Intestinal organoids or mini-guts can be used as models to evaluate transport and interactions between dietary ingredients with the gut wall. That was discovered by a multidisciplinary research team, led by Prof. Jerry Wells of Animal Science Group, Wageningen University and Research (WUR). The research team published their study on the effects of alternative protein sources on the small intestine in the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 

Bringing stakeholders together to shape future research and innovation policy.

Scientists working on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc are investigating a novel approach to creating a vaccine to prevent Streptococcus suis. 

Norbert Stockhofe and Manouk Vrieling gave a webinar for Dutch veterinarians on Streptococcus suis. 

On World Microbiome Day public engagement events are happening worldwide to celebrate the wide diversity of the microbiome and its importance in human and planetary health, as well as in our food system. 

IRTA’s director Josep Usall analyzed the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having in IRTA. Many projects, including PIGSs, are experiencing delays due to work restrictions and prioritization of COVID-19 activities. 

Better life for pigs and chickens

The recently funded IMAGEN programme, coordinated by Wageningen University & Research, brings research into animal behaviour together with computer science to improve the health and welfare of pigs and laying hens and to reduce the ecological footprint of the food production.

The main Catalan agri-food companies, together with the Vice President Pere Aragonés and the Consellera of Agriculture Teresa Jordà, participated in a telematic meeting organized by the Institute to assess the effects of the pandemic in the sector.

In ALI cultures, basal cells of the upper respiratory epithelial cells, mainly tracheal and bronchial basal epithelial cells, are used. By using various growth supplements, these cells are allowed to differentiate. This method closely mimics the in vivo situation. However, the lack of some of the innate immune cells in this system, which are commonly present in the upper respiratory tract, is a drawback in fully representing this the in vivo situation. In the PIGSs project we succeeded in overcoming hurdle by the establishment of an ALI-macrophage co-culture system. 

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) plays a big role in pig welfare: feeding and social behaviour, stress, fear and memory. A better understanding of the influence of the MGBA on welfare is needed to develop innovative feeding strategies that can improve both animal performance, health and welfare. A webinar organized by Schothorst Feed Research will present latest data on the role of gut microbiota on welfare of pigs.