ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

of the animals. Targeted matings were designed and performed in both breeding seasons of each year in order to increase the frequency of the D and S alleles at codon 146 of the PrP gene, and simultaneously decrease the N allele at the same locus. In 2016 and 2017, molecular genotyping of the selected PrP alleles was conducted by the Agrobiotechnology laboratory on more than 789 animals. In this period, the Animal Production section provided the farmers with 45 bucks, 49 goats, 211 male kids and 138 female kids. All the animals had proposed scrapie-resistant genotypes, in order to decrease the frequency of the assumed scrapie-susceptible N allele in the Cyprus Damascus goat population. For all genotype classes, records on body weight at birth, at weaning and at 120 days from birth, dam prolificacy and milk production have been collected to examine potential associations between genotype and animal production traits. All information is recorded in an extended, continuously updated database, according to standard procedures of the Animal Production section. ( G. Hadjipavlou, I.M. Ioannides ) Research project on the establishment of a “CYprus AGRIcultural Genomics cENtre” (AGRICYGEN) The European Project AGRICYGEN (CYprus AGRIcultural Genomics CENtre) commenced in 2017. The project is funded by the Teaming (Phase 1) call of the Horizon 2020 framework programme and is coordinated by the Agricultural Research Institute. AGRICYGEN aims at establishing a Centre of Excellence in Animal and Plant Production in Cyprus. AGRICYGEN encompasses a pioneering research collaboration between the Agricultural Research Institute, the Cyprus Institute, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, the Cyprus-based Development Organisation, RTD TALOS LTD, alongside leading research institutions in Europe. Specifically, the Consortium’s Advanced Partners are the University of Edinburgh (UK), the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) (France), and the Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) (Germany), all experts in various fields in Agrigenomics. The advanced partners will provide the necessary background and know-how to establish the Centre of Excellence in Cyprus. The AGRICYGEN project aims at the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Cyprus, which will take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and expertise in order to facilitate: a) Increased milk production from local sheep and goat breeds b) Increased production of local ruminant feed c) The ecological enrichment of Cyprus soils The project outcomes will have direct impact on the Cyprus economy and society, and will significantly contribute to sustainable development of agriculture and animal production on the island. The initial focus of the project will be on employing research approaches for fulfilling the halloumi cheese PDO requirements in small ruminant milk and feed production, within the harsh and fluctuating environmental and climatic conditions of Cyprus. AGRICYGEN will also aim at further advancing research and innovation activities in various domains connected with the primary production sector. AGRICYGEN ranked fifth out of 208 submitted proposals from 13 countries. Overall, 30 projects received funding in the current Teaming Phase 1 call. During Phase 1, the European Commission grants 400,000 euros for a period of 12 months, in order for the project consortium to demonstrate the potential of the future Centre of Excellence by developing a thorough Business Plan, through effective collaboration and the sharing of expertise. During Phase 2, the successful proposals will receive up to 15 million euros from the European Commission, and a matching fund from the respective national government, for a period of 5-7 years, in order to launch the Centre of Excellence. ( G. Hadjipavlou, D. Fasoula, M. Omirou, I.M. Ioannides ) 38 Animal Production