BIOGENVER -Biodiversity, Genetics, and Product Quality in a Sustainable Valorization Model for the Nera di Verzasca Goat Breed

The BIOGENVER project was established to safeguard and promote the Nera di Verzasca goat, a native Lombardy breed that is at severe risk of extinction. Coordinated by the IBBA-CNR, the project involves the Department of Medical-Veterinary Sciences of the University of Parma and three custodian farms, with the support of AssoNaPa, the breed’s official breeding association.

SUPERNOVA - Innovative Approaches for the Protection of Biodiversity in the Varzese Cattle Breed: Phase 3 of the INNOVA Project

The Varzese cattle breed, the only indigenous breed of Lombardy, is currently threatened by its small population size and the risk of losing genetic variability.

FilAgro – Innovative and sustainable strategies for the agri-food chain

The FILAGRO project aims to provide solutions to several issues that are emerging in the field of modern agriculture. They concern: production sustainability, biodiversity and environment preservation; improvement in food quality, safety and healthy and nutritional aspects; technology development in favor of industry; new knowledge dissemination. These issues are highlighted as of high importance in the EXPO 2015 and Horizon 2020 programs as well as in the 2013-2015 plan of the Agriculture Directorate of the Lombardy Region.

AGENZIA VENETA INNOV - BIONET

Collection, evaluation and conservation of genetic material of the Burlina cattle breed as a back-up in the medium and long period in the event of extinction of the breed or the onset of genetic problems in the breed (loss of genetic lines, excessive inbreeding, etc.). The preserved genetic material consists mainly of semen cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen and blood for future DNA extractions.

ASSONAPA - Creation of the criobank of local Italian sheep and goat breeds

The aim of the project was the management of the genetic variability of the local Italian sheep and goat breeds through the choice of donors to be stored in the Cryobank and therefore the collection and conservation of their genetic material. For this purpose, the donors of genetic material to be stored in the Criobank have been identified in the Massese sheep, Langhe sheep, Gentile sheep of Puglia, Garganica goat and Nicastrese goat breeds. The seminal material was then collected using reproductive biotechnologies, such as the extraction of epididymal spermatozoa procedures, that had previously been developed in the IBBA laboratories in Lodi. The material collected in the project can be distributed to breeders for the insemination of the females for proper management of the genetic variability of their herds and more generally of the whole breed.

BIODIVAL - Biodiversity in Lombardy: Expansion of the Lombardy Animal Genetic Resources Bank, LABank 2.0

The focus of the project is the conservation and enhancement of a still little known Lombard biodiversity, which risks being lost even before being studied. The project has the following three objectives:

1) expansion of the Lombard Genetic Resources Bank – LABank – launched in 2008, with the addition of new breeds and with the increase of the genetic material of those already present. At the end of the project, LABank 2.0 will be created as a result of the expansion of LABank;

2) creation of the second LABank 2.0 site, to minimize the risk associated with any “catastrophic” events, in accordance with the “FAO Guidelines” (Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources. Animal Production and Health Guidelines No. 12. Complete Book. FAO, Rome p. 222., 2012), with the Piano Nazionale per la Biodiversità di interesse Agricolo (PNBA), emanato dal Ministero delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali e approvato il 14 Febbraio 2008;

3) to develop tools for easy management and enhancement of their breeds, as an important part of the Lombard indigenous animal biodiversity, also in order to preserve and enhance the agro-ecosystems linked to them.

BIO-MEMORY

The project is organized in 3 main activities:

1) Implementation and updating of the BioGenRes network of biobanks, with a focus on nationally/internationally recognized collections of animal, plant or microorganism species samples (animal and plant germplasm banks, microbial strain libraries of pathogenic/toxigenic organisms, nematodes, soil and water microflora and microorganisms used in agro-industry and food (e.g. microbial starters for fermentations)).

2) Replication (rejuvenation) and expansion of material stored in collections. For plant and microbial collections: multiplication of accessions for which a small amount of material is available and rejuvenation of accessions whose seed viability data are below the expected standards (> 85%). For animal collections of zootechnical interest: collection and freezing of genetic material of local breeds to complete sampling carried out in previous projects or expansion of the number of species and breeds stored in cryobanks.

3) Biochemical, molecular, metabolic, functional and phenotypic characterization of the material conserved in the biobanks of the BioGenRes network, also in order to carry out association studies and to identify markers associated with traits linked to production and/or adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors.

BIO4VERBA - Safeguarding the biodiversity of the local Verzaschese and Bionda dell'Adamello goat breeds: enhancing their production and creating an ex-situ genetic reserve.

The BIO4VERBA project was born from the need of breeders of the Verzaschese and Bionda dell’Adamello goat breeds to safeguard and promote their local breeds and the products associated with them.

BIO4VERBA has the following objectives:

1. Expand the Lombardy Animal Genetic Resources Bank (LABank), launched in 2008, with the addition of the Bionda dell’Adamello breed and increasing the genetic material of the Verzaschese, already present in the bank;
2. Characterize the milk of the two breeds (fat and protein composition, somatic cell content, fatty acid and terpene content, fat globule size, coagulation rate, and microbiota composition);
3. Analyze the qualitative contribution of Verzaschese milk to the production of Formaggella del Luinese PDO compared to other breeds included in the production specifications, evaluating the microbiota and volatilome using an innovative approach (Next Generation Sequencing-Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry);
4. Characterize Fatulì della Val Saviore at the microbiome and volatilome levels for its valorization;
5. Protect farmers who favor grazing by characterizing their products (Formaggella del Luinese PDO and Fatulì della Val Saviore) to identify the contribution of grazing to the cheeses’ sensory characteristics.

ANACLI I-BEEF 2 Italian Biodiversity Environment Efficiency and Fitness 2

The I-BEEF project aims to improve the selection system for Italian Limousine and Charolais breeds by adapting them to new sustainability and environmental adaptability criteria. It also aims to continue the characterization and valorization of six indigenous genetic types (TGA) for beef, including: Calvana, Mucca Pisana, Pontremolese, Sarda, Sardo Bruna, and Sardo Modicana. These will include two non-indigenous genetic types (TGNA) for beef, namely the Aberdeen Angus and the Blonde D’Aquitaine. The primary objectives are to preserve biodiversity, minimize inbreeding, and develop mating plans.

ASSONAPA SHEEP&GOAT - Sustainability Health Environment Economy Profitability & Genomic Organisation Animal (pheno)Typing

The SHEEP&GOAT project aims to introduce a series of actions into the Italian sheep and goat farming industry related to the collection and use of phenotypic and molecular data. The goal is to make farming sustainable and competitive and to contribute to the maintenance and management of the rich biodiversity present in this sector.

PRIN AGRITECH (SPOKE 1) - Plant, animal and microbial genetic resources and adaptation to climatic changes

Plant, animal and microbial genetic resources and adaptation to climatic changes

The resilience of agricultural and forest ecosystems under stressful conditions generated by climate change requires the enhancement and exploitation of genetic resources through state-of-the-art conservation strategies, combined with in-depth genome characterization and high-throughput phenotyping.

Activities include large-scale sequencing of accessions/breeds/strains, extensive marker-based genome descriptions, elucidation of the (pan)genome, deep phenotyping, and multi-omics characterization.

The resulting information, processed through advanced methods for the analysis, interpretation, archiving, and management of complex data, will highlight superior alleles/haplotypes, identify beneficial interactions across a variety of conditions, and define conservation units.

Re.S.T.A - Communication and Animation Actions in Support of the National Network for the Safeguarding and Protection of Animal Biodiversity

The objective of the Re.S.T.A. project by Regione Lombardia, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests through DM_n._684584_del_13.12.2023, is to raise public awareness of the importance of Lombardy’s animal genetic resources through scientific dissemination activities.

CNR-IBBA, the project’s scientific partner, contributes to the realization of the following outputs:

1. Scientific content for the production of three educational videos on native breeds and livestock populations of Lombardy, as well as on conservation techniques of the IBBA-CNR Animal Germplasm Cryobank.
2. A technical-scientific seminar for guardian farmers, focusing on the conservation and promotion of local breeds, with guided visits to the IBBA-CNR Cryobank, aiming to deepen the topic of ex-situ conservation and the valorization of native breeds through typical products.
3. An online webinar on the occasion of the National Day of Agricultural Biodiversity, featuring experts and farmers, aimed at students from agricultural, scientific, and hospitality schools.
4. Scientific content for the creation of an Atlas of Lombard Biodiversity, with digital profiles documenting and promoting local animal breeds from Lombardy.

A unique initiative that combines research, communication, and territory to preserve a unique genetic heritage and promote its knowledge.

PRIN 2022 MISS.GO – Microbiota and Immune SignatureS of Graves’ disease and Orbitopathy

MISSGO addresses Graves’ disease and its main complication, Graves’ orbitopathy, an inflammatory condition that can cause severe functional and aesthetic impairment. As predictive models for identifying patients at risk of developing orbitopathy are still lacking, the project aims to clarify the underlying biological mechanisms.

MISSGO investigates the interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system, with a particular focus on the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory T cells. Using advanced shotgun sequencing techniques integrated with multi-omics approaches, the project analyses microbiota composition and immune responses in patients with Graves’ disease, Graves’ orbitopathy, and healthy controls.

A key innovative aspect is the study of immune cells directly sampled from the thyroid and lymph nodes, enabling a disease-specific characterization. By integrating immunological and microbiological data, MISSGO aims to develop a predictive model for early identification of patients at risk, opening new perspectives for timely diagnosis and targeted therapies

PRIN 2022 PNRR EPIC FUN - Beef and Dairy Cattle Epigenetic diversity associated to Functional Adaptation

EpiC Fun investigates the role of epigenetic diversity in the adaptation and differentiation of Italian dairy, dual-purpose, and beef cattle breeds, providing new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms shaping functional and productive traits while enhancing the value of national livestock biodiversity.

The project focuses on DNA methylation, analysed in somatic (blood) and germ (sperm) cells, to assess epigenetic variability within and between 10 Italian cattle breeds, and its relationship with genetic variation and key phenotypic and morphological traits.

Using advanced genomic approaches, EpiC Fun distinguishes true methylation changes from genetic variation, generating a high-resolution epigenetic map of the different breeds. The results will help identify potentially heritable epigenetic signals and clarify the combined role of genetic and epigenetic variation in adaptation, selection, and production orientation.

Overall, EpiC Fun promotes an innovative view of cattle breeding, where the integration of genome, epigenome, and phenotype supports improved production efficiency, meat and milk quality, and the sustainability of livestock systems.

APILOMBARDIA - Evaluation of the physiological factors reducing egg-laying in queen bees caged using two different methods and subsequently reintroduced into the apiary

The project investigates the effects of queen bee caging, a beekeeping practice used to control swarming and interrupt the brood cycle in the fight against Varroa destructor, which may reduce egg-laying capacity after queens are reintroduced into the hive.

The study examines the physiological causes of this decline, including stress, hormonal imbalance, and restricted movement and mating. By comparing uncaged queens with queens subjected to two different caging methods, the project evaluates morphometric traits and reproductive system status, with particular attention to the spermatheca and sperm viability.

The results will provide scientific evidence to improve beekeeping practices and support colony health and productivity.

Co.Science – Meet Research to Connect Science and Society

Co.Science is a European public engagement project aimed at strengthening the dialogue between scientific research and society, reducing the gap between researchers and citizens. The project promotes a collaborative, inclusive and accessible science through public events, hands-on laboratories, school activities and training programmes on science communication. Within the framework of the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools initiatives, Co.Science brings research outside laboratories, fostering a two-way dialogue with the public.

CNR-IBBA contributes by disseminating research on sustainable livestock systems, biodiversity and the One Health approach, engaging students across different age groups.

The project supports European scientific culture and highlights research as a common good serving society.

FARM-INN Farm-level interventions supporting dairy industry innovation

The project FARM-INN aims to provide farm-level interventions supporting dairy industry enhancing safety and quality of milk and cheese and providing the necessary scientific evidence and new insight regarding their functional properties. The proposed actions will be carried out assessing and improving animal welfare and the environmental sustainability. In particular, two aspects will be tackled and studied in the proposed project: i) the development and use of new feed supplements adsorbing mycotoxins and reducing pathogenic and spoilage clostridia in milk ii) the characterization of cheese making and functional properties of A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein in milk. The evaluation of environmental sustainability of the adsorbent supplementations to the cow rations and the potential effect of cheese making using A1 and A2 beta-casein types in milk analyses through a Life Cycle Assessment approach will be performed.

The project will offer opportunities to the dairy farmers to strengthen their competitiveness, in the context of a better control of safety and quality issues, and will help dairy industry in placing on the market high-quality products adapted to the new expectations of consumers.

sPATIALS3 - Improvement of agrifood productions and innovative technologies for a safer and more secure and sustainable nutrition

sPATIALS3 is a technological and research hub involving 12 CNR Institutes belonging to 4 different Departments and 4 companies. Main objectives will be: obtainment of innovative food products improved for their nutritional and functional properties; provision and implementation of precision technologies to guarantee products quality, safety and traceability; development of innovative and eco-sustainable smart– and active-packaging to minimize and reuse wastes, where possible, and to increase food preservability; provision to consumers and producers of tools for results exploitation.

NUTRAGE - Nutrition, Diet & Active Aging

With a multidisciplinary approach, Nutrage aims to promote solutions and strategies for active and healthy aging, which have significant implications for the future, well-being, and social cohesion of the country. Evidence suggests that nutrition plays a key role in promoting the prevention and delaying the onset of major aging-related diseases. Therefore, the project intends to develop new foods with high nutritional value, new dietary regimens, and specific personalized nutrition programs, and to promote new pathways to support the health, well-being, and safety of the most vulnerable populations. The specific objectives of the project are:

• Development of agri-food (bio)technologies
• Development of new foods with high health value
• Green technologies for the extraction and stabilization of biocompounds
• Identification of early biomarkers
• Innovative strategy for active and healthy aging
• Integrated analysis of the physiopathological bases of aging
• Food culture and education