The Institute Animal Physiology was established in 1964 as the Department of Animal Physiology at the Institute of Experimental Biology and subsequently became an independent institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in 1969. Over the course of its long history, the Institute has evolved into the sole basic research institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Slovakia focusing on the physiology of farm animals. Its research is primarily centered on a comprehensive investigation of digestive tract physiology from an interdisciplinary standpoint at various levels, from molecular to cellular to systemic, with a particular emphasis on molecular diagnostics of commensal microflora in relation to safe food, animal and human health protection, and the physiological regulation of the macro-organism.
The current scientific activity is primarily focused on fundamental and applied research concerning enterococci-based additives with bacteriocinogenic and probiotic properties, as well as the study of bacteriocin-producing and probiotic cultures within the digestive tract and their impact on animal and human health. The research is investigating the dynamics of development and the mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and fluoroquinolones in animal enterobacteria. Furthermore, the investigation is examining the presence of acquired and natural resistance to antibiotics in probiotic and commensal lactobacilli.
The morphological and functional status of the small intestine is tested in relation to food intake in juveniles and in adulthood, with an emphasis on overfeeding. The relationship of gut microbiota to obesity is monitored. The molecular design of novel antibacterial agents and cell wall-degrading bacterial enzymes is being developed. The protective role of zinc in chickens and sheep and the effect of plant essential oils on small intestinal function and overall antioxidant status of the body are being studied.
The study of developmental physiology encompasses the investigation of gene expression and physiological activity of selected cell receptors during the preimplantation embryonic development phase. Additionally, the research delves into the mechanisms of adaptation of the preimplantation embryo to adverse environmental influences, as well as the specifics of apoptosis in this particular stage.
The Institute contributes to the delivery of doctoral programmes as an external educational institution in the following fields: veterinary morphology and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, animal physiology. Since 1 January 2018, the Institute of Animal Physiology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences has functioned as an organisational unit of the Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.