- SUBJECT AREAS -

GENETICS AND ANIMAL BREEDING

Focuses on developing and adapting methods and genetic evaluation programs; understanding the genetic aspect of populations and estimating basic parameters for animal genetic improvement. Examines genotype-environment interactions in species of economic interest.

RUMINANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Developing bovine, sheep and goat production processes based on the use of feeding, management and reproduction tools. Production facilities, system economics, animal welfare and product quality are emphasized. Seeks to deepen the development of tools for production system simulations to support decision-making.

NON-RUMINANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Aims to develop bird, swine, equine and freshwater fish production processes based on the use of feeding, management and reproduction tools. Production economics, animal welfare and product quality are emphasized.

RUMINANT NUTRITION AND FEEDING

Develops studies related to nutritional requirements of beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, as well as aspects of metabolism and ruminal parameters of these species. Evaluation of food and additives is also addressed.

NUTRITION AND FEEDING OF NON-RUMINANTS

Develops studies related to nutritional requirements of poultry, swine, equines, freshwater fish and canines, as well as aspects of metabolism and digestive parameters of these species. Evaluation of food and additives is also addressed.

CLIMATE-SOIL-PLANT AND ANIMAL RELATIONSHIPS

To determine the appropriate management practices and species that optimize production and sustainability, promising forages are subjected to environmental variations in field plots and greenhouses. The relationships between the environment (radiation, temperature, availability of water and minerals) and forage plants under different management practices are examined to identify and quantify the morphological and physiological adaptations that affect the performance of feed and seed. Plant responses to the phenomena and factors of interest are subject to descriptive and predictive modeling. Addresses the evaluation of pasture composed of grasses and legumes and/or mixtures that are better adapted to Rio Grande do Sul, involving optimization of fertilization and management levels (cuts and animals) for efficient use of the forage produced and monitoring of grass and animal development as well as physical and chemical characteristics of the soil.

NATIVE PASTURE

A multidisciplinary study of native pastures in Rio Grande do Sul, with emphasis on ecology, breeding, management and definition of practices that enable their best usage by animals during periods of food shortages such as cold seasons or prolonged droughts.

GERMPLASM CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF FORAGE PLANTS

Potential forage plants are introduced by importing seedlings and seeds and by collecting from regionally available genetic material. They are subsequently evaluated for their value as forage producers under different environmental conditions in Rio Grande do Sul.  Genetic variability in introduced or collected germplasm is determined using agronomic, phenological, reproductive, cytogenetic, molecular and biochemical characteristics. Breeding methods allow for the development of new crops that are better adapted and more sustainable as well as producers of high quality forage.

SEED ECOLOGY, PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY

Focuses on the ecology of seeds and seed banks, including the influence of biotic and abiotic environmental conditions on the production of seeds. Research involves technological solutions for seed production, considering the quantity and quality of forage plants used in Rio Grande do Sul, as well as native species with forage potential.

OVERVIEWINTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
SUBJECT AREAS