Genetic evaluation of the dominance effect in domesticated rabbits 2013-2016: Optimisation of Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategies for the Maximisation of Resource Efficiency (FP7-REGIONS-2012-2013-1 WASTECOSMART GA No. 319969)(K 106175)

In the course of this project three populations of different rabbit genotypes (Pannon White breed, Pannon Ka (maternal line) and Pannon Terminal line) will be analyzed from quantitative genetic aspects. The main objective of this study is to estimate genetic parameters (additive genetic effects, dominance effects), inbreeding depression and breeding value stability for the available reproductive (number of kits born alive, number of kits born dead, total number of born kits and litter weight at day 21), growth (average daily gain between the ages of 5 and 10 weeks) and slaughter (thigh muscle volume, thigh muscle weight, dressing out percentage, perirenal fat weight, intramuscular fat weight and ratio of the hind part of the carcass) traits using different animal models.

The Project addressed the priority areas of a “Resource Efficient Europe” and relates to the EcoAP, by boosting innovation based on research and technology development within the field of integrated waste management. Through cross border cooperation and collaborative research activities between six regional research driven clusters, the project strengthened regional capacities for investment, research and technological development. The core goal was to help introduce innovation to the market in this sector and as a consequence support economic growth and regional development. The partners of WASTECOSMART joined forces to elaborate one Joint Action Plan (JAP) for the coordination and strengthening of their complementary RTD capacities. In close consultation with regional stakeholders from the scientific world, businesses and public authorities (triple helix), the regions elaborated a coordinated set of Regional Research Agendas and a cross-regional Joint Action Plan, which set a common roadmap for future collaborative RTD activities and developed synergetic follow-up projects in these key domains. The formation of regional waste management clusters was further strengthened through the mentoring of less developed regions, the dissemination of the outcomes on various platforms and internationalisation measures reaching out to other high potential regions in the world. WASTECOSMART’s approach to waste management was based on a novel and innovative process applying a holistic set of practices.

Analysis of purging and likelihood of genetic death in Pannon White rabbit and Border Collie dog populations (K 128177)
In the course of this project two populations (Pannon White rabbit breed and Hungarian Border collie dog) will be analysed from complex inbreeding aspects. The main objectives of this study are to estimate genetic parameters, inbreeding depression (including number of lethal equivalents and likelihood of genetic death) for the available reproductive traits (number of kits born alive, number of kits born dead, total number of born kits and survival rate at birth) of the rabbits and genetic diseases (Collie eye anomaly, trapped neutrophil syndrome, elbow and hip dysplasia) of the Hungarian Border collie dogs. Ancestors carrying inbreeding load will be identified which can subsequently be utilised getting rid of their contribution to inbreeding of future generation.

Assessment of Inbreeding Burden in Hungarian Breeds: Challenging Technological Solutions to Improve Genetic Health and Resilience (NKFI ADVANCED 150863)
Our main objective in this project is to improve the current estimation of harmful inbreeding burden based on pedigree phenotype or whole genome sequence (WGS) information, focusing on advanced technological solutions to improve the monitoring and management of harmful inbreeding load in several important Hungarian breeds (Mangalica pigs, Pannon rabbits and Thoroughbred horses). The scientific challenges are in particular: i) the development of software to calculate sex-specific classical and ancestral inbreeding coefficients, ii) the estimation of inbreeding depression and purging, iii) the prediction of individual inbreeding load and iv) the quantification of harmful mutation load using WGS information.