Ruben Adrián Grosso, a postdoctoral researcher with a background in Veterinary Science, is a member of the Nutrition Pillar of PIG-PARADIGM. His work in Immunology and Microbiology delves into the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and pig health.

“My research primarily investigates how dietary fiber affects gut microbiota, identifying which microorganisms flourish and how these factors influence immune defenses.”

Grosso’s interdisciplinary approach, merging nutrition, microbiology, and immunology, provides a unique perspective on intestinal health.

Beyond his research, Grosso has contributed with his scientific knowledge and skills in various PhD projects at Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, mentoring colleagues on immune responses to specific dietary interventions and health conditions like stress. He supports the integration of research across projects involving proteins, prebiotics, and probiotics, aiding students in measuring immune responses and understanding the impact of nutritional interventions on intestinal defenses to prevent bacterial infections. Additionally, he has contributed to communication efforts related to research and the overall PIG-PARADIGM project with colleagues across universities.

Currently, Grosso has introduced innovative ideas to the subproject, enhancing the microscopic understanding of these interactions. He has developed protocols for sample processing and integration with microscopy and immunology parameters, aiming for a comprehensive analysis of images and immunological responses.

Grosso is committed to exploring new research areas within PIG-PARADIGM, particularly focusing on how nutritional interventions influence gut bacterial enzymes that benefit intestinal health while inhibiting pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.

“This work is vital for reducing antibiotic reliance in pig farming, which can help combat antimicrobial resistance”, he says and adds that he is actively seeking funding to establish this as his own research.

His hope is that the research developed within PIG-PARADIGM will have a meaningful impact on pig farming, as understanding the interactions between nutrition-host-microbiome can lead to healthier pigs, reduced disease, improved productivity, and decreased antibiotic consumption.