Livestock immunogenomics based on omics integration: from infection and stress to xenotransplantation

Summary

This review addresses the complexity of immune responses in livestock by synthesising omics-integration approaches that link genetic variation with multi-tissue, multi-layer molecular programmes governing disease susceptibility and stress resilience. Single-omics approaches have limited translational value across breeds and environments; the authors argue that integrated frameworks incorporating longitudinal sampling, phase-aware designs, compartment-resolved analysis, and regulatory layer integration improve interpretability and portability. Case studies in cattle, swine, and poultry demonstrate how these integrative approaches distinguish protective immune programmes, with implications for livestock health management under heterogeneous field conditions.

Regional applicability

The findings are globally applicable but derive from international research. United Kingdom livestock producers and breeding programmes could adopt the design principles and omics-integration frameworks described—particularly longitudinal, tissue-resolved, and regulatory-integrated approaches—to improve selection for disease resistance and stress resilience in cattle, pigs, and poultry under UK production conditions.

Key measures

Immune-related traits (disease susceptibility, recovery, performance loss), genetic variation, regulatory programmes, cellular and metabolic responses, tissue-specific signatures

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises computational and experimental strategies for multi-omics integration in livestock immunogenomics, examining applications across infectious diseases, environmental stress, and xenotransplantation. It identifies design principles and case studies in cattle, swine, and poultry that link genetic variation with immune competence and resilience.

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