Strain distribution patterns for lipid phenotypes as well as for aggressive behaviour will be established and QTL analyses will be performed in progenies of crosses between selected parental strains. Flow-sorting of chromosomes will be used for assigning linkage groups to chromosomes and for establishing the degree of homology between species. For fine mapping the AFLP technology will be employed. Techniques and procedures will be developed for further improving the routine procedures of genetic monitoring of inbred strains and transgenic lines. Research concerning the nutrition of laboratory animals will continue to identify nutrients of which the concentrations in commonly used formulations are hazardous with regard to health of the animals.
Copper is currently under study.
It is hypothesised that high copper intakes, such as those with commercial rodents diets, have a negative impact on antioxydant status, leading to free-radical damage and impaired longevity. In addition, the copper requirement of mice will be established. Also, the implications of transgenesis on the welfare of animals will be explored further.