Unlocking Epigenetic Insights in Livestock: Introducing the Infinium Bovine Methylation Array, designed by Rumigen

Unlocking Epigenetic Insights in Livestock:
Introducing the Infinium Bovine Methylation Array, designed by Rumigen

Epigenetics is poised to transform agricultural research by potentially enabling more targeted and sustainable livestock breeding strategies. By examining patterns of DNA methylation and other epigenetic markers, breeders may soon be able to more accurately assess an animal’s production potential, adaptability to diverse environments, and natural disease resistance. This deeper understanding could pave the way for enhanced performance, welfare, and overall productivity within livestock populations, while also supporting long-term sustainability in breeding programs.

This webinar will introduce the Infinium Bovine Methylation Array - developed by Rumigen and powered by Illumina technology - the first dedicated methylation array designed specifically for cattle. Participants will gain valuable insights into the meticulous design and rigorous validation processes behind this innovative tool and learn about some of the most compelling preliminary findings that suggest its potential real-world applications.

Geared towards researchers, breeders, and industry professionals, the session will present how epigenetic data could be leveraged to foster advancements and drive innovation in livestock management. Attendees will discover how integrating epigenetic insights into breeding decisions may lead to healthier herds, more resilient animals, and improved outcomes for the entire industry.

Speaker:

André Eggen, PhD Director, Agrigenomics Illumina Global André Eggen, Ph.D., is the Director, Agrigenomics Global at Illumina, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing genomic technologies for animal and plant research and breeding applications. With over 16 years at Illumina, André has led strategic initiatives across sequencing and array platforms, helping to establish agrigenomics as a cornerstone of modern breeding and research. His expertise spans product development, customer engagement, and scientific leadership. Before joining Illumina, André served as Research Director at INRAe, focusing on genomic tools to enhance livestock genetics, breeding, and health. He earned his Ph.D. in animal genetics from ETH Zürich in 1992. Widely recognized for his contributions to molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, André continues to support researchers and breeders worldwide in designing smarter, more sustainable breeding programs.