Proteomic applications for farm animal management

Abstract

The implementation of proteomics is an important step towards a better understanding of the complex biological systems that define animal health and production. The role that proteomics can play in the context of farm animal production is increasingly recognized and to date proteomics has been applied to characterize the physiology behind animal growth and development, reproduction, welfare and animal products. Furthermore, recent advances in mass spectrometry technologies have led to the development of novel strategies aimed at the identification of biomarkers present in different tissues and body fluids. Identification of valid biomarkers in animal tissue or body fluids such as serum, urine, milk, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid and semen to enable bio-monitoring on animal health and provide valuable information, on production, feeding status, and animal-environment interaction is a priority in this field. Therefore, analysis of the proteome linked with biomarker discovery is emerging into a field of high interest, with the aim of improving farm animal productivity and welfare. The present book chapter addresses the recent specific advances of interest in farm animal proteomics and introduces biomarker approaches that are relevant in animal health, production and quality.