About Us
The Laboratory of Animal Genetics is situated in the Life Science Building behind the main building of University of Debrecen. The main tasks of the Laboratory are gene, gene expression and proteomic work on livestock species. The Laboratory of Animal Genetics is strongly connected to the Department of Animal Science through its research and education activity. The main task of the shared project is the implementation of the molecular biology measurements and projects.
In the Animal Genetics Laboratory, we perform DNA, RNA, protein assays and searching for markers for milk production, milk quality, meat production and reproductive traits. Our molecular gene group deals with different kinds of species. Pedigree tests are performed on livestock species, and native breeds (Grey cattle, Racka sheep from Hortobagy or from Gyimes, Tsigai, and Bronze turkey).
Teachers, researchers
- Dr. András Kovács, professor, head of Doctoral School
- Dr. Szilvia Kusza, senior research fellow
- Dr. Rózsáné Dr. Zsófia Várszegi, lecturer
- Nikolett Sziszkosz, PhD student
- Zoltán Bagi, PhD student
- Judit Bordán, PhD student
- Zsuzsanna Csóri, PhD student
- Noémi Soós, PhD student
Research
The Institute manages an Animal Genetics Laboratory in which genetic and proteomic researches have been carried out for five years. The primary aim of the Laboratory is to identify molecular genetic markers to improve the selection and identification of those individuals that carry favorable genes. In molecular genetic studies basically DNA and RNA assays are applied. In the mRNA expression studies we determine the degree of the expression of genes induced by different environmental factors or tissue type. Initially, the DNA studies were limited to polymorphism studies when the genotype of reproductive or disease resistance genes were determined and the correlation with production traits was being searched for. Later, genetic diversity studies were performed on more and more species by microsatellite or mtDNA markers. The selection of individuals carrying favorable genes can be easier, faster and more efficient because of the rapid development of biotechnology, molecular genetics methods and techniques.
Nowadays, the consumer protection is in the focus of research and public interest as well. The incorrect production and commercial practice causes that mislabeled foods are on the market, meaning the ingredients are not correctly indicated on labels. This means concerning animal-derived products that expensive species are replaced by a cheap one in food products and raw food as well. We work on the development of DNA based methodologies, which are cost-effective and may play a role in species identification.