Research

Funding: MEKUN, 132.092 EUR

Project Details:
Grey seals are increasingly found on both the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts of Schleswig-Holstein, indicating that the number of animals using these waters is continuing to rise.
The increasing populations also increase the urgency of examining these marine mammals for their health status, as it is suspected that they can play a role in the spread of infectious diseases of harbor seals such as distemper, particularly due to their extended migratory behavior. In addition, individual animals with severe disease processes are repeatedly recorded in the Baltic Sea. In both waters, it is particularly important to examine the animals for their health status as carriers of zoonotic diseases, especially as people have been infected with these pathogens through contact with carcasses in the past. Furthermore, potential anthropogenic influences on disease incidence must be investigated in order to protect the seal populations.
With increasing populations, attacks by gray seals on other grey seals, harbor seals and harbor porpoises are also on the rise. This can occur through predation, but also through sexual intercourse with harbor seals as well as juvenile grey seals of both sexes. Negative population effects are possible as well as effects on the health of the marine mammal-eating grey seals, as they hunt at a higher trophic level than their conspecifics, comparable to polar bears or orcas. Initial cases of influenza in both harbor seals and grey seals have shown that seals are susceptible to this virus and need to be studied closely both as a reservoir and as a "spillover" of this potential zoonosis. In addition, anthropogenic activities in the habitat of grey seals continue to increase, which can have various influences not only on the health status but also on the habitat use of the animals.
The aim of this research project is to investigate the health status and causes of death of grey seals that died in the waters of Schleswig-Holstein. The aim is to examine whether the parasitic, viral and microbial load of grey seals, in particular zoonotic pathogens, is changing. For this purpose, the grey seals, which will be recovered in the years 2023 to 2026 and brought to the ITAW for examination, will be completely dissected. Histological, parasitological, virological and microbiological examinations will be carried out. In addition, a comparison will be made with the results from previous years in order to assess the development of the health status.
The development of grey seal populations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea will also be researched and evaluated. As grey seals are highly mobile marine mammals, data will be exchanged with neighboring countries. The Trilateral Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS) and the Trilateral Marine Mammal Expert Group (EGMama), as well as HELCOM's Marine Mammal Health Group for the Baltic Sea region and OSPAR's Marine Mammal Working Group in the North Sea, play a special role here. The results of the investigations are urgently needed for the work on the Marine Protection Framework Directive and the aforementioned agreements.

Project Details:
Flexural deformities are common in foals. Conservative therapy by systemic administration of oxytetracycline (OTC) is often effective, however, it is associated with risks and disadvantages. The aim of the project is to test the potential effect of pharmacological alternatives to OTC on tendon tissue ex vivo.

Results:

Part A) In this study, the influence of substances with potentially similar

mechanisms of action, however without antimicrobial properties, on viability and proliferation of

juvenile myofibroblasts was assessed in vitro. Myofibroblasts from forelimb superficial digital flexor

tendons and accessory ligaments of the deep digital flexor tendon from 6 foals, euthanized for reasons

unrelated to this study, were cultured and characterized. The myofibroblasts were incubated with

oxytetracycline, the MMP-inhibitors incyclinide, ilomastat, aprotinin, pentoxifylline, the lathyrogenic

agent β-aminopropionitrile fumarate and Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium as control. Colorimetric

cell viability (MTS) and crystal violet assays assessed their viability and proliferation capacities. The

morphology and immunohistochemistry profile of the cultured cells was consistent with tendon and

ligament myofibroblasts. All test substances were biocompatible, shown by the absence of significant

differences with cells incubated with medium, demonstrating the absence of cytotoxic or antiproliferative effect on juvenile myofibroblasts in the tested concentrations in this preliminary study.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00311-z

Funding: MWK, 540.878 EUR

Project Details:
Comprehensive characterization of the hormone profiles of the HPG axis in male and female Long COVID patients, hormone panels, hormone measurements and statistical evaluations.
Creation of expression profiles of sex hormones and
sex hormone receptors in the plasma, lungs, reproductive organs and brains of male and female hamsters.

Results:

https://www.umg.eu/forschung/corona/cofoni/

Project Details:
At Hofgut Neumühle, data on the health and performance of dairy cows is continuously collected and stored in various electronic data management systems. Scientific questions repeatedly arise that should be clarified with the help of an analysis of the available data (so-called secondary data analysis). Before this data analysis is possible, an overview of the available data sources, the primary collection objectives, the data contained and the metadata describing the existing data should be drawn up.
To this end, the origin of the data is first traced on site and the (original/primary) purpose for which it was collected is understood and documented. Extracts from the data sources are created to serve the creation of the above-mentioned over-view. These excerpts will be further analyzed using application examples. As an important aspect of the work, the implications for subsequent secondary data analyses will be presented and discussed (Translated with DeepL.com (free version)).

Cooperation Partners:

Hofgut Neumühle (Theresa Scheu)

Funding: cofinanziert durch die Europäische Kommission, 107.187 EUR

Project Details:
This project aims to address a critical gap in neurotoxicity assessment by developing a novel in vitro methodology specifically targeting myelin toxicity—a decisive factor influencing peripheral sensory and motor functions. Building upon established modes-of-action (MoA) in adult neurotoxicity, the study utilizes human induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into mature motor and sensory neurons, along with Schwann cells. Distinguishing itself from existing in vitro methods, the project focuses on myelin toxicity, an unexplored MoA not yet incorporated into existing approaches, thereby influencing neurotoxicity assessment.
Acknowledging the regulatory imperative for swifter and more human-relevant neurotoxicity evaluations, the project aims to deliver an effective myelin toxicity assessment method. The methodology involves co-cultivating sensory or motor neurons with Schwann cells in both 3D spheres and 2D configurations. The plan encompasses characterizing cell types and scrutinizing myelin formation through immunocytochemical stainings and RT-qPCR after 4-8 weeks in culture. A pivotal aspect of the study is the exploration of optimal conditions for high-throughput testing.
Milestones include achieving the expression of neuron and Schwann cell markers, determining the optimal 2D or 3D setup for automated high-throughput myelin quantification, and scientifically validating the test method. The ultimate objective is to furnish a robust tool for assessing myelin toxicity, utilizing a compound training set.
In conclusion, this project pioneers an approach to address the gap in myelin toxicity testing within in vitro neurotoxicity assessment. By leveraging human induced pluripotent stem cells and advanced co-culture techniques, the study aims to make a substantial contribution to the development of a more comprehensive and effective neurotoxicity evaluation testing battery for regulatory use.

Results:

https://www.eu-parc.eu/

Funding: Drittmittelprojekt, gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)., 269.600 EUR

Project Details:
Bacillus cereus is a common soil bacterium responsible for two types of foodborne gastrointestinal diseases. The emetic variant leads to food poisoning and manifests in nausea and vomiting, while infections with enteropathogenic strains cause diarrhoea and abdominal pain. These symptoms are caused by various toxins, including the cyclic dodecadepsipeptide cereulide and the protein-based enterotoxins haemolysin BL (Hbl), non-haemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe) and cytotoxin K (CytK).
The principle of action of the pore-forming three-component toxin Hbl was investigated in detail in a previous project. The complex formation of the three protein components in solution, the binding order to the target cells, the optimum concentration ratio for fastest pore formation and maximum cytotoxicity, as well as the effect of a fourth protein component were determined. While the preliminary work focused on the toxin itself, this project investigates the effects of pore formation on the host.
This project provides answers to the cellular response of the primary target of B. cereus enterotoxins, namely human cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Firstly, relevant toxin concentrations and exposure times for the survival of intestinal cells or the onset of apoptosis will be determined. In addition, the onset of possible repair mechanisms within the target cells is investigated. These initial data already provide a model for the onset of diarrhoea caused by enteropathogenic B. cereus. Following these studies, the interaction of B. cereus and its enterotoxins with more complex structures, namely human intestinal organoids, is investigated. The use of organoid culture systems enables more elaborate studies on host-microorganism interactions. Various aspects are investigated, including gene expression, ion transport and the activation of signalling pathways within the target cells and structures.
Important new insights into the physiological processes that lead to enterotoxin-induced diarrhoea are expected.

Funding: Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL), 164.593 EUR

Project Details:
The aim of "InUtero" is to develop a lifelike simulator for midwifery in small ruminants and to implement this model in teaching and training. The Clinical Skills Lab, together with the Clinic for Small Ruminants, is responsible for the development and validation of the simulator as well as the preparation of detailed instructions. The animal husbandry school at the Triesdorf Agricultural Training Institute and the Echem Agricultural Training Center will use and evaluate this simulator as part of the obstetric teaching of their trainees as well as in the context of seminars and workshops in adult education. The close cooperation between the project partners enables the simulator to be constantly adapted and modified so that at the end of the project phase there is a lifelike simulator for midwifery in small ruminants that is optimized to meet the demands and needs of both teachers and learners.

Cooperation Partners:

Landwirtschaftliches Bildungszentrum Echem

Landwirtschaftliche Lehranstalt Triesdorf

Funding: UBA/BFG, 350.135 EUR

Project Details:
In the European Union, biocides are officially approved following the EU Biocide regulation No. 528/2012. So far, the following eight anticoagulants were assessed and approved for rodenticide use in the EU: Warfarin, Chlorophacinone, Coumatetralyl, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Brodifacoum, Difethialone and Flocoumafen. The first three active ingredients belong to the first-generation anticoagulants, whereas the last five belong tot he second-generation anticoagulants. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) were considered persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT- or vPvB ingredients) and thus only approved for pest control under very strict regulations, due to the lack of alternative ingredients.

Taking into account the results of previous research projects to investigate the contamination of ARs in fish and the effects of Ars on the aquatic environment, this project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current risk mitigation measures to reduce contamination of water bodies with Ars by using a biota monitoring approach. A nationwide, strategic monitoring for otters (Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra) will be initiated to evaluate current risk mitigation and to determine relevant exposition for both aquatic and semi-aquatic top predators. In addition, the transfer of active ingredients alongside the aquatic food chain and the metabolism of Ars in fish will be investigated.

The outcome of the project with regards to environmental contamination of aquatic habitats with Ars and the effectiveness of current risk mitigation measures shall allow the funding agency to implement scientifically based decisions in the biocide registration. Also, former decisions might be revised or substantially improved.

Funding: Nds. Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur, 218.996 EUR

Project Details:
Ziel des Projektes "Future-VET B2" ist, neben der praxisnahen Ausbildung der Studierenden der Tiermedizin, Dienstleistung und Forschung der Transfer der Forschungsergebnisse in die Fachwelt und Öffentlichkeit. Die Maßnahme "Future-VET 2B" hat dabei das übergeordnete Ziel die Lebensmittelproduktion im Hinblick auf die Umweltauswirkungen und die Ernährungssicherheit für die wachsende Weltbevölkerung zu optimieren. Insekten können hierbei sowohl im Sinne der Kreislaufwirtschaft zusätzliche, wertvolle Futtermittel und Lebensmittel darstellen. Zudem bieten sie die Möglichkeit bei Vorliegen bestimmter funktioneller Eigenschaften als Futtermittel sowohl die Gesundheit von Tieren im Sinne der Verwendung von Futtermitteln für besondere Ernährungszwecke (VO (EU)2020/354) zu fördern, als auch nach entsprechender Modifikation eine Prüfung als Futtermittelzusatzstoff mit einer funktionellen Wirkung im Sinne der VO (EG) Nr. 1831/2003 nach Vorgabe der VO (EG) Nr. 429/2008 zu durchlaufen. Im Rahmen dieses Teilprojektes soll die bestehende Insektenzucht an der TiHo erweitert werden, um alternative Proteinquellen für Tier und Mensch zu erschließen, die
(1)Zusätzlich eine Sonderfunktion im Hinblick auf bestimmte gesundheitsbezogene Ernährungszwecke für das Tier (ParNuts in Analogie zu VO (EU) 354/2020) haben,
(2)Zusatzstofffunktion gemäß VO (EG) Nr. 1831/2003 erfüllen sollen und natürlichen Ursprungs sind und
(3)Am Ende des Weges sollen die bevorzugten Insektenarten als Novel Food (VO (EU) 2015/2283) auch Funktionen erfüllen können, die der nationalen Ernährungsstrategie der Bundesregierung und der Nationalen Reduktions- und Innovationsstrategie für Zucker, Fette und Salz in Fertigprodukten entsprechen.
Hierfür werden stufenweise, systematisch entsprechende Vorarbeiten durchgeführt, die die Möglichkeit einer Nutzung bzw. Bausteine einer Marktzulassung als alternative Proteinquelle für Tiere, Futtermittel mit bestimmten gesundheitsbezogenen Ernährungszwecken (ParNuts), Futtermittelzusatzstoff oder Novel Food ermöglichen bzw. werden sollen.

Funding: Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL), 365.439 EUR

Project Details:
Ziel des Projektes "CalPhy" ist es, das Auftreten von behandlungsbedürftigen Erkrankungen in der Kälberhaltung zu reduzieren und damit erhöhten Verlusten entgegen zu wirken. Durch den Einsatz von hochwertigen Ergänzungen soll insgesamt die Versorgung der Kälber verbessert und damit die Tiergesundheit, das Tierwohl und die Leistung gefördert werden. Gezielt soll für die besonders empfindlichen Tiere innerhalb der Tiergruppen ein teil-individualisiertes Fütterungskonzept für die Praxis entwickelt werden. Leichte und in Teilen auch in gut geführten Beständen durch unvermeidbare Situationen (mechanische Geburtsprobleme etc.) geschwächte Neugeborene, sind besonders betroffen von einer ungenügenden Kolostrumversorgung. Diese Kälber benötigen zusätzlichen Schutz, damit die Gefahr eines überdurchschnittlichen Abfalls des kolostralen Immunschutzes nicht die Infektionsanfälligkeit erhöht. Um das Risiko von Erkrankungen auf das unvermeidbare Minimum zu reduzieren, sind auf Basis einer sensiblen Erfassung von ersten Krankheitsanzeichen bzw. prädisponierenden Situationen weitere Maßnahmen sinnvoll. Futtermittelzusatzstoffe können zur Stärkung von Kälbern und damit Förderung ihrer Gesundheit eingesetzt werden. Insbesondere phytogene Zusatzstoffe haben in gut geführten Betrieben das Potential, die Notwendigkeit für antibiotische Behandlungen weiter zu reduzieren. Durch die Reduzierung der Häufigkeit von Erkrankungen in der Kälberaufzucht sowie damit verbunden eine Steigerung der Tiergesundheit und des Tierwohls, kann das Projekt einen substantiellen Beitrag zur Förderung der nachhaltigen Leistungsfähigkeit der Agrarwirtschaft bei bestmöglicher Förderung des Tierschutzes in der Landwirtschaft leisten.

Cooperation Partners:

Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH