Research team
Expertise
My research aims to investigate the influences of different weaning and rearing strategies on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the piglet. To this purpose, piglets are either artificially or conventionally reared, get euthanized, autopsy is performed, samples are taken of the GALT and histological and immunological investigations are performed. In addition, many collaborations have been set-up in which the vascular system in investigated by means of corrosion casts.
Screening of the health status of low birth weight piglets exposed to various rearing strategies using saliva proteomics.
Abstract
The main objective of this research project is to assess whether differences in saliva proteome exist between LBW and NBW piglets that have been differently reared, i.e. conventional weaning at the age of 28 days or unconventional artificial rearing on milk formula from three days of age until the conventional weaning age.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Casteleyn Christophe
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Evaluation of management and weaning strategies in pork meat production on the development of the intestinal immune system of the piglet, in particular the low birth weight piglet.
Abstract
Low birth weight piglets represent an important economic loss for the pig farmer. These piglets show high mortality and morbidity, growth retardation, higher slaughter age, poor meat quality and more stress, which affects animal welfare. This project aims to elucidate the differences between the low and normal birth weight piglet regarding the development and maturation of the immune system, in particular the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). In addition, the effects of early weaning and further raising with formulated milk on the immune system of the piglet, in particular the low birth weight piglet, will be investigated. The applied methodology to achieve the research goals includes morphometry of the GALT, determination of the occurrence and number of M cells, assessment of the in vitro functional immunological capacity, and stimulation of the immune system by means of immunomodulating nutrients. The results of this project can add value to the evidence-based health management of piglets.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Casteleyn Christophe
- Fellow: Prims Sara
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Effect of birth weight, age and milk composition on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the neonatal piglet
Abstract
Introducing hyperprolific hybrid sows in pork production has resulted in large litters that contain up to 20% low birth weight (LBW) piglets. As these piglets are more susceptible to disease than normal birth weight (NBW) piglets, the litter is often weaned early and subsequently fed with formulated milk (formula). Although this strategy allows LBW piglets to catch up growth, their morbidity and mortality do not decrease. This could be due to the fact that formula is low in bioactive molecules (e.g. growth factors, hormones and cytokines), necessary for the development of the immune system. The proposed research project will determine the influences of birth weight, age and milk composition on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of the neonatal piglet. To this purpose, LBW and NBW piglets will be pre-weaned at the age of 3 days, and subsequently be fed ad libitum for 7 or 25 days with either formula or formula supplemented with a whey fraction. Control animals suckle the sow. After euthanasia of the animals at day 10 or 28, samples of the ileum will be processed for quantitative, stereological analysis of various immune cell populations. The obtained results will be valuable in gaining insight into the development of the GALT of the neonatal piglet. This is a prerequisite for further research on vaccination strategies and feeding regimens to obtain immunocompetent piglets that are less susceptible to disease.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Casteleyn Christophe
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project