Research

The aim of ReDiverse is to improve the breeding of local red cattle breeds to such an extent that they are competitive with Holstein-Frisian and thus contribute to their preservation. For this purpose, genomic marker data as well as complete gene sequences of the animals are collected and evaluated. In addition, scientific and methodological issues play a major role. This is a European collaborative project in which the Department of Animal Breeding is involved in the management.

Project website: https://era-susan.eu/content/rediverse

The aim of the project is to develop and test methods for digitizing the performance testing of local site-adapted livestock breeds (= animal genetic resources). The project focuses on Rotbunte in dual use as well as Angler cattle, the German white-headed meat sheep and Angler saddleback pigs. These breeds are closely linked to Schleswig-Holstein, as this is a regionally located EIP project. This type of project is characterized by close cooperation between farmers, advisors and research institutions.

Several smaller projects are summarized under this title, which aim to perform comprehensive genomic analyses in the Angler saddleback pig as well as the Mangalitsa woolly pig. This includes revealing the relatedness and inbreeding in the populations in Germany as well as the analysis of diversity and population structure. These data will be correlated with existing pedigrees and used as a basis for the development of sustainable breeding strategies. This will contribute to the long-term conservation of these breeds.

The aim of this project is to design breeding programs to improve the milk yield of the Butana cattle in Sudan. On the one hand, the results should help practical animal breeding under smallholder conditions in Sudan. On the other hand, this project should show how breeding programs can be established in countries with similar conditions.

The aim of the project was to develop methods for the use of genomic information in local site-adapted livestock breeds (=animal genetic resources). Using the example of Angler cattle, Angler saddleback pigs, German white-headed meat sheep, German noble goat, and Schleswiger Kaltblut, the analysis of genomic data, pedigrees, and a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-risk analysis was carried out. This project was an EIP project with regional linkage to Schleswig-Holstein.