Български

Department "Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Bozhilova-Sakova

  • Education:

    Bachelor’s Degree, University of Forestry – Sofia, 2010
    Master’s Degree, University of Forestry – Sofia, 2012

  • PhD Degree:

    2014–2017, University of Forestry – Sofia, dissertation topic: “Study of the Diversity of Genes Associated with Productive Traits in Sheep Breeds Raised in Bulgaria”

  • Latest Academic Degree:

    2022 – Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, “Associate Professor” in Professional Field 6.3. Animal Science, Scientific Specialty “Genetics”

  • Research Interests:
    1. Genetics and selection of farm animals
    2. Genetic markers associated with productive traits in farm animals
    3. Studies of genetic diversity in farm animal populations
    4. Modern DNA technologies and their application in animal husbandry
    5. Population genetics
  • Scope of Competence:
    1. Study of genetic diversity in farm animals through the application of molecular-genetic methods (PCR-based techniques, PCR-RFLP, SSR markers, DNA sequencing)
    2. Analysis of genetic polymorphism and genotyping of populations for assessing genetic structure
    3. Investigation of relationships between genetic variation in candidate genes and QTL regions and economically important productive traits (growth, fertility, milk productivity, etc.)
    4. Assessment of genotype–environment interaction, with special emphasis on the influence of nutrition on weight development and productive performance
    5. Processing and interpretation of genetic analysis data using specialized software (sequence analysis, genotyping, population genetics)
    6. Participation in scientific research projects in the field of animal genetics and selection
    7. Teaching activities for students in disciplines related to genetics and selection
    8. Supervision of practical exercises, term papers, and diploma theses
  • Participation in Scientific Projects:
    1. Zh191 “Analysis of Candidate Genes Associated with Milk Productivity in Bulgarian Rhodope Cattle”, implementation period: 2024–2027, project leaders: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanya Ivanova, Prof. Dr. Tsonka Odzhakova
    2. Zh175 “Identification of Genetic Markers Associated with Productive Traits in Californian and New Zealand White Rabbit Breeds”, implementation period: 2022–2025, project leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirena Bozhilova-Sakova
    3. Zh157 “Management of Selection and Reproduction Processes in Specialized Sheep Breeds”, implementation period: 2020–2023, project leaders: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanya Ivanova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikola Metodiev, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Harizanova-Metodieva
    4. KP-06-426/9: “Study of DNA Markers Associated with Productivity in Sheep Breeds Raised in Bulgaria”, implementation period: 2019–2021, project leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. I. Dimitrova
    5. Zh184 “Study of Genetic Resistance to Scrapie in the Population of the Ile-de-France Breed Raised in Bulgaria”, implementation period: 2023–2025, project leader: Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhivko Duchev
    6. KP-06 PN56-16/11.11.2021: “Identification of Gene Markers Associated with Economically Important Traits in Commercial Sheep Breeds”, implementation period: 2021–2025, project leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevyana Stancheva
    7. 4AF25: “Study of the Influence of Polymorphism in the Candidate Genes Leptin and Calpastatin for Marker Selection on Slaughter Traits and Meat Quality in Local Sheep Breeds” (Trakia University – Stara Zagora), implementation period: 2025–2027, project leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Kalaydzhiev
  • Publications

  • Contact Information:
    e-mail: bojilova_milena@abv.bg
    Phone: 0721/68 962
    ORCID ID
    ResearchGate ID