Based at The Roslin Institute, the NARF provides resources, collaborative expertise and advice for avian biology research, including genome engineering technologies, immunology, host-pathogen interactions, poultry welfare, physiology and behaviour, developmental biology and genetics.
Our mission is to improve the health and welfare of poultry, to benefit global food security and human health.
Genetically altered chicken lines
NARF maintains a range of reporter lines and lines for gene editing of chickens.
NARF houses a range of chicken lines and Japanese quail, relevant to poultry production and with defined genetic characteristics.
Production of genetically altered chickens
Genome engineering facilities include primordial germ cell (PGC) and sterile surrogate host technologies.
Specified pathogen free (SPF) facility
NARF has a SPF unit that houses inbred and closed outbred chicken lines that are guaranteed free of specific pathogens and are particularly suitable for immunology research.
Upcoming workshops and events relevant to avian researchers.
Watch this space for events in 2023!
NARF News
- July 8th: DNA study could help breed virus-resistant poultry
- Mar 23rd: Awardees for best presentations by Early Career Researchers at the Avian Research Symposium 2022 announced
- Jan 25th: Low-cost freezing method to safeguard indigenous poultry
- Jan 18th: Cell marker methods aid study of poultry immunity
Research conducted using resources supplied by the NARF is diverse, encompassing immunology, poultry welfare and developmental biology.
Explore the scientific discoveries and broader impacts of research made possible with the NARF's resources.
Please contact us for further details about our poultry lines, for ordering chicks and eggs, or to develop collaborative research.
Find out more information about the use of animals in research at The University of Edinburgh and The Roslin Institute.