19 The FarmGTEx Project: Building reference omics datasets for future gut stress studies.

Abstract The Farm Animal Genotype-Tissue Expression (FarmGTEx) project is a global collaborative effort to create a comprehensive resource for identifying tissue-specific genetic regulatory variants and predicting molecular phenotypes in farm animals. This project aims to transform research in animal production and health by providing extensive gene expression profiles across multiple tissues in major farm animals. This reference dataset will be instrumental in studying gut stress and related conditions by comparing gene expression in healthy and diseased gut tissues, identifying candidate genes, and analyzing key pathways. FarmGTEx could also reveal gene interactions across tissues and cell types, providing insights into gut health and disease resistance. For example, it has identified eQTLs linked to mastitis in dairy cattle. By uncovering genetic factors that influence gut health and disease resistance, FarmGTEx could facilitate biomarker discovery and identify therapeutic targets, supporting translational research and precision livestock farming. In summary, FarmGTEx lays the foundation for future exploration of genetic factors underlying gut stress and related diseases in farm animals, potentially guiding interventions, breeding strategies, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic target identification to enhance disease resistance and animal welfare.