Domaines
Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]
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