Broad and in-depth research
Our research and teaching programs focus on both general issues in animal breeding and genetics and more species oriented problems concerning cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, sheep and dogs. In the species specific projects we often work in research themes that combine expertise from different disciplines. Although traditional farm animals play an important role, new developments in agriculture and the society place more emphasis on species like the horse and companion animals. Issues related to animal health and welfare have a long tradition with us.
Strong international co-operation
Our department is involved in many Nordic projects, e.g. in developing joint Nordic genetic evaluations, as well as in EU projects. Informal contacts all over the world are partly stimulated by encouraging our graduate students to spend time abroad. We are also strongly involved in work with research and human capacity building in developing countries such as the CGIAR institute ILRI. We collaborate with FAO, ICAR and Sida. The department hosts the operational center for Interbull which conducts international genetic evaluations of bulls in collaboration with more than 40 countries all around the world. The Interbull Centre is approved by EU as its official reference laboratory of bovine genetic evaluations. Similar work is being developed in the horse area.
Experimental facilities
Pig and dairy research herds provide ample opportunity to collect information in addition to field data for use in research. We collect data ranging from measures of animal behaviour to physiological, molecular and endocrine profiles. The research herds also provide excellent resources in teaching, which contribute to an integration of practice and theory in our courses. The department has laboratories for molecular genetic analysis including state-of-the-art technology for DNA sequencing, genotyping and expression analysis. Pedigree control is conducted for several populations, on behalf of the corresponding breed societies.
Unique data availability
Sweden has a long tradition for extensive recordings of field data and many years of experience in selection for broad breeding goals. Through our close collaboration with the national data recording centers for specific livestock species we have access to extensive amount of information. Especially our good health and disease records are unique. Our internationally well-known pig and poultry intercrosses constitute unique resources for mapping quantitative trait loci.
Broad range of courses
A wide range of courses at both undergraduate and post-graduate level are offered at SLU. We teach courses within the Agricultural, Veterinary, Biotechnology and Horse Management programs. Our students can also take more general courses in statistics, economics etc at SLU or at Uppsala University. A broad range of courses are taught in English within our exchange programs. We co-operate with a number of universities in Europe and North America, and also in other countries.