Program Director:
- Dr. Szilvia Kusza, DSc
Members:
- Dr. Zoltán Bagi, PhD
- Dr. Levente Czeglédi, PhD
- Dr. András Hidas, CSc
- Dr. Endre Máthé, PhD
- Dr. Gabriella Gulyás-Tóth, PhD
Our research group primarily conducts molecular genetic and proteomic investigations across multiple species. Parentage verification, as well as the study of allele frequencies and genetic diversity characteristic of particular breeds, populations, or lines, can be performed for all species using different genetic markers.
For the characterization of traditional breeds (e.g. Hungarian Grey cattle, Hortobágy Racka, Gyimes Racka, Tsigai sheep, Bronze turkey) and the authentication of their products (meat and processed meat products), identifying breed-specific genetic markers is of particular importance. In studies aimed at verifying product origin, we have also begun collecting and processing samples from mouflon and wild boar.
Our former and current PhD students have carried out mitochondrial DNA-based sequencing and microsatellite analyses, not only in domestic animals (honeybee, horse breeds such as Hucul, Gidran, Hungarian Coldblood) but also in wild species (European hare, wild boar, pheasant, etc.).
With cattle breeds, research focuses on genetic variants associated with milk production; with sheep breeds, studies address fertility traits (twinning, seasonality/aseasonality) and genetic variants linked to milk allergy. These variants are examined both in homozygous and heterozygous states in purebred and crossbred animals.
In international collaboration, we are conducting comparative genetic studies on heat tolerance in sheep and exploring the genetic diversity of local breeds.