Project

In partnership with the Malta Department of Agriculture (Animal Husbandry Division) and the University of Malta (Anatomy Department), Synergene was involved in the conservation effort of the Maltese Ox species.

In 2002, there was only one pure breed Maltese Cow and a few mixed breeds remaining. The pure breed was very old and hence at high risk of dying. The project involved the conservation of biological material, including DNA and cells, before it was lost forever. Working with Mr. Godfrey Camilleri, Principal Scientific Officer at the Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Pierre Schembri-Wismayer of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Malta, Synergene coordinated and participated in the project that involved the following:

1. Extraction and long-term storage of adequate amounts of DNA from the pure breed.

2. Establishment of a cell culture from epithelial cells obtained from the pure breed and production of adequate amounts of cells for any future studies.

3. Preparation of the cell cultures for long term storage, storage of cells locally and transfer of adequate samples for safe deposit at an international depository, namely the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC).