Due to the size of the department, it deals with a number of areas ranging from food development to the area of gene conservation. We consider it important by keeping the classical animal husbandry therefore results can be presented in new areas.
One of the research of our department is to develop breeding programmes. That means the economic evaluation of breeding objectives, organizing the performance testing, genetic parameters and breeding value evaluation, selection and mating plans. This activity is carried out in cooperation with the Hungarian Simental Breeders Association, Hungarian Charolais Breeding Association and Hungarian Sheep and Goat Breeding Association.
The breeding programmes are related to the different performance tests, the development of breeding value evaluation models and calculations of selection progress, which can be utilized to Hungarian sport horse mares considering the assessment of national showjumping sports scores, or even the evaluation of the Mangalica pig breed genetic structure.
Gene preservation has always represented a major part of the department’s life. Recently our fellow workers have participated in several projects which are aimed at the conservation of many autochthonous breeds such as Mangalica, Hungarian grey cattle, Racka sheep, Bronze and Copper turkey, Hucul and the Frizzled Hungarian Goose. At present the department is devoting particular attention to the Carpathian Brown cattle. In respect to sheep breeding for the last few years our co-workers have been studying the importance of wool. They make efforts to breed the Hungarian hair sheep a new variety with the characteristics of non-seasonal breeding, high ratio of twin pregnancies, good quality of stands, complete shedding and resistance against gastro-intestinal worm infections.
Our department is interested in aquaculture research as well. Our own research unit consists of multiple recirculation systems, which makes it possible to carry out parallel studies on different species on the basis of their ecological needs (e.g. saltwater or freshwater, cold or warm water). Our primary research objectives are fish larvae and juvenile rearing and different fish feeding experiments for which we have our own experimental fish feeding machine. The most recent projects of our aquaculture laboratory are aquaponics and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture studies. Both systems help reduced negative effects of intensive fish farming on environment. Furthermore, plant products can be produced in large quantities using the sewage water, rich in organic nutrients. Most of the products produced by livestock are utilized as food, and thereby may determine the quality of people's life.
For years the department staff participated in several projects, which aim to improve the quality and enhance the functionality of food. In our opinion, the functional foods will be of high importance in people's food-supply, although it is not yet widespread nowadays. Our activity is to develop these types of food products as well.