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SMARTER · Project

Genomic Tools That Make Sheep and Goat Farming More Profitable and Resilient

foodTestedTRL 5
smarterproject.eu

Imagine you could pick the best sheep and goats for breeding — not just by looking at them, but by reading their DNA like a recipe book. That's what SMARTER did across 15 countries: they figured out which genes make animals better at converting feed into meat or milk, and which ones help them fight off disease without expensive treatments. They built prediction tools so farmers can make smarter breeding decisions, getting healthier, more productive flocks within a few generations instead of decades of guesswork.

By the numbers
37
consortium partners involved in development and validation
15
countries where breeding tools were tested
10
industry partners in the consortium
36
total project deliverables produced
4
SMEs participating in the project
The business problem

What needed solving

Sheep and goat farmers face a costly double bind: animals that grow fast and convert feed efficiently often get sick more easily, while hardy local breeds produce less. Choosing the right animals for breeding has relied on guesswork and decades of slow trial-and-error, leaving money on the table through wasted feed, veterinary bills, and lost animals. There has been no reliable, data-driven way to breed for both productivity and toughness at the same time across different farm types.

The solution

What was built

SMARTER produced 36 deliverables including genome-based prediction tools for feed efficiency and disease resistance in sheep and goats, new biomarker profiles for parasite resistance (measuring antibody response, fecal egg count, anaemia and haematocrit), cross-breed genomic evaluation methods, and breeding strategies validated across conventional, agro-ecological, and organic production systems in 15 countries.

Audience

Who needs this

Sheep and goat breeding companies wanting to add genomic services to their portfolioCommercial dairy sheep/goat farms looking to cut feed costs and animal lossesVeterinary diagnostics firms developing small ruminant health screening productsNational breed improvement organizations modernizing their selection programsAgricultural technology companies building precision livestock farming platforms
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Livestock Genetics & Breeding
mid-size
Target: Animal breeding companies and genetic service providers

If you are a livestock genetics company looking to expand beyond cattle into the growing small ruminant market — this project developed genome-based prediction tools validated across multiple breeds and environments. With data from 37 partners in 15 countries, these tools let you offer genomic selection services for sheep and goat breeders targeting feed efficiency and disease resistance traits.

Sheep & Goat Dairy and Meat Production
any
Target: Commercial sheep or goat dairy farms and meat producers

If you are a sheep or goat producer struggling with rising feed costs and animal losses from disease — this project identified genetic markers for feed efficiency and disease resistance. Their breeding strategies were tested in conventional, agro-ecological, and organic production systems, meaning the results apply regardless of your farming approach.

Animal Health & Diagnostics
mid-size
Target: Veterinary diagnostics and animal health technology companies

If you are an animal health company developing diagnostic tools for small ruminants — this project mapped immunological and physiological profiles linked to disease resistance across locally-adapted breeds. They measured antibody response, fecal egg count, anaemia and haematocrit after parasite infections, creating new biomarker profiles you could turn into commercial diagnostic kits.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to implement these genomic selection tools in my breeding program?

The project did not publish specific licensing costs or implementation pricing. However, the tools were designed to work with existing genotyping infrastructure, meaning the main cost would be genotyping your animals (typically €20-50 per animal in the market) plus integrating the prediction models. Contact the coordinator for commercial terms.

Can this work at industrial scale with large flocks?

Yes. SMARTER specifically validated their genomic predictions in commercial populations, not just experimental herds. The consortium of 37 partners across 15 countries tested across conventional, agro-ecological, and organic systems, covering different scales and production environments.

What about intellectual property — can I license these tools?

The project was funded as a Research and Innovation Action (RIA), and INRAE in France coordinated the work. IP arrangements would depend on the specific tool or dataset. With 10 industry partners already in the consortium, some commercialization pathways are likely defined. Direct inquiry to the coordinator is recommended.

Which specific traits can these tools predict?

Based on the project data, SMARTER focused on feed efficiency, health (resistance to disease and survival), and welfare traits. They also mapped genotype-by-environment interactions, meaning their predictions account for how the same breed performs differently in different farming conditions.

Does this work for my specific breed or only certain breeds?

SMARTER worked across multiple sheep and goat breeds in 15 countries, including traditional and underutilized local breeds. They specifically built cross-breed and cross-country genomic prediction capabilities, making the tools broadly applicable rather than limited to a single breed.

How quickly would I see results in my flock?

Genomic selection accelerates genetic progress compared to traditional breeding. Based on available project data, SMARTER created tools that enable faster and more efficient selection for resilience and efficiency traits. Typical genomic selection programs show measurable genetic gains within 3-5 generations depending on the species and trait.

Is this compliant with EU regulations on animal breeding?

SMARTER was an EU-funded project aligned with EU breeding and animal welfare regulations. The consortium included partners from EU member states and associated countries, and the breeding strategies were designed for European production systems including organic certification requirements.

Consortium

Who built it

SMARTER assembled a strong consortium of 37 partners across 15 countries — well beyond Europe into Canada, China, New Zealand, and Uruguay, signaling global applicability. The 27% industry ratio (10 industry partners) is solid for a research-focused project and suggests real commercial interest. With 9 universities and 8 research organizations providing scientific depth, plus 4 SMEs bringing agility, the project balances academic rigor with market awareness. The coordinator, INRAE (France's national agricultural research institute), is one of Europe's top agricultural science bodies, lending credibility. The geographic spread across major sheep and goat producing regions means the tools have been exposed to diverse breeds, climates, and farming systems.

How to reach the team

INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement), France — use SciTransfer to get a warm introduction to the project team.

Order a report on this consortiumSee INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L'AGRICULTURE, L'ALIMENTATION ET L'ENVIRONNEMENT profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how SMARTER's genomic tools could improve your breeding program or product line? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the research team and help you evaluate fit for your business.

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