Blog

Influence of soluble and insoluble fibers on piglet gut health

PhD student Antonia Vania Adji's work within PIG-PARADIGM focuses on the influence of dietary fiber on post-weaning diarrhea and gut health in piglets. Specifically, she investigates how soluble and insoluble fibers affect the mucosa, microbiota composition and activity, and nutrient digestibility in the gut of weaned piglets, as well as the progression of diarrhea.

The impact of microbial-derived metabolites on gut function in weaned piglets

Within PIG-PARADIGM, PhD student Li Hsuan Chen's research investigates the impact of dietary protein levels and amino acid supplementation on pig gut health, focusing specifically on the metabolite compositions of the digesta samples from the ileum, colon, and cecum.

Learn more about his work in this article.

Nopal Cactus Leaf Powder: A Nutritional Boost for Piglets and Mothers

Weaning marks a crucial phase in a piglet’s development, often causing stress and diarrhea, which can jeopardize their health. Incorporating dietary fiber into the mother’s diet may indirectly mitigate post-weaning diarrhea by supporting intestinal health and development.

When Art Meets Science

When we talk about art and science, they seem to be two topics so far apart. In this blog, Maria, our talented Ph.D. student and illustrator for the PIG-PARADIGM project, shares her personal story of when art meets science and the chemistry that brings.

Discover how her passion for drawing has seamlessly intertwined with her academic life, and how artistic expression breathes life into complex research topics, making science more accessible and engaging for all.

A PIG-PARADIGM Dialogue on Antimicrobial Resistance

At our 2024 Annual Meeting, PIG-PARADIGM researchers, Yanhong Liu, Associate Professor at University of California, Davis, and Jens Peter Nielsen, Professor at the University of Copenhagen, discuss the pressing challenges in pig health faced by both Denmark and the United States.

Explore their insights into improving swine health and tackling shared issues across borders.

Gut Barriers and Beyond: Using AI and Microscopy to Decode Post-Weaning Diarrhea

As a veterinary pathologist, Cecilie contributes to PIG-PARADIGM by providing insights into the internal conditions of the animals.

Read more about Cecilie's work within PIG-PARADIGM in this article.

Oxidative stress in post-weaning piglets

Post-weaning diarrhea is a significant issue in the pig industry, caused by various complex factors, including oxidative stress. Pernille Aagaard Madsen's research focuses on the relationship between oxidative stress and post-weaning diarrhea in pigs.

Read more about Pernille's work within PIG-PARADIGM and her recent publication in this article.

From Samples to Knowledge

In an ever-changing world where the digital revolution and artificial intelligence are increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the question arises: how can modern technologies enhance the effectiveness, objectivity, and reproducibility of science?

Read this blog to gain insights into how these technologies are leading the conversion of traditional microscopy to digital image analysis and supporting ECR Cecilie's work in PIG-PARADIGM.

Highlights from PhD Course - Carbohydrates: Nutrition and Intestinal Health of Non-Ruminant Animals

Professor Knud Erik Bach Knudsen, core researcher in Nutrition Pillar, hosted a 2-week PhD course entitled "Carbohydrates with Emphasis on Nutrition and Intestinal Health of Non-Ruminant Animals." at AU Viborg, many PIG-PARADIGM PhD students attended this course.

The hidden power of blood: How hematological traits can transform pig production

Jiahong's primary task within PIG-PARADIGM involves the identification of host factors, including resilience endophenotypes. One of the most critical endophenotypes under investigation is the hematological traits, also referred to as blood parameters. These parameters are essential as they reflect the physiological and health status of pigs and serve as biomarkers to describe both pathological and sub-pathological conditions.

UC Davis Scientists Explore Probiotic Solutions for Healthier Piglets

"The overall goal of my research is to identify probiotics that can be used to prevent post-weaning diarrhea in piglets," says Mejia-Caballero. "We are trying to find probiotics endogenous from the pigs’ microbiome that have functional properties to prevent diarrhea.

Read more about Alejandra's work within PIG-PARADIGM in this article.

Exploring Microbial Mysteries: Paving the Way for Healthier Humans and Happier Pigs

While many of PIG-PARADIGM researchers are dedicated to advancing fundamental knowledge of the pig gut microbiome and its interaction with nutrition and the host, we also have some participants who are exploring the physiological similarities between humans and pigs in digestive processes and enteric diseases.

In this blog, you will learn more about the parallel investigations into human-pig similarities within PIG-PARADIGM.

My time in Denmark

ECR Mike Loomans (Wageningen University & Research) has just returned from a 4-month cross-institution exchange in Demark. Explore how this invaluable experience not only enhanced his personal growth but also contributed to the progress of the Data Integration Pillar.

Connecting Minds, Sharing Insights: PIG-PARADIGM ECRs Join a Summer Course at WUR

Three Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from Aarhus University share their insights and knowledge gained during a one-week intensive summer course at Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

Revised 05.03.2025

Xi Song