Promoting research excellence in animal science
Research at the Centre of Excellence in Genomics, Biotechnology and Quality of Animal Products in Sustainable Production Systems with consideration of Animal Welfare focuses on animal science and food production, taking into account and minimising the harmful effects of agriculture on the environment. Some work, for example, aims at improving the quality of milk, meat and eggs with an emphasis on enrichment with bioactive compounds that promote human health. The Institute already had well equipped laboratories, conference facilities and an experimental farm with cattle, goats, sheep, hens, quails and rabbits. The ANIMBIOGEN in EU project successfully built on these existing capacities in genomics and biotechnology to increase the centre's capacity to participate in research at the European level. This was achieved through bilateral visits, conferences and workshops, twinning activities and networking events with strategic EU partners. New research staff were recruited and trained, and new equipment was purchased, including a high-tech spectrophotometer and a gas chromatograph. These improvements have resulted in a number of journal publications and applications for funding grants. ANIMBIOGEN in EU has reinforced cooperation within the European Research Area (ERA) and with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It has also strengthened regional capacities, ensuring high quality research collaborations in the fields of food quality, genomics and biotechnology.
