RDSB Arad seeks to participate in transnational consortia as a partner responsible for the in-situ conservation and genomic characterization of resilient cattle breeds and buffalo. We can provide access to in-house generated genotypic, phenotypic and pedigree datasets which can be useful for genomic selection in local breeds (Romanian Spotted and Romanian Brown). Additionally, we have samples and genotype data for Romanian Gray Steppe (endangered) and Dobrujan Red cattle (critically endangered) from the Danube Delta, and the two breeds are potentially interesting for conservation. Finally, we can also collect biological samples (cattle and buffalo) and offer expertise in livestock genomics and bioinformatics. We actively pursue collaboration with similar research facilities or Universities who are interested in addressing Topic 1 of the call for proposals, focusing especially on the following:
Subtopic 1.1: Enhancing the use of genotypes adapted to specific environmental conditions to improve resilience and performance.
Subtopic 1.3: Animal breeding for agroecological transitions.

Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute the following:
(i) Improved understanding and mobilisation of genetic and phenotypic diversity for greater resilience, adaptability, and performance under diverse environmental contexts, with the purpose of enhancing agroecological transition of livestock systems;
(ii) Enhanced conservation, characterisation, and accessibility of genetic resources, including local breeds and progenitor races, especially under changing environmental conditions.

The Research and Development Station for Bovine – Arad (RDSB Arad) is an R&D unit under the coordination of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry – Gheorghe Ionescu Şişeşti from Bucharest. The main objectives of the research unit are: fundamental and applied research in the field of cattle breeding; technological development and innovation; the production and sale of animals with high genetic potential, and the technological transfer of research results. The R&D unit has four research departments, as follows: Genetics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics; Reproduction and Biotechnologies; Nutrition and fodder crops; Breeding and Animal Welfare Technologies. RDSB Arad owns a total land surface of 1019 hectares, on which the experimental herd of 800 Romanian Spotted and Romanian Brown dairy cows and replacements is being managed.
RDSB Arad has prior available 50K Affymetrix SNP microarray data available for aprox. 1000 animals from our own farm, as well as 16 Romanian Gray Steppe and 8 Dobrujan Red cattle from the Danube Delta, Romania, 42 RNA-seq data sets available (comparing gene expression in Winter, Autumn and Summer) for 7 Simmental and 7 Brown Swiss individuals from our own farm. The latter were generated for a small subset of animals with SNP array data during a previous project where they have been analyzed in the context of THI - temperature-humidity index. In addition, there are various pedigree and phenotypic data (milk yield and composition, fertility traits and reproductive traits) available for all the Romanian Spotted and Romanian Brown animals, collected since 2011.