Research projects

Funding: BMLEH, 355.080 EUR

Project Details:
In pig breeding, the continuous use of antibiotics in liquid-preserved semen for artificial insemination is increasingly leading to antimicrobial resistance and environmental burden. Worldwide, the pig industry is under pressure to identify and implement effective and sustainable alternatives for microbial control in semen. The goal is to replace antibiotics in the preservation medium with an innovative technology: photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of bacteria. In an interdisciplinary consortium with partners from industry and science, the PDI technique established in a previous project will be translated into a prototype and its antimicrobial efficacy will be enhanced against specific problematic microorganisms. This is intended to bring a biosafe alternative to antiobiotics for liquid-preserved boar semen stored at 17°C to the next technology readiness level.

Cooperation Partners:

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Minitüb GmbH

Funding: Förderverein Bioökonomieforschung (FBF e.V.), 44.000 EUR

Project Details:
With the ongoing development of antibiotic‑free preservation methods for boar semen, the question arises whether these are also effective against leptospires. It should be noted that, to date, the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against leptospires in preserved semen has not been demonstrated in the available literature. The reason for this is that leptospires require special and prolonged cultivation methods.
Using the newly established assay, the growth of leptospires in long‑term preserved boar semen will be investigated. In particular, the influence of gentamicin and storage temperature will be assessed. Ultimately, the efficacy and necessity of antibiotics against leptospires will be evaluated.

Cooperation Partners:

IVD Gesellschaft für Innovative Veterinärdiagnostik mbH