Gene Technology

The Laboratory of Gene Technology has emerged as a bacteriophage biology laboratory of international standard with a wide collaborative network in this field.

The core research of the Lavigne group entails the molecular characterization of bacteriophages and their molecular relationship to their host using different “-omics” approaches to understand this interaction at the system’s biology level.

From an applied perspective, this  research can be linked to the conceptualization of novel antibacterial design strategies for application in diverse fields including agriculture and medicine.

M3-biores

Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses' (M3-BIORES) main research focus is to integrate the dynamic responses of living organisms in the monitoring and control of biological processes.

Our objective is to measure continuously in an on-line way the responses of living organisms to their varying individual micro-environment.

In our List of Projects you will find exciting examples of this approach, in sports, human health & precision livestock farming. 

Animal Breeding & Genetics

The Center of Animal Breeding & Genetics (CABG)  focuses on molecular and quantitative genetics and genomics  in livestock and companion species like horse, pig, dog, sheep and cattle …

We are working on health, welfare and economically important (re)production traits and are dedicated to apply the scientific results in practical breeding.

Therefore, we develop and run breeding programs and genetic tests (for example identification and paternity testing) for breeding organizations and private customers.

Physiology and Epigenetics

The Laboratory of Livestock Physiology plays a world leading role in fundamental and applied poultry research with respect to endocrinology, energy and protein metabolism in the different developmental stages (incubation, growth, reproduction).

We have acquired a lot of expertise in research related to metabolic imprinting  - the process whereby offspring acquire a ‘memory’ as a consequence of nutritional manipulations of parent stock – with the chicken as animal model. 

Recent projects focus on the transgenerational effects of a reduced protein diet of broiler (grand)parent breeders on breeder reproductive and offspring performance and underlying physiological and epigenetic mechanisms.

Host pathogen interactions

The Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions aims to investigate host pathogen interactions that occur during infections of farm animals.

The insights gained are translated in therapeutic or prophylactic options such as vaccines, immunomodulators or drugs.

Names

The Nutrition & Animal Microbiota EcoSystems Laboratory  studies microbiota colonization, gut health and gut function in monogastric species such as poultry and pigs.

NAMES Lab aims to improve animal performance and health by modulating gut health and microbiota colonization through nutritional manipulations to make chickens and pigs more resilient to antigen and environmental stressors.

Livestock technology

The Livestock Technology Group focuses on development, optimization, implementation & validation of technology to support the management of livestock operations.

The fundamental research activities deal with novel measuring concepts and advanced data-analytics to foster a knowledge-based &  sustainable livestock sector.