Upcoming project: Development of analytical platform for monitoring microplastics circulation in agricultural production

Technology of Agency of the Czech Republic has supported our project:

Development of analytical platform for monitoring microplastics circulation in agricultural production

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is an organizational unit of the state that was founded in 2009 by the Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the support of research, experimental development and innovation. The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic simplifies the state support of applied research and experimental development which has been fragmented and implemented by many bodies before the reform.

Mendel University in Brno and Institute of scientific Instruments (Czech Academy of Sciences) obtained a new grant from TACR (FW06020224). The main investigator of the project is Pavel Horky.

Aim of the project is development of unique detection platform for micro(nano)plastics in agricultural comodities. First phase will be focused on the development of microfluidic chip. In the second phase, broilers will be fed by micro- and nano- plastics. Bioaccumulation and excrection of micro(nano)plastics will be analyzed. The third phase will include application of micro(nano)plastics to soil. Crops growed in the contaminated soil will be analysed to the occurence of micro(nano)plastics. In the final phase, monitoring of micro(nano)plastics will be carried out on selected farms in CZE. The project will bring completely ground-breaking possibilities for the evaluation of micro(nano)plastics in agriculture, which represents the main entry gate of these substances into the food chain.

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Upcoming project: Development of an anti-methanogenic feed supplement to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming

Development of an anti-methanogenic feed supplement to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is an organizational unit of the state that was founded in 2009 by the Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the support of research, experimental development and innovation. The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic simplifies the state support of applied research and experimental development which has been fragmented and implemented by many bodies before the reform.

Mendel University in Brno, University of Veterinary Sciences, and Agrovýzkum Rapotin Ltd. obtained a new grant from TACR (FW06020190). The main investigator of the project is Pavel Horky.

The proposed project’s primary goal is to develop a new feed supplement based on algae, plant tannins, and probiotics with an anti-methanogenic effect and a high potential for implementation in the Czech and foreign markets. The newly developed feed additive will be intended to enrich the feed ration of ruminants to improve rumen fermentation and animal productivity and reduce the formation of enteric methane and its negative impact on the environment.One of the other expected results is the beneficial effect of supplementing immunoprotective substances from micro- and macroalgae (e.g.,beta-glycans),which strengthens the immunomodulating effect of probiotics. The project will contribute to achieving balanced neutrality regarding the emission of environmental pollutants (mainly CH4 and NH3)

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Upcoming project: Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles via medicinal African plants

Ingernal Grant Agency of Mendel Univerity in Brno has supported our research

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles via medicinal African plants

Principal investigator: Ing. Pompido Chilala

Aim of the project is selenium nanoparticle (SeNPs) green synthesis with usage of herbs which are used in Zambian traditional medicine. Our hypothesis is that green synthetized SeNPs will show higher antioxidant activity compared to inorganic selenium, herbs extracts alone or commercial SeNPs from supplier. We suppose, that green synthetized SeNPs could act as feed additive for animals to prevent them against oxidative stress. The principle of SeNPs formation is reducing inorganic selenium by reducing phytochemicals. Main advantage of green synthesis is to avoid the production of unwanted or harmful by-products. Moreover, several important phytochemicals from herbal extracts are incorporated to the nanoparticle structure, which can enhance its antixodant potential. According to research, selenium in combination with medicinal plants has shown positive results in reducing the effects of stress in livestock and humans (Tupec, et al., 2017). The effects of some of Zambian medicinal herbs have not been fully explored yet. Althought, their therapeutic usage is common in Zambia and the knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. SeNPs synthesis consists three steps: preparation of herbal extract, stirring with inorganic selenium and formed nanoparticles purification. Investigation of SeNPs and herbal extracts antioxidant activity will be done via spectrphotometric method based on  free radicals scavenging. Their usability by target antioxidant system of living organism will be proved on eucaryotic model organism S. cerevisiae. The activity of the key antioxidant enzymes will be determined after SeNPs application to yeast colonies. Quantification of main phytochemicals in herbal extracts will be done using high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector. This project brings a novel green-synthetized SeNPs with traditional Zambian herbs which have not been fully explored yet. Our developed SeNPs could be further used as antioxidant feed additive.

neem leaves
Neem (Azadirachta indica)

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Upcoming project: Sustainable production of a new, functional food with favorable nutritional properties

Technology of Agency of the Czech Republic has supported our project:

Sustainable production of a new, functional food with favorable nutritional properties

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is an organizational unit of the state that was founded in 2009 by the Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the support of research, experimental development and innovation. The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic simplifies the state support of applied research and experimental development which has been fragmented and implemented by many bodies before the reform.

Our research partner PRO-BIO, obchodní společnost s.r.o. obtained a new grant from TACR Trend (FW06010036). For the research institution is the co-investigator Sylvie Skalickova.

circular economy in organic farming

The objective of the project is to develop a functional foodstuff with new nutritional characters based on cereal or legume suitable for people with dietary restrictions. Another objective is the bio conversion of milling waste either as a protein feed for livestock or fertilizing substrate to revitalize the soil that will ultimately lead towards better soil yield. Dis-continual fermentation with specific microorganisms will be used to reach these goals. Bioconversion of the milling waste is in compliance with the EU principles about sustainable agriculture. The aim is to match the world leaders in the field and strengthen the international competitiveness of the PRO-BIO ltd. company, which is currently the biggest and oldest manufacturer of organic food in the Czech republic.

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Integration the Industry 4.0 in Animal Nutrition

Technology of Agency of the Czech Republic has supported our project:

Shepherd free 4.0: Integration the Industry 4.0 in Animal Nutrition

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is an organizational unit of the state that was founded in 2009 by the Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the support of research, experimental development and innovation. The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic simplifies the state support of applied research and experimental development which has been fragmented and implemented by many bodies before the reform.

Our research partner AgroKonzulta Žamberk s.r.o. obtained a new grant from TACR Trend Shepherd free 4.0 FW03010010 (co-investigator Pavel Horky)


Industry 4.0 in animal nutrition

The aim of the project is to develop a completely unique device designed for controlled cattle grazing using GPS collars, which incorporates the principles of Industry 4.0. Using the proposed technology, it will be possible to manage pasture management online using progressive procedures that will be introduced into agricultural primary production. This cutting-edge technology will leverage the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to provide real-time monitoring and control of the grazing process. The established technology will also monitor the behavior and health status of animals, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about their care and well-being. Overall, this project is a prime example of how Industry 4.0 is transforming the agricultural sector by enabling more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective methods of production.

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Upcoming project: Production of non-hazardous feed from dry-resistant Leguminose

MENDELU internal grant Proof of concept 2 has supported our project:

Production of non-hazardous feed from dry-resistant Leguminose

The aim of the MENDELU Proof of concept 2 is an efficient system of support of the proof-of-concept activities (hereafter PoC) at MENDELU in 2020 – 2022. The proposal of the PoC suppport is drafted as an integral part of the commercialisation system developer at the university. Regarding the PoC, MENDELU expects efficient transformation of its research and development results into practical applications, enabling their real commercial exploitation and related use in practice. More precisely in common business or other activity of end-user of technologies.

The main investigator is Assoc. Prof. Pavel Knot, Ph.D.

About the project:

Mycotoxins and biogenic amines are two types of food contaminants that can cause health problems in animals. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain fungi that can grow on food crops, while biogenic amines are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in fermented feed such as silage. To reduce the risk of exposure to these contaminants, it is important to properly store and handle food products. Additionally, regular testing and monitoring of food products can help to identify and prevent the presence of mycotoxins and biogenic amines.

Adaptogenic substances research project

Technology Agency of the Czech Republic has supported our project:

Development of new generation of adaptogenic substances and nanotransport in feed industry

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is an organizational unit of the state that was founded in 2009 by the Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the support of research, experimental development and innovation. The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic simplifies the state support of applied research and experimental development which has been fragmented and implemented by many bodies before the reform.

Our research partner Addicoo group obtained a new grant from TACR Trend! Development of new generation of adaptogenic substances and nanotransport in feed industry. TACR Trend FW01010053 (co-investigator Pavel Horky)

TACR TREND adaptogenes project
Upcoming project: Technology agency of Czech Republic supported the development of new generation of adaptogenic substances

The aim of the upcoming project is to develop a unique combination of plant-based adaptogens. The revolutionary approach, based on adaptogen research, is to use polymer nanotransports to deliver the substance to the site of action (the small intestine). Farm animals are currently exposed to numerous stressful situations that are rapidly reducing their performance. The adaptogens will help to mitigate the crisis situation without affecting the breeder’s performance. The project will give rise to a completely new product that is not yet available in this form in both domestic and foreign markets. Agriculture is a highly progressive industry, and it is therefore essential to maintain the pace of development, especially when competing with foreign companies. The use of nanotechnologies is an excellent tool to ensure the competitiveness of Czech feed additive producers.

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