Services

The Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) comprises six departments and the Research Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture (HAKI). Aquaculture-related R&D activities in the institute are centering around the following topics:

• The development of innovative fish farming and reproduction technologies for species of commercial interest.

• Development of aquafeed recipes for freshwater species based on locally produced protein ingredients.

• Mapping the genetics and reproductive biology of existing and new commercial fishes using -omic techniques.

The Institute has an extensive educational portfolio across the entire range of higher education training (BSc, MSc, and PhD). It is active in professional adult education (specialized in-service training).

MATE Danio-Lab is an Aquaneering zebrafish facility with configurable tank numbers and volumes (20 × 1.4L or 12 × 2.5L or 6 × 6 L = 1 full shelf x 2, even in combination). Equipment for breeding, hatching, and rearing is available (modelling and mass production). Analysis and imaging of fish with stereo microscopes and cameras are also available. The lab is equipped with a fluorescent microscope adapter, including a GFP detection spectrum accompanied by a high-quality camera. Additional services: digital imaging – stereo microscope level.

Experiments adapted to model and mass production are possible with the available lines (pairwise breeding, survival success, heat treatment/stress factors, feeding trials, etc.

Bioresources available

MATE Danio-Lab meets the international standards of zebrafish housing, possessing the following lines: AB wild type; Casper; tg {vas::egfp}. Several brooders or 2-6 batches of embryos per week are provided upon request.

Support offered

MATE Danio-lab: Routine maintenance (e.g., feeding, system cleaning, etc.). An initial one-day demonstration on system use will be carried out. One part-time staff member will be assigned to support the experimental work, including crossing the fish.

Modality of access

For MATE Danio-Lab installation, access is provided ‘on-site,’ and the user is expected to stay the entire 82 duration of the access. Potential users are advised to communicate with us at least a month prior to the proposal writing so we can offer our assistance and integrate the plan into our agenda.

A typical trial period for MATE Danio-lab installations is 10-13 weeks. One shelf is the equivalent of 20 × 1.4L tanks, 12 × 2.8L tanks, or 6 × 6L tanks. Breeding, hatching, rearing, and analysing hours must be synchronized with the department’s ongoing experimental demands.