RESYST

Resiliency to heat stress: a system biology approach

RESYST

ABSTRACT

This project addresses one of the major issues currently affecting cattle breeding: how climate change affects the health and performance of dairy cows. The project is based on a systems biology approach, using omics sciences (metabolomics and transcriptomics) to investigate the molecular basis of heat stress tolerance in dairy cattle. Samples are collected under different field conditions, comparing Brown Swiss and Holstein breeds raised on the same farm. Small extracellular vesicles obtained from blood and milk are characterized to identify several potential biomarkers. The biological function of small extracellular vesicles is subsequently validated in ex vivo and in vitro studies, with the aim of evaluating the effects on tissues that play a key role in the efficiency and welfare of dairy ruminants (mammary gland, intestine, immune cells). Results of the studies will be integrated and analysed to identify significant associations of markers with heat stress responses with already known clinical, physiological and production indicators. As the project addresses a topic with a high impact on livestock production and sustainability, the project aims to involve all stakeholders (farmers, livestock associations, animal science associations, companies trading in agricultural cooling systems, dairy companies…) for effective and rapid transfer of scientific knowledge to the field application phase.

Identification Code:  PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE Bando 2022 Prot. 2022MPWFET CUP J53D23010270006

Total project cost: 314.596,00€

Total cost DAFNE 167.528,00 €

DAFNE Role: Principal Investigator

Scientific Supervisor DAFNE: Prof. Umberto Bernabucci

Email: bernab@unitus.it

Start date: 03/07/2023

End date: 02/07/2025

LINK

https://www.unitus.it/ricerca/progetti-di-ricerca/progetti-prin-2022/

PARTNERSHIP

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS) of the University of Milan

  Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
Discover how the EU functions, its principles, priorities; find out about its history and member countries; learn about its legal basis and your EU rights.
www.europa.eu