AFRI – FAS Animal Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (A1201)

Program Area Priority:

a. Animal genomics research priorities over the next decade were identified from stakeholder inputs and were compiled in the report: “Genome to Phenome: Improving Animal Health, Production, and Well-Being: A new USDA Blueprint for Animal Genome Research 2018 – 2027” in Frontier in Genetics. Proposals that align with the animal genome blueprint goals are highly welcome to submit to this program area or other program areas within the RFA based on the best alignment with program area priority goals. Any target area identified in the USDA Animal Genome Blueprint that aligns with the program area priorities listed are eligible to be considered for funding.

b. Novel quantitative genetic methods including selection theory and modeling, implementing selection methods that use a systems approach using a combination of genomics, epigenomics, functional genomics, and microbiome data for simultaneous improvement of multiple traits.

c. Development of national and regional breeding strategies to address biotic and abiotic stresses (including climate and/or environmental extremes), greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, genetic diversity, germplasm storage and characterization, or genome modifications.

d. Development of new phenotypes for improving selection criteria and/or development of high-throughput methods for on-farm recording of traits.

e. Exploring alternatives to control inbreeding, exploit crossbreeding, conduct selection experiments, or develop novel breeding programs aimed at improving performance, welfare, or health of agricultural animals.

f. Animal Breeding Research Coordination Network (RCN) that build and coordinate public-private research and development efforts for major food and animal species. The Network must address a grand challenge (e.g., food and nutrition security, boosting farm income, climate smart agriculture, creating more and better market opportunities for producers and consumers) using collaborative state-of-the-art science and technical platforms that fill critical science and knowledge gaps to deliver innovation for commercialization across a broad U.S. agricultural sector. The RCN priority areas must address bottlenecks to animal productivity and address the priorities in the USDA Animal Genome Blueprint.