Research Projects are grouped by Laboratory
01. ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS
European research projects:
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Design of Effective and sustainable control strategies for LIVER fluke in Europe (DELIVER)
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Multiparametric detection of bio-molecule conjugated nanoparticles for the diagnostic investigation of mycobacterial infections of humans and animals (Coordinator)
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Analysis and control of egg contamination by Salmonella and other zoonotic pathogens after the move of laying hens to enriched cages and alternative housing systems (SAFEHOUSE)
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“ConFluTech” European research program for training and harmonization of flu techniques in general and bird flu in particular
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Multi faced research in rabbits: a model to develop a healthy and safe production in respect with animal welfare. European Cooperation in Science and Technology. COST 848 Action. 2000-2005.
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Veterinary Network of Laboratories Researching into Improved Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Mycobacterial Diseases. Coordination action. 2004.
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Design of Effective and sustainable control strategies for LIVER fluke in Europe (DELIVER). FP6-FOOD. 2006-2009.
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Multiparametric detection of bio-molecule conjugated nanoparticles for the diagnostic investigation of mycobacterial infections of humans and animals (NANOMYC). FP6-LIFESCIHEALTH. 2007-2010.
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Capacity building for the control of Avian influenza through technology transfer and training (ConFluTech). FP6-POLICIES. 2007-2012.
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Epigenetics and Periconception Environment – Periconception environment as an Epigenomic lever for optimising food production and health in livestock. (EPICONCEPT) COST FA1201: 2012-2016.
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Small Ruminant Assist Training (Alltech-SRAT). ALLTECH©. 2018-2019.
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Post mortem examination and histology of bird carcasses collected following the application of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos. Tier3 solutions GmbH (Germany) for Corteva AgriscienceTM, The Agriculture Division of DowDuPontTM. 2013-2020.
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Swine diseases field diagnostic toolbox (SWINOSTICS). Horizon 2020. 2018-2021.
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European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT). Cost Action, CA18217. 2019-2023.
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Disseminating Innovation Solutions for Antibiotic Resistance Management» (DISARM). Horizon 2020. 2019-2022.
National research projects:
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Study of the effect of maternal nutrition during gestation on physiological and production traits of their offspring in sheep», EPEAEK ‘PITHAGORAS’ 2004-2008.
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Biosecurity control of animal-derived foods for children. ΧΜ ΕΟΧ 2004-2009 and Ministry of Finance. 2009-2011.
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Study of the effect of maternal undernutrition, during late gestation and/or lactation, on physiological traits of female and male offspring in sheep». HAO-Demeter. 2011-2013.
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Vaccine-based control of paratuberculosis. Aristeia ΙΙ. 2014.
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Development of innovative diets to improve sheep milk quality (FEED FOR MILK). Operational Program Western Greece 2014-2020, Action: Strengthening Development and Innovation Research Plans and RIS3 Priority Area “AGRICULTURE”. 2019-2020.
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Epidemiological investigation of foot lameness, assessment of relevant risk factors and development of a protocol for its diagnosis, prediction and control in intensive dairy sheep flocks. Operational Program ‘Development of Human Resources, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020. ‘Support of Researchers with emphasis on Young Researchers-Second call’. 2020-2021.
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A comprehensive approach against ovine progressive pneumonia for the preservation and sustainability of Chios sheep farms. Application of early disease-detection systems and generation of virus-free breeding stocks (RETROFREE). 1st Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects for the support of Academics, Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. 2020-2022
02. ANIMAL BREEDING & HUSBANDRY
- Genome scanning and identification of genes controlling (re)production traits in broilers’ (2016-2020), Aviagen Ltd.
- Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE)’ (2017-2020), Horizon 2020 – Research and Innovation Framework Program.
- SMAll RuminanTs breeding for Efficiency and Resilience (SMARTER) (2018-2022), Horizon 2020 – Research and Innovation Framework Program.
- Genome Wide Association Scanning and Gene Network Analysis of Body Weight in broilers’ Grant: MIS 5005869. Union (European Social Fund – ESF) through the Operational Program Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020.
- Development of new technologies for the management of extensively ruminants’ farming, Regional government of Hepirus, 2019-2021.
- Different forces behind the development of genomic diversity in indigenous cattle strains and breeds in Greece and Germany, DAAD.
- Climate Change in Agriculture (CLICHA), Erasmus + KA2 Action, European Union.
- Training program for young poultry farmers, beginners and unemployed: Broiler Farming in the framework of «New Agriculture for a New Generation – Recharging Youth to revitalize the Agriculture and Food Sector of the Greek Economy» SNF – Rutgers University (USA).
- Use of microalgae in the production of novel yoghurt-type products. RESEARCH – CREATE – INNOVATE 2nd Round.
- Acid whey from yogurt: Turning an environmental burden into innovative added value end products. RESEARCH – CREATE – INNOVATE 2nd Round.
- Scientific support on milk quality issues. Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos
- Study of proteolytic processes in ovine milk, MINERVA SA.
- Development of subclinical mastitis screening tests for small ruminants with laboratory and point of care application, co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund- ESF).
- Evaluation of immunomodulatory and antihypertensive properties of dairy byproducts and investigation of their effect on calcium and iron absorption by the intestinal epithelium, State Scholarship Foundation.
- Innovative utilization approaches and comparative advantages of Cheese Whey of ovine/caprine origin from the region of Epirus, Regional government (Epirus-Greece).
- Implementation of innovative technologies in the production of yogurt with enhanced biofunctional properties, Cooperation 2011, GSRT.
- Genomic selection in dairy sheep’. Action: “Cooperation 2011” (2013-2015). Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
- Self-sufficient production of beef meat of fine quality. Action: PAVET 2013 (2014-2015). Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
- Iron bioavailability in dairy products, Biokid.
- The biological value of soy, JSK Hellas.
- The effect of vitamin E in the antioxidant capacity of dairy cows, DSM Nutritional Products.
- Thalis – «The effects of antioxidants’ dietary supplementation on animal product quality, EU and Greece.
- Developmental programming in rabbits: Effects of maternal nutrition on the productivity, physiology and behavior of the offspring.
03. APPLIED HYDROBIOLOGY
The Laboratory of Applied Hydrobiology coordinates and participates in private sector, National and European funded research projects:
- “Brightfish: Use of yeasts and fungi in sea bream diets towards improving skin pigmentation and immune response” 2020-2023
- “EstroFish: Development and comparison of methods for detection and quantification of phytoestrogens in fish feed raw materials, fish feed and Mediterranean farmed fish species” 2019– 2022
- “EU-CONEXUS Research for society” funded by Horizon 2020. Call: H2020-IBA-SwafS-Support-1-2020. 2021
- “Evaluation of feeding dry diets to red seabream larvae”. Source of funding: Private sector. 2020-2021.
- “EU‐CONEXUS: European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability” Co funded by Erasmus + Programme of the European Union. 2019
- “The use of antioxidants in gilthead seabream nutrition”. Source of funding: Private sector. 2019-2020.
- “Development and comparison of methods for detection and quantification of phytoestrogens in fish feed raw materials, fish feed and Mediterranean farmed fish species.” Funding: MIA-RTDI, Special Actions: Aquaculture – Industrial Materials – Innovation open to culture (EPAnEK). 2019.
- “Structured Light-Based fish BiOmass estimator – SaLTBOx”. Source of funding: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2019-2022.
- “Control of authenticity and nutrition of the Greek market with molecular identification” of the OP Fisheries and Maritime 2014-2020, co-funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund – EMFF. 2019-2021.
- “Evaluation of feeding dry diets to gilthead seabream larvae”. Source of funding: Private sector. 2019-2020.
- “Compensatory growth and single nucleotide variation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)”. Wageningen University and Research. ΤΝΑ funded by AQUAEXCEL Η2020. 2019.
- Bottarga’s Chemical composition. Funded by Trikalinos Co. 2018.
- “Blue Career Centre of Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea (MENTOR)” funded by the European Commission EASME/EMFF. 2017.
- “The use of emulsifiers in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) diets”. Source of funding: Private sector. 2017-2019.
- “Evaluation of European sea bass larvae nutritional state”. Source of funding: Private sector. 2016-2017.
- “Modernization, equipment update and accreditation of the Department of Applied Hydrobiology of the Agricultural University of Athens, for the control of quality and safety of fish products” funded under the Greek Fisheries Operational Programme 2007-2013, Ministry of Rural Development and Food. 2016.
- “Exploitation of discards from the Greek seas for fish oil production and its use for experimental sea bream and sea bass rearing”, funded under the Greek Fisheries Operational Programme 2007-2013. 2016.
- “New Agriculture for a New Generation-Recharging Greek Youth to Revitalize the Agriculture and Food Sector of the Greek Economy” funded by Rudgers the State University of Νew Jersey. 2015.
- “Fish oil replacement in aquafeeds for sea bream and sea bass with alternative lipid sources” (2013-2015) funded under the National Strategic Reference Framework NSRF 2007-2013, General Secretariat of Research and Technology. Partners: AUA (Coordinator), NKUA, BIOMAR, ABOTIS. 2015.
- “Development of sustainable fishfeeds for sea bass: effects of growth and chemical composition of fish” funded by Biomar Hellenic, 2014.
- “Effect of dietary inclusion of sanguinarine on growth, physiological status and quality of juvenile gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata”. Source of funding: Phytobiotics, Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH (Germany), 2010-2011.
- “Organic Aquaculture – Perspercives on development” Greek Fisheries Operational Programme, Ministry of Rural Development and Food. 2008
04. NUTRITIONAL PHYSIOLOGY & FEEDING
The Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology & Feeding of the Department of Animal Science of the Agricultural University of Athens participates with its member (E. Zoidis) in the research team of the project entitled «PROVATO: PRecisiOn liVestock monitoring with AI and IoT tOols», which is funded by HORIZON EUROPE.
The Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology & Feeding of the Department of Animal Science of the Agricultural University of Athens participates in the project entitled “YOgurt of Greece produced with a novel Algae Ration Technology” and Project Code T2EDK-02990/MIS 5069986. This research has been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, under the call RESEARCH—CREATE—INNOVATE.
The Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology & Feeding of the Department of Animal Science of the Agricultural University of Athens participates in the project entitled “Development and comparison of methods for the detection and quantification of phytoestrogens in fish feed raw materials, fish feed and farmed Mediterranean species of fish – EstroFish” and Project Code T6YBP-00536/MIS 5052097 which is part of the Special Actions “AQUACULTURE” – “INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS” – “OPEN INNOVATION IN CULTURE” and is carried out with the co-financing of Greece and the European Union, within the framework of the Operational Program EPANEK 2014-2020, NSRF 2014-2020.
European research projects:
- Development of a Competitive Exclusion Product for Poultry Meeting the Regulatory Requirements in the European Union, duration 24 months (2/2003-2/2004)
- LIFE 2006. Development of a financial viable procedure LIFE 03 ENV/GR/000223 (02/05/06 – 31/09/06). Funding source: European Union
- EU Research Programme FP6 007081 (2009-2010) entitled “Pathogen Combat for Safe Food”
- Studies on the regulation of the Phex gene (2005-2010) Funding source: Swiss National Science Foundation (Member of the main research team).
- Production of functional foods: effect of antioxidant’s dietary supplementation on the quality of the produced meat”. Programme “Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Exploitation of Research at the Agricultural University of Athens (2014-2015), co-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) and the Greek State, grant number: 770001
- LIFE 2016. Food for Feed: An Innovative process for transforming hotels food wastes into animal feed. (LIFE15ENU/GR/000257)
- LIFE 2016. Forage systems for less green house gas emission and more soil carbon sink in continental and Mediterranean agricultural areas. (LIFE15CCM/IT/000039).
- EU2018. Upgrading and implementing mathematical models to increase nitrogen use efficiency of lactating dairy cows. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE), H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017, Project 777974-CowficieNcy
- Horizon 2020. Disseminating Innovative Solutions for Antibiotic Resistance Management. Project817591-DISARM
- CONOPS (LIFE12ENV/GR/000466): Development & demonstration of management plans against -the climate change enhanced- invasive mosquitoes in S. Europe, conops.gr
- CLIMATREE (LIFE14CCM/GR/000635): A novel approach for accounting & monitoring carbon sequestration of tree crops and their potential as carbon sink areas, lifeclimatree.eu
- Next destination Balkans: Αgricultural landscapes development (LANDS), funded by European Commission- EACEA-Erasmus+
- Evaluation of the EU exceptional measures in the poultry and egg sector, 8 months duration (3/2011 – 10/2011), overseas funding
- UPDATEST: Training students and professionals in the food sector on new testing technologies (2018). Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (Participating Member)
National research projects:
- Use of some plants extracts in dairy ruminant diets for functional products (10/01/05 – 09/07/05). Funding source: Secretary of Research and Development
- Evaluation of Ikaria Island grassland grazed by small ruminants (16/01/06 – 30/04/06). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Determination of grazing capacity of Rhodes Island grasslands (01/02/07 – 30/01/08). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Effect of nutrition on chemical and organoleptic characteristics of sheep and goat milk of organic farming systems (01/02/08 – 31/03/08). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Determination of additional cost, lost income and farmers cost from agroenviromental measures application (01/02/08 – 30/09/08). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- The use of special diets for Octupus vulgaris under practical aquaqualture conditions (02/06/08 – 01/09/08). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Sheep and goat sector in Crete- current conditions and perspectives. Funding: Ministry of Rural Development and Food (2008)
- Evaluation and proposed methods to improve the sheep productivity in Crete (01/12/2008 – 31/01/2009). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Reorganization of agricultural activities in Falesia Prefecture (03/03/09- 31/12/10). Funding source: Falesia Prefecture
- Nutritive evaluation of crude glycerol in growing piglets, funded by the AUA – Research Committee, duration 24 months (2010-2011)
- Improvement of the infrastructure of Agriculture in Armenia: Establishment a feed mill (01/05/2010 – 15/06/2010). Funding source: Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Management of wild rabbit population in the island of Lemnos: the investigation of using rabbit game meat in human nutrition (2014-2015). Funding source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
- Evaluation of cultivating and processing techniques in different alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) genetic materials for high quality livestock products (2015). Funding source: NSRF 2007-2013
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the AUA: Connecting scientific research with business ideas (2014-2015). Subproject title: Device for digestion and vacuum filtration in gravimetric analyses. Funding source: Municipality of Athens, NSRF 2007-2013.
- Effect of artificial and natural rearing on qualitative characteristics of lamb meat “AgroETAK: Research and Technology Development Innovation projects” (01/02/15 – 30/11/15). Funding source: Ministry of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy (YPAPEN)
- Mapping the profile of molecular biomarkers relevant for the intestinal antioxidant status and integrity in an intestinal dysbiosis experimental model induced in broilers via nutrition and mycotoxins. Action code MIS 5048543 and duration 15 months (end date 16/12/2021) funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework 2014-2020
- Innovative nano-materials in animal nutrition: evaluation of the effects of selenium nanoparticles‑loaded chitosan microspheres on meat quality. Action code MIS 5048474and duration 15 months (end date 19/06/2021) funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework 2014-2020
- New agriculture for a new generation: recharging youth to revitalize the agriculture and food sector of the Greek economy (coordination by the Lab of Nutritional Physiology and Feeding. Activity: Livestock Farming and Dairy Technology. Funding: Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
- Acid whey from yogurt: Turning an environmental burden into innovative added value end products, conducted under the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship & Innovation” (EPAnEK). Funded by GSRT
Industry projects
- The effect of Sparta INNOLIVE (a by- product from olive oil production) inclusion on broilers diets on some biochemical and performances parameters (01/04/15 – 31/12/15)
- Safety and tolerance of attapulgite in broilers, 11 months duration (9/2008 – 7/2009), funded by industry
- Evaluation of mycotoxin binders for poultry, 23 months duration (2/2012 – 12/2013), funded by industry
- Efficacy of LANCER© 500 (Rare Earth Elements) in pig feeding. Funding source: University of Munich (2009)
- Efficacy of dietary 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) in growing pigs. Funding source: Industry (2006)
- Microbiological analysis of feed, water and gut samples from broiler chickens fed a new nutritional competitive exclusion product, funded by industry and duration 12 months (7/2005-7/2006).
- Effects of essential oils and benzoic acid administration in broiler performance and gut microflora composition”, funded by industry duration 9 months (8/2007 – 4/2008)
- Optimisation of feed inclusion levels of probiotic and phytogenic feed additive products in broiler nutrition and investigation of their effects on broiler intestinal ecology and physiology, funded by industry and duration 36 months (4/2007-3/2010).
- Investigation of critical biomarkers underpinning the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of probiotic and phytogenic feed additives on broiler performance and gut health, funded by industry and duration 48 months (9/2011-8/2015)
- Investigation of the efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broilers under pathogenic challenge, funded by industry and duration 24 months (10/2012-10/2014)
- Mg bioavailability of four MgO products in sheep, 9 months duration (6/2014 – 2/2015), funded by industry
- Matrix value validations for selected feed enzymes in broilers, funded by industry and duration 16 months (9/2015-12/2016)
- Evaluation of an alternative protein source in broilers nutrition, 8 months duration (10/2016 – 6/2017), funded by idustry
- Mapping and validating energy and protein matrix values of phytogenics and probiotics for optimum performance efficiency in broilers, funded by industry and duration 31 months (12/2015-8/2018)
- Evaluation of dietary phytogenic inclusion level on broiler growth performance and nutrient digestibility, funded by industry and duration 20 months (5/2016-4/2017)
- Profiling broiler gut for critical indices relevant to gut function and health, funded by industry and duration 12 months (4/2017-4/2018)
- Scientific support in research, development and application of feed additives in animal nutrition, funded by industry and duration 14 months (11/2017-12/2018)
- Scientific support and evaluation of animal nutrition applications, funded by industry and duration 8 months (4/2019-12/2019)
- Advancing knowledge regarding the energy and protein sparing potential of phytogenics and probiotics at gut and overall broiler level, funded by industry and duration 36 months (9/2019-9/2022)
- Evaluation of feed – flavouring compounds formulations for their effects on broiler performance, gut and liver function biomarkers, funded by industry and duration 18 months (1/2020-6/2021)
- Evaluation of vitamin D3 levels and its metabolites on performance, egg quality and physiological biomarkers in older laying hens, funded by industry and duration 18 months (1/2020-6/2021)
- Evaluation of phytogenic premix inclusion level on hen laying performance, egg quality and critical gut, liver and ovaries function biomarkers, funded by industry and duration 18 months (7/2020-12/2021)
- Bioavailability of Cr and Ni in pigs fed diets supplemented with palygorskite, funded by industry and duration 10 months (06/2020-04/2021)
