Events
At an official ceremony held on 18.02.2026 at the International Exhibition AGRA’2026, the Agricultural Academy (AA) received Quality Management Certificates in compliance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015.
The certificates were presented by Mr. Stoyanov, Director of the certification body. “The certification audit conducted by our team confirmed that the implemented and applied System fulfills all the requirements of the standard. More importantly, it functions effectively and supports the management processes within your organization,” said Mr. Stoyanov in his address to representatives of the Agricultural Academy and its institutes.
The implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 system is a clear sign of commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainable development. Receiving the Certificates by the Agricultural Academy and IAS is not an end goal, but a stage in a process of continuous improvement.
The Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod celebrated its 75th anniversary with the organization of a Jubilee Scientific Conference with international participation on the topic “ANIMAL SCIENCE – CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS”, held from 5 to 7 November 2025.
Scientists from the structural units of the Agricultural Academy – Sofia, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Trakia University – Stara Zagora, Agricultural University – Plovdiv, University of Forestry – Sofia, Medical University – Pleven, as well as researchers from Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, North Macedonia, Russia, and Vietnam participated in the conference.
Proof of the close relationship between agricultural producers and the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, as well as the implementation of science into practice, was the participation of farmers and members of breeding organizations with whom the Institute maintains long-term and fruitful cooperation. Letters of appreciation, congratulatory addresses, and commemorative plaques were received from the chairpersons of livestock breeding organizations.
Efficient livestock farming is a topic of exceptional importance for the development of the subsector. A major priority is to create favorable conditions for scientific and practical solutions to specific issues in animal science and practice, to outline future directions for research aligned with current problems, and to propose innovative solutions.
In this spirit, discussions and exchanges of ideas and experience took place, allowing answers to many practical questions to be found and enriching the professional and scientific knowledge of conference participants in the field of animal husbandry and animal science.
The organization of this traditional scientific forum is proof of the commitment to multiplying knowledge and experience in the field of animal sciences, as well as the dedication and willingness of scientists to introduce new and modern technologies for achieving efficient agriculture.
On this remarkable anniversary, the Director of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, Prof. Dr. Maya Ignatova, addressed with respect and gratitude the work of all generations of scientists who contributed to the development of Bulgarian and global agricultural science.
Closing the International Scientific Conference, Prof. Ignatova wished health, inspiration, new achievements to the entire staff, and confidence in reaching even greater scientific heights, international recognition, and professional satisfaction for researchers in the field of animal science.
The Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod represented Bulgaria at state level after a selection process at the Sommet de l'Élevage exhibition in Clermont-Ferrand, France, upon invitation of the organizers, through the mediation of the French pastoralism organization Rencontres Pasto and the Bulgarian Embassy in Paris in preparation for the International Year of Pastoralism in 2026.
The event is of particular importance, as it is under the patronage of UNESCO and with the participation of FAO. The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Yanchev entitled “Transhumant Pastoralism in Bulgaria – Traditions, Local Breeds and Scientific Research”, delivered in French, generated significant interest regarding future events and projects.
The Sommet de l'Élevage exhibition in 2025 maintained its traditional scale and organization despite the absence of the cattle sector due to quarantine measures related to nodular dermatitis disease in France. More sheep and horses were presented instead.
Between 24 and 26 June 2025, a working meeting organized by the regional animal welfare organization in Eastern Europe was held at Hotel Forum, Sofia, with the support of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod and the Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture – Troyan of the Agricultural Academy – Sofia.
The event attracted scientists from nine European countries, as well as farmers and students from the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of Forestry – Sofia. The program included five plenary lectures and twelve presentations that provided a unique opportunity to define challenges related to animal welfare and explore innovative solutions in the context of low-budget agricultural economies reflecting the realities of many Eastern European countries.
Participants gained insight into the current status of animal welfare measures in Bulgaria and other European countries, including ongoing research initiatives, policy frameworks, and practical realities faced by the respective agricultural systems.
On the third day, participants visited the Scientific-Experimental Base of the Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture – Troyan, where an “Intelligent Monitoring System for Microclimate Parameters” related to animal welfare, environmental changes, and public health was demonstrated.
The engaging group discussions covered a wide range of topics, including species-specific evaluation protocols, ethical and legal considerations, advanced digital technologies, and strategies for implementing animal welfare policies. By connecting scientific knowledge with practice-based perspectives, the meeting supported critical thinking, cross-border collaboration, and the development of context-sensitive solutions for improving animal welfare across Europe.
From 20 to 24 February 2024, the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod once again participated in the International AGRA Exhibition in Plovdiv. At the Institute’s stand, visitors received up-to-date scientific and practical information in the field of animal husbandry, while numerous consultations were provided regarding breeding, rearing technologies, and feeding of sheep, poultry, bees, cattle, and rabbits. There was also traditional interest from farmers in purchasing breeding animals produced at the Scientific Experimental Base of IAS – Kostinbrod.
Traditionally at AGRA, IAS – Kostinbrod was once again honored with innovation awards in the field of beekeeping. The developments by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Hristov, “Group Queen Bee Hatching Cage” and “Device for Capturing Breeding Drones Intended for Instrumental Insemination of Queen Bees,” received certificates for scientific products from the Permanent Commission for Innovation and Technology at the Agricultural Academy.
The Institute also once again received the prestigious innovation award in the “Scientific Developments” category at AGRA 2024. The award was granted for the development “Dry-Cured Poultry Sausage Type ‘Barsak’” by Prof. Teodora Popova and Assoc. Prof. Evgeni Petkov. Congratulations!
A working meeting was held at the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod between the Institute’s management and scientists and diplomatic representatives from the Embassy of China – Mr. He Jie (First Secretary) and Mr. Ning Yunpeng (Second Secretary for Science).
The topic of the working visit focused on scientific research in the field of beekeeping and the interest of Chinese researchers from the Institute of Apiculture in Beijing, part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in cooperation with Bulgarian colleagues.
Discussions covered opportunities for the development and expansion of beekeeping equipment and practices, conservation and use of habitats for pollinating insects, including bees, and the creation of platforms for exchange and cooperation to promote beekeeping culture and increase public awareness of bees and beekeeping.
The visit of the Chinese diplomats is of great importance for the international activities of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod. It will provide opportunities for establishing contacts with scientists for conducting joint high-level research.
On 1 August 2023, Prof. Dr. Agus Dana Permana from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia, paid a working visit to the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod.
Opportunities for future cooperation in agroecology and participation in joint research and projects were discussed.
Prof. Permana visited the Institute at the invitation of Prof. Teodora Popova, with whom he shares common scientific interests in the use of black soldier fly larvae in poultry feeding.
He also conducts studies on the identification and field testing of sex pheromones of several pest insects, including Etiella zinckenella, Spodoptera litura, Phthorimaea operculella, Plutella xylostella, Scirpophaga nivella, and Homoeosoma nebulella.
His expertise also includes entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses, botanical insecticides (Neem extract), ecology and insect physiology, for example the effect of thyroxine on the cocoon of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.).
On the occasion of International Children’s Day, IAS – Kostinbrod once again participated in the celebration at the National Palace of Children with an exhibition of farm animals.
During the sunny day, many children gathered around the lambs, rabbits, and domestic birds. There were balloons and treats for everyone!
Most of the children correctly recognized which was the rooster and which was the hen, especially after the hen laid an egg in front of them live :)
On 27.05.2023, Prof. Dr. Eng. Teodora Popova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evgeni Petkov participated in the “Puska Festival”, held in the village of Yabalkovo, Haskovo Region.
On behalf of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, the two researchers presented sausages made from meat of one-year-old laying hens.
The white meat (breast) “Puska”-type sausages and the red meat (thigh) “Barsak”-type sausages were produced within Project Zh-173 “Application of Lines from the National Gene Pool for Creating Multipurpose Poultry Combinations Intended for Meat and Eggs”, aimed at studying methods for utilizing meat from spent laying hens.
The sausages were prepared with the special assistance of attorney Bozhidar Kolev, multiple-time winner in competitions for evaluation of the traditional “Puska” sausage.
The Association for Breeding the Ile-de-France Sheep Breed in Bulgaria organized and conducted, together with scientists from IAS – Kostinbrod, a practical demonstration seminar on the application of artificial insemination through the laparoscopic method in Ile-de-France sheep.
Students from the Vocational High School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Kostinbrod, as well as farmers working with the breed, participated in the seminar.
The insemination procedure was demonstrated and performed by the French specialist Mr. Gregory Lemaitre, who has more than 25 years of experience and is highly specialized in this field.
Mr. Lemaitre visited Bulgaria for the second time at the invitation of the breeding organization and, on this occasion, performed intrauterine insemination of sheep in four farms.
The strong interest shown by students and farmers sparked discussions in which the Institute’s scientists and the French specialist answered numerous questions.
On 03.05.2023, a public academic lecture was delivered at the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod by the newly elected Associate Professor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Sertova, on the topic: “Mycotoxins – Hidden Poisons and Innovative Methods of Analysis”.
We wish her good health and future success in her academic career!
On 25 April 2023, on the occasion of the “Good Veterinary Practice” Day and within the framework of the “Week of Professions”, organized by the Vocational High School of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture – Kostinbrod, IAS – Kostinbrod presented its animals – sheep, horses, rabbits, and chickens.
Scientists from the Institute answered questions posed by the students.
On 07.12.2022, public academic lectures were delivered at the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod by newly elected Associate Professors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Bozhilova-Sakova on the topic “Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Animal Husbandry”, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evgeni Petkov on the topic “Use of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as a Feed Additive in Poultry Nutrition”.
We wish them good health and future success in their academic careers!
During the period 27.06 – 01.07.2022, the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod hosted visiting lecturer Prof. Dr. Natasha Gjorgovska from the Institute of Animal Science at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, within the Erasmus+ Programme.
A series of lectures was delivered, dedicated to scientific research on eggs aimed at improving their quality, nutritional, and health value.
We thank Prof. Gjorgovska for her visit.
In accordance with Order No. RD09-655/09.06.2022 of the Minister of Agriculture, based on Regulation No. 16 of 17.11.2005 regarding the conditions and procedures for conducting a training course and examination, and for issuing and revoking certificates for carcass classifiers according to Union scales, during the period 20.06–03.07.2022, the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod conducted theoretical and practical training for acquiring qualifications as a classifier of cattle, sheep, and pig carcasses according to Union scales.
The training was conducted according to a curriculum approved by the Minister of Agriculture under Order No. RD 08-14/30.05.2022.
Lecturers from the Agricultural Academy included: Prof. Dr. Maya Ignatova – Director of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, Prof. Dr. Eng. Teodora Popova – Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhivko Nakev – Head of the “Animal Sciences” Department at the Agricultural Institute – Shumen.
