EcoGen Webinar Series

Episode 1 - Transforming Livestock Systems Through Integrated Research

The inaugural webinar introduced the EcoGen Cluster providing an overview of its five collaborative projects and their collective mission to revolutionise sustainable livestock production. Project leaders discussed key research themes, expected outcomes, and opportunities for collaboration.

Topics:

  • Introduction to EcoGen and its five projects

  • Research synergies and interdisciplinary integration

  • Opportunities for stakeholder engagement

Episode 2 - Resilience and Adaptation: Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Livestock

With climate change posing increasing challenges, this session explored how livestock systems can adapt to environmental pressures through breeding, feeding strategies, and genetic resilience. Experts highlighted innovative research on breed diversity, genetic responses to heat stress, and sustainable feed solutions.

Topics:

  • Feeding strategies for resilience and environmental impact reduction

  • Genetic mechanisms for heat stress adaptation

  • Local breed conservation for climate resilience

Episode 3 - Genetic Diversity and Conservation Preserving Livestock Genetic Resources

During the webinar we will discuss local breeds and their importance in different regions, problems they are facing and opportunities they are bringing to sustainable and resilient livestock systems.  

Topics:

  • Characterisation and management of local breeds

  • Conservation breeding strategies for genetic diversity

  • Advances in genetic rescue and enhancement

Episode 4 - Advancing Animal Health Through Microbiome Research

Microbiomes play a vital role in livestock health, welfare, and productivity. This webinar delved into multi-omics approaches for understanding microbiome diversity and its potential to improve animal health and performance.

Topics:

  • Multi-omics characterisation of microbiomes

  • Microbiome-driven strategies for improved health and welfare

  • Genomic and metagenomic approaches in microbiome research