Biotechnology in Belgium

Molecular Biology and Animal Physiology Department

 

Address

Molecular Biology and Animal Physiology Department
Faculty University of Agricultural Sciences of Gembloux
Avenue Maréchal Juin 3
5030 Gembloux (Belgium)
Tel: +32- 81- 62 21 55
Fax +32- 81- 61 38 88
E-mail: bimaphya@fsagx.ac.be

 

Animal Biology and Physiology Section

responsible: R. Renaville

1. Study of the genes involved in the control of the somatotropic axis in bovine and swine

In this research programme, different genes know to control the somatotropic axis are studied. Particularly, we investigate the Pit-1, GH, GH-receptor and IGF-I genes.
This research is conducted in collaboration with different breeders associations, universities (PennState University (USA), University of Udine (Italy) and private societies (Bioaxis, France, Nutri-Tomen, France, Tomen, Japan).

2. Development of indirect method to identify animal treatment with BST

BST treatment is prohibited in Europe. Even if this position could be changed in the future, it is important to certificate the different animals products to receive the agreement of the consumer associations. ELISA and ruthenium method are developed.
Collaborations: PennState University, USA; University of Bologna, Italy, University of Udine, Italy
Financial source: Ministery of Agriculture

3. Certification of animal products by fingerprinting

Fingerprinting method is developed in the laboratory to certificate animal's products. This approach is potent to guarantee at the consumer the origin of the animal products. bovine, swine, poultry or dug products are then certificated using this method.
Financial source: Ministery of Agriculture and Ministery of Health

4. Fingerprint method and genetic programme

Genetic and selection programme are based upon the origin of the animal. However, frequent errors are observed especially because blood groups are limited to realise discreminancy between animals. This approach will be applied in the selection scheme of the Belgian Blue breed. Other species are presently investigated.
Financial source: Ministery of Agriculture
Collaboration: Center of Selelection in Belgium and in Italy

5. Leptine and fat deposition

Leptine is know to act on the fat deposition. Also, molecular and endorcinological methods are developed to investigate the role of this factor in bovine and swine. The objectives is to determine the possibility to select early interesting animal for this factor.

6. Indirect method to detect animal treated with anabolic compounds

Anabolic compounds are illegaly used in many countries. Also, we investigate at the molecular and endocrinological levels different parameters affected by anabolic compounds that can be used in an indirect method of detection.
Financial source: Ministery of Agriculture
Collaboration: University of Udine (Italy)

 

Molecular Biology Section

responsible: Dr. R. Kettmann

1. Molecular study of the BLV

Bovine leukaemia virus is studied as a model for human leukaemia. Different molecular methods are used to analyse the virus, the membrane protein, the receptor and finally, the gene encoding for this virus.
Financial source: FNRS

 

© Belgian Clearing-House Mechanism, 2001. On the Internet since 7 October 1996. Contact us