In Eastern Hungary keeping, breeding and utilization of ruminants, predominantly cattle and sheep are based on pasture in extensive production. Intensive animal production is also characteristic of the region. Studies of the production of beef-cattle breeds and their crossings, as well as dairy cattle breeds (Jersey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red), their crossing with Holstein-Friesian and complementary investigation of their production is in focus. Analysis of milk of different genotypes and the effects of different nutrients onto the milk components are in progress. Besides traditional methods ultrasound measurements are also applied in the studies of the condition and body composition of animals.
At our Experimental Farm beside the Tsigay and Prolific Merino breeds we keep hair (Somali and Barbados Blackbelly) and shedding wool (Dorper and White Dorper) flocks. Our aseasonal hair- and shedding wool sheep are lambing timed for the seasonal markets (Eastern, Feragosto, Christmas), or three times in two years. The genetic limits of meat production ability of the dual purpose Cokanski Tsigay sheep is studied in purebred condition as well as in utility crossings.
The sheep milking parlor can be used for milk production studies and milk products can be manufactured in the dairy factory of the University. The size of the Prolific Merinos (controlled for carrying the Booroola-gene) was improved by Texel crossing. Dorper x Barbados reciprocal crossbreeds were backcrossed with Dorper and selection is carried out for the creation of the easy care „Hungarian Hairsheep” adapted to our present and changing climate. The new breed will need no docking, shearing and bath, will be resistant to gastrointestinal worms, having aseasonal reproduction, well pigmented with correct nails and legs, good proportion of twinning and rearing and polled.
We started with different woolsheep x hairsheep crossings, partly for utility goals. The hybrid lambs have better viability and in the case of aseasonal mothers they can be born round the year in planned times, or permanently, as well. The creation of hairy milksheep started by crossing British Milksheep, Tsigay and Lacaune mothers with hairy rams.
Research works are going on with other ancient, dairy, prolific and mutton breeds with cooperating partners.
We take care of the quality of animal products. With external and within the University cooperations we are dealing with the improvement of human nutrition and functional food.