Biomark HPR Plus

Waterproof, shockproof Pit-tag reader with integrated GPS and external antenna with adjustable power output 

Realtime PCR 7300

Useful for the main types of genetic laboratory analysis, e.g.: absolute and relative quantification, allelic discrimination, SNPs, presence/absence analysis 

Kingfisher flex

Automatic DNA extractor based on DNA capture using magnetic beads (up to 96 samples / run) 

Maxwell RSC

Automatic DNA extraction system based DNA capture using magnetic beads (16 samples / run). Guaranteed clean extraction under sterile conditions 

QIAcube

Automatic DNA extraction system based on spin-columns

Covaris

Ultrasonic DNA shearing for next generation sequencing; generates small and highly reproducible fragments (150 and 1500 bp) 

epMotion9696

Automatic pipetting system 

epMotion 5075

Automatic system for mixing, heating and cooling samples and reagents; biologically safe thanks to the presence of an automatic type 2 biological hood 

Qiagilty

Compact automatic liquid handling system; biologically safe thanks to an automatic type 2 biological hood

Freezer mill

Cryogenic crusher for pulverizing particularly hard biological matrices; the crushing takes place at about -100°C to avoid heating and degrading the DNA

Genotyping of ichthyofauna: Salmo, Thymallus, Esox

Genetic analysis of individuals from populations of conservation and angling relevance, aimed at selection and monitoring of breeding stock: definition of conservation units, introgression levels, parentage.

Individual genotyping using environmental DNA (eDNA)

Genotyping of individual animals from invasive and non-invasive samples (fecal pellets, saliva, urine, hair) using species-specific STR markers, for applications such as genetic monitoring and molecular capture-mark-recapture.

Wildlife forensics

Scientific support for forensic investigations of wildlife using DNA extraction from poor quality forensic samples (blood stains, trophies, weathered tissues) and comparing genotypes with our regional databases of game species and large carnivores

Animal Conservation

We have more than 20 years’ experience providing scientific support for animal conservation issues, using genetics to measure species richness, hybridization level, genetic diversity, population size and presence of individuals (genetic monitoring).

Biodiversity Monitoring with environmental DNA

The extinction crisis requires rapid, inexpensive species recognition and monitoring. We have developed metabarcoding protocols to identify aquatic organisms (amphibians, invertebrates) and their pathogens from filtered wetland water samples.

Diet and microbiota characterization

The importance of diet and gut microbiota to individual health and ecosystem function is a recent revelation. We have optimized protocols to characterize diet and the community composition of microorganisms from fecal pellets and other sample types.

Animal Husbandry

The maintenance of genetic diversity as well as gut (microbiota) health are essential for the future of local livestock breeds and sustainable mountain agriculture. The protocols developed for wildlife listed above can all be applied to this sector.