Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health - Appolinaire Djikeng

Dairy Genomics

Facilitates the application of genomics to dairy production in the tropics for increased livestock productivity and a more sustainable environment.

Poultry Genomics

Applies cutting edge breeding tools to improve the productivity and flock dynamics of poultry in the tropics.

Reproductive Technologies

Demonstrates new breeding technologies and ways they can accelerate the impact of tropical livestock genetics.

Health Genetics

Selects genetic traits to improve disease resistance and resilience of cattle and poultry in the tropics.

Informatics & Bioresources

Curates and uses data and bioresources to maximise the impact of new and existing knowledge on tropical livestock genetics and health.

Centre Director Appolinaire Djikeng

The Director of the Centre is Prof Appolinaire Djikeng.  He came to the Centre in April 2017 from his post as Director of Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA) in Nairobi and is now establishing his research group here in Edinburgh.  He has close to 20 years’ experience leading multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional and global research and development programs focusing on agricultural development and human health.

Research focus

The work in his group focuses primarily on comparative genomics, functional genomics and metagenomcs with the following objectives: 

Development of tools and solutions for use to improve tropical livestock productivity and resilience

Characterization and conservation of tropical livestock genetic diversity 

Other activities in my group include the development of new opportunities to harness livestock in low and middle incomes countries (LMICs) as a driver for agricultural development and a major contributor to sustainable development.