Unlocking the Potential of Omics Technologies in Animal Biology and Biotechnology

High-throughput molecular technologies, commonly referred to as “omics,” have revolutionized the field of animal biology and biotechnology. By deciphering the contributions of different physiological systems, omics technologies can identify candidate molecules that are representative of different physiological pathways, thereby allowing for the discovery of biomarkers.

Notably, the integration of omics technologies with computational methods, bioprospecting, and artificial intelligence will continue to advance our understanding of biological mechanisms responsible for physical attributes, or phenotypes. This synergy has the potential to enhance the productivity of food animals, meet the increasing demand for animal-sourced foods, and ensure high-quality nutrient availability.

Moreover, breakthroughs obtained through these technologies can mitigate the effects of climate variability and result in new technologies that provide continued improvement in food security worldwide. This is particularly crucial, given the unprecedented increase in the world’s population, which is projected to reach ten billion by 2050.

The Urgent Need for Innovative and Technological Advancements

Innovative and technological advancements that enhance all aspects of food production will arise from basic, fundamental research. Besides food, animal by-products have found numerous applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household and industrial products.

Therefore, there is a growing need to ameliorate the productivity, reproductivity, growth performance, and disease resistance in animals. This has created a worldwide interest in gaining a deeper understanding of animal biology, biotechnology, genomics, and proteomics.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions

The present volume provides a comprehensive discussion on the omics studies in domestic and non-domestic animals and their role in mitigating various challenges ahead.

• Omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolonomics) in identifying and characterizing biodiversity
• The role of molecular techniques for the improvement of domestic and non-domestic organisms
• Animal and alternative model systems (using stem cells, tissue engineering, cell-free systems, 3D platforms, etc.) for studying life phenomena
• Genetically modified organisms as factories for products

By exploring these areas, researchers and scientists can unlock the full potential of omics technologies, driving innovation and advancements in animal biology and biotechnology.