ELGO-VRI

Veterinary Research Institute Greek Agricultural Organization Demeter

ELGO-VRI is a legal entity of the public sector, under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food responsible for Agricultural Research and Technology. It promotes research and technological activities in the agricultural production sector within the framework of national and EC agricultural policy; ELGO consists of: 11 Agricultural Research Institutes, 6 Professional schools on agricultural production, 25 Training Centers for the dissemination of knowledge and innovation on agricultural production, 6 Centers for the quality assurance of the milk and meat production, 7 Laboratories for milk quality control. The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) is one of the consortium members of the European Reference Centre for the Welfare of Ruminants and Equines. The Institute carries out research activities aiming to the sustainability of the livestock sector and the protection of the environment. The research teams of the unit work on animal health and welfare, disease prevention and control in farm animals, animal breeding and reproduction, management and conservation of animal genetic resources, livestock farming systems, hygiene and technology of food of animal origin. VRI has extensive experience in coordination and participation in Research Projects of European Framework and Horizon 2020 and also gives priority on knowledge transfer and cooperates with Cooperatives of Farmers and Breeders Associations. The Laboratory of Farm Animal Health and Welfare of VRI specializes in research in smart farming and animal welfare, resilience in animal husbandry, innovative housing systems, adaptation of farm animals in changing climate conditions. Specifically, the Department of Health and Welfare is engaged in a multitude of research activities concerning the development of novel welfare and health indicators with special relation to heat stress and climate change abatement strategies, behavioural indices and novel protocols and smart wearable technological solutions that facilitate the recording and interpretation of physiological and behavioural markers.

Halosheep Team project from ELGO-VRI

Dr Evangelia N. SOSSIDOU, Veterinarian – Research Director

Dr Maria-Anastasia KARATZIA, Animal Scientist-Assistant Researcher

Dr Anna DEDOUSI, Veterinarian-Assistant Researcher

Kotzamanidis Charalampos-Biologist- Assistant Researcher

Dr Andreas G. Ntoulis, Research Director

Dr Christina LIGDA, Animal Scientist- Research Director

Dr Dimitrios TSIOKOS, Animal Scientist-Assistant Researcher