EQUIGENIA Operational Group: An innovative digital platform based on genomic data and artificial intelligence applied to breeding, health and genetic improvement in the equine sector

Selecting a population of PRE horses with complete phenotypic and genealogical data will create a solid foundation for improving breeding practices and supporting decision-making in livestock operations. A clear protocol for choosing reference animals will be defined, and a refined and validated database with reliable information for each individual will be generated. Furthermore, a final list of animals to be genotyped will be compiled. For breeders, these results will mean having accurate data that will facilitate the selection of breeding stock with greater confidence, reduce costs associated with incorrect decisions, and increase the genetic quality of their herd. This consolidated information will allow for the development of more efficient selection and management tools, which can be directly applied to breeding planning.

The genotypes of 4,000 PRE horses from the reference population will be obtained using the Axiom EQUIGENE Array, achieving a quality index exceeding 90%. DNA will be extracted from all samples, and complete genotyping will be performed, generating reliable and comparable data. Subsequently, quality control reports will be prepared, and samples from other technologies will be imputed to unify them with the EQUIGENE results. For breeders, these results will mean having precise genetic information that will allow for more accurate selection of breeding stock, improved response to selection, and optimized breeding profitability. The generated data will facilitate more informed decisions and reduce risks in reproductive planning and genetic improvement of the PRE.

Genomic evaluation models will be developed and validated for all PRE selection criteria, including functional and health traits. The final set of phenotypic and genomic data will be prepared and refined, and initial drafts of the models for priority traits will be developed. Subsequently, the final models will be implemented, heritabilities will be estimated, and the accuracy of the genomic values will be quantified, documenting the results. For breeders, this advancement will provide much more reliable selection tools, capable of predicting the reproductive and functional potential of each animal with greater accuracy. This will facilitate more profitable decisions, reduce the risk in selecting breeding stock, and allow for improvements in the health, functionality, and genetic quality of the PRE herd in the medium and long term.

Genomic prediction equations based on the effects of markers will be developed to update assessments and obtain reliable genetic values in young animals not yet included in traditional evaluations. The methodology will be defined, the first algorithms will be implemented, and the dataset for validating these equations will be selected. Once developed, they will be validated and their ability to predict the genetic potential of young animals with high reliability will be demonstrated. For breeders, these equations will allow for earlier identification of foals with the highest reproductive value, enabling earlier selection decisions and optimizing breeding investment. This will translate into faster and more efficient improvement in the performance, functionality, and genetic quality of the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse), reducing time and costs in decision-making.

A predictive system will be developed to estimate the traits of future offspring based on the matings proposed by each breeder, considering various characteristics and quantifying the accuracy of each estimate. The necessary algorithms will be defined, and initial tests will be conducted with real-world cases selected by leading breeders. Later, the final model will be implemented, and its results will be validated using data from sire-dam-offspring trios. For breeders, this system will allow them to anticipate the expected genetic merit of each cross before it is made, helping them design more profitable matings that are aligned with the farm's objectives. This will facilitate improvements in the functional, morphological, and health quality of future generations of the PRE (Purebred Spanish Horse), reducing uncertainty and optimizing the reproductive strategy.

A functional digital platform will be developed that integrates data collection, genomic evaluations, mating management, and offspring prediction into a single environment. The complete architecture and main modules will be designed, and a first navigable prototype will be generated for internal testing. Subsequently, the final version will be implemented, featuring an intuitive interface validated by the technical team and designed for ease of use by livestock farmers. This tool will allow easy access to genetic data, simulate matings, and predict the merit of future offspring, improving selection decisions and optimizing reproductive strategy. The platform will reduce processing times, centralize information, and facilitate more efficient, profitable, and data-driven management.

An integrated chatbot will be developed for the digital platform, capable of providing accurate and coherent answers to predefined queries regarding the interpretation of genomic values, the use of different modules, and the resolution of frequently asked questions. The knowledge base, which will include frequently asked questions and a glossary of terms, will be defined and uploaded, and a first version of the generative AI engine will be implemented for initial testing. Subsequently, the chatbot will be trained, thoroughly tested with a list of real-world queries, and validated until the expected response rate is achieved. For livestock farmers, this tool will provide immediate and accessible support, facilitating the understanding of genetic results and the efficient use of the platform. It will allow for instant answers to questions, reduce operational errors, and expedite management and selection decisions.

The dissemination outcome is communicating information about the operational group and the project to the sector and the general public. The project will establish clear and continuous communication with the equine sector and the general public, creating a solid structure to coordinate all information and training activities. Objectives, key messages, and timelines will be defined, and social media, websites, and newsletters in several languages will be used to ensure that the results reach all stakeholders quickly and effectively. For livestock farmers, veterinarians, and companies, this means direct access to up-to-date information that facilitates more informed decisions, reduces uncertainty, and improves the planning of their operations. Thanks to practical content, tailored messages, and a constant presence in digital media, professionals will be able to immediately take advantage of new tools, stay informed about project progress, and improve the competitiveness of their businesses through reliable, accessible communication designed to support their daily activities.

The dissemination objective is to establish channels for sharing the project's results with all relevant stakeholders. The project will disseminate its findings throughout the equine sector through practical materials, technical workshops, informative and scientific articles, participation in trade fairs, and direct training. This will enable breeders, veterinarians, and companies to learn about and apply the new tools and knowledge generated, especially the platform and genomic assessments. The main benefits will be more precise reproductive decisions, accelerated genetic improvement, reduced selection costs, and increased farm competitiveness. Through talks, courses, specialized journals, and virtual meetings, professionals will be able to quickly incorporate these innovations into their daily work, optimize the management of their farms, and take advantage of new business opportunities in an increasingly data-driven environment.