Institute of Animal Biotechnology
Универзитет „Св. Кирил и Методиј“ Скопје | |
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 1949 |
| Rector | Prof. Dr. Velimir Stojkoski Vet. M.D. |
Administrative staff | 2,700 |
| Students | 50,700 |
| Location | , |
| Campus | Urban |
| Affiliations | EUA |
| Website | www.ukim.edu.mk |
| File:Univerzitet Sv. Kiril i Metodij-logo.png | |
The Institute of Animal Biotechnology is an independent entity of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Food in Skopje, Macedonia and has educational and research role. The institute hosts the laboratory for GMO and Genetic Engineering.
Role[edit]
The institute organizes graduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies in the fields of animal biotechnology, animal genetic engineering, management of animal health, nutrition and control, food safety of animal origin, milk and dairy products, genetics and selection. The institute's main research goes through the laboratory for GMO and Genetic Engineering.
At the request of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in 2002, a study on biosafety was conducted by the Head of the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB). The study discussed what modifications were possible, the manner of their creation, the levels of security depending on the type of modification and the then state of the field in Macedonia.
In cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) beginning in 2005, BMB participated in a project titled "Improving the system of food safety in the Republic of Macedonia", which is focused on establishing systems to control the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in various types of food products. In 2005, the laboratory received an automatic DNA analyzer, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a new camera for gel documentation. Within this project team members trained at the Institute for the Control of Foodstuffs in Lower Saxony, Department of Genetic Engineering and the Laboratory for GMO control at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, Slovenia, two renowned institutions the field of GMOs. This project was entirely funded by IAEA for about 250,000 Euros.
The Ministry of Health, which includes a Directorate for Food, in 2006 authorized BMB to study the control of GMOs in different foodstuffs and actively participate in the development of professional tests organized by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
The Institute supports a range of research projects, including "Application of molecular marker for stress syndrome in selection of pigs", "Application of molecular markers for dairy proteins (κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin) in selection of dairy cows and sheep", "Identification and conservation of animal genetic resources in Southeastern Europe", financed "TSE genotyping and breeding program in small ruminants in the Republic of Macedonia ".
Equipment[edit]
The GMO Laboratory covers 144 m2 and is organized into nine segments. Equipment includes PCR machines, spectrophotometers with ultraviolet and visible light, a centrifuge system, a cooling water bath with a mixer, equipment for each type of electrophoresis, blotting, a visualization system of gels and relevant software packages. The laboratory has an automated DNA sequencer. Staff includes three biochemists and a biologist with extensive experience in their fields. The leader is the only Ph.D. in the field of GMOs in Macedonia.
External links[edit]
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje website (in English)
- Faculty of Agricultural Science and Food in Skopje (in Macedonian)
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