Animal Genetics & Livestock Genomics

Animal genetics has been a cornerstone of our research group since its establishment. Our work focuses on the genomic characterization of livestock populations, with particular emphasis on indigenous breeds, adaptive traits and sustainable animal production. By integrating genomics, population genetics, bioinformatics and multi-omics approaches, we investigate the genetic basis of economically important traits, biodiversity and environmental adaptation. A key research direction addresses the impact of climate change, particularly heat stress, on livestock health, productivity and resilience through genomic, and transcriptomic analyses. In collaboration with livestock producers and veterinarians, we translate genomic discoveries into practical applications that support genetic improvement, sustainable breeding strategies, animal welfare and climate-smart livestock production. 

Research in Action

Explore selected projects and publications that highlight our research activities and contributions in this field.

1. Development of a GIS- and Blockchain-Based Digital Platform for the Management of Livestock Genetic Data to Support Sustainable Livestock Farming in Thessaly. Funding Programme: ESPA 2021–2027. Funding Authority: Managing Authority of the Regional Programme "Thessaly"

2. Characterization of Heat Stress Effects Using Omics Technologies in Dairy Cattle: Molecular Intervention Checkpoints and Development of Minimally Invasive Biomarkers. Funding Programme: Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I. / ELIDEK). Project ID: 16889

3. Increasing Dairy Cow Fertility Through the Identification and Exploitation of Genetically Thermotolerant Individuals. Acronym: THE SUMMER COW. Funding Programme: Research–Create–Innovate (ERDF / GSRT). Project Code: T1EDK-01078. Duration: 2018–2020

4. Kyrgiafini, M.-A., Stamatellos, G., Stamatis, C., & Mamuris, Z. (2026). Uncovering Functional Genetic Variation in the Indigenous Greek Eghoria Goat: An Integrative Genome-Wide Discovery and Validation Approach. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 48(8), 778. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48080778

5. Giannoulis, T., Dovolou, E., Mamuris, Z., & Amiridis, G. S. (2026). Consequences of Heat Stress on Physiology, Microbiome Dynamics, and Multi-Omics in Dairy Cows: More than Meets the Eye. Biology, 15(12), 918. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15120918

6. Kyrgiafini, M.-A., Stamatellos, G., Stamatis, C., Mamuris, Z. (2026). Comparative Whole Genome Analysis and Targeted Validation of Variants in Three Greek Indigenous Sheep Breeds. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 48(5), 480. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48050480

7. Kalemkeridou, M., Nanas, I., Moutou, K., Amiridis, G. S., Tsipourlianos, A., Dovolou, E., Mamuris, Z., Giannoulis, T. (2023). Genetic diversity and thermotolerance in Holstein cows: Pathway analysis and marker development using whole-genome sequencing. Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene, 58(1), 146–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14274